Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Asclepion & Stoa of Eumenes
Above the Theatre of Dionysos, steps lead to the Asclepion, a temple built around a sac-
red spring. The worship of Asclepius, the physician son of Apollo, began in Epidavros
and was introduced to Athens in 429 BC at a time when plague was sweeping the city:
people sought cures here.
Beneath the Asclepion, the Stoa of Eumenes is a colonnade built by Eumenes II, King
of Pergamum (197-159 BC).
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The path continues west from the Asclepion to the magnificent
Odeon of Herodes Attic-
us
. It was built in AD 161 by wealthy Roman Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Re-
gilla. Performances of drama, music and dance are held here during the
Athens Festival
(
210 322 1459;
www.hellenicfestival.gr
)
.
Top Tips
›
Visit early in the morning to escape crowds and searing afternoon heat.
›
The main entrance is from Dionysiou Areopagitou near the Odeon of Herodes Atticus; budget cuts have re-
duced opening hours of some of the other entrances.
›
Wheelchairs access the site via a cage lift; go to the main entrance.
›
Large bags must be left at the main entrance cloakroom.
›
Sundays between November and March are free.
›
Acropolis admission includes entry to other sites (
Click here
).
Take a Break
Swing into Dionysos (
Click here
) for coffee and excellent views of the monument.
Or, book ahead for a late afternoon lunch at Mani Mani (
Click here
)
, where regional Peloponnesian cuisine is
featured.
