Theatre of Dionysus

This ancient theatre is sometimes referred to as the birthplace of Greek drama. The oldest stone theatre in the world has witnessed performances of plays by famous playwrights such as Euripides, Sophocles, and Aristophanes.

Dedicated to Dionysus, the Greek patron god of wine, celebrations and drama, the theatre used to be the largest one in Athens, accommodating up to 17 000 people. Stand on the stage at its center and imagine what it must have felt like for the Roman emperor Nero to recite his poems here.

Although built by the Greeks, it was held in high regard by the Romans, too. Emperor Nero ordered a reconstruction of the theatre, and emperor Hadrian had a special seat here. After the empire fell, the theatre started falling into disrepair and eventually became forgotten. It was only rediscovered in the 18th century by Wilhelm Dörpfeld, a well-known archaeologist, specializing in ancient Greek history.

If you want to enjoy a unique look at the theatre, turn down to it when you reach the top of the Acropolis hill. The true size of the building is only visible from a distance.