The greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess Athena, dominates the centre of the modern city from the rocky crag known as the Acropolis. The most celebrated myths of ancient Athens, its greatest religious festivals, earliest cults and several decisive events in the city's history are all connected to this sacred precinct. The monuments of the Acropolis stand in harmony with their natural setting. These unique masterpieces of ancient architecture combine different orders and styles of Classical art in a most innovative manner and have influenced art and culture for many centuries. The Acropolis of the fifth century BC is the most accurate reflection of the splendour, power and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak, the golden age of Perikles. 

Pottery sherds of the Neolithic period (4000/3500-3000 BC) and, from near the Erechtheion, of the Early and Middle Bronze Age, show that the hill was inhabited from a very early period. A fortification wall was built around it in the thirteenth century BC and the citadel became the centre of a Mycenaean kingdom. This early fortification is partially preserved among the later monuments and its history can be traced fairly accurately. The Acropolis became a sacred precinct in the eighth century BC with the establishment of the cult of Athena Polias, whose temple stood at the northeast side of the hill. The sanctuary flourished under Peisistratos in the mid-sixth century BC, when the Panathinaia, the city's greatest religious festival, was established and the first monumental buildings of the Acropolis erected, among them the so-called “Old temple” and the Hekatompedos, the predecessor of the Parthenon, both dedicated to Athena. The shrine of Artemis Brauronia and the first monumental propylon also date to this period. Numerous opulent votive offerings, such as marble korai and horsemen, bronze and terracotta statuettes, were dedicated to the sanctuary. Several of these bear inscriptions that show the great importance of Athena's cult in the Archaic period. After the Athenians defeated the Persians at Marathon, in 490 BC, they began building a very large temple, the so-called Pre-Parthenon. This temple was still unfinished when the Persians invaded Attica in 480 BC, pillaged the Acropolis and set fire to its monuments. The Athenians buried the surviving sculptures and votive offerings inside natural cavities of the sacred rock, thus forming artificial terraces, and fortified the Acropolis with two new walls, the wall of Themistokles along the northern side and that of Kimon on the south. Several architectural elements of the ruined temples were incorporated in the northern wall and are still visible today. 

In the mid-fifth century BC, when the Acropolis became the seat of the Athenian League and Athens was the greatest cultural centre of its time, Perikles initiated an ambitious building project which lasted the entire second half of the fifth century BC. Athenians and foreigners alike worked on this project, receiving a salary of one drachma a day. The most important buildings visible on the Acropolis today - that is, the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike, were erected during this period under the supervision of the greatest architects, sculptors and artists of their time. The temples on the north side of the Acropolis housed primarily the earlier Athenian cults and those of the Olympian gods, while the southern part of the Acropolis was dedicated to the cult of Athena in her many qualities: as Polias (patron of the city), Parthenos, Pallas, Promachos (goddess of war), Ergane (goddess of manual labour) and Nike (Victory). After the end of the Peloponnesian war in 404 BC and until the first century BC no other important buildings were erected on the Acropolis. In 27 BC a small temple dedicated to Augustus and Rome was built east of the Parthenon. In Roman times, although other Greek sanctuaries were pillaged and damaged, the Acropolis retained its prestige and continued to attract the opulent votive offerings of the faithful. After the invasion of the Herulians in the third century AD, a new fortification wall was built, with two gates on the west side. One of these, the so-called Beul? Gate, named after the nineteenth century French archaeologist who investigated it, is preserved to this day. 

In subsequent centuries the monuments of the Acropolis suffered from both natural causes and human intervention. After the establishment of Christianity and especially in the sixth century AD the temples were converted into Christian churches. The Parthenon was dedicated to Parthenos Maria (the Virgin Mary), was later re-named Panagia Athiniotissa (Virgin of Athens) and served as the city's cathedral in the eleventh century. The Erechtheion was dedicated to the Sotiras (Saviour) or the Panagia, the temple of Athena Nike became a chapel and the Propylaia an episcopal residence. The Acropolis became the fortress of the medieval city. Under Frankish occupation (1204-1456) the Propylaia were converted into a residence for the Frankish ruler and in the Ottoman period (1456-1833) into the Turkish garrison headquarters. The Venetians under F. Morozini besieged the Acropolis in 1687 and on September 26th bombarded and destroyed the Parthenon, which then served as a munitions store. Lord Elgin caused further serious damage in 1801-1802 by looting the sculptural decoration of the Parthenon, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion. The Acropolis was handed over to the Greeks in 1822, during the Greek War of Independence, and Odysseas Androutsos became its first Greek garrison commander. 

After the liberation of Greece, the monuments of the Acropolis came under the care of the newly founded Greek state. Limited investigation took place in 1835 and 1837, while in 1885-1890 the site was systematically excavated under P. Kavvadias. In the early twentieth century N. Balanos headed the first large-scale restoration project. A Committee for the Conservation of the Monuments on the Acropolis was created in 1975 with the aim to plan and undertake large-scale conservation and restoration on the Acropolis. The project, conducted by the Service of Restoration of the Monuments of the Acropolis in collaboration with the First Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, is still in progress.

The Herodes Atticus Conservatory, located on Dionysiou Aeropagitou Street at the southwest base of the Acropolis, is accessible to the public during performances, mostly held in the summer. Visitors exploring the Acropolis archaeological site can also catch a glimpse of the Herodeion from the alley behind the stands.
Herod the Atticus, an Athenian orator and Roman senator renowned for his wealth and public contributions, undertook the construction of the Conservatory in honor of his wife Regillas around 161 AD. The monument was a marvel in antiquity, featuring an impressive wooden ceiling made of Lebanese cedar. A century later, it suffered damage during the Heroulian raid when Athens was sacked and was later incorporated into the city's fortifications.
The Conservatory once had a three-story arched facade with a wooden tile roof. Today, two of the three floors of the stage area remain, standing at a height of 28 meters. Restoration work on the stands, initiated in 1950 by architect Anastasios Orlandos, made it one of the world's oldest operating theaters. Since 1955, the Herodeion has hosted the Athens Festival, welcoming internationally acclaimed artists such as Maria Callas. Throughout the summer, concerts and theater performances make use of this iconic venue nestled on the Acropolis slope.

In the latter half of the 1st century, the Roman market of Athens was constructed, to shift the city's commercial activities from the ancient market, establishing Athens as a Roman-era economic hub. Julius Caesar and Augustus sponsored this edifice, their names inscribed on the western propylaea.
This 111x98m building encloses a spacious rectangular courtyard encircled by Ionic-columned arcades, shops, and storehouses. It features two gateways, with the west gate, known as the "Archegetidos Athena Gate," still preserved in the Doric style.
East of the Roman Agora stands the "Aerides," officially named the Clock of Andronikos Kyristos or Tower of the Winds. Constructed by the astronomer Andronikos from Cyrus, Macedonia, in the first half of the 1st century AD, it's the world's oldest meteorological and horological station. This octagonal Pentelic marble tower with a conical roof depicts the eight winds and sundial rays, with an interior hydraulic clock powered by water from the Acropolis.
Over centuries, the tower was repurposed as a temple, church bell tower, and Dervish lodge. It was partially buried and later fully excavated by the Hellenic Archaeological Society.

Ticket: €8

From 01 November to 31 March; 
Winter: 08:00 – 15:00
Last entrance: 14:30

From 1 April to 31 October:
Summer: 08:00 – 20:00
Last entrance: 19:30

Free entrance days:
6 March - Melina Mercouri Memorial Day
18 April - International Day for Monuments
18 May - International Museum Day
The last weekend of September each year (European Days of Cultural Heritage)
October 28

An exquisite outdoor museum is found in the heart of Athens, between Vasilissis Amalias and Vasilissis Olgas avenues, in the southeastern of the Sacred Rock. Also known as Olympieion or Columns of the Olympian Zeus, it was famous for being one of the biggest temples of the Hellenistic and Roman times. 
The foundations of the temple were laid by Peisistratos the younger in 515bC. However, its construction stopped with the tyranny abolition and began again during the Macedon domination. The king of Syria, Antiochos IV Epiphanes assigned the unfinished project to the Roman architect, Cossutius but after his death, the temple was ceded once again. Construction was completed between 129-131aC by the philhellene Roman emperor, Hadrian.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus was made of marble from Penteli and had 104 huge columns of Corinthian style, but today only 15 are still standing. Busts of prestigious men and statues adorned the internal part of the temple which was dedicated to Zeus but unfortunately, no statue is preserved. They say that the temple was destroyed in an earthquake during the Byzantine times. Today, it forms an outdoor museum that everyone can visit.

Opening Hours:
Winter Season: Daily 08.00 - 15.00
Summer Season: Daily 08.00 - 19.00

Tickets: Full: €6, Reduced: €3 Special ticket package: Full: €30, Reduced: €15 and is valid for five (5) days.
Valid for: Acropolis of Athens, Ancient Agora of Athens – Areopagus, Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos, Archaeological Site of Lykeion, Hadrian's Library, Kerameikos, Museum of the Ancient Agora, North slope of Acropolis, Olympieion, Roman Agora of Athens, South Slope of Acropolis.

Opening Hours:
Winter:
08:00-15:00
Last entrance:14:30

Summer:
08:00 – 20:00 
Last Entrance: 19:30

From  September 1, 2022, the operating hours of the Archaeological Site have been adjusted, due to the gradual decrease in daylight hours, as following:
1 - 15 September: 08:00 – 19:30,
Last entrance: 19:10
16 - 30 September: 08:00 – 19:00,
Last entrance: 18:40
1 - 15 October: 08:00 – 18.30
Last entrance: 18:10 
16 - 30 October: 08:00 – 18:00
Last entrance: 17:40

Public Holidays:
1 January: closed
25 March: closed
1 May: closed
Easter Sunday: closed
Christmas, 25 December: closed
26 December: closed

The Temple of Hephaestus, a remarkable Doric masterpiece within Athens' Ancient Market, was erected in 449 BC to honor Hephaestus, the god of fire and the arts, and Athena, the patron goddess of the arts. Despite the loss of its once-housed bronze statues, this temple has been remarkably preserved, serving as a symbol of Greece's ancient heritage.
While the architect's identity remains unknown, they were likely influenced by the Parthenon's construction and had designed other notable regional temples like those dedicated to Poseidon in Sounio, Nemesis in Ramnouda, and Ares in Menidi. The temple's eastern front depicts Hercules' labors, and the pronaos showcases Theseus' heroic feats on the Zoophorus, while metopes on the north and south tell his tales.
Theseus, a pivotal figure in Athenian history, united Attica's municipalities and established his reign. His heroic feats include vanquishing the Amazons, defeating the Centaurs, abducting Helen from Sparta, and slaying the Minotaur, a creature once appeased with a gruesome tribute by the Athenians.

Tickets:
Full: €10
Reduced: €5

Valid for the archaeological site and the Museum of the Ancient Agora of Athens. Tickets are available at ticket offices on-site as well as online.

Opening hours:
08:00- 17:00 
Last entrance: 16:40

Public Holidays:
1 January: closed
25 March: closed
1 May: closed
Easter Sunday: closed
25 December: closed
26 December: closed

Cape Sounio, the southernmost point of Attica, is home to the remarkable Temple of Poseidon. This temple, built during the classical period of Athens (444 - 440 BC), stands on the ruins of an earlier structure, perched on a 60-meter cliff.
In Greek mythology, Poseidon, the God of the Sea, reigned alongside his wife, Amphitrite. Ships approaching the coast were welcomed by the radiant white Temple of Poseidon, a symbol of maritime prowess. The trident he held was used to catch tuna, offered at the Sanctuary of Poseidon.
The intriguing use of geometrical connections in ancient city planning is exemplified by the Temple of Poseidon, forming an isosceles triangle with the Temple of Hephaestus in Theseio and the Temple of Aphaia in Aegina. This showcases the precision and foresight of ancient architects and city planners.

Tickets:
Full: €10
Reduced: €5

Opening Hours:
Winter:
9:30 until sunset

Summer:
9:30 - sunset

Last entry: 20 minutes before sunset time

Public Holidays:
1 January
25 March: closed
Good Friday: 12:00-17:00
Holy Saturday: 9:30:15.30
1 May
Easter Sunday
25 December
26 December

Free admission days:
6 March (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
18 April (International Monuments Day)
18 May (International Museums Day)
The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
28 October

The Theater of Dionysus, on the southern slope of the Acropolis, is ancient Greece's most significant outdoor theater and the world's oldest known theater. It was the hub of Athenian drama education and hosted the Great Dionysia, the city's grand religious celebration.
This massive structure, part of the Dionysus Eleuthereus Shrine, dates to the 4th century BC but incorporates elements from the Peisistratid dynasty in the 6th century BC. Multiple alterations over time make it challenging to ascertain its original form.
The theater could accommodate around 15,000 spectators seated in rows. Today, only 13 rows from the central line of the Classical era remain, along with remnants from the Roman period. A restoration project, initiated in 2002, is underway, adding 13 new stone seating rows from Corinth.

Tickets:
Full: €20
Reduced: €10

Valid for the Archaeological Site of the Acropolis and its Slopes.

Opening Hours:
Winter:
08:00 – 18:30
Last entrance: 18:00

Summer:
08:00 – 20:00 
Last entrance: 19:30

Public Holidays:
1 January: closed
25 March: closed
1 May: closed
Easter Sunday: closed
Christmas, 25 December: closed
26 December: closed

Adjacent to the Acropolis Propylaea on the right, stands a modest Ionic temple from the Classical Age, commissioned by the political leader Pericles in Athens. Constructed as part of the city's reconstruction initiative, the temple reached completion around 425 BC. During the Roman era, it was dedicated to Athena Nike Apterous, with Pausanias noting that the wooden statue of Athena within lacked wings to prevent it from flying away from Athens. The original wooden temple was destroyed by the Persians.
The classical-era Temple of Athena Nike was amphiprostyle, featuring four monolithic columns on its east and west sides, and an altar for goddess sacrifice in front. Encircling the temple is a marble metal railing to ensure visitor safety. The temple's roof boasted bronze gilded capes adorned with winged victories and other mythological creatures. Its purpose was to venerate Athena Nike, the bestower of military victories, reflecting the prevailing optimism amid the conflict with Sparta. Inside the small nave, an enchanting statue of Athena stood, holding a pomegranate in one hand and her helmet in the other. This dual representation symbolized both the nature of war and the benefits of peace emerging from conflict.
The sculptor Agorakritus crafted the bas-reliefs and pediments, depicting scenes of battling gods, heroes, giants, and Amazons, though much of these intricate details have unfortunately been lost to time.

Tickets:
Full: €20
Reduced: €10
Valid for the Archaeological Site of the Acropolis and its Slopes.

Opening Hours:
Winter:
08:00 – 17:00
Last entrance: 16:30

Summer:
08:00 – 20:00 
Last entrance: 19:30

From  September 1, 2022, the operating hours of the Archaeological Site have been adjusted, due to the gradual decrease in daylight hours, as following:
1 - 15 September: 08:00 – 19:30,
Last entrance: 19:00
16 - 30 September: 08:00 – 19:00,
Last entrance: 18:30
1 - 15 October: 08:00 – 18.30
Last entrance: 18:00 
16 - 30 October: 08:00 – 18:00
Last entrance: 17:30

Public Holidays:
1 January: closed
25 March: closed
1 May: closed
Easter Sunday: closed
Christmas, 25 December: closed
26 December: closed

An island within the hectic city of Athens. Anafiotika is the dreamy district which was developed in the NE side of the Acropolis rock, neighboring the touristic Plaka. Once you go up to the uphill part of Plaka, it’s a sure thing you won’t expect what you will find; white-washed houses, basil, jasmine and bougainvillea among rocks and labyrinthine alleys which look like postcard photos, do worthily remind of the Cyclades. In the mid-19th century, famous craftsmen from Anafi island came to Athens in order to rebuild the city as well as the palace of the first king of Greece, Otto. Due to homesickness, insight or need, the island builders constructed the first houses based on Cycladic architecture and with respect to the unique grounds and history of the area. Thanks to these first founders who illegally yet with the authorities’ allowance founded in 1830 the perched-like district at the ancient hill, we can today boast about one of the most charming locations in Athens. In the 50’s, part of Anafiotika  was torn down while later on, extended expropriations were carried out by the Ministry of Culture. Today, some 45 listed buildings have remained.

In ancient times it was one of the main attractions of Athens, along with the sponsorship monument of Lysicrates and the Bath House of the Winds. Today, it is one of the most photographed and recognizable ancient buildings of the capital, at the intersection of Avenue Vasilissis Amalias and Olgas, at the entrance of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The impressive triumphal arch built by the Athenians in 131m.Ch., in gratitude for the great infrastructure of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the city. It is said that the emperor who renewed the Athenian residential tissue and gave new impetus to Greek letters, over this arched gate went to attend the opening of the adjacent temple of Olympian Zeus. Built of Pentelic marble in Corinthian style, Hadrian's Gate, height 18m. and 13,5m wide. characterized by an innovative architectural specificity • succeeds in combining the famous ancient pediment with the Roman honorary arch shape. Besides bright honorary monument, it was also the boundary of the old city of the first founder of Athens Theseus in the new district for establishing Hadrian. In the 18th century, it incorporated as a gateway to the Turkish fortress of Athens precinct "wall of Haseki" and called "door of the princess" or "arched door."

The Square is named after the Constitution that the first King of Greece Otto was obliged to grant, after a popular and military uprising on September 3, 1843 It is located in front of the 19th century Old Royal Palace, housing the Greek Parliament since 1934. Syntagma Square is the most important square of modern Athens from both a historical and social point of view, at the epicentre of commercial activity and Greek politics.
The square is bordered by Amalia Avenue (Leofóros Amalías) to the east, Otto Street  to the south and King George I Street to the north. The street bordering the square to the west, connecting Stadiou Street with Fillelinon Street, is simply named "Syntagma Square" (Plateia Syntágmatos).[3] The eastern side of the square is higher than the western, and dominated by a set of marble steps leading to Amalias Avenue; beneath these lies the Syntagma metro station. The stairs emerge below between a pair of outdoor cafes, and are a popular city-centre gathering place. Syntagma also includes two green areas to the north and south, planted with shade trees, while in the centre of the square there is a large mid-19th century water fountain.
The Old Royal Palace neoclassical building, housing the Greek Parliament since 1934, is immediately across Amalias Avenue to the east, and surrounded by the extensive National Gardens, which are open to the public; the Parliament itself is not open to the public, even when not in session. Every hour, the changing of the guard ceremony, performed by the Presidential Guard, is conducted in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the area between the Syntagma Square and Parliament building. On certain days, a ceremonial changing of the guard occurs with an army band and the majority of the 120 Evzones present at 11 am.
Dimitrios Kallergis on horseback demanding Constitution, Otto and Amalia at the windows of the Royal Palace.
The Square was designed and constructed in the early 19th century, shortly after King Otto moved the capital of the newly-born Greek Kingdom from Nafplio to Athens in 1834. It was designed as one of the two central squares of modern Athens, situated to what were then the eastern boundaries of the city. The second square was Omonoia Square to the north of the city. Even though King Otto's Royal Palace was at first planned to be erected on Omonia Square, a location overlooking the eastern square was deemed a better option. Thus, the square's first name was "Palace Square". Work for the construction of the Old Palace to the north of the Square, started in 1836 and lasted until 1843.
About a month after the installation of King Otto and his wife Amalia in late July 1843,[4] a popular and military uprising took place in the Greek Capital on September 3, 1843. Soldiers under Dimitrios Kallergis gathered in front of the Palace and demanded the granting of constitution. King Otto was then obliged to grant the first Constitution of Greece. In memory of the event, the Palace square was renamed to Constitution Square or Syntagma Square in Greek.
Between 2010 and 2012, the Square was the site of mass protests, including an occupation of the square with tents and other provisions due to the worsening economic situation during the Greek government-debt crisis. Some of the demonstrations amassed crowds of the order of 10,000 people, according to police reports ; or 50,000 according to other sources. Since the inception of the "Unity Government", the occupation has been removed from the Square and demonstrations are less frequent.
Syntagma Square is a hub for many forms of public transportation in Athens; Metro lines 2 and 3 of the Athens Metro have a stop at the Syntagma station, which is to be found under the square ; the Athens Tram stops here ; and buses or trolley-buses are available to many places in the city. Travel between Syntagma Square and the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is available via special airport bus and metro lines. Free wireless Internet access at high speeds (4 Mbit/s) is offered by the Municipality of Athens at the Square. The square is also a hub for buses to the northern suburbs and for the Athens Olympic Complex in Maroussi.

The Kallimarmaro Olympic Stadium holds a special place in Athens' history, nestled between the verdant hills of Agra and Ardittos. Traditionally hosting the Olympic Games ceremony every four years and serving as the iconic finish line for the annual Athenian Marathon, its legacy traces back to ancient times when it was initially wooden. In 329 BC, under the rule of Lycurgus, it was reconstructed in marble for the official Panathenaic festival. Later, Roman benefactor Herod Atticus enhanced the stadium's capacity to 50,000 seats. Abandoned over the years, it was rejuvenated in 1895 by Greek businessman George Averof, who financed the construction of the world's first all-marble stadium with an 80,000-seat capacity. Today, Averof's statue graces the entrance, and it was here that Kostis Palamas' Olympic Anthem premiered and welcomed Spyros Louis, victor of the inaugural Marathon in 1896.

March – October: 8:00am – 7:00pm
Issuance of the last ticket: 7:00pm

November – February: 08:00am– 5:00pm
Issuance of the last ticket: 5:00pm
General Entrance:10,00€

Reduced admission for students upon presentation of a student ID: 5,00€

Greek schools and their accompanying staff, individuals with disabilities, and their companions.: Free Entrance.

Children up to 6 years old: Free Entrance

Known as the Lantern of Diogenes, is one of the most photographed and best preserved monuments of Athens. Located in Lysikratous square in Plaka, just where the Tripods street located in the ancient times. The building was erected in 335-334 BC from the rich Athenian Lysicrates to mention his victory as financier of dancing teenagers who had won the theatrical battles of the Great Dionysia. In ancient times, the temple brought to the top of the honorary sponsorship prize, a bronze tripod. The circular building is built on tall square pedestal from limestone (€ 4m. Wide and 3m.), With six Corinthian columns of Pentelic marble and bears a frieze depicting scenes from the myth of Dionysus captivity. If the sponsorship monument preserved in good condition, this is largely due to the Capuchin monks, who in 1669 it incorporated in their monastery. Since then, they used as a reading room and library. The monastery burned down around 1824, during the siege of Athens by Omer Pasha Karystos, however not caused significant damage to the turret. Then, with the departure of the monks, the Lysicrates monument abandoned to its fate, and was restored in the period 1876-1887 under the direction of architect François Boulanger (François Boulanger) and E. Leviot (E. Leviot).

The National Garden in central Athens, was commissioned by Amalia, the first Queen of modern Greece.
Upon entering the National Garden, visitors are transported to a serene haven, once known as the Royal Garden during the 1927 Republic. The lush landscape features picturesque ponds inhabited by ducks, geese, and water turtles, offering a delightful encounter with a rare Cretan goat for photo opportunities. The garden also houses various animals and free-roaming green parakeets. Adjacent to the Zappeio Megaro, a neoclassical masterpiece with a Corinthian-style propylon, a café, and a playground provide an ideal setting to unwind amid the garden's refreshing ambiance. Established in 1874 by Konstantinos Zappa and completed in 1888 by architect Theofilos Hansen, the Zappeio Megaro, initially the site of the first Olympic Village, now serves as a contemporary conference center and hosts diverse events. The charming Zappeios gardens, connected by cobbled streets, seamlessly extend the allure of the National Garden. Admission is free, welcoming visitors from sunrise to sunset.

Commencing at the 12th-century Byzantine church of Agioi Asomatoi outside Thisio station, your journey towards Monastiraki can initiate from either Ermou Street or Andrianou Street. Monastiraki Square features the typical Byzantine church of Panagia Pantanassa (Queen of All), dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It's the sole remnant of the once-grand Monastery that existed here five centuries ago. Its gradual size reduction led to the area being known as Mikro Monastiri (Monastiraki). Additions to the church were made in 1911.

In the square, you'll also find the Tzisdaraki mosque, constructed in 1759 and now serving as an annex of the Museum of Folk Art, housing a collection primarily of ceramics.

Monastiraki presents a different aspect of Athens, where locals of all ages mingle with a diverse array of tourists from around the world in the surrounding streets. Outside the train station, you'll find restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. The station, constructed in 1895 on the ancient bed of the Iridanos River, houses a small exhibition of ancient artifacts, including tombs, water and sewage systems, and more. Street artists and vendors add an alternative cultural vibe to the square.

Descending Hephaistou Street from the square leads to a lively yet quaint street that's a favorite spot for unique clothing, sandals, jewelry, and even record stores. As you arrive at Abyssinia Square, you'll step into a mid-20th-century atmosphere, surrounded by a bazaar of vintage items.

The Monument to the Unknown Soldier, a tribute to unidentified war heroes, stands at the Hellenic Parliament's main entrance. Guarded by the presidential guard in traditional 1821 revolution attire (foustanela and tsarouchia), this monument has historical significance. King Othonas established the Evzones bodyguard, with their red fezzes symbolizing bloodshed during the struggle against the Turks, and black fringes representing tears.
This concept of honoring those not formally buried dates back to Ancient Greece. The monument's wall features a supine hoplite with a helmet and shield. A perpetually burning candelabrum holds the holy light from Agia Lavra, where Germanos III of Old Patras initiated the Greek revolution.
Don't miss the hourly changing of the Evzone guard, with a more elaborate ceremony every Sunday at 11 AM. The monument features the quote, "All the earth is a grave of eminent men," echoing the sentiment of Pericles' epitaph.

Opposite the Acropolis, you'll find the Filopappou Monument, originally known as the Hill of the Muses. It's named after Julius Antiochos Philopappos, a benefactor of Athens in the 1st century AD. Unfortunately, only the northeast side of the Filopappou Mausoleum remains today, featuring an artistic relief depicting a key moment in Philopappos's life.
Constructed between 114 and 116 AD, the monument's complex architecture suggests a grand purpose. In 1821, during the revolution, the hill served as an artillery position. Today, it's a popular spot for leisurely walks and kite flying on Clean Monday, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city.
The remnants of a wall planned after the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC to defend against the advancing Macedonians can still be seen. Access to the monument is available from the Filopappou Ring Road, with the primary entrance located at the end of Apostolou Pavlou, opposite the Acropolis.

At the end of Apostolou Pavlou, near the main entrance to Filopappos Hill, stands an ancient building believed to be the site where the renowned philosopher Socrates was imprisoned. Accused in antiquity of corrupting the morals of the youth and disrespecting the city's gods, Socrates left no writings of his own, but Plato's dialogues, particularly Crito, align with the description of the surviving structure. The prison, located centrally for its time, featured baths, and despite the opportunity to escape with help, Socrates chose to honor his city's laws, embracing his death sentence by drinking hemlock. His famous quote, "ἕν οἶδα, ὅτι οὐδέν οἶδα" (trans.: one thing I know, that I know nothing), encapsulates his philosophical legacy.

The Metropolitan Church of the capital is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and was erected during the reign of Otto (1840-1860 AD). Since its construction, the church has been the venue for ceremonies honoring prominent figures and hosting the funerals of kings and prime ministers. Within the sacred confines of the church, crafted from exquisite Larnaca marble by the skilled hands of Giannoulis Halepas, rest the revered shrouds of Patriarch Gregory V and Saint Philothea of Athens.
Metropolis Square is particularly notable for the Byzantine chapel (dating back to the late 12th century) situated adjacent to the Cathedral. Initially dedicated to Panagia Gorgoepikos or Agios Eleftherios, the chapel underwent a renaming in 1863 following the expulsion of Otto, symbolizing its association with liberation from the Turks. Remarkably, the chapel eschews traditional masonry in favor of marble fragments. Adorning its exterior surfaces are raised relief plates from various epochs, including the archaic, Roman, and early Christian periods. The temple stands as an open-air museum of ancient art, seamlessly bridging the classical Greek legacy with Christian tradition.
Presently, the chapel is open to visitors and serves as a place of reverence for the remains of dignitaries. Intriguingly, there are indications suggesting that its construction may have encompassed the site of the ancient temple of Eilithia, the revered patroness of childbirth.

The Metropolitan Park of Environmental and Educational Activities and Social Economy Development "Antonis Tritsis" is located in Ilion and borders the Municipality of Agioi Anargyroi-Kamatero. It is considered the largest park in Attica, with an area of approximately 1,200 acres. It is a natural paradise with greenery, six artificial lakes, and an artificial canal that connects them and ensures the continuous flow of water. On weekends, the average number of visitors is estimated at 15,000-16,000, and much higher during holidays.

The "Ioulia and Alexandros N. Diomedes Botanical Garden" was founded in 1951 and is located in Haidari, on the northern slopes of Mount Aegaleo, 8 km from the center of Athens. It extends from the Dromokaiteio Hospital to the Daphni Monastery and the tourist kiosks of the Municipality of Haidari. Its main entrance is located at the end of Iera Odos. It has plenty of greenery. Its western side attracts many people, offering moments of spiritual tranquility and recreation. People come into contact with nature and discover its magic. They enrich their knowledge thanks to the informative signs that are there, where all the information about the plants they can encounter is written. Finally, in the garden's herbarium, there are approximately 19,000 dried plant specimens, the largest part of which comes from areas that are now considered protected because they have been included in the "NATURA 2000" program network.

The Syngrou Estate is located in an area of 950 acres, on the borders of the Municipalities of Kifissia, Amaroussi and Melissia. The main entrance is on Kifissias avenue, at the height of the KAT hospital. After her death, Ifigenia Mavrokordatou-Syggrou, wife of Andreas Syggrou, wanted the estate to be utilized and to help "educate good farmers and gardeners". In 1988, its management was taken over by the Institute of Agricultural Sciences. It has a lot of greenery, dominated by pine and cypress. The visitor walks or cycles and comes into contact with nature, discovering its magic. In Alsos there are also sports facilities, the church of Agios Andreas, the Beekeeping Museum, which houses unique beehives from all over the country, the building facilities of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, the National School of Anavryta, a small ancient theater as well as 2 picturesque lakes with of 100 goldfish of various species and color varieties.

Sights

Acropolis

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Roman Agora and the Tower of the Winds

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Temple of Hephaestus

Temple of Poseidon at Sounion

Theater of Dionysus

Temple of Athena Nike

Anafiotika

Arch of Hadrian

Syntagma Square

Kallimarmaro - Panathenaic Stadium

Choragic Monument of Lysicrates

National Garden - Zappeion

Monastiraki

The Monument to the Unknown Soldier and Changing of the Evzone Guard

Filopappou Monument

The Prison of Socrates

Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary

Tritsis Park

Botanical Garden

Estate of Syngrou