10 Best Famous Buildings In Greece - Updated 2024

famous buildings in greece
Tashi
Tashi 
Updated
| 5 min read

The ancient city of Greece has always attracted tourists due to the rich heritage it has in store for everyone. This country situated in southeastern Europe is truly an island country with thousands of islands spread across the Aegean and Ionian seas. Athens, the capital city in itself, is home to vintage vibes with the first Olympics being organized there. There is a lot of architectural marvel in Greece waiting to be explored by tourists, from famous buildings to small houses, all of these hold great significance to how the country is perceived across the world. Before your trip, make sure to book accommodation such as a hotel with a private pool in Greece. Visiting with family? There are also family-friendly hotels in Greece to accommodate you. Here is a list of the best famous buildings in Greece that you should explore. Scroll down to learn more.

1. Archaeological Museum of Rhodes

Archaeological Museum of Rhodes - interior court
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bernard Gagnon used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is one of the best places to visit in Greece. Rhodes Island is known for the ancient ruins. An architectural lesson in itself, Rhodes has become the modern capital for beautiful staycations and vacations. This museum features all the ancient ruins and archeological artifacts of the city and the neighboring cities as well. The museum has the Statue of the Crouching Aphrodite (1st century BC), inspired by a famous skeleton of the work created by the sculptor Doidalsas in the 3rd century BC. It also has the Pyxis of the Fikellura type (mid-6th century BC) and the head of Helios.

Archaeological Museum of Rhodes

Address: Akti Sachtouri 8, Rodos 851 00, Greece

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

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2. Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

L'ingresso al palazzo del Grande Maestro - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user patano used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Looking for things to do in Greece? Visit the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes or also known as Kastello. This is located in Rhodes and it is a medieval castle and a very fine and scarce example of Gothic architecture in Greece. Originally built to serve as a Byzantine citadel, this place was later converted to act as a palace, fortress and headquarters for King Hospitaller after the island of Rhodes was occupied by him. This palace is a treat to the eyes and a great place to display the heritage and culture of ancient Greece. Do visit this place to experience great learning about the medieval gothic architecture and empire.

Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

Address: Ippoton, Rodos 851 00, Greece

Website: Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

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3. Stoa of Attalos

Ancient agora of Athens
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user SiaKou96 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the many interesting things to do in Greece is exploring Stoa of Attalos in Athens. A stoa is a portico or a closed walkway. This stoa is named after King Attalos II of Pergamon, who ruled between 159 BC and 138 BC, and was built by him. The stoa was built by King Attalos II for the people of Athens to show gratitude for the education he had received in Athens. The stoa has more important historical significance as well in the modern history wherein 2003 Treaty of Accession of 10 countries – Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia – to the European Union was conducted in the Stoa of Attalos.

Stoa of Attalos

Address: Athens 105 55, Greece

Website: Stoa of Attalos

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

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4. Panathenaic Stadium

At the Panathenaic Stadium of Athens
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user George E. Koronaios used under CC BY-SA 4.0

What not to do in Greece? You should not miss the Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro. It is one of the main historic attractions of Athens in Greece. Constructed in the 6th century BC, this stadium is a multipurpose stadium. However, the unique part about this is that it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble! This was built initially on a simple racecourse to host the Panathenaic Games, which were held every four years and hosted various extravaganzas like religious celebrations, games, etc. Currently, the stadium is used as the last place where the Olympic torch is handed over to the host nation.

Panathenaic Stadium

Address: Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou, Athina 116 35, Greece

Website: Panathenaic Stadium

Opening hours: 7:30am - 8pm (daily)

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5. The Great Theatre of Epidaurus

View of the Great Theatre of Epidaurus
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user George E. Koronaios used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Great Theatre of Epidaurus is located in the greek city of Epidaurus. This is another marvel of the ancient greek architecture. The great theatre is believed to be the most aesthetically and profoundly sound architecture of a theatre in terms of acoustics and looks. In the ancient days, this theatre used to be a host of games and festivals in Greece held to worship Asclepius. In the modern-day, the theatre attracts a huge crowd of locals and tourists, and many performances are held here.

The Great Theatre of Epidaurus

Address: Epidavrou, Tripolis 210 52, Greece

Website: The Great Theatre of Epidaurus

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6. Achilleion Palace

Achilleion Terrace Corfu(2)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Thomas Schoch used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The empress of Austria, Elisabeth, also known as Sisi, was deeply taken aback by the unfortunate demise of her only son, the Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria, post the Mayerling incident in 1889. A year after this, she asked for this summer palace to be built, which she used as a refuge. Hence, this Achilleion Palace was built in Gastouri, situated on the island of Corfu in Greece. This property is now open to tourists as a museum. You can expect some mind-blowing and beautiful architecture here and learn about the empress who once lived here.

Achilleion Palace

Address: Achilleio 490 84, Greece

Website: Achilleion Palace

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

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7. Temple of Zeus, Olympia

Temple of Zeus in Olympia from the south
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wknight94 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Temple of Zeus, Olympia is a temple located in Greece, to god Zeus. This temple is a very fine example of the Doric order. the Doric order is one of the three orders (Orders refereed to a certain set of guidelines that the architecture should follow), the other two being Corinthian and Ionic, and was marked by simple circular capitals at the top of columns. The temple used to house the Statue of Zeus, which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. One must visit it for the sheer amount of history and marvel associated with this site.

Temple of Zeus, Olympia

Address: Archaia Olympia 270 65, Greece

Website: Temple of Zeus, Olympia

Opening hours: 8:30am - 8pm (daily)

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8. Fortress of Saint Mark

Corfu Old Fortress
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user MJJR used under CC BY 3.0

Built on the hill of Saint Mark, the Fortress of Saint Mark is a fortress built by the Venetian Republic in Corfu. The construction was spread across various stages. The original architecture was destroyed by the British when they captured this island. The current architecture standing was later built by the British. The brilliant architecture is a pleasure in itself. The fortress is divided into two levels. The lower level has a three-story building. Inside, there are various chambers, mazes and other amazing structures.

Fortress of Saint Mark

Address: Corfu

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

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9. Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens (Metropolis of Athens) in April 2019
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user George E. Koronaios used under CC BY-SA 4.0

King Otto and Queen Amalia laid the foundations of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens in 1842 on Christmas day. This Cathedral lies in Athens and it is a spectacular beauty. The construction took over 20 years, and three head architects have overseen the building of this marvel. Workers have taken marbles from 20 demolished churches and joined all of them to make this beauty. The cathedral is surrounded by various statues and churches which are a sight to be seen in themselves. This cathedral is used for important religious ceremonies, weddings, and funerals of notable personalities.

Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens

Address: Mitropoleos, Athina 105 56, Greece

Website: Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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10. Acropolis and Acropolis Museum (from USD 59.61)

famous buildings in greece | acropolis and acropolis museum

Museums are the best way to get to know about the city. This monument of Acropolis in Athens is now turned into a museum. You can attend the informative tour where the guide will explain to you the various events and importance of these related to this monument. The tour will leave you astonished with the number of facts and significance of this place. If you want your tour to be more intimate and need more attention to the guide, you can opt for a private tour. Be assured that you will have a day well spent when your tour is over.

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Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour

Duration: 4.0 hour

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Experience Greek architecture

Aren’t all of the above buildings a sight of marvel and splendor? When you are in Greece, you have to visit the monuments and buildings to experience the Greek and Roman architecture and bask in the glory of the olden days. If you are a person who has a little inclination towards ancient history or if you are fascinated by the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations and gods, do visit these places.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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