Discover Ancient Athens

An ideal run, which can be done on foot from Hotel HERA, is a walk to the unified archaeological sites of Athens.
For the lovers of ancient civilization, but also for those wishing to enjoy a fabulous walk under the bright light of Attica’s sky, we suggest a walk in the unified archaeological sites of Athens, a fascinating journey through time!
You may start from Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, close to the Metro “Acropolis” station. As you walk on the spacious stone-paved street, you will have the feeling that you have passed, through a gate in time, into another era. On your right, the sacred rock of the Acropolis, with the columns of the Parthenon rising up proudly behind its walls.

ACROPOLIS


Synonymous with the eternal city of Athens, Acropolis of the 5th century B.C., as it stands proudly on the sacred rock, dominates the center of the modern city, a connecting link between the past and the present, a constant reminder of the glorious past. Its most important monuments are the Propylaea, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. The Parthenon at the center, dedicated to the Goddess Athena, patron of the ancient city, is a unique evidence of the creativity of the Athenian democracy, at the height of its glory.

Southern Slope of the Acropolis


There are several monuments here of religious and cultural nature. The Theater of Dionysus, the Theater of Herod Atticus built by the Romans in 161 AD and  still used today for classical concerts, ballet, performances of high cultural value, the Asklipeion, the Older Temple of Dionysus, the Newer Temple of Dionysus, the Thrasyllos Monument and the Arcade of Evmenis.

Ancient Agora


The Ancient Agora of Athens, northwest from the Acropolis, was the administrative, economic, educational and philosophical center of the city. It started since the period of Solon as a gathering place and gradually buildings and temples were built.

Monuments of Ancient Agora


The Temple of Hephaestus or Theseion, the Stoa of Zeus Eleftherios, where  Socrates is said to have met his friends and students, the Temple of Apollo, the Bouleutirion, where the 500 members of Parliament met, the Mitroon, where archives and documents of Parliament were kept, the Basileios Stoa where Socrates was formally charged with impiety by Meletus Altar of the Twelve Gods, the Odeon of Agrippa.

Further down to your right you’ll see the famous Herodeion, built by the Roman Tiberius Claudius Atticus Herodes in memory of his wife, where significant cultural events take place during the summer period. Continue your walk and on your left, just before the ascending path to Filoppapos Hill, lies the picturesque, 9th century A.D church of St. Dimitri Loubardiari, and at the foot of the hill the Prison of Socrates.  If you climb the hill, at the top rises the monument of Gaius Antioch Filoppapos, and the view is spectacular.

Going back down to the main street and on your left you will see the rocky formations of the Pnyx Fountain, one of the most famous in antiquity. Turning left on Aeginitou Street you can start your climb to the Hill of Pnyka with the open area of Pnyx itself at its upper point, where the assembly of the Athenians took place up to the 4th century B.C.

Back to the main street and you reach Theission square, a favourite meeting place for young people, with many cafeterias extending their tables on the sidewalks. A little further down the road curves and you meet Asomaton square, with the tiny 11th century church. You are now at the beginning of Adrianou Street, extending across the ancient Agora, with beautiful neoclassical buildings, cafeterias and many interesting eating spots, facing the Temple of Hephaestus. Walking to the left, on Ermou Street, you will soon reach the grounds of Kerameikos, known as the most important cemetery of ancient Athens. At its entrance the Museum exhibits significant burial findings.

Your walk could end here, but you have already had a condensed but comprehensive taste of the glorious past of this city. It is not a bad idea to go back to Adrianou Street and have a delicious meal in one of its many unique eating spots.

You can find a plaka hotel athens here!
HERA HOTEL Athens
Falirou 9, 11742, Acropoli, Athens, Greece
Τ: +30-210-9236682, +30-210-9235618
F : +30-210-9238269, E-mail:info@herahotel.gr
Business number: MHTE 0206Κ014Α001400
Αρ. Γ.Ε.ΜΗ 122818201000
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