Athens’ allure as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world is mainly due to its incredible ancient sites. With so many wonderful things to see, it is worth spending some time reading and conducting research before your arrival to ensure you plan your time effectively. If you are travelling during the summer months, it is best to visit these sites in the afternoon when the midday heat has subsided, as most of them do not offer very much shelter. Below, we have outlined some of the key ancient sites that will capture your imagination, but remember, this is just a small selection of what Athens has to offer; this magnificent city has so much more to offer.
The Acropolis
The most recognisable of all Athens’ ancient sites is, without doubt, the magnificent Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been looming over the city for thousands of years, which no photograph will ever do justice to. The site features numerous different buildings and monuments, including the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. There have been various changes in the site’s usage, such as the conversions that occurred when the complex was Christianized, and its use as a defensive fortification throughout the early Middle Ages. You get a sense of the history of all the different civilisations in one place. A symbol of the achievements of Ancient Greek civilisation, it is genuinely incredible how such a structure has withstood countless attacks and thousands of years of wear and tear.
Ancient Agora
Once a market and meeting place for the residents of Athens, a visit to the Ancient Agora is like stepping back in time. Like many of the ancient sites in the city, the Ancient Agora was rebuilt and renovated several times after it suffered damage from conflicts. Within the Ancient Agora, perhaps the most impressive sites are the Temple of Hephaestus and the remains of the ‘Stoas’, the covered walkways. One of these, the ‘Stoa of Zeus’, is where it is believed Socrates met with his fellow philosophers. As well as the ruins, there is also a reconstructed section that gives you a clearer sense of how things would have looked when the Agora was the hub of the ancient city.
Temple Of Zeus
The original construction of the remarkable Temple of Zeus, also referred to as the Olympeion, began in the 6th century BC under Peisistratus the Young and took hundreds of years to complete, before it was finished in approximately 132 AD. The site is claimed to be the most significant ancient temple in Greece, and as you walk around the ruins, you will sense its grandeur, using your imagination to recreate the site as it once was in its full glory. It is an awe-inspiring experience to explore the ancient sites in Athens, and you will feel like you’ve taken a step back in time. Find out more about Cyplon’s holidays to Athens here and discover when you can go out and explore this incredible world.
