Ancient Athens

Athens allure as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world is in the large part due to its incredible ancient sites. With so many wonderful things to see, it is worth spending some time reading and doing some research before your arrival to ensure you plan your time in the best way. 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 to capture your imagination, but remember, this is just a small selection of what Athens has to offer, this magnificent city has so much more.

The Acropolis

The most recognisable of all Athens’ ancient sites is without doubt the magnificent Acropolis, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been looming over the city for thousands of years which no photographs will ever do justice to. The site features numerous different buildings and monuments, including the Parthenon, the Pronviaia, the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike. There have been various changes of usage to the site such as the conversions when the complex was Christianised, and its use as a defence fortification throughout the early middle ages. You really do get a feel for the history of all the different civilisations in one place. A symbol of the achievements of the Ancient Greek civilisation, it really is 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 Hephaetus 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 on 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, begun in the sixth century BC by Peisistratus the Young and took hundreds of years to construct before it was completed in approximately 132AD. The site is claimed to be the biggest ancient temple in Greece and you will sense its grandeur from walking around the ruins, 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 discover this incredible world.