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Archaeological site · Patras, Grécia Ocidental
Roman Odeon of Patras
Small 2nd-century Roman theatre in the upper town, rediscovered in 1889 and restored, where performances still take place in summer.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Roman Odeon of Patras
The Roman odeon of Patras is a small covered theatre built in the 2nd century AD, at a time when the city was a Roman colony and one of the main ports of the Peloponnese. The traveller Pausanias, who visited Patras in that century, mentioned the odeon and regarded it as one of the best-decorated in Greece, after that of Herodes Atticus in Athens.
The building lay buried for centuries and was rediscovered in 1889. Between 1956 and 1960 it was restored: the semicircular seating was partly rebuilt with new stones, and the stage and the rear façade regained their form. The mosaics and remains found around are now in the archaeological museum.
The odeon returned to use as a theatre. In summer it hosts music and theatre performances of the city festival, with the audience seated on the stone benches. Outside those nights, it can be seen from the street and, for parts of the year, visited up close.
It is in the upper town, between the stairways that climb from the center and the castle, and is part of the same walking route.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
15 to 30 minutes; a summer performance occupies the evening.
Best time
On summer nights, if there is a festival performance. During the day, on the way to the castle. Check times in advance.
How to get there
It's in the upper town, about a 10-minute walk from praça Georgiou I, up the stairways. The castle is a few minutes' walk further up.
Tip
Check the program of the Patras summer festival: seeing a performance from the Roman seating is the best way to experience the odeon.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Roman Odeon of Patras
Is the Odeon of Patras original?
It is Roman, from the 2nd century AD, but it was restored between 1956 and 1960, with part of the seating rebuilt.
Are there still performances in the Roman odeon?
Yes. In summer the odeon hosts concerts and plays as part of the city's festival. Check the schedule before you go.
Where is the Roman odeon of Patras?
In the upper town, about a 10-minute walk from praça Georgiou I, on the way to the castle.