ATHENS | Ancient Greece was one of the most influential civilisations in human history. The birthplace of democracy, and ground-breaking developments in areas like philosophy, science, the arts, and sports, Ancient Greece’s is considered to be the cradle of Western civilisation. Its influence on later powers, like the Roman Empire, and today’s nation-states, can be seen everywhere.
Ancient Greece was a collection of independent city-states (poleis), and did not have a capital. Athens was, however, one of, if not the, most important cities of Ancient Greece. Many of the civilisation’s important, and grandest structures were built in Athens. Many of them still stand, be it as ruins or something better preserved, today.
If you’re looking to discover Ancient Greece in Athens, this post is for you. In it, I’ll take you through what I believe to be some of the top Ancient Greek sites to visit in Athens. I’ve placed the tips in alphabetical order, and recommend visiting them all. Are any of your top sties listed below? Are there any places that you think should be included in my “Discovering Ancient Greece in Athens” list?
Acropolis of Athens & Parthenon
The Acropolis of Athens is considered to be the most important historic site in Greece. Overlooking Athens, on a rocky outcrop, the Acropolis is home to many important sites. Many of the structures here were built in the 5th Century BC, including the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
The Parthenon is a former temple, dedicated to the goddess, Athena. Its Doric columns and decorative elements are considered by many to be the high-point of Ancient Greek architecture. The Parthenon is still an important symbol of Greece today, and continues to look over the city.
Ancient Agora of Athens
Built in the 6th century BC, the Ancient Agora of Athens served as a hub of the city. It was a place for gatherings, a marketplace, and more. If you wanted to watch daily life unfold in Athens, this was the place to be. There are many important structures to see here, including the Temple of Hephaestus, Stoa of Attalos (now home to the Agora museum), and the Library of Pantainos.
Arch of Hadrian
The Arch of Hadrian (or Hadrian’s Gate as it’s more commonly known), is large marble gate, believed to have been built to commemorate the arrival of the Roman emperor, Hadrian, to Athens. The gate spanned what was once a grand road leading from the centre of Athens, to the complex of structures behind it.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
A personal favourite of mine is the Odeon or Herodes Atticus. It’s an ancient Roman theatre located on the the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens. Completed in AD 161, and significantly restored in 1950, the stone theatre is impressive for its size, and its views from the seats to the stage below, and across the city.
The theatre is still used for performances today. Significantly, it’s the main venue of the Athens Festival, which runs from May through October each year, featuring performances from Greek and international artists.
Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium (or Kallimarmaro) is a multi-purpose stadium, built in 330 BC for the Panathenaic Games, on the site of a former racecourse. It’s the only stadium in the world built entirely from marble – an impressive feat given its size and capacity of between 50,000 – 60,00 people.
The stadium is still used for various events today. The opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympic games were held here in 1896, after a significant restoration and renovation. In 2004, the stadium hosted Olympic archery events, and was the finish point of the men’s and women’s marathons.
Roman Forum of Athens (Roman Agora)
Located 100 metres east of the Ancient Agora of Athens, you’ll find the ruins of the Roman Agora. Similar to the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora was used a a public meeting place, and retail hub. Still only partially excavated, one of the most recognisable structure here is the Pentelic marble Tower of Winds. Also impressive, is Hadrian’s Library, which opened up to the north of the Agora.
Temple of Hephaestus
Located on the north-west side of the Ancient Agora of Athens, the Temple of Hephaestus is the best-preserved Doric temple in Greece. When built, in the 5th Century BC, the area was home to several potteries and metal-work shops. This is why is was named after Hephaestus is the patron god of metal working, craftsmanship, and fire. The temple’s well-preserved condition is due to its almost continuous varied use.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Conceived with the aim of making it the largest temple in the world, the Temple of Olympian Zeus took 700 years to complete. Construction commenced in the 7th Century BC, and was completed in 131 AD. When completed, the temple was the largest in Greece, and housed one of the largest cult statues in the world.
Attacked and heavily damaged just over a century later, the temple fell into ruins and was largely quarried for other projects in Athens. Today, 16 of the 104 giant columns remain. Despite being in ruins, what’s left and has been restored is still hugely impressive.
Theatre of Dionysus
The oldest theatre in Greece, and possibly the world, is the Theatre of Dionysus. Built in the 6th Century BC, the theatre was continually upgraded until the 4th Century BC, when it reached a capacity of 25,000 people. It was the first theatre in the world to incorporate a dedicated orchestral section.
The Theatre of Dionysus was used up until the Byzantine period, after which it fell into disrepair and was lost to history. It was excavated in the 19th Century AD, and subsequently restored to its present condition.
Have you been to Athens before? What are your favourite Ancient Greek sites to visit? What would you add to this Discovering Ancient Greece In Athens list?