Athens is the capital of the Greek country. But it is also one of the oldest cities in the world, and the cradle of ancient Greek culture. This very symbolic period of this country allowed the construction of many buildings in the city of Athens, which today are nothing more than ruins and vestiges of a bygone era. There are 7 monuments in this city which testify to a once powerful era for Greece, and which you should not miss during your trip!
Summary
- 1/The Parthenon
- 2/ The Hephaestion
- 3/The Theater of Dionysus
- 4/ The Agora of Athens
1/The Parthenon
Impossible to stay in Athens without visiting the symbolic and representative monument of the city! Built between 447 and 432 BC. AD and located on the Acropolis of Athens, the Parthenon was a temple containing a statue of the goddess Athena, and where the ancient Greeks came to make their offerings, and also served to protect the treasure of the city. We don’t really know more about the Parthenon, because on many occasions the monument was at the center of wars (Persian looting) and fires during antiquity. But in any case, this emblem of Athens symbolizes the greatness of a power of yesteryear, the democracy and the power of Ancient Greece.
2/ The Hephaestion
Built in honor of Hephaestus, the god of metallurgy, this temple is nowadays very well preserved and little ruined. Built between 449 and 415 BC. J.-C. under the orders of Pericles, the Hephaestus symbolized the Athenian power, the richness of its culture and its grandeur, in order to show that despite the destruction and looting caused by the battles against the Persians, Ancient Greece was still strong and powerful. The marble monument is finely decorated and detailed, and its preservation over the centuries is notable for the fact that the building served as a Christian church between the 7th century AD. AD until 1834.
3/The Theater of Dionysus
Named after the god of wine, the Theater of Dionysus is one of the most important theaters of ancient Greece and is considered the cradle of ancient Greek theater and the birthplace of the tragic genre. Every year, many rituals and festivals accompanied by theatrical performances were organized for the entertainment of the ancient Greek people and to honor the gods. The Theater was built around the 5th century BC. AD, and could accommodate up to 17,000 spectators in its stands.
4/ The Agora of Athens
The famous main square of the ancient city! A real gathering place, the agora was made up of shops, public sanctuaries, administrative and social complexes… The Ecclesia (the Citizen People’s Assembly) gathered in the agora to discuss political, financial and economic problems. , and participate in the democratic life of the city. Built around the 5th century BC. AD, the Agora of Athens was a cultural crossroads and an essential and important axis of communication for the city of Athens.
Article updated on 7 December 2022
