When planning for Athens, one of the topmost priorities in the mind of every traveler is their visit to archaeological sites. And rightly so. Because the history of this beautiful country can be best understood by spending time at these marvelous historical locations. Today we take you to the 7 best archaeological sites of Athens that you must visit during your holidays in Greece.
1. Acropolis Hills & Parthenon
The naturally fortified hills of the Acropolis has been inhabited since the neothilic era. In the 6th Century B.C it was declared the most important sanctuary of the city dedicated primarily to goddess Athena. Acropolis was subsequently adorned with the first temples and other buildings. The Parthenon, Propylaia, Erechtheion, the Sacred Rock, Sanctuary of Arthemis Brauronia and Athena Nike Temple are the buildings that dominate today.
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2. Hadrian’s Library
Hadrian’s Library is an ancient archaeological site tucked away in one corner of Monastiraki Square right in the city center. Built in 132 AD by the Roman emperor Hadrian, the complex had apart from the library, lecture auditorium, music auditorium and two churches. These are believed to be one of the oldest Christian churches in Athens. The courtyard served as a civic center during the Roman days.
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3. Ancient Agora
The Ancient Agora of Athens was a large public square northwest of the sacred hill of the Acropolis. The open square was gradually surrounded by administrative buildings, altars, temples, stoas and fountain houses. The Agora was the heart of public life in the city. It was the seat of administrative officials, the judiciary, religious center and where religious celebrations, commercial transactions, musical & theater performances and athletic contests took place. Let’s walk around and feel the Agora spread over a huge area.
Temple of Hephaistos
The Temple of Hephaistos is a Doric peripheral temple with a fore temple, an inner shrine and a rear temple and is the best preserved of its type in the Greek world.
Stoa of Attalos
The Stoa of Attalos, a gift of Attalos II, King of Pergamon, to the Athenians was constructed on the east side of the Agora in the 2nd century B.C. The building was 120 m long and had two floors. It had two series of columns on the interior and 21 shops at the back of both floors, which could be rented by the Deme (township) of Athens to merchants.
The Stoa was a meeting place and a place to stroll and converse, as well as a commercial center of the time for the Athenians. It was destroyed during the Herulian incursion of 267 A.D. and later was incorporated in the Late Roman Fortification wall of Athens. This place is now a museum.
In 1987 the archaeologist Ang. Matthaiou discovered this stone from storage and identified it as the third stone of the inscribed base with the other two already displayed in the museum from before.
Also Read: Local transport, hotel & fun on your first day in Athens
4. Roman Agora
The Roman Agora was built in the 1st century B.C to primarily replace the Ancient Agora as the commercial center. Emperor Hadrian subsequently expanded it in the 2nd century B.C. The towering Gate of Athena Archegetis came up in the 11th century B.C and still stays as a prominent landmark. It is again located next door to Monastiraki Square.
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5. Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus is one of the most important and ancient sanctuaries in Athens. It was built by Deucalion, the first ancestor of the Greeks as a tribute to Zeus for his salvation and a marble temple built later where both Zeus and emperor Hadrian were worshiped as co-equals.
6. The Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium is the first stadium in the world to be built entirely out of marble. Built in 6th century B.C and renovated in 1896, it was the venue of the first modern Olympics. Currently it has a total capacity of 60,000 spectators.
Also Read: 3 Happening Neighborhoods of Athens
7. The Ancient Gymnasia of Athens & the Lyekion
We start off our visit to this beautiful location with the ‘The Gardens of the Byzantine Museum’ and the museum itself. The gardens are an oasis in the heart of the city where visitors can take an imaginary journey through history and art.
Three small themed exhibitions of historic and archaeological interest are presented here in the gardens. The Well-Cistern, on how Athens was supplied with water from ancient times to the present; Paradise, on the Byzantine concept of Paradise in life and the afterlife; and The River Ilissos, on the development of the fluvial landscape on the banks of the Ilissos from antiquity to modern times.
Byzantine Museum
The Ancient Gymnasia of Athens – Lyceum
Functioning as a training facility for public games competitors, it was one of the three oldest gymnasias of ancient Athens. The word gymnasium comes from the ancient Greek term Gymnos meaning naked or nude. Only adult male citizens were allowed to use the gymnasia.
Lyceum of Aristotle
The Lyceum was a temple dedicated to Apollo Lyceus. In 334 B.C Aristotle founded his Peripatetic School of Philosophy within the premise. Not much remains of the structure today at the site.
The Archaeological sites of Athens are the perfect way to understand rich Greek history. However to do that you would need to set aside at least two full days when you come visiting the capital city. And then walk around, experience and enjoy.
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What an eyeopener this post has been. I haven’t visited Athens myself but up until now just thought the Acropolis was the main archaeological site to visit. I hadn’t realised there were so many more. The views from the Temple of Hephaistos look glorious and to step foot in the location of the first Olympics must be exciting.
Yes Angie it was such an eye opener for us as well. While most focus on Santorini and Mykonos, Athens itself so very charming. We just loved it and of course the other islands as well.
Athens is one of my favourite places on the planet. Ever since I studied about the Greek art & architecture. Your post brought back some fond memories. I remember going to Parthernon first thing in the morning before lots of people came in and it was awesome. The temple of Hephaistos was a surprise for me with its size and views. I did visit all these places except the 2 lyceums.
Yeah Bhushavali. We too loved Athens very much and the location that we were staying in near Monastiraki square made it all the more exciting.
These archaeological sites in Athens are awesome places giving us a glimpse back into history of an amazing civilization. Architectural sites like Parthenon, Agora, Hadrian’s library, temple of Hephaistos, and the Byzantine museum give us so much to learn about Greek philosophy, the effort that went into creating these astounding architecture and how it was an important seat of knowledge. And the pictures are awesome!
Your post comes just in time. We are thinking about a visit to Greece (Pelepones) in February and we would like to spend a few days in Athens as well. Last time we have been was almost 30 years ago. Back then we visited some of the sites you mention, but I can barely remember them. Did you go inside the Byzantine museum as well? I recently got quite interested in Byzantine frescoes – so a visit sounds intriguing to me.
Ni Natascha. Byzantine museum was closed the day we were there. But you must visit because I understand it’s really interesting.
These archaeological sites in Athens are awesome places giving us a glimpse back into history of an amazing civilization. Architectural sites like Parthenon, Agora, Hadrian’s library, temple of Hephaistos, and the Byzantine museum give us so much to learn about Greek philosophy and how it was an important seat of knowledge. And the pictures are awesome!
Thank you Puloma.
Thanks Puloma.
I got an introduction to Greek literature during my graduation days. And it has fascinated me since then. I am amazed how the structures have withstood eras. The ancients must have been really strong to make those pillars! I have Hadrian’s Library and the marble stadium on my wish list now.
Yeah then you would certainly love Athens Ambica. It’s a treasure of archaeological delights.
Everybody who appreciates heritage and traditions ought to put Athens on their travel wish list. These archaeological sites have me incredibly astonished and in wonder. Naturally, my top two choices are the Acropolis and the Parthenon. The notion of visiting these deserving locations soon excites me greatly.
Absolutely Maria. These sites are truly an eye opener.
Your post reminds me how much I love Athens and Greek cities in general, there is so much history that has been preserved and they are around most courners. Great pictures; I now want to go back.
We too would love to go back to Athens once again Nicole if possible. The vibe of the city was extremely attractive.
We were stunned by how many architectural sites we saw in Athens. It is so wild to see the ruins standing right in the middle of the city. It was stunning to see the Parthenon from almost anywhere in the city. I am sad we missed seeing the Temple of Hephaistos when we visited. It looks like a peaceful spot to enjoy in the city. The Byzantine Museum would give us an interesting view into the history. Lots for a return visit to Athens.
We too loved being in Athens Linda and what we experienced there surpassed our expectations. Would love to go back back again. Even if it is for a day.
It’s such an excellent guide to the most exciting places in Athens. As a teenage girl, I was in Athens long ago and didn’t remember many places well. Therefore, I would like to revisit them and see this city’s most important and exciting ancient monuments. The biggest impression when I was a teenager was the Acropolis, and I would like to spend more time in this place now. Also, Hadrian Library is fabulous, with old buildings and churches. Stoa of Attalos is pretty impressive as it’s 120 m long. Also, I would love to revisit the Stadium, as it’s the first Stadium in the world.
Thanks Agnes. Yes there are so many reasons to revisit Athens again for you. Am sure this time your experience will be just fantastic as Athens has so much to offer.
These archaeological sites in Athens are awesome places giving us a glimpse back into history of an amazing civilization. Architectural sites like Parthenon, Agora, Hadrian’s library, temple of Hephaistos, and the Byzantine museum give us so much to learn about Greek philosophy and how it was an important seat of knowledge. And the pictures are awesome!