Athens is packed with history, and now you can experience its top sites for free on select days! Here’s everything you need to know to visit the most famous museums and archaeological sites in Athens without spending a euro. From November through March, you can visit many of Athens’ top historical sites and museums for free on the first Sunday of each month. Here are some must-visit spots:
The Acropolis and Parthenon
Experience Greece’s most iconic landmark, the Acropolis, topped by the Parthenon, built in the 5th century BCE. The Parthenon’s unique design was constructed with subtle curves to look straight from afar!
- Fun Fact: The Parthenon originally housed a massive gold-and-ivory statue of Athena, the goddess of wisdom.
- Tip: Visit early to beat the crowds and enjoy a panoramic view over Athens.
Ancient Agora
The Agora was the bustling heart of ancient Athens, where democracy was born and philosophers like Socrates debated ideas. Highlights include the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus.
- Fun Fact: The Agora is home to one of the oldest law courts in the world!
- Tip: Don’t miss the Museum of the Ancient Agora inside the Stoa of Attalos, displaying artifacts from daily life in ancient Greece.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
One of the largest temples ever built in ancient Greece, it took nearly 700 years to complete. Today, only 15 of its original 104 columns remain, standing as impressive reminders of its grand scale.
- Fun Fact: Roman Emperor Hadrian finally completed the temple, almost 600 years after construction began.
- Tip: After visiting the temple, check out Hadrian’s Arch, a stone’s throw away, marking the boundary between old Athens and Roman Athens.
Roman Agora
Funded by Julius Caesar and Augustus in the 1st century BCE, the Roman Agora served as an extension to the Ancient Agora. Its most striking feature is the Tower of the Winds, an ancient weather station.
- Fun Fact: The Tower of the Winds contains an ancient water clock and is considered one of the earliest meteorological stations in history.
- Tip: Wander around and see the Agora’s mix of Roman and Greek architectural styles.
Kerameikos Archaeological Site and Museum
Known for its ancient cemetery, Kerameikos offers insight into Greek burial customs. The area also served as a pottery district, which is where we get the word “ceramic”!
- Fun Fact: Elaborate funerary stelae (grave markers) here honor prominent ancient Athenians.
- Tip: The on-site museum holds beautiful grave markers and pottery from ancient Athens.
Additional Free Admission Days
Besides the first Sundays of winter months, you can also visit many Athens museums and sites for free on special cultural dates you can find out more on : https://www.thisisathens.org/Looking for a place to stay in Athens? We offer midterm and long-term homes tailored to your desires to find a home any place you go! Book now via https://booking.homestorybooking.com/rentals/holidays-rentals-rentals-d0/
Roman Agora
Funded by Julius Caesar and Augustus in the 1st century BCE, the Roman Agora served as an extension to the Ancient Agora. Its most striking feature is the Tower of the Winds, an ancient weather station.
- Fun Fact: The Tower of the Winds contains an ancient water clock and is considered one of the earliest meteorological stations in history.
- Tip: Wander around and see the Agora’s mix of Roman and Greek architectural styles.
Kerameikos Archaeological Site and Museum
Known for its ancient cemetery, Kerameikos offers insight into Greek burial customs. The area also served as a pottery district, which is where we get the word “ceramic”!
- Fun Fact: Elaborate funerary stelae (grave markers) here honor prominent ancient Athenians.
- Tip: The on-site museum holds beautiful grave markers and pottery from ancient Athens.
Additional Free Admission Days
Besides the first Sundays of winter months, you can also visit many Athens museums and sites for free on special cultural dates you can find out more on : https://www.thisisathens.org/Looking for a place to stay in Athens? We offer midterm and long-term homes tailored to your desires to find a home any place you go! Book now via https://booking.homestorybooking.com/rentals/holidays-rentals-rentals-d0/