Best Historical Sites In Athens

Here are the best of Athens landmark historic sites that make up most of the city’s points of interests.

1. Acropolis

Acropolis of Athens is literally the centre of all the historic architecture there is in Greece. The elevated ancient citadel atop the highland can be seen from almost everywhere of Athens. It looks over the city like a guardian angel. There are derelict ruins of several old buildings, of which now only some columns and blocks are left. The Parthenon, dedicated to protector and patron goddess Athena, stands at the summit of Acropolis. This historical site in Athens is truly a landmark for the city and a reminiscence of the great civilization that once stood here and is by far the most famous monument in Athens.

2. Panathenaic Stadium

Built by the Romans in 4th century BC, this stadium hosted the Panathenaic Athletic contests. It is not as great or famous as the Games of Olympia, but to imagine an Athens historical site that hosted games in the BC era still stands is exciting. No one knows why the stadium was abandoned. It was put to use again in this era as the stage for the first ever modern Olympic Games in 1896.

3. Ancient Agora

One of the must-visit compounds of Athens, Ancient Agora was once the centre for trade, commerce, public meetings and social gatherings in Athens. Now it is a notable ancient Athens landmark. Eminent personalities like Socrates and Aristotle presided over debates here. The Stoa of Attalos, the Museum of the Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus are the main attraction sites in the Agora, other than the main courtyard itself.

4. Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Odeon of Herodes Atticus is an ancient theatre built by a Roman man of the same name, in memory of his deceased wife. It had natural acoustic capacities of exceptional quality and a seating capacity of 5000 people. This is one of the historical landmarks in Athens, Greece which is still functional. The Odeon hosts the Athens Festival of theatre, music and dance and lots of festivities.

5. Areopagus

Areopagus is a giant outcropping of a rock in the northwest of Acropolis. But it has great significance. The legend is that the rock was used for holding courts for crimes like homicide, wounding, arson and other matters. But what it is best known for is the trial of Ares, the son of Zeus and Hera for the alleged murderer of Halirrhothius, the son of Poseidon – the sea god.

6. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Temple of Olympian Zeus is the largest of the historical places in Athens. Dedicated to the King of Gods, this temple took nearly 700 years to be built. There were once a hundred marble columns in the majestic temple that matches the grandeur of its deity. But now only 15 or 16 of the columns are only standing.