{"id":17667,"date":"2024-05-28T09:08:28","date_gmt":"2024-05-28T13:08:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/?p=17667"},"modified":"2025-10-16T12:48:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T10:48:56","slug":"greek-ruins-in-athens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/greek-ruins-in-athens","title":{"rendered":"An Insider\u2019s Guide to Greek Ruins in Athens"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A trip to Athens wouldn\u2019t be complete without visiting Greek and Roman ruins, but can you tell them apart? Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll take you through the most important Greek ruins Athens has to offer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Exploring ruins in Athens could keep you occupied for weeks, but if you only have time to see the highlights, here are the <strong>best Greek ruins in Athens you can\u2019t leave without seeing<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/pexels-jokassis-14810353-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"aerial view of athens\" class=\"wp-image-16973\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/pexels-jokassis-14810353-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/pexels-jokassis-14810353-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/pexels-jokassis-14810353-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/pexels-jokassis-14810353.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Put on some walking shoes and get ready to explore Greek ruins in Athens. Photo credit: Jo Kassis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #443d47;color:#443d47\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #443d47;color:#443d47\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/greek-ruins-in-athens\/#What_are_the_most_important_Greek_ruins_in_Athens\" title=\"What are the most important Greek ruins in Athens? \">What are the most important Greek ruins in Athens? <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/greek-ruins-in-athens\/#What_exactly_is_the_Acropolis\" title=\"What exactly is the Acropolis?\">What exactly is the Acropolis?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/greek-ruins-in-athens\/#The_Theater_of_Dionysus\" title=\"The Theater of Dionysus\">The Theater of Dionysus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/greek-ruins-in-athens\/#Propylaea\" title=\"Propylaea\">Propylaea<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/greek-ruins-in-athens\/#Temple_of_Athena_Nike\" title=\"Temple of Athena Nike\">Temple of Athena Nike<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/greek-ruins-in-athens\/#Parthenon\" title=\"Parthenon\">Parthenon<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/greek-ruins-in-athens\/#Erechtheion\" title=\"Erechtheion\">Erechtheion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/greek-ruins-in-athens\/#The_unique_monument_of_Lysicrates\" title=\"The unique monument of Lysicrates\">The unique monument of Lysicrates<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/greek-ruins-in-athens\/#The_sprawling_cemetery_of_Kerameikos\" title=\"The sprawling cemetery of Kerameikos\">The sprawling cemetery of Kerameikos<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/greek-ruins-in-athens\/#Greek_Agora_The_bustling_center_of_Ancient_Athens\" title=\"Greek Agora: The bustling center of Ancient Athens \">Greek Agora: The bustling center of Ancient Athens <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/greek-ruins-in-athens\/#Filopappos_Hill_A_walk_in_the_park_amongst_history\" title=\"Filopappos Hill:  A walk in the park amongst history \">Filopappos Hill:  A walk in the park amongst history <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/greek-ruins-in-athens\/#Run_an_Olympic_lap_at_the_Panathenaic_Stadium\" title=\"Run an Olympic lap at the Panathenaic Stadium\">Run an Olympic lap at the Panathenaic Stadium<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_most_important_Greek_ruins_in_Athens\"><\/span><strong>What are the most important Greek ruins in Athens? <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Athens is a city with layers and overlapping layers of history\u2013 it has been inhabited since the 11th millennium B.C.. Dozens of wonders from ancient times still make up the terrain of the modern city, and ruins peek out of almost every corner and neighborhood.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve gathered our list of top ancient Greek ruins in Athens to give you <strong>an insider&#8217;s guide to the most impressive and important Greek ruins you can see in the city<\/strong>. Let\u2019s start with perhaps the most famous \u2013 the Acropolis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/walks_athens_pristine_02-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Guide explaining ancient sites in Athens, Greece\" class=\"wp-image-12372\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Are you ready for your crash course in Greek ruins?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_exactly_is_the_Acropolis\"><\/span><strong>What exactly is the Acropolis?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Acropolis (<em>Athens, 105 58<\/em>) is a<strong>n ancient citadel that presides over all of Athens<\/strong>\u2013 atop the sheer cliff face stand monumental columns which are visible from the streets and cafes and parks for miles. It is the heart of the modern city, as it was the ancient one.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Acropolis is the name of the hill, also called the Sacred Rock<\/strong>, but the site is made up of several different ruins clustered together, each which served a different purpose. If you begin your walk in the neighborhood of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/plaka-athens\">Plaka<\/a>, you will hit each of these incredible structures one by one. Some of the most impressive are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Theater_of_Dionysus\"><\/span><strong><strong>The Theater of Dionysus<\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This ancient theater is located right inside the entrance of the Acropolis archaeological site, on the lower sloping sides of the hill. Performances were put on during the festival of Dionysus, and thus <strong>this ancient theater is where almost every ancient Greek play premiered<\/strong>\u2013 the great works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides were all put on here.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Propylaea\"><\/span><strong><strong><strong>Propylaea<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Propylaea was the main entrance to the Acropolis of Athens and was the pathway up to the ancient citadel tread by the ceremonial Panathenaic Way procession. <strong>Today you too can walk through the great marble columns on your way up to the top.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Temple_of_Athena_Nike\"><\/span><strong>Temple of Athena Nike<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t miss that off to the side of the Propylaea you will see the <strong>Temple of Athena Nike<\/strong>. This is dedicated to Athena in her form as a goddess of victory and is held up by curling ionic columns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Parthenon\"><\/span><strong>Parthenon<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The most majestic and most important building on the Acropolis is the Parthenon. This ancient temple to Athena is almost fully intact and will truly take your breath away with the magnitude of the columns. <strong>The temple was made up of almost 22,000 tons of marble brought in from nearby Mt. Pentelus.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Erechtheion\"><\/span><strong>Erechtheion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This smaller temple on the North side of the Acropolis was also dedicated to Athena. <strong>It is most famous for its Caryatid columns<\/strong>\u2013 columns sculpted in the shape of four women bearing the weight of the building atop their intricately carved heads.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/walks_athens_day_03-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Man with a backpack and sunglasses looks out at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece\" class=\"wp-image-12385\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Acropolis is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Athens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traveler&#8217;s tip<\/strong>: Want to learn more about visiting Athen&#8217;s top monument? Check out our 9 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/visiting-the-acropolis-tips\">Tips for Visiting the Acropolis<\/a>. From  opening times to the best ways to avoid the crowds, we&#8217;ve got you covered! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_unique_monument_of_Lysicrates\"><\/span><strong>The unique monument of Lysicrates<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The monument of Lysicrates is located not far from the Acropolis and stands alone amongst more modern buildings. It is the <strong>only surviving example of a choragic monument\u2013a monument built to commemorate the winner of an ancient Greek choral prize<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This one was dedicated to Lysicrates in 334 BC. The monument has small marble columns arranged in a circle on top of a pedestal. Above that is a delicately carved frieze showing a favorite story from Greek mythology of the god Dionysus turning some pirates into dolphins.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/The_Choragic_Monument_of_Lysicrates_on_August_23_2022-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A group of people walking past the Lysicrates monument. \" class=\"wp-image-17671\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/The_Choragic_Monument_of_Lysicrates_on_August_23_2022-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/The_Choragic_Monument_of_Lysicrates_on_August_23_2022-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/The_Choragic_Monument_of_Lysicrates_on_August_23_2022-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/The_Choragic_Monument_of_Lysicrates_on_August_23_2022.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In Athens you don&#8217;t have to go far to stumble upon Greek ruins. Photo credit: George E. Koronaios<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_sprawling_cemetery_of_Kerameikos\"><\/span><strong>The sprawling cemetery of Kerameikos<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/ancient-cemetery-of-kerameikos\">The ancient cemetery of Kerameikos<\/a> (<em>Ermou, 148<\/em>) is a lessor-known archaeological site, but its truly fascinating. The cemetary is filled with hundreds of <strong>tombs and grave-markers that illuminate not just how the ancient Athenians died, but also how they lived<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inside the site are also two monumental gates that the Athenians used as starting points for two of their most important festivals. Kerameikos is a perfect spot for a visit if you\u2019re a bit tired of the busy streets around the Acropolis, and looking to enjoy some ancient history along with some greenery.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/3175992479_54cb6b932e_h-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"The cemetery of Kerameikos on a sunny day in Athens. \" class=\"wp-image-17670\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/3175992479_54cb6b932e_h-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/3175992479_54cb6b932e_h-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/3175992479_54cb6b932e_h-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/3175992479_54cb6b932e_h.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Get up close and personal with Greece\u2019s ancient past. Photo credit: Shadowgate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Greek_Agora_The_bustling_center_of_Ancient_Athens\"><\/span><strong><strong>Greek Agora<\/strong><\/strong>: <strong>The bustling center of Ancient Athens <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ancient Greek Agora (<em>Athens, 105 55<\/em>) was the <strong>political, economic, and legal center of ancient Athens<\/strong>. In the Agora juries debated, courts were tried, wares were traded, and laws were created. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, ruins of these structures remain, some restored to superb condition. We think the most impressive is the Stoa of Attalos, once an ancient market, now fully restored into a museum and archaeological research center.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the opposite side of the Agora, out in the open air, you can see the temple of Hephaestus, one of the best preserved Doric temples in the country. If you compare the temple of Hephaestus to the Acropolis you will notice several similarities in style and construction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Temple_of_Hephaestus_from_ancient_agora_Athens-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"The temple of Hephaestus at the Ancient Agora in  Athens, Greece. These are well intact Greek ruins in athens.\" class=\"wp-image-17764\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Temple_of_Hephaestus_from_ancient_agora_Athens-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Temple_of_Hephaestus_from_ancient_agora_Athens-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Temple_of_Hephaestus_from_ancient_agora_Athens-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Temple_of_Hephaestus_from_ancient_agora_Athens.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The impressive structures at the Greek Agora are still in great condition. Photo credit: Jebulon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Filopappos_Hill_A_walk_in_the_park_amongst_history\"><\/span><strong>Filopappos Hill<\/strong>: <strong> A walk in the park amongst history <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not far from the Agora is <strong>Filopappos Hill, also called the hill of the muses<\/strong>. The hill and the surrounding valley have been made into a large park with little footpaths curling around the trees and ruins. We recommend strolling around and listening to the music buskers often stationed around the area before climbing up the steep inclines.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you make it to the top of Filopappos, you will see a monument to a monument the exiled Roman Prince Gaius Julius Antichus Philopappos of Commagene, as well as <strong>incomparable views\u2013 of the Acropolis, the sprawling buildings of Athens, and the Aegean Sea to the south<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On your way back down you can also check out a small building said to be the prison where Socrates, the great Greek philosopher died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Athens_-_View_from_Filopappos_hill_-_panoramio-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"People sitting at Filopappos looking at Greek ruins in Athens.\" class=\"wp-image-17669\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Athens_-_View_from_Filopappos_hill_-_panoramio-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Athens_-_View_from_Filopappos_hill_-_panoramio-600x398.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Athens_-_View_from_Filopappos_hill_-_panoramio-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Athens_-_View_from_Filopappos_hill_-_panoramio.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Climb Filopappos to be rewarded with some stunning views. Photo credit: Dimitrios Brousovana<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Run_an_Olympic_lap_at_the_Panathenaic_Stadium\"><\/span><strong>Run an Olympic lap at the Panathenaic Stadium<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.panathenaicstadium.gr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Panathenaic Stadium<\/a>, also known as the <em>Kallimarmaro<\/em> or \u201cgood marble\u201d stadium is a bit outside of the path most tourists tread. This marble amphitheater was first built to host the Panathenaic Games, <strong>a sporting competition that honored the goddess Athena<\/strong> in her eponymous city, Athens.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The stadium originally had bleachers made of wooden seats, but it was renovated several times\u2013 first in 329 BC, then in 140 BC, and finally in 1986 AD to host the first modern Olympic games. The modern Athens marathon concludes in this stadium every year. On days without sporting events, you can take a jog around the track yourself, or ascend to the nose-bleed seats to catch a clear view of the Acropolis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/marco-montero-pisani-uygx1wcKQgc-unsplash-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Kalimarmaro, where the first Olympic Games were held in Athens is one of the Greek ruins in Athens sites. \" class=\"wp-image-17668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/marco-montero-pisani-uygx1wcKQgc-unsplash-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/marco-montero-pisani-uygx1wcKQgc-unsplash-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/marco-montero-pisani-uygx1wcKQgc-unsplash-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/marco-montero-pisani-uygx1wcKQgc-unsplash.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Take a jog or walk around the track and imagine what this stadium was like back in ancient Greece. Photo credit: Marco Montero Pisani<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Seeing all these ancient Greek ruins jutting up from the geography of modern Athens is one of our favorite things about this city. It\u2019s truly stirring seeing what the ancient Greeks accomplished, and the way these monuments still stand and rule over the city today.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related Reading: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Make sure you also check out our guide to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/roman-ruins-in-athens\">best Roman ruins in Athens<\/a>. There are hundreds of years\u2019 worth of monuments, temples, and structures amongst and on top of the ancient Greek ones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> &#8230; <a title=\"An Insider\u2019s Guide to Greek Ruins in Athens\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/greek-ruins-in-athens\" aria-label=\"More on An Insider\u2019s Guide to Greek Ruins in Athens\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70,"featured_media":12384,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[677,678],"tags":[674,1117],"ppma_author":[1338],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>An Insider\u2019s Guide to Greek Ruins in Athens<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Curious about the best Greek ruins in Athens? 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