Featured Attractions in Athens
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Athens University Museum is most significant for the fine 19th C Neo-Classical building which houses the museum.
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Popular Attractions in Athens
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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.
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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.
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National Archeological Museum
The National Archeological Museum in Athens is renowned for its extensive and comprehensive collection of Greek art.
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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.
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Asklepieion
Below the Acropolis is the sanctuary of Asklepieion, dating to around 420 B.C.
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Byzantine Museum
The Byzantine Museum resides in a 19th C palace and contains a fine collection of art from Greece and Asia Minor.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Kerameikos Cemetery
The Kerameikos Cemetery, located in the potters' quarter in ancient times, has been used for burials since the 12th C.
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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.
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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.
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Mitrópolis Square
The highlights of Mitrópolis Square are the Little Mitrópolis Church and the Great Mitrópolis church.
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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.
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Monument of Philopappos (Filopapou Hill)
The Monument of Philopappos is actually the tomb of this prince of Commagene.
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National Gallery (Alexandros Soutsos Museum)
The National Gallery contains a diverse collection with a strong focus on Greek painters.
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Odeion of Herodes Atticus
The Odeion of Herodes Atticus is the youngest of the structures in this area, dating to the 2nd C.
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Old Palace (Parliament)
The 19th C Parliament is a Classical style building located on Syntagma Square.
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Old Parliament (National Historical Museum)
The Old Parliament contains the National Historical Museum, which displays an extensive collection of art and artifacts.
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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.
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Panaghia Kapnikaréa Church
The Panaghia Kapnikaréa Church is an 11th C domed cruciform church.
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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.
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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.
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St Nicodemus Russian Church
St Nicodemus Russian Church was built in the 11th C. It stands next to ancient baths and other ruins.
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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.
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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
Athens Surroundings
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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.
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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.
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Amphiareion
This ancient cult site is the shrine of an oracle. It is named for Amphiaraos, a mythical king and clairvoyant.
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Eleusis, Greece
Ancient Eleusis was the site of a sanctuary during Mycenaean times. Today it is the location of the annual Aiskhylia Festival.
More Greece Resources
- Athens tours and things to do by Viator
- Athens Travel Guide by iExplore
