TEMPLE OF OLYMPIAN ZEUS (NAOS TOU OLYMPIOU DIOS)

Dedicated to the chief of the mighty Olympian Gods, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was envisaged to be the greatest temple in the ancient world at the onset of its construction in the 6th century BC. However, the world did not see the structure in all its glory till the construction was completed around 638 years later by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. With 104 towering columns and two colossal statues (one of Zeus and one of Hadrian himself), the temple was the largest in the country. Explore at your own pace Alas, its days of glory were short-lived. In the 3rd century AD, the temple was pillaged by barbarians. After this, it fell into disuse and was possibly never repaired. Even as a ruin, the temple is a sight to behold and is one of Athens' most important archaeological sites. Explore the site at your own pace, as you try to envision how magnificent the temple would have been with all its columns and statues. The multilingual audio guide delves into the temple's history and its influence on later architecture and art, highlighting its enduring influence.

Meet your tour guide and begin your tour with a visit to the Panathinaiko Stadium, an arena built out of pure marble that hosted the first international Olympic Games in 1896. You will then head to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a cenotaph dedicated to Greek troops who lost their lives in the war. Proceed to the Greek Parliament building and the Presidential Palace, the seat of modern Greek politics. Other intriguing sights on the walking tour include the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Athens Trilogy, Hadrian’s Arch, and St. Paul’s Church. The Acropolis, one of the country’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites, will be the final highlight of the walking tour. Marvel at the imposing vertical columns designed and put in place to serve as a citadel in the 5th century BC! Explore the four galleries inside the Acropolis Museum and learn about Greek history and how its culture evolved over the centuries. From artifacts that served as everyday objects for the ancient Greeks to exquisite portraits and sculptures, the Acropolis Museum has an assortment of fascinating exhibits.

From the Acropolis to the Ancient Agora, see Athens’ most legendary sites with a guided tour or explore at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide. Getting started Your visit begins at the Acropolis, where you’ll either meet your guide at the designated entry point or start your self-guided tour with an audio guide. If you’ve chosen a guided tour, your expert will introduce the site's history before leading you through this ancient citadel. What to expect The Acropolis Walk through the Propylaea, the grand gateway to the Acropolis, and soak in sweeping views of Athens. Explore the Parthenon, the crown jewel of classical Greece, as you learn about its construction, famous sculptures, and how it evolved over time. Visit the Erechtheion, known for its elegant Caryatid columns, and the Temple of Athena Nike, dedicated to the goddess of victory. Your guide (or audio tour) will share the myths behind these temples, including Athena and Poseidon's legendary rivalry for Athens. Head down to the Theater of Dionysus, the birthplace of Greek drama, where ancient playwrights once staged their works. Stop by the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman amphitheater still hosting performances today. Acropolis Museum (optional) Upgrade your ticket to explore artifacts from the Acropolis, including the original Caryatids, the Parthenon Marbles, and the Frieze of the Parthenon. Visit the museum’s underground excavation, where an ancient Athenian neighborhood is preserved beneath glass floors. Additional archaeological sites (optional) Depending on your ticket, access up to 6 other archaeological sites: Ancient Agora: The center of Athenian democracy, home to the Temple of Hephaestus. Roman Agora: A later marketplace built under Roman rule, featuring the impressive Tower of the Winds, an ancient weather station. Temple of Olympian Zeus: One of the largest temples of the ancient world, dedicated to Zeus. Hadrian’s Library: A grand Roman-era structure built by Emperor Hadrian. Kerameikos: Athens' ancient cemetery. Aristotle’s Lyceum: The original site of Aristotle’s famous school of philosophy. Old Town (Plaka) (optional) Opt for an Athens Old Town audio guide to explore Plaka’s historic streets, Byzantine churches, and local tavernas while learning about the city’s evolution.