7 Must Visit Historical Tourist Spots in Athens, Greece

No visit to Athens is complete without checking out the plethora of historical sites for which the city is known. While the hill of the Acropolis is home to many of these, there are hidden gems throughout the Greek capital. Here’s our pick of must-see historical sites in Athens ranging from the iconic Parthenon to pristine examples of Ottoman-era architecture.

# Temple of Hephaestus

One of the most overlooked temples in Athens, the Temple of Hephaestus was designed by Ictinus (or Iktinos) and built in the 5th century BCE using marble from Mount Penteli. Standing near the Agora of Athens, it is one of the best-preserved Ancient Greek temples in the world. Originally dedicated to Hephaestus, god of metalworking and fire, the temple served as an Orthodox church from the 7th century until 1834.

# Parthenon

It goes almost without saying that a visit to the Parthenon in Athens is essential. The temple was built from 447-432BCE in homage to the goddess Athena. The Parthenon has served many purposes since its initial construction, including as a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and a mosque under the Ottoman occupation. A visit to Acropolis Hill, where the Parthenon is located, requires a certain amount of commitment (as well as sensible shoes and plenty of water), but once you reach the top you’ll be delighted that you made the journey. You can’t help but feel inspired and moved by the weight of so much beauty and history, while enjoying striking views down to the sea.

# Temple of Athena Nike

Dedicated to the goddess of victory, the Temple of Athena Nike is a smaller temple on the Acropolis and was built in 420BCE. Built in the Ionic order, the elegant columns feature fluted grooves in homage to the feminine elements of the goddess, while a continuous frieze around the temple depicts victorious narratives. It was designed by the architect Callicrates and is a beautiful example of designs from the High Classical Period.

# The Erechtheion

The Erechtheion (or Erechtheum) was built between 421-407BCE and is nestled on the northern side of the Acropolis in Athens. The temple was named after a shrine dedicated to Athenian hero Erichthonius and was built by architect Mnesicles. Upon its creation it was dedicated to both the god Poseidon Erechtheus and goddess Athena Polias, defender of the city. The temple is one of the city’s most famous thanks to its southern porch, featuring six caryatids – sculpted female figures that serve as columns.

# Kerameikos Cemetery

Located in downtown Athens, a short walk away from larger attractions such as the Acropolis, Kerameikos cemetery is a must-visit historical site. The area was named after the potters who originally lived in the area before it was turned into a cemetery, yet the ancient site was only discovered in 1861 when archeologists were excavating around the area. As well an ancient graves, the site includes the remains of a city wall built in 479BCE and the ruins of a road which once was used in the Panathenaic Procession.

# Agios Georgios Church, Lycabettus Hill

Perched on top of the Lycabettus Hill, the whitewashed chapel of Agios Georgios can be seen from much of central Athens and from it visitors can survey the whole city. While the Greek Orthodox chapel that stands today was built in the 18th century, traces of a temple dedicated to Zeus have been found on the site, while a Byzantine church dedicated to the prophet Elias also preceded today’s chapel. The chapel is accessible either by foot or funicular.

# First Cemetery of Athens

Built in 1837, the First Cemetery of Athens is the final resting place of revolutionary heroes, actors, poets, politicians, and important figures of society and the church. Located behind the Panathenaic Stadium, the cemetery is open to the public and a spectacular place for visitors to admire impressive tombs. Look out for the famous sculpture of a young girl called I Koimomeni (‘The Sleeping Girl’), sculpted by Yannoulis Chalepas from the island of Tinos. Beware of visiting after dark: many visitors report encounters with the resident ghost of Nikolas Batsaris (a wreath bearer who worked in the cemetery until his death).