The times of Alexander The Great are long gone, but some things always survive the ravages of time, just like the buildings in Athens. Athens is rich in medieval culture and traditions with Byzantine history in its roots. Well, we all avoid talking about the past but these famous buildings in Athens will take you on a journey to the past which, on the contrary, will not just grab your attention but make you fall in love with it. It is a win-win situation. Christmas is just around the corner and after that, we have New Year’s Eve - a long vacation for sure. So, how about packing your stuff and grab the hand of your loved one and take a nice trip to Athens, the cupid’s land and enjoy some astonishing views and take a feel of Athens culture. To simplify your search, here is a list of some famous buildings in Athens that are worth a visit. While you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to book a stay at a luxury hotel or a hotel with a pool to make your stay more convenient.
1. Temple of Poseidon at Sounion
Built in the fifth century BCE, Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is a major monumental attraction of Athens. The temple is located at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula. It is a peripheral building set in a Doric order with 34 pillars out of which 13 have survived the years of degradation. The inscription in the temple especially mentions the temple to be the dedication to Poseidon, the twelve Olympians according to Greek history. The beauty of the Aegean sea can be easily cherished from this famous building in Athens.
Temple of Poseidon at Sounion
Address: Cape Sounio, Sounio 195 00, Greece
Website: Temple of Poseidon at Sounion
2. The neoclassical trilogy
Located on Panepistimiou Street in the centre of the city, the neoclassical trilogy is a group of three elegant buildings. As the name suggests, these buildings are a classic example of neoclassical architecture which makes them the most famous buildings in Athens. The building has a marvellous architecture, designed in the mid-19th century by Bavarian architects Hansen and his student Ziller. This place is the busiest spot in Athens it houses a University, library and the Academy of Athens. If you are a history enthusiast and have a keen eye for beauty, then this place is a must visit.
The neoclassical trilogy
Address: Omonoia 28, Athina 106 79, Greece
Website: The neoclassical trilogy
3. The Acropolis
Talking about Athens, the capital of Greece, one can never neglect the world of Greek God and Goddesses. Athens has an endless list of buildings but some of the most famous buildings in Athens are temples like The Acropolis. The Acropolis is built on a rocky hill high above the city as one of the great temple dedicated to Goddess Athena, the soul of Athens. The history of Athens begins and ends with The Acropolis. So, never ever forget to visit this awesome tourist attraction.
The Acropolis
Address: Athens 105 58, Greece
Website: The Acropolis
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4. The Greek Parliament
Known for its embellishment and neoclassical architecture, The Greek Parliament aka Hellenic Parliament is a famous Athens building that was built between 1836 and 1842. It is one of the most famous buildings in Athens as it was originally built as a home to Greek Emperor, King Otto I. Located on the north of Syntagma square, this building has three floors which were destroyed in the fire in the year 1909. This restored version of the building is also called Old Palace.
The Greek Parliament
Address: Syntagma Square, Athens 10671, Greece
5. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre
Established in 2016, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre is a building in Athens offering various sources of entertainment. This environment-friendly building is a multifunctional complex located in the bay of Faliro offering facilities like the National Library of Greece (NLG), Stavros Niarchos Park and the Greek National Opera (GNO). This complex is designed by architect Renzo Piano and the funding for the same is given by Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre
Address: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece
6. Historical Museum of Athens
Founded in 1882, The Historical Museum of Athens is one of the oldest museum housing the wonderful collection of the Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece (IEEE). The museum also stores the historical items dating back to the capturing of Constantinopolis by the Ottomans in the year 1453, to Greek revolution and the Second World War. The rooms and corridors of this Athens building are filled with an exquisite collection.
Historical Museum of Athens
Address: 13 Stadiou, Athens 105 61, Greece
Website: Historical Museum of Athens
7. The Temple of Zeus
Located at Olympia, the Temple of Zeus is built in the second quarter of the fifth century BCE. The Temple is a classic example of ancient Greek architecture. The temple is a dedication to the earth mother, Gaia. The construction of the temple was started in 470 BCE and completed in the 457 BCE. The average height of the temple is 68 feet (20.7 meters) designed by the architect, Libon of Elis, in Doric style. The Temple of Zeus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The Temple of Zeus
Address: Athens 105 57, Greece
8. Panathenaic Stadium
Built in the 6th century BC, Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, is one of the famous buildings in Athens as it is the only stadium in the world built with marble. Located between the two hills of Agra and Ardettos, Panathenaic Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium excavated in the year 1869 and host to the first modern Olympics games’ opening and closing ceremonies.
Panathenaic Stadium
Address: Vassileos Konstantinou Avenue | Vassileos Konstantinou Avenue, 999-20, Athens 999-20, Greece
Website: Panathenaic Stadium
9. The Temple of Hephaestus
The temple is built on the name of the patron god, Hephaestus and goddess, Athena. Hephaestus is the god of metalworking, craftsmanship, and fire and Athena is the goddess of pottery and crafts. The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the most famous buildings of Athens as well as the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece. The construction of this ancient Athens building began in 449 BCE and was completed in 415 BCE. Located on the top of Agoreos Koronos hill, the Temple of Hephaestus is another classic example of Dorian architecture.
The Temple of Hephaestus
Address: 24 Adrianou St. | Ancient Agora of Athens, Athens 105 55, Greece
10. Erechtheum Temple
Located on the northern side of the Acropolis, Erechtheum Temple or Erechtheion is another Greek temple dedicated to the Greek hero Erichthonius, a great ruler of Athens during the Archaic period. The temple is also dedicated to the goddess, Athena and god, Poseidon. The construction of the temple began in 421 BC and was later completed in the year, 406 BC. The architectural style of the Erechtheum Temple is Ionic.
Erechtheum Temple
Address: Athens 105 58, Greece
Mystery to be resolved
The famous buildings in Athens are numerous but these top buildings are definitely worth a visit. Athens is highly rich in culture and traditions which can be traced back to its history. And the history learnt from these survivals of ravages of time is worth a look.