8 Historical Greek Landmarks in Athens You Can’t Miss

If there is anything I love more than travel, it’s history. A huge reason I decided to visit Greece, which sparked my passion for travel, was because of the country’s incredible history. And of course, the first Greek city I visited was Athens, one of the most historic and mythical cities in the world. I mean, Athens isn’t called “the City of the Violet Crown” for nothing! Athens is bursting with countless historical Greek landmarks that date back to ancient times. These monuments not only hold great significance in terms of architecture and engineering, but they also tell the story of Athen’s past and its impact on the world.

So let’s uncover some of the breathtaking beauty and mystery surrounding Greece’s past. Come with me on a journey through history as we explore some of the most incredible Greek historical landmarks in Athens that are must-visits for any history buff or traveler!

1. The Acropolis

Starting off with an obvious one that you simply cannot miss if you find yourself in Athens is the Acropolis. The Acropolis is one of the most recognized historical sites in the world, let alone in Greece. Sitting above the city of Athens, the Acropolis was built in the 5th century BC and is comprised of multiple ancient buildings, including the world-famous Parthenon (a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and also used as the treasury of the Delian League).

What makes this site so historic is the emergence of classical Greek thought and art. The Acropolis is where Democracy, Philosophy, Theatre, Freedom of Expression and Speech were born. The monuments on this hill have survived almost twenty-five centuries and the buildings have gone through many different uses and ruled by multiple civilizations. Wars, explosions, fires, raids, earthquakes, alternations, and attacks have transformed the site into what we see today.

Don’t forget to visit the Acropolis Museum right next to the site! Here you can see all the original sculptures and artifacts of the Acropolis that weren’t stolen by Lord Elgin and placed in the British Museum.

Cost: A standard ticket costs €20 from April 1 to October 31 and €10 from November 1 to March 31.

2. Theater of Dionysus

This is one of the most historic theaters in the world, because it is, in fact, the first theater in the world! It is believed that the theater was first built in 4th century BC with wood, but overtime was constructed with marble. By the 5th century, the Theater of Dionysus was regularly used as one of the main theaters of the city. It was also during this century that performances of plays by the Greek tragic poets, Aeschylus, Euripides and Sophocles, were first staged. Obviously just from the name you can tell this theater was dedicated to the god of wine, Dionysus, so plays were also part of celebrations to honor the god. Damn, okay sign me up to celebrate the god of wine with a show.

At its largest, the theater had more than 77 rows of seats, but today, only 20 of these sections remain. It’s truly a sight to behold with the towering Parthenon in the background and is definitely worth the time after you see the Acropolis.

Cost: Included with the cost of an Acropolis ticket.

3. Ancient Agora of Athens

Located beneath the northwest slope of the Acropolis, the Athenian Agora was the ancient city’s main marketplace. For nearly 5,000 years, this site has been used as an assembly, commercial and residential area. It was on this ground that Socrates questioned the citizenry of Athens, where Plato first heard Socrates speak and decided to devote his life to philosophy, and the court where Socrates was condemned to death.

As you wander this site, it’s easy to imagine what it looked like in its glory. Especially as you walk around the Temple of Hephaestus (one of the best preserved ancient temples) and the Stoa of Attalos – a building of the Hellenistic period that was rebuilt to look exactly how it did in ancient times.

Cost: €10 from April to October and €5 from November to March.

4. Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus used to be a massive temple in ancient times. Obviously dedicated to the ruler of all gods and humans, Zeus, this temple was one of the largest ever built in antiquity. The Corinthian columns measure 17.5 meters (57 ft) tall and had 108 standing columns total. It took more than 600 years for the temple to finally be completed in 131 CE by Hadrian, the Great Philhellene.

Today, only 15 columns remain standing with many pieces of the original columns spread out around the site. The most recent column to fall was in 1852, after a severe storm toppled it to the ground.

Cost: €12 from April to October and €6 from November to March.

5. The Arch of Hadrian

This ancient arch separates the old city of Athens and the new city. It was erected in the 2nd century AD for the Roman emperor, Hadrian (the very same one who saw the Temple of Olympian Zeus completed). There are two inscriptions on either side of the arch. On the side facing the Acropolis, it reads, “This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus”. While on the other side (facing the Temple of Olympian Zeus) reads, “This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus”. You can tell which side was the old Greek side and which was the new Roman side, huh?

Pollution, vandalism, and time have transformed this once great arch, into what we see today. Although still impressive to see, it lies along one of Athens’ busiest avenues which makes this historical Greek landmark seem a bit out of place. But for all you history buffs and travel enthusiasts, you’ll appreciate the history and symbolism of this ancient arch.

Cost: Free!

6. The Pynx

Okay, I’d be pretty surprised if you have heard of the Pnyx in Athens. Even though this site is commonly overlooked by tourists, it’s one of the most important historical Greek landmarks! Here is where Western Democracy was born. Beginning in the 5th century BC, ancient Athenians would gather here to make important political decisions, debate, vote and discuss the future of their town. The Pnyx is a small, rocky hill with a large platform and steps carved into its slope, and has gone through three different construction periods.

It is believed the seating capacity was between 6,000 and 13,000 people, with standing room for several more, and citizens had a view of the Agora and the Acropolis. It is unknown exactly how long the Pnyx was used as the meeting place of the people, but it’s certain that by the 1 century BC, the assembly held their meetings in the Theater of Dionysos below the Acropolis.

Cost: Free!

7. Prison of Socrates

Now we walk by the so-called Prison of Socrates. Located to the southwest of the Acropolis, you’ll see three carvings into the stone with prison like gates at the forefront. It is unknown for sure what this structure was used for in antiquity but due to its close proximity to the Acropolis and the Agora, rumor and speculation grew over the years that this was the site where the greatest philosopher of all time was held prisoner and executed for “corrupting the youth”. He was actually more likely held in a building that no longer exists on the outskirts of the Agora.

Although scholars still debate what the structure was used for in ancient times, it was definitely used during World War II to hide ancient artifacts from German looters (and it worked!). It’s still an interesting site to see in Athens as you imagine yourself walking the very same streets that some of the greatest minds used to wander.

Cost: Free!

8. Panathenaic Stadium

Welcome to the site of the first modern Olympics! This is the only stadium in the world built entirely out of marble and is still used for a wide range of events today. The Panathenaic Stadium was put to use for the first time in 330 BC where ancient citizens would host events intended to celebrate the city of Athens, called the “Great Panathenaia”. After a long history and many changes, the stadium took its final form in 1896 when Athens was chosen as the first host of the modern Olympic Games.

This landmark is a must-stop for any history enthusiasts and sports fans. Take a lap around the track where thousands of incredible athletes once competed, sit in the same seats as senators and public officials, and explore the museum where you can see Olympic flames of years past.

Cost: €10 for general admission and €5 for seniors and students.

Athens is a huge city full of ancient history and there is a ton of sites I wasn’t able to include here (yet!). So next time you’re in Athens, be sure to just wander around the city. You’ll be amazed how many hidden ancient places you’ll come across! And if you just can’t get enough of historical Greek landmarks, don’t miss my post about ancient landmarks you can see outside of Athens! Explore passionately, friends.

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