Historical and archaeological sites

Explore the hill of Acropolis, the most famous site in all of Athens and a very well-known historical attraction worldwide. This central and focal point of the city contains several ancient ruins created at the height of Ancient Greek architecture. Such ruins include the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike all of which are dedicated to the goddess of Athena, with unparalleled design and harmony they are certainly a must to see while in Athens.
Delve into the Ancient Greek world by visiting the New Acropolis Museum which is located at the foot of the hill. This world-class museum features several statues and unearthed treasures from the archaeological site of Acropolis with glass floors that give you a glimpse of the ruins beneath you.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the Ancient Agora, the city’s ancient marketplace and a political, cultural and economic centre of the ancient world. A large area with many trees filled with ancient ruins, major buildings and notable monuments among which are the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.
The Temple of Hephaestus, one of the most well preserved ancient Greek temples stands on Doric columns and is dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of fire and metalworking.
Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, a formal colossal temple which took more than six centuries to complete. It was originally supported by 104 Corinthian columns which stood 17 metres high. Only 16 of them have survived today, one of which toppled over during a storm in 1852 and still lies on the ground.
The Roman Agora was the ancient marketplace and archaeologists believe that it was constructed in the 1^st century BC. It is located on the northern side of the Acropolis and it consists of a large, open-air courtyard surrounded by colonnades. There, you’ll also find the Tower of the Winds, an octagonal building used to tell time and predict the weather.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located in front of the Hellenic Parliament building is a war memorial dedicated to all the Greek soldiers who died during the war. It is a very interesting landmark for tourists to see and many also enjoy watching the ceremonial change of the guards. The Tomb is also a 2-minute walk from Syntagma Square.
Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Athens which houses antiquities from all over Greece and highlights their historical, cultural and artistic value. Its exhibits include statues and sculptures, metalwork, vases as well as Egyptian and Cypriot antiquities.
See the grand Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world made entirely out of marble. It hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and remains an extremely popular tourist attraction.
The Museum Herakleidon extends to two buildings situated in the historic district of Thiseio, next to the Acropolis, the Temple of Hephaestus and the Ancient Agora. It is an interactive centre of science and technology dedicated to the achievements and inventions of the ancient civilization and features replicas of ancient Greek machines and global artworks.
The Odeon of Herod Atticus is a 2^nd century Roman theatre built into the hillside of the Acropolis. Ever since its reopening in the 1950s it has been the main venue for the Athens Festival hosting world-class operas, orchestras and music performances by artists such as as Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, Luciano Pavarotti and many others.
The Ancient Theatre of Dionysos, is built on the south slope of the Acropolis hill and is dedicated to Dionysos, the god of wine making and ecstasy. It is especially interesting for all theatre lovers as it is the first theatre in the world and regarded as the birthplace of Greek drama.
Visit the Academy of Athens, famous for its stunning architecture and neoclassical style, it is part of the architectural trio along with the National Library and the University. Built between 1859 and 1887, it stands on beautiful ionic columns and features statues of Athena and Apollo as well as the philosophers Socrates and Plato.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, built in the mid-1800s with materials from over 70 abandoned or ruined churches, it remains a significant landmark and centrepiece of Athens and the Greek Orthodox faith.
Learn all about the history of technology of Ancient Greece by visiting the Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology which features various interactive and interesting technological displays such as machines, clocks, weapons as well as an exhibition featuring fully functional, reassembled musical instruments.

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