It is located near the right approach to the Sacred Rock, on the south slope of the Acropolis. Odeia in the ancient times were amphitheatrical spaces covered with roofs that hosted musical contests and hearings. It is made clear by the name that it was financed by Herodes Atticus, an eminent citizen of Athens, in loving memory of his wife Regilla, and was erected sometime after 162 A.D.  During the Roman period the architectural form of such constructions was already standardized. They looked just like theatres with a skene, an orchestra, tiers and parodoi. Often the only difference between them was the fact that some had roofs while others didn’t. The cavea of Herodeion made use of the natural hillside and had two diazomata separated in tiers. The wall of the skene comprised the façade of the monument, which is still visible from Dionisiou Areopagitou Street. It is one of the most impressive constructions ever to survive the test of time, 30 meters high with statues standing tall in their niches.
The odeion could seat up to 6.000 spectators. Its roof, according to ancient sources, was made of cedar. It was undoubtedly the main odeion of Athens, taking the place of an older one that used to be located in the Agora. It is fairly possible that the roof collapsed after the city of Athens was invaded and ransacked by the Herulae in 267 A.D. Today the odeion of Hedores Atticus is fully renovated and open to visitors. During the summer months it hosts the musical and theatrical activities of the Festival of Athens, recovering some of its long lost glory.