Featured Attractions in Athens

 
Acropolis Parthenon Agora
The iconic Acropolis stands high above the city center on a limestone crag, and is a constant reminder of the glory of ancient Athens. It is among the most culturally significant sites in the world.
The famous Parthenon, temple of Athena, was built between 447 and 338 B.C. This symbol of Greece has served many purposes over the centuries, including a Christian church and a Turkish mosque.
The Agora is one of Athens most prominent tourist attractions. The site consists of three sections; the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, and the Library of Hadrian.
Erechtheion Pláka Athens University Museum
The Erechtheion contains a number of ancient sanctuaries. One of the most recognizable features is the Porch of the Caryatids, with figures of maidens used as columns.
The Pláka is the old section in the heart of Athens, with traditional narrow streets and squares, where locals and tourist congregate on small outdoor patios.
The Athens University Museum is most significant for the fine 19th C Neo-Classical building which houses the museum.

Popular Attractions in Athens

Read More Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is world renowned for its incredible collection of Greek art. On display here are all kinds of finds from the site, with artifacts from the 6th C B.C., to fine Classical period sculptures.

Read More Benaki Museum

The Benáki Museum holds an exquisite collection of Greek, Turkish and Chinese antiquities. Of particular interest are the Byzantine and post-Byzantine jewelry, and pieces from early Christian Egypt.

Read More National Archeological Museum

The National Archeological Museum in Athens is renowned for its extensive and comprehensive collection of Greek art.
Picture of Theatre of Dionysos

Read More Theatre of Dionysos

The Theatre of Dionysos was built on the southern slopes of the Acropolis in the 6th C B.C. It came to light during a period when tragedy was establishing its roots in theatre. The first drama was performed here in 534 B.C.

Read More Asklepieion

Below the Acropolis is the sanctuary of Asklepieion, dating to around 420 B.C.

Read More Byzantine Museum

The Byzantine Museum resides in a 19th C palace and contains a fine collection of art from Greece and Asia Minor.

Read More Church of Saints Theodore

The 11th C Church of Saints Theodore is found on Klafthmónos Square. While the exterior is true to the design the interior is surprisingly modern.

Read More Goulandris Museum of Cycladic and Ancient Greek Art

The Goulandris Museum of Cycladic and Ancient Greek Art displays the collection of Nikolas P. Goulandris, along with other works. Some piece date back 5,000 years.

Read More Grand Mitropolis Cathedral

This 19th C Grand Mitropolis Cathedral stands on the site of the former monastery of St Nicholas. The highlight of the church is the interior.

Read More Kerameikos Cemetery

The Kerameikos Cemetery, located in the potters' quarter in ancient times, has been used for burials since the 12th C.

Read More Library of Hadrian

The Library of Hadrian was founded in the 2nd C. The ruins are still quite impressive, with much of the structure still preserved.

Read More Little Mitropolis Church

The Little Mitropolis Church was built in the 12th C and belonged to the monastery of St Nicholas. The main attraction is the exterior.

Read More Mitrópolis Square

The highlights of Mitrópolis Square are the Little Mitrópolis Church and the Great Mitrópolis church.

Read More Monument of Lysikrates

The Monument of Lysikrates stands at the end of Lysikrátous Street. The circular structure is surrounded by Corinthian columns and the upper edge contains a frieze with scenes related to the life of Dionysos.

Read More Monument of Philopappos (Filopapou Hill)

The Monument of Philopappos is actually the tomb of this prince of Commagene.

Read More National Gallery (Alexandros Soutsos Museum)

The National Gallery contains a diverse collection with a strong focus on Greek painters.
Picture of Odeion of Herodes Atticus

Read More Odeion of Herodes Atticus

The Odeion of Herodes Atticus is the youngest of the structures in this area, dating to the 2nd C.
Picture of Old Palace / Parliament

Read More Old Palace (Parliament)

The 19th C Parliament is a Classical style building located on Syntagma Square.
Picture of Old Parliament / National Historical Museum

Read More Old Parliament (National Historical Museum)

The Old Parliament contains the National Historical Museum, which displays an extensive collection of art and artifacts.

Read More Olympia Stadium (Theater)

Picture of Olympieion

Read More Olympieion

The original temple at Olympieion was built prior to 550 B.C. Plans to erect a larger temple here took about 700 years to complete, but this much larger and grander Temple of Zeus was completed around A.D.130.

Read More Panaghia Kapnikaréa Church

The Panaghia Kapnikaréa Church is an 11th C domed cruciform church.
Picture of Panathanaic (Panathenean) Stadion / Athens Olympic Stadium (Kallimarmaron)

Read More Panathanaic (Panathenean) Stadion, Athens Olympic Stadium (Kallimarmaron)

The ancient Stadion was rebuilt in 1896 for the first modern Olympic Games. It can seat 60,000 people.
Picture of Propylaia

Read More Propylaia

The Propylaia, at the entrance to the Acropolis, dates to the 5th C B.C. It was used as a residence for rulers from the 13th C onwards.

Read More St Nicodemus Russian Church

St Nicodemus Russian Church was built in the 11th C. It stands next to ancient baths and other ruins.

Read More Temple of Athena Nike

The small Temple of Athena Nike dates to the 5th C B.C. but was rebuilt in modern times, including work done between 1936 and 1940.
Picture of Tower of the Winds (Creek of Andronicos)

Read More Tower of the Winds (Creek of Andronicos)

The octagonal Tower of the Winds was built around 40 B.C and originally contained a water-clock. It is located in the Pláka.

More Athens Attractions

Read More Athenas Street

Read More Gennadius Library

Read More Hellinikon International Airport (Closed)

Read More International Airport S.A.

Read More Kifissou Bus Station

Read More Kolonós Híppios

Read More Rally Acropolis

Read More Special Interest Museums & Galleries

Read More University Paleontological and Geological Museum

Athens Surroundings

Read More Cape Sounion

The temple of Poseidon stands on a steep crag at Cape Sounion. The point was referenced to by Home in the Odyssey, and held an altar in the 7th Century B.C.

Read More Dafni Monastery

The Dafni Monastery has a long history, which essentially ended in the 19th C, until it was restored in the 1950s. The monastery is known for fine, 11th C mosaics, but has many noteworthy features.

Read More Amphiareion

This ancient cult site is the shrine of an oracle. It is named for Amphiaraos, a mythical king and clairvoyant.

Read More Eleusis, Greece

Ancient Eleusis was the site of a sanctuary during Mycenaean times. Today it is the location of the annual Aiskhylia Festival.
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