Athens Walking Tour: A Self-Guided Experience
Self-Guided Walking Tour
Stop 1: The first stop on the walking tour of Athens is Hadrian’s Library. The library was built in the second century, and was the largest in the city. The building was created with a 3 story library, lecture rooms, gardens and walkways. It has been damaged, repaired and extended over time, but currently only portions of the structure have been excavated and preserved.
Stop 2: The second destination is one of the most well known and popular structures in Athens. The Acropolis has had several functions throughout history such as a palace, a citadel, and a place of worship to the gods. It is currently occupied by The Parthenon which is the most prominent and intact remains of The Acropolis’ history. This stunning marbled column structure was made as a Temple to Athena Goddess of War and Protector of the City. To climb to the top of The Acropolis and view the Parthenon it costs 20 Euro. Keep this ticket as you can access the Ancient Agora of Athens with this ticket. Alternatively, you can purchase a combo ticket for 30 Euro, that will get you into several other locations such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Stop 3: The next site is still within The Acropolis of Athens and is known as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. It is a Roman open air amphitheatre that was built in 161 AD. If you are lucky, you may even be able to catch classical musical performances whilst visiting this newly restored site.
Stop 4: The next stop on the walking tour is the Ancient Agora of Athens. You can use your entry ticket from the Parthenon to gain access to this site.The agora was once used as a cemetery, a meeting place, and a marketplace throughout its use. The Agora has been redesigned and reconstructed many times in it’s 5,000 year history.
