Top Historical Places in Athens

Are you looking to explore the history of Athens through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Athens including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Athens. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Athens ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Athens, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Athens for a great trip!

Let's witness the history of Athens with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:

  1. Acropolis

    4.7 (15268 Votes)
    Acropolis

    Ancient Ruin, Historical Site, Architecture

    The Acropolis is one of the classical monuments in Athens that have defined its cityscape. Acropolis refers to a group of ancient Greek buildings lying at a slight height in the ancient city of Athens. The word Acropolis means “high city” and the Athenians made it sure to embellish their highest point with emblems of civilization. The monuments of this area, built sometime in the 5...Read more
  2. Parthenon

    4.8 (14029 Votes)
    Parthenon

    Ancient Ruin, Historical Site, Architecture

    The Parthenon is undoubtedly one of the most iconic structures in the Acropolis. It was built as a temple. The columns of the building surround the inner sanctum. This lovely piece of architecture was a tribute to the goddess Athena, after whom the city of Athens has been named. Although just a vestige of what it must have been at the time of its glory, the structure is still simply spectacula...Read more
  3. Erechtheion

    4.8 (13652 Votes)
    Erechtheion

    Ancient Ruin, Historical Site, Architecture

    Another testament to the astonishing architecture of the Ancient Greeks, the Erechtheion was built as a supplementary temple to the Parthenon in 420 BC. What strikes the visitor regarding its structure is its facade which consists of pillars built in the shape of women. At the time when this temple was built, the eastern part of it was dedicated to Athena, whilst the western part was dedi...Read more
  4. Theatre Of Dionysus

    4.7 (8413 Votes)
    Theatre Of Dionysus

    Ancient Ruin, Historical Site

    The Theatre of Dionysus may be a ruin but what a gorgeous ruin that is. The place in its hay days could accommodate a whopping 17000 residents of old Grecia. One of the oldest ones that have seen the light of day, the theatre was said to be the most prestigious in ancient times. Greece has been known as the motherland of drama as an art form. The Dionysus theatre was built at the time when 'dra...Read more
  5. Temple Of Athena Nike

    4.7 (14045 Votes)
    Temple Of Athena Nike

    Monument

    Temple of Athena Nike is in many ways the amalgamation of two different phases of history. The building stands for victory and was built for Athena in her victorious manifestation. A beautiful ode to her in white marble, the temple has well-preserved columns that render it an astonishing grace. It is hard to imagine that the monument was built so long ago. The temple isn’t the original o...Read more
  6. Ancient Agora

    4.7 (9058 Votes)
    Ancient Agora

    Ancient Ruin, Historical Site

    True to its central location in the center of the city, the Ancient Agora formed an important part of the social and political life of Greece in the ancient times. It consists of a set of buildings that included a court, a mint and various other political and social institutions. Used for a variety of purposes, the agora is definitely the kind of place you should visit with a guide; just to he...Read more
  7. Panathenaic Stadium

    4.7 (7905 Votes)
    Panathenaic Stadium

    Stadium, Historical Site, Heritage Building

    Constructed in 4th Century B. C, the Panthenaic Stadium is reclaimed to have hosted some of the most significant events in Athens. With a series of reconstructions since then, this stadium has become one of the best preserved stadiums from ancient Greece. Today, it can be utilized as a proper stadium in the city. This wonderful marble structure is certainly one of the must-see sights in Athens...Read more
  8. Temple Of Hephaestus

    4.8 (8416 Votes)
    Temple Of Hephaestus

    Monument

    The Temple of Hephaestus or the Hephaestieon is the temple dedicated to the Greek god of metal. This impressive structure with several columns was built in 415 BC. What is most impressive about the temple is the fact that it is one of the most well-preserved monuments from the ancient period. The columns are sturdy as well as beautiful and even the roof has weathered the odds and stayed strong...Read more
  9. Arch Of Hadrian

    4.5 (8311 Votes)
    Arch Of Hadrian

    Historical Site

    The Arch of Hadrian was erected in honour of the Roman emperor Hadrian sometime during the 131/132 A.D. An inscription on the western side of the arch states, ‘This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus.’ An inscription on the eastern side of the arch states, ‘This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus’. Thus, the Arch of Hadrian was built in such a way that it act...Read more
  10. Temple Of Olympian Zeus

    4.6 (5921 Votes)
    Temple Of Olympian Zeus

    Ancient Ruin, Historical Site

    The Columns of Olympian Zeus or the temple of Zeus is a structure that represents the magnificence of ancient Greece but lies in a state of decadence today. What used to be perhaps the largest temple in Greece now remains as a few odd columns. This doesn’t make it any less beautiful to see though. The temple used to have a whopping 104 columns and although only 15 remain now, one marvels...Read more
  11. Parliament

    4.1 (2265 Votes)
    Parliament

    Heritage Building

    The Parliament of Athens is an important site to the modern political city of Athens. Greece was where democracy began and this is the place that carries that torch today. The change of guard ceremony that takes place here every hour is an important tourist attraction. The building was constructed in the 1800s and has a neoclassical feel to it. Although you cannot enter the building it is wort...Read more
  12. Kerameikos Cemetery

    4.3 (3084 Votes)
    Kerameikos Cemetery

    Ancient Ruin, Cemetery

    The Kerameikos Cemetery is another remarkable thing to see in the Acropolis area of Athens. The cemetery is home to several graves from the ancient era. In spring, the flowers grow in the wild grass around the stone tombs making it a somber and yet beautiful sight to see. The ruins also have many sculptures and lovely engravings on them. Notably, Pythagoras, the Mathematician was buried here. ...Read more
  13. Roman Agora

    4.5 (3187 Votes)
    Roman Agora

    Historical Site, Architecture

    The Roman Agora to the North of the Acropolis is an interesting place to visit in Athens. The building has a spacious courtyard with ionic columns which were typical of that era. For a while, this place served as the main market of Caesar and Augustus. To validate this there is an inscription (IG II2 3174) on the architrave of the monumental Gate of Athena Archegetis ("Athena the Leader")which...Read more
  14. Odeon Of Herodes Atticus

    4.8 (5205 Votes)
    Odeon Of Herodes Atticus

    Historical Site

    The Odeon or theatre of Herodes Atticus is a lovely sight in the Acropolis. Standing in a gorgeous semicircle in the southern side of the Acropolis, the beautiful structure was made by Herodes for his wife. The stands, most of which have been restored in an amazing way, stand facing a stage which has a beautiful wall full of windows as its backdrop. It looks so grand even today; one can only i...Read more
  15. Temple Of Apollo

    Ancient Ruin

    Located in Corinth near Athens, the Temple of Apollo needs a must visit during your trip to this ancient city. Although it is an hour long trip, the ancient Corinth is worth the effort. Although all that remains of the temple of Apollo is a ruin but it is a ruin worth seeing. There is also a museum where you can learn all you want to know about the Acorocorinth; the ancient city of Corinth. Su...Read more