April Destinations｜Theatre of Dionysus

The Theatre of Dionysus, also known as the Dionysos Theatre, is located on the southern slope of the Acropolis in Athens. It is the oldest surviving open-air theater in the world, built in the 6th century BC specifically for worshiping Dionysus, the god of wine and drama. Carved into the hillside, the theater features three-tiered stone seating that can accommodate 17,000 spectators. The stage area retains remnants of a semicircular orchestra and the base of a statue of Dionysus. During the Athens Arts Festival held every spring, the site revives ancient Greek tragedies, with actors dressed in robes reciting works by Sophocles among the ruins. From the audience seats, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Parthenon on the Acropolis. Note that the Theatre of Dionysus should not be confused with the Odeon of Herodes Atticus located to the southwest. The latter is a Roman-era stone theater (built in 161 AD), better preserved and frequently hosts international music concerts year-round.