Being the oldest city in the world, Athens is a significant destination in the history of Greece and the evolution of Ancient Greek civilization since 3000 B.C. Every historical architecture in Athens, like Parthenon and Acropolis, stands as evidence and praises the ancient Greeks’ glorious past. As you walk around this oldest neighborhood, you will appreciate that the city of Athens still holds the trace of Greece’s iconic architectural geniuses by preserving ruins and monuments. Your Greece holiday cannot be complete without visiting every mind-blowing historical wonder of Athens. Here are the “15 Best Historical Sites To Visit In Athens, Greece” that should be a part of your tour itinerary.
15 Best Historical Sites In Athens Greece
History lives in Athens in every nook and corner. The entire city will plant curiosity in you to know more about the city while exploring every historical architecture from iconic temples that add glory to the Greek Gods to some unfamiliar Ottoman-era architectures. So, here is the list of 15 historical sites to visit in the hidden corner of Athens that makes your heart race.
Parthenon
Temple of Hephaestus
Ancient Cemetery of Kerameikos
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Agios Georgios Church
Roman Agora
Anafiotika
Panathenaic Stadium
First Cemetery of Athens
Benizelos Mansion
Theatre of Dionysus
Archaeological Site Mycenae
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Tower of Winds
Temple of Poseidon
1. Parthenon
Without a doubt, Parthenon is one of the must-visit historical sites in Athens. Built as a homage to the goddess Athena between 447-432BC, Parthenon has met different purposes during different eras. To be precise, for centuries, it was a Church for Virgin Mary and a mosque during Ottoman rule. Parthenon is easily accessible when you are in Athens. Sitting on top of Acropolis Hill, it is truly a pleasant sight to witness. Wear some comfortable shoes, and climb the hill to admire the stunning architectural outcome of the genius architects of Greece.
2. Temple of Hephaestus
The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the most visited and well-preserved historical attractions in Athens. Whenever you go, there will always be a multitude. This oldest temple came to life from the marble derived from Mount Penteli. It was constructed during the 5th century BCE by Iktinos to dedicate to the god of metalworking and fire, Hephaestus. But later, as power changed, the temple was altered and used as an orthodox church till 1834.
3. Ancient Cemetery of Kerameikos
If you take a short walk from Acropolis, you will come across Kerameikos cemetery which has a vital position in the historical timeline of Greece. This notable site in downtown Athens was once a locality where potters lived. This ruin was accidentally discovered in 1861 while excavating the nearby area. You can also walk around the ruins of the roads and marvel at the city wall built in 479 BCE.
4. Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Odeon of Herodes Atticus is the most remarkable structure for which emperor Marcus Aurelius vouched as one of a kind traditional theatre of that era. This historical site built between 160-174CE (Roman Period) faced too much abrasion and damage for centuries. During the 1950s, the Greece government tried its best in restoring this entire open theatre. To date, Herodeon stages mind-blowing plays, and performances and holds up to 5000 spectators.
5. Agios Georgios Church
Agios Georgios Church is the most beautiful landmark situated on the top of Lycabettus Hill. Its tranquil whitewashed exterior has an unsound aesthetic vibe that tends to attract lots of visitors every year. This church not only offers you a charming view of the entire city but also enlightens you about its ancient past. This 18th-century church is on a site that holds traces of a temple dedicated to Zeus.
6. Roman Agora
Visiting Roman Agora is essential when you are in Athens. It has the most captivating history that gets more interesting the more you know. Built-in the 1st century BCE, Roman Agora is situated in eastern Athens. The ancient Agora was used as a place to conduct political gatherings. During the regime of Julius Ceaser and Ceaser Agustus, the Roman Agora was used as an open market. But, during the Byzantine era and Ottoman rule, this Roman Agora was occupied with churches, mosques, and houses and lost the meaning of its existence. You can still see the 17th-Century Ottoman mosque during your visit.
7. Anafiotika
Anafiotika is something different from all the historical sites you have seen so far. It is not a ruin but a historical neighborhood set in the Northeastern face of Acropolis Hill. It is a historical site constructed under the supervision of King Otto during the 16th century to provide housing for workers from Cycladic Island. Many houses didn’t survive the 1950s archaeological excavation. Still, you can explore the remaining 45 Cycladic-style architectures during your visit to Annafiotika.
8. Panathenaic Stadium
Undoubtedly, Panathenaic Stadium will put you in to trance with both its jaw-dropping structure and the history behind its creation. You will be surprised by all the facts behind its existence. This oldest stadium is also renowned for being the only stadium in the world that was built wholly using marble. To be exact, this stadium was rebuilt in marble by Herodes Atticus in 144CE. This stadium used to host athletic competitions during 564 BCE. Also, it was the first stadium to host the first modern Olympics in 1896.
9. First Cemetery of Athens
The First Cemetery of Athens, located right behind the Panathenaic Stadium, is the most admired site among history buffs. It became a final resting place for numerous celebrities, politicians, and artists who were respected and adored by the Greeks. You can explore the cemetery and its tombs with intricate designs and famous sculptures like “The Sleeping Girl”. Many people also seem to have witnessed and encountered the resident ghost during their visits.
10. Benizelos Mansion
Venizelos Mansion is a museum that stands as a rare reflection of the Ottoman regime. This 18th-century architecture is unique in Athens and admired by locals as much as tourists. If you stroll around the neighborhood, you can also encounter the remains of houses dating back to the 15th century.
11. Theatre of Dionysus
The Theatre of Dionysus is a unique historical landmark also known as the birthplace of theatre in Athens. Even though it seems smaller and less preserved, this 4th-century complex could have seated up to 17,000 spectators during its peak days. Walk around this theatre. Learn about its past significance and the role it played to sustain the interest of ancient Greeks.
12. Archaeological Site Mycenae
Athens is home to many archaeological sites, among which Mycenae is a very peculiar sight. Travel back to the Bronze Age when you are in Mycenae. Being featured in the World Heritage Site list, this archaeological ruin in Athens is a historical powerhouse. You can find it in the southwestern part of Athens on top of the hill. All you need to do is, purchase a ticket at Lion Gate and explore the fortress, beehive tomb, and more.
13. Temple of Olympian Zeus
Your first glance at this temple is enough to let you predict that the Temple of Olympian Zeus or Olympieion is the largest in Greece. Built in the 6th century BCE, this temple took 640 years to complete. During the Roman era, this temple had further alteration by including 104 majestic columns in the structure. But during your visit, you can see only 16 of the columns standing despite the pressure of time.
14. Tower of Winds
Set inside Roman Agora next to Ancient Agora is the Tower of Winds. This historical monument is said to be “the world’s first meteorological station”. This octagonal architecture has impressive sculptures of the Wind God on every side. If you explore a bit closer, you will come across marble sculptures uniquely highlighting different gods. This tower was built by Andronikos, an astronomer, during 50BC to use a sundial, water clock, and compass. There is still much mystery that remains about the existence of the Tower of Winds.
15. Temple of Poseidon
The last suggestion to quench your historical venture around Athens is the Temple of Poseidon. This place was a center ground where Greeks offered sacrifices for Poseidon. When you are in the Temple of Poseidon, you will undoubtedly encounter various mythology, stories, and historical references that give you goosebumps. Take lots of pictures in the Doric columns. The best option will be to take a guided tour that will enlighten you more about the attraction.
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