Architecture sights in Athens
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Panathenaic Stadium
The first modern Olympic Games, in 1896, were held in the imposing Panathenaic (or Panathenian) marble stadium, on the site of the original 4th-century BC stadium built for Panathenaic athletic contests. The Romans held gladiatorial contests where thousands of wild animals were slaughtered and it was later rebuilt by Herodes Atticus for the Panathenaic Festival in AD 144. The stadium was completely restored for the 1896 Olympics and for the 2004 Games. The stadium, which is known as the Kalimarmaron (meaning ‘beautiful marble’), made a stunning backdrop to the archery competition and the marathon finish. Public access is limited, but it is a site to behold.
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Roman Agora
The city’s civic centre under Roman rule was moved to this partly excavated site, where you can see the foundations of several structures, including a 1st-century, 68-seat public latrine to the right of the entry, and a propylon (entrance) at the southeastern corner. The well-preserved Gate of Athena Archegetis, flanked by four Doric columns, was erected in the 1st century AD and financed by Julius Caesar. The Fethiye Djami mosque on the northern side of the Agora is one of the city’s few surviving reminders of Ottoman times. Predating the Agora is the fascinating Tower of the Winds.
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Hadrian's Arch
Hadrian's Arch is a lofty monument of Pentelic marble that stands where busy Leoforos Vasilissis Olgas and Leoforos Vasilissis Amalias meet. It was erected by Hadrian in AD 132, probably to commemorate the consecration of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The inscriptions show that it was also intended as a dividing point between the ancient city and the Roman city.
The northwest frieze bears the inscription 'This is Athens, the Ancient City of Theseus', while the southeast frieze states 'This is the city of Hadrian, and not of Theseus'.
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Athens Olympic Complex
Athens' newest landmark is the massive Athens Olympic Complex. The showpiece stadium where the main action took place in 2004 is crowned by the striking glass and steel roof designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The vast complex includes numerous stadiums and futuristic design elements, such as the shimmering Wall of Nations.
You can only visit on an organised tour - minimum 15 people. If you are travelling independently, you can send a request to join another tour by fax or email.
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Panagia Hrysospiliotissa
Above the Theatre of Dionysos, you will see an indistinct rock-strewn path leading to a grotto in the cliff face. In 320 BC Thrasyllos turned the grotto into a temple dedicated to Dionysos. The tiny Panagia Hrysospiliotissa (Chapel of our Lady of the Cavern) is now a poignant little place with old pictures and icons on the walls. Above the chapel are two Ionic columns, the remains of Thrasyllos' temple.
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Panathenaic Way
The Panathenaic Way, which cuts across the middle of the Acropolis, was the route taken by the Panathenaic procession - the climax of the Panathenaia festival held to venerate the goddess Athena. There were actually two festivals: the Lesser Panathenaic Festival took place annually on Athena's birthday, and the Great Panathenaic Festival was held on every fourth anniversary of the goddess's birth.
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Cecropion
The northern porch of the Erechtheion consists of six graceful Ionic columns; on the floor are the fissures supposedly cleft by Poseidon's trident. This porch leads into the Temenos of Pandrossos, where, according to mythology, the sacred olive brought forth by Athena grew. To the south of here was the Cecropion - King Cecrops' burial place.
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Temenos of Pandrossos
The northern porch of the Erechtheion consists of six graceful Ionic columns; on the floor are the fissures supposedly cleft by Poseidon's trident. This porch leads into the Temenos of Pandrossos, where, according to mythology, the sacred olive brought forth by Athena grew. To the south of here was the Cecropion - King Cecrops' burial place.
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Areopagus Hill
Diagonally opposite the main Acropolis entrance, you’ll see new stairs leading up to the hallowed rocky spur of Areopagus Hill (the worn steps got too dangerous for most). Once the meeting place for the supreme council, contemplative tourists and romantics are found there at all hours enjoying superb views over the Ancient Agora.
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Agios Nikolaos Rangavas
The lovely 11th-century Agios Nikolaos Rangavas was part of the palace of the Rangavas family, who counted among them Michael I, emperor of Byzantium. The church bell was the first installed in Athens after liberation from the Turks (who banned them), and was the first to ring in 1833 to announce the freedom of Athens.
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Church of Kapnikarea
Right in the middle of the Ermou shopping mall is the tiny 13th-century Byzantine Church of Kapnikarea. The cruciform-style domed church was nearly destroyed to make way for progress, but was saved and restored by Athens University.
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