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The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone theatre structure located on the south slope of the Acropolis of Athens. It was built in 161 AD by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. It was originally a steep-sloped amphitheater with a three-story stone front wall and a wooden roof, and was used as a venue for music concerts with a capacity of 5,000.
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The audience stands and the 'orchestra' (stage) were restored using pentelic marble in the 1950s. Since then it has been one of the main venues of the Athens Festival, which runs from June through September each year, featuring a variety of acclaimed Greek as well as International performances; The Odeon has hosted Maria Callas, Maurice Bejart, the Bolshoi Ballets, Karolos Koun, Mikis Theodorakis, Manos Hatzidakis, George Dalaras (1988, 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008), Haris Alexiou (1994, 2006, 2007, 2009), Marinella (1999, 2008), Dionysis Savopoulos (2004) and many other important artists. It was the venue for the Miss Universe 1973 pageant and hosted Yanni's Live at the Acropolis performance in September 1993. Another memorable performance at the Odeon of Herod Atticus was given by the Greek singer Nana Mouskouri in 1984; after 20 years of absence she returned to her country.
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Coordinates: 37°58′15″N 23°43′28″E / 37.970756°N 23.724444°E / 37.970756; 23.724444
