I visited the cemetery twice: the first time in April 2014, and the second time on the 31st December 2025.
Both times, it was cloudy and windy.
And it seemed that the wind, blowing among the cypress trees that surrounded the graves, whispered their words: „Don’t forget about us…“

Thessaloniki, Zeitenlik, the Serbian Military cemetery – Srpsko vojničko groblje

Visitor information for the Zeitenlik Military Cemetery

Location: Mikis Theodorakis Avenue, 136 (formerly known as Langada Street), about 1,5 km from the city centre of Thessaloniki.
It is easily accessible by taxi or on foot. From the centre, you can catch a bus, and it takes about 20 minutes; line 27 from Egnatia Street, line 29 from Aristotelous Square, or lines 38/56 from the Train Station/Vardari.

Visiting hours: it is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM (hours may vary slightly during winter or public holidays).
Entrance: Free of charge.

Serbian Military Cemetery

A few words about the history of the Zeitenlik Military Cemetery

The cemetery complex is situated in a place where the former Main Hospital of the Serbian Army was during the war.
By the way, its name comes from the Turkish word Zeytin, which means Olive. During the Ottoman Empire, there was a market for selling olive oil (zeytin) at this place.

After the end of World War I, the Allies decided to bury all the dead soldiers in a common cemetery. This area was chosen since it was bare ground and outside the city walls. Meanwhile, Thessaloniki has grown into a big city, and today, the cemetery is close to the centre.

An agreement about the cemetery was signed on the 20th November 1920, by the Greek Governor-General of Thessaloniki, Anastasios Adossides, and allies Vojvoda Živojin Mišić (Serbia), General Jean Noël Boucher (France), Field Marshal George Francis Milne (United Kingdom) and Colonel Curgio Giamberini (Italy).

The Greek government bought a piece of land and ceded it for cemetery construction. All the materials for the construction were brought from Serbia, without paying customs duties and taxes. The cypress seedlings brought from Hilandar were planted around the Serbian Cemetery.

The project was started in 1926 by the design of architect Aleksandar Vasić, and later by Nikolaj Krasnov, a Russian architect. The finishing works started in 1933 under the architect Budimir Hristodulo, one of the 1,300 Corporals, and lasted until the end of 1936. In the same year, on the 11th of November, the Armistice Day of World War I, the mausoleum, chapel and crypt were officially consecrated.

Zeitenlik, the Serbian Military Cemetery

The Serbian Military Cemetery

Passing through the front iron gate, the city crowd and noise remain outside, and time stops. Everything is so quiet, and you can only see numerous rows of marble crosses and cypress trees…

There were more than 20,000 Allied soldiers who died between 1915 and 1918 and were buried in the Zeitinlik cemetery.
Besides the Serbian soldiers, there are French, Italian, Russian, and British soldiers, whose graves were organised in five sectors, depending on the nationality.

The Mihailović Family, guardians of the Serbian cemetery

The first guardian of the Serbian Cemetery was Savo Mihailović, a Serbian soldier volunteer from Grblje near Boka Kotorska. From 1926, he led a group that visited over 250 cemeteries to find the soldiers’ graves. They collected soldiers’ remains and moved them to the new cemetery of Zeitenlik. Savo died in 1928, and he was buried in this cemetery.

Đuro Mihailović continued his father’s work. He saved the cemetery and its relics from Nazi looting during the Second World War. And Đuro was buried next to his father in the Zeitelik cemetery in 1961. Then, the duty of cemetery guardian fell to Đorđe, the last male descendant of the Mihailović family.

Đorđe Mihailović

Eh, everyone knew and respected Uncle Đorđe, as he was usually called…
He was born in Thessaloniki on the 1st May, in 1928, and he spent his whole life at the Zeitenlik cemetery, taking care of the Serbian graves. For years, he greeted everyone who visited this place, the tourists, presidents, soldiers’ descendants, politicians, and schoolchildren. Uncle Đorđe was always dressed in a military suit, with a Serbian cap on his head and a smile on his face.

He knew the layout of every grave, many names by heart, which family came from which region, and a lot about Serbian history. Usually, he said, “I promised my father I would not leave them alone.” With a trembling voice, he was telling the stories of soldiers, so that the heroes who did not return to their homes and loved ones would not be forgotten.

Đorđe Mihailović, April 2014

Traditionally, he offered a small glass of the Serbian rakia for the repose of the souls of the Serbian warriors. 

We had the great honour and opportunity to meet this extraordinary man in April 2014. This photo is a nice memory of Uncle Đorđe.

Memory of Đorđe Mihailović, Zeitenlik, April 2014

Đorđe passed away on the 2nd of July, 2023, at the age of 96. Although the new burials are forbidden, it was allowed that Đorđe could be buried near his father, grandfather, and the Serbian soldiers. 

The Republic of Serbia awarded him with the Order of the Serbian Flag, second degree, and the Order of Saint Sava, first degree. In 2013, a documentary film “The Last Guardian” was made about him, while a memorial bust dedicated to Đorđe was placed in front of the house in 2024.

Memorial bust of Đorđe Mihailović, Zeitenlik

Today, visitors are welcomed by curators Krstimir Tzopas and Olga Tasić.

The Serbian Mausoleum-Ossuary 

The Serbian cemetery of Zeitenlik is the largest sector with the graves of 7,440 soldiers from World War I and 129 from World War II.
Its landmark is an impressive mausoleum-ossuary, designed by the architect Aleksandar Vasić, and built between 1933 and 1936.

Zeitenlik, the Serbian Military Cemetery

On the frontal side of the mausoleum, there is a mosaic of Saint Archangel Michael.
The famous verses of Vojislav Ilic Jr. are carved on the cemetery chapel:

“Unknown stranger, if you accidentally pass
By this sacred common grave
Know that it is the eternal shelter
For the greatest heroes of today”.

Serbian mausoleum

The entrance to the chapel is located on the other side of the mausoleum.

Serbian Chapel at the Zeitenlik Cemetery, Thessaloniki

The names of all the Serbian military units that participated in the battle of the Thessaloniki front are inscribed on the vault and walls of the chapel. The mosaic in the chapel, with motifs from medieval Serbian frescoes, was made by the Greek artist Voila.

In the middle of the chapel, you can see a chandelier cast from cannon shells from the legendary Kajmakčalan, made in the shape of a Serbian crown. By the way, the “crown”, which is around 200 kg, was inverted as a sign of mourning for the suffering of Serbian soldiers during the First World War.

Inside the Serbian Chapel

The Serbian ossuary and graves

Entrance and inside the Serbian ossuary

Below the plateau with the chapel, there is a crypt. Around the stairs that lead to the central room, you can see various items, including photos, medals, caps, small statues, and flags.

Various items inside the Serbian ossuary

From the central room of the crypt, narrow side corridors branch off. The walls are covered with white marble slabs with the names of the Serbian soldiers buried there. Actually, the bones of 5,580 Serbian soldiers were placed there.

Zeitenlik, Serbian ossuary

Around the mausoleum, there are 10 plots where another 1,440 Serbian soldiers were buried.

It is difficult to describe the feeling that we experienced while walking among the graves. Small pebbles crunch under our feet, although we walk slowly and respectfully, because it is not just a cemetery. It is something much more; it is a sacred place that preserves the memory of human struggle, pain and sacrifice.

The Serbian graves of the Zeitenlik Military Cemetery

The throat tightens, and tears appear in the eyes.
The soul silently screams with each read name on the white crosses.
Soldiers, captains, corporals, fathers and sons, brothers and neighbours, known and unknown…
They are all there, together, forever.

And how many unrealised dreams and unfulfilled desires were cut short because of war, the struggle for power and authority? They were only defending their homeland…

Zeitenlik, the Serbian graves

Zeitenlik Cemetery

Also, there are two common graves. In one, 78 unknown Serbian soldiers from the Thessaloniki front were buried. In the second grave, 217 unknown Serbian warriors, who had been transferred from Constantinople, were buried.

Zeitenlik, Serbian graves (left) and the Russian monument (right photo)

Allied Cemetery

As I have mentioned, the soldiers were buried in five sectors, depending on their nationality.

Photo with Allied soldiers, the Museum of White Tower

◊ The Russian sector

 The Russian sector is located within the Serbian cemetery, where 496 Russian soldiers and officers were buried. In 2000, the monument made of black granite by the sculptor George Kikotis was placed in the cemetery to honour the Russian soldiers.

The French sector

The French sector contains the largest number of tombs. Actually, there are 8,310 corpses, of which 8,102 are individual tombs, and 208 are in ossuaries. From France, there were 6,347 soldiers, 1,222 from Senegal, 398 from Madagascar and Indochina, and 343 from North Africa. The red chapel is also situated near the graves, and close to it, there is a white monument dedicated to the Greek soldiers.

The red French Chapel, the graveyards and a white monument dedicated to the Greek soldiers

In 2014, with funding from the French Ministry of Defence, the old residence of the cemetery guard was restored in the Museum of the French Military Cemetery, where historical artefacts, photographs, maps, and documents are displayed.

French graves

◊ The British Commonwealth Cemetery

The British Commonwealth Cemetery of Zeitenlik contains the graves with tombstones of 1,648 Commonwealth soldiers and also 45 Bulgarian ones. Interestingly, only one woman was buried in Zeitenlik cemetery. It is Katharine Mary Harlay (1855–1917), the British Red Cross nurse who led the group of nurses serving the Serbian people. Catherine died during the bombardment in Bitola, on 17^th March 1917, and only her grave has a cross in the British Cemetery. The Catherine monument was erected by the Serbian Army in gratitude for her help and work, with carved words:

The generous English Lady and great benefactress of the Serbian people
Madame Harlay

“A Great Lady,
On your tomb instead of flowers,
The gratitude of the Serbs
Shall blossom there.
For your wonderful ful acts
Your name shall be known from generation to generation”.

The Italian sector

The Italian sector is situated to the left of the Serbian cemetery. It contains the bodies of 3,000 Italian soldiers who died at the Albanian Front of World War I.

Tradition of the Zeitenlik Military Cemetery

Every year, on the 11th of November, veterans of World War I come to the Zeitenlik Cemetery to put the floral tributes in memory of the fallen soldiers. Today, this tradition is continued by the representatives of the allied nations.

The rows of white crosses, uniform and disciplined even in death, serve as a poignant reminder of sacrifice and historical brotherhood. 

So, if you visit Thessaloniki, take the time to visit the Zeitenlik cemetery.

As Đorđe Mihailović once said to visitors: “As long as someone comes, they are not forgotten”.

Although I visited Thessaloniki a few times, I always found something new and different. And every time, I enjoy looking at the Byzantine churches, relaxing in trendy cafes along the waterfront, and tasting delicious Greek food in traditional taverns in the Ladadika quarter.

This travel guide will help you discover the major highlights of the town, churches, museums, how to get there, dining recommendations, shopping areas, and the nearest beaches, if you want to combine your trip with seaside relaxation.

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How to get to Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki can be reached in several ways.

By road
Most visitors arrive in the city by car following the Egnatia Odos motorway (part of the European route E90). The National Road Patra-Athens-Thessaloniki-Evzoni connects the city to Athens (about 500 km away) and the Greek border Evzoni (82 km away).
KTEL buses connect Thessaloniki with various cities across Greece. For example, the trip from Athens takes around 6–7 hours.

By plane
The Makedonia International Airport (SKG) is located 15 km from the city centre. The airport is connected with direct flights to Athens and many European cities, especially during the summer. From the airport, you can take the bus line 01X by day, or line 01N at night, a taxi, or arrange a private transfer to the centre.

By train
Thessaloniki is connected by train to Athens (a journey takes around 4-5 hours) and other parts of Greece, including Larissa, Volos, and Alexandroupoli. Check the schedule here.

By sea
The Thessaloniki port is one of the most important ports in Southeastern Europe, at the northwest corner of the Aegean Sea. It is situated in the centre of the city. Mostly, the port serves commercial purposes, but there are ferry connections for passengers to the North Aegean islands, the Cyclades, and the Sporades islands.

Thessaloniki Bay

A few words about the history of Thessaloniki

The area around the town has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

The town of Thessaloniki was founded by King Cassander of Macedon in 315 BC, on the site of the ancient Greek town of Therme. He named the town after his wife, Thessalonike, the daughter of King Philip II and the half-sister of Alexander the Great.

For a short time, it became an important naval base and a centre for trade and culture. The town had its own mint and issued currency with the sign of Thessaloniki in 187 BC.

During the Roman period, Thessaloniki became the capital of the second Roman administrative district of Macedonia. Several magnificent monuments were constructed, whose ruins can be seen even today. Then, it was the second-largest city of the Byzantine Empire, after Constantinople.

Throughout history, Thessaloniki was attacked by numerous enemies: Avars, Slavs, Bulgarians, Saracen pirates, Normans, Crusaders, and Venetians. In 1430, it was conquered by the Ottomans and stayed under its rule until 1912, when it became part of the Kingdom of Greece.

Today, it is a modern town of over one million people. It preserves traces of previous civilisations, which are incorporated into the urban life.

Thessaloniki, the White Tower

What to see and do in Thessaloniki

The town has a rich history due to its strategic position in Greece and Europe. You can see ruins and monuments of various periods while walking through the whole town. The best way to explore the town is on foot, but you can take a bus, taxi or metro to reach the sites.

Roman ruins

In the early 4th century BC, Thessaloniki became the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia.
A glorious imperial complex was built during the reign of the Roman emperor, Caesar Galerius Maximianus. Some of its parts can still be seen today, but most were buried under modern buildings. The complex consisted of the Royal Palace, the Hippodrome, the Rotonda, and the Arch of Galerius.

The Royal Palace and the Hippodrome

Today, the ruins of the Royal Palace are situated at the Navarionou Square. The complex of Galerius’ residence consists of several impressive buildings. The palace and rooms were located at the centre, surrounded by a courtyard, elaborate baths, corridors with mosaic floors and marble pavings. The Octagon building served as the throne hall. Its small Arch of Galerius can be seen today at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.

Royal Palace, mosaic and the small Arch of Galerius, Archaeological Museum

The Basilica was used for the official audiences, while the Apsidal Hall served for banquets and other ceremonies.
The Hippodrome, approximately 450 meters long and 95 meters wide, was a place for fun and performances. Only small fragments of the hippodrome can be seen today under the residential building of Ippodromiou Square.  

Ruins of the Royal Palace of Galerius

Rotonda (Rotunda)

The Rotonda is one of the most important archaeological sites in the city, built about 306 AD as Galerius’ mausoleum. It later became a church, then a mosque during the Ottomans, and then again an Orthodox church dedicated to Saint George. Its beautiful mosaics are among the oldest Christian works of art.

Thessaloniki Rotonda

The Rotonda and Arch of Galerius

Arch of Galerius (Kamara)

Once, the Rotonda and the marvellous Arch of Galerius were connected with a grand, collonaded processional way. This route was part of the main Egnatia road, which today intersects Egnatia and Dimitriou Gounari streets.

Arch of Galerius

The triumphal arch consists of a masonry core. It was probably built between 298 and 305 AD to commemorate the victory of Galerius over the Persians, as indicated on marble sculptural panels. Today, we can see about two-thirds of the arch, and it still looks magnificent. 

Arch of Galerius with marble panels

Roman Forum (Ancient Agora)

The Roman Forum is located at the upper side of Aristotelous Square. It was built at the end of the 2nd century AD, on the site of a pre-existing Hellenistic Agora. The forum served as the administrative, economic and social centre of Thessaloniki until the 6th century AD.

The forum complex consisted of two monumental squares (one is still buried under Aristotelous Square), Roman baths, a small odeon used for gladiator games, two-storey stoas, and mosaic floors. The various items found in the Roman Forum can be seen in the small underground Museum of the Roman Forum.

Ruins of the Roman Forum

Roman and Byzantine ruins at the Thessaloniki Metro stations

By the way, the construction of the Thessaloniki Metro started in 2006, but it was officially opened at the end of 2024. The discovery of important archaeological findings was the reason for the delay for years. Actually, over 130,000 archaeological artefacts from various periods were found during its construction.

Thessaloniki Metro station Venizelou: the archaeological site of the Roman and later Byzantine Decumanus Maximus, the first level

The major discovery was a marble-clad, column-lined Decumanus Maximus, the main east–west avenue, together with shops, houses, and a public square. It was found running along the route of the Via Egnatia (today Egnatia Street) at 5.4 metres below ground level.

Open museum at the Venizelou Metro station

We must acknowledge that the constructors did an outstanding job of building an underground museum to preserve this archaeological site. There is also a small museum within the next metro station, Agia Sofias, similar to the Syntagma metro station in Athens.

The monuments from the Byzantine period 

During the Byzantine era, Thessaloniki was the second city of the Byzantine Empire, after Constantinople. It was a major trade and military centre on the Roman road, Via Egnatia, and also an important centre for Christianity in the Balkans.

Due to its unique architecture, 15 churches and monuments in Thessaloniki were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988, known as the Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki. On the list, besides the churches, there are the City Walls, Rotonda, and the Byzantine Bath.

You can read more about the 15 Byzantine Churches and Monuments of Thessaloniki here.

But now, let’s mention the most important of them.

City walls and Castle of Thessaloniki

The first walls were built in the 3rd century BC by Cassander, king of Macedonia, who founded the town. Throughout the centuries, they were rebuilt by various rulers. Today’s wall ruins date back to the early Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

East Wall of Acropolis

At the top of the hill, you can find the Castle of Thessaloniki. It is also known as the Heptapyrgion or Yedi Kule, as the Ottomans called it. By the way, its name means the Seven Towers, even though it has ten towers.

City Walls and Heptapyrgion of Thessaloniki

Today, we can see the ruins of the Byzantine fortress and the buildings from the period when it served as a prison. Part of the fortress is the impressive Trigionou Tower, rebuilt by the Ottomans.

The Trigoniou Tower and Ano Poli houses

Around the fortress, on the top of the hill, there is the Old Town of Thessaloniki, known as Ano Poli, or Upper Town. It is the oldest part of Thessaloniki, which survived a Great Fire in 1917. From the Upper Town, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the town, Mount Olympus and the blue Aegean Sea.

A view of Thessaloniki from Ano Poli

Well, it was interesting walking up the hill from the centre of the town. This picturesque neighbourhood is filled with narrow cobbled streets, colourful houses of traditional architecture, flowered gardens, winding alleys, and souvenir shops. And when you get tired of walking along the city walls and the fortress, take a break in the small cafes and traditional taverns with local dishes.

Houses in Ano Poli, Thessaloniki

Famous Byzantine churches 

The most important church in the town is the Church of Agios Demetrios, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Saint Demetrios. 

The first church was built in the 4th century AD, when Emperor Constantine the Great made Christianity the official religion of the Byzantine Empire. It was believed that the grave of Saint Demetrious is miraculous, and thousands of pilgrims visit it every year. The church was converted into a mosque, and then again into the Christian church.

The feast of Saint Demetrius is celebrated on October 26, which is also a public holiday to celebrate the liberation of Thessaloniki from Ottoman rule in 1912.

Church of Saint Demetrios

The stunning Church of Agia Sophia was built in the 5th century, inspired by the famous Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. Like other churches, it was converted into a cathedral, then into a mosque, and into an Orthodox church in 1912.

Church of Agia Sophia

A few modern churches…

Besides the magnificent Byzantine churches, there are several modern and interesting churches, as well.

The Church of Agios Gregorios (Saint Gregory) Palamas is the Metropolitan church of Thessaloniki. It was built in 1914, in Eclectic-Byzantine style. The church is dedicated to one of the most important saints, Gregory Palamas, who was the city’s Archbishop from 1350 to 1359. His relics are kept inside a special chapel of the church.

Thessaloniki Metropolitan Church of Saint Gregory Palamas

The Church of Saint Paul the Apostle is located in the Ano Poli neighbourhood. According to tradition,  a spring of water existed at the foothills of Kedrinos Hill, where the Apostle Paul drank water during his visit to Thessaloniki in 50 AD. So, the spring became known as the “Holy spring of Apostle Paul” and attracted numerous pilgrims for centuries. A small church dedicated to him was built in 1922 at this place, after the liberation.

Close to it, on the hill, the large and stunning Church of Saint Paul was built in the 1970s. From the balcony of the temple, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city.

Church of Saint Paul the Apostle

Church of Panagia Dexia is located close to the Arch of Galerius, in Egnatia Street. It was built in 1956, in Byzantine and modern neoclassical style.

Church of Panagia Dexia

Probably the church got its name because of the icon of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus on the right side, not on the left. So, it is called “Dexia”, or “Dexiokratousa”, which means right-handed/right side.

Inside the Church of Panagia Dexia

The White Tower

The landmark of Thessaloniki is the White Tower, standing on the waterfront promenade, in Nikis Avenue.

It was built in the 15th century by the Ottomans, as part of the city’s fortification, on the site of an old Byzantine tower. The White Tower is 34 meters high, and it has six floors connected by stairs. Once, the tower was surrounded by a low octagonal wall, which was demolished in 1917.

The White Tower

The Ottomans used the tower as a fort, a garrison, and also as a prison. By the way, in the 18th century, it was known as the Kalamaria Fortress. After the massacre in 1826, it was called the Tower of Blood or the Red Tower. The current name dates back to 1890, when it was whitewashed by a convict in exchange for his freedom. Today, the tower has a light brownish-yellow colour, but it has kept its name.

After the liberation in 1912, it became the symbol of the city. In 1985, the Ministry of Culture took over the White Tower, restored it, and transferred it into a museum, organised by the Museum of Byzantine Culture. Visitors could see items from Thessaloniki’s history, from antiquity to modern times. Also, various temporary exhibitions are held at the tower.

Thessaloniki, inside the White Tower Museum

And don’t miss climbing to the top for panoramic views of the Ano Poli, Thermaic Gulf and Mount Olympus on clear days.

A view from the top of White Tower

During the Christmas and New Year periods, it was fantastically illuminated by an LED show.

The White Tower by night

The Ottoman mosques and market

The oldest mosque in Thessaloniki is the Hamza Bey Mosque. It is located at the intersection of Egnatia and Venizelou streets, where the Venizelou metro station is today.

The mosque was built in 1460 and named after Hamza Bey, an Ottoman admiral and envoy of Sultan Mehmed II. It was abandoned in the 1820s, and after the liberation in 1912, it lost its religious purpose. For years, it was used as a cinema called the Alcazar, which is how many locals know it. In 2006, the Greek Ministry of Culture started a restoration, which is expected to be finished this year.

The Hamza Bey Mosque

Close to the Hamza Bey Mosque, at Venizelou and Solomou streets, you can find the Thessaloniki Bezesteni market. It was built in the 15th century by Mehmet II, in a rectangular shape covered with six domes.
By the way, the Turkish word Bezesteni or Bedesten is derived from the Persian word “Bezzazistan”, which means “fabric market.” Before the Great Fire of 1917, there were 113 shops in the bedesten. Even today, it houses various shops.

The Bezesteni market

Ishak Pasha Mosque or “Alaca Imaret” is located in Ano Poli. It was one of the most important buildings in Thessaloniki. The mosque was constructed in 1484 by the Grand Vizier, Ishak Pasha. Probably it gets its name from the minaret known as alaca, which means “colourful”, because it was fully covered with diamond-shaped colourful stones.
Today, it is used as an exhibition space for the Municipal Gallery of Thessaloniki.

Ishak Pasha Mosque or “Alaca Imaret”

Turkish Baths

The Bey Hammam is the oldest and most impressive Ottoman bath, located at Archaia Agora Square, along Egnatia Street. It was built in 1444 by Sultan Murat II on the ruins of an older Byzantine church.

This Ottoman bath was also known as the “Baths of Paradise”. It had separate rooms for men and women, and it operated until 1968. For years, it was used for cultural events and exhibitions. Now, it is closed to the public because of renovations over the last several years.

Bey Hamam, Ottoman bath

The Yahudi Hamam is another large Ottoman bath, built in the 16th century. It is located at the intersection of Vasileos Irakleiou and Frangini streets. Its name means “Jewish Baths”, because many Sephardi Jews lived in this neighbourhood. It is also known as the Pazar Hamam because it is just across Agora Modiano, the most popular market in town. The bath had two separate sections for men and women, and it was open until the early 20th century. Today it is closed to the public.

Yahudi Hamam

The Yeni Hamam means “new hamam” in Turkish. And this hamam was built in the 16th century by Khusref Kenkhuda, a property owner in Thessaloniki who probably served as administrator for the Vizier Sokolou Mehmet Pasha. It had separate sections for men and women.

After the liberation in 1912, it became property of the Greek public. For years, it has served as a warehouse, a cinema, a concert hall, and today, it is used as the Aigli Geni Hamam, bar & restaurant.

Yeni Hamam

Aristotle (Aristotelous) Square 

The Aristotle Square is the main square, and one of the favourite meeting spots in Thessaloniki, both for locals and visitors.

It is located in the heart of town, stretching to the waterfront promenade. This beautiful square was designed by the French architect Ernest Hébrard in 1917 after the Great Fire, which destroyed two-thirds of Thessaloniki. The neoclassical buildings with red colonnades and arches on their facades were built in the 1950s and restored in the 2000s.

Thessaloniki, Aristotle Square, June 2021

The luxurious 5-star Electra Palace Hotel is located on the west side of the square. From the cafe on the hotel roof, you can enjoy an amazing view of the square and the sea. The Olympion Cinema is on the east side. It is also the seat of the Thessaloniki Film Festival, which is held every November.

Aristotle Square, Electra Palace Hotel (left), Olympion Cinema (right), on the 31st December 2025

Aristotle Square is a popular tourist place with cafes and restaurants, and also a venue for various cultural, musical, political events, and demonstrations. During the Christmas and New Year’s Eve periods, the square transformed into a fairy place with a big Christmas tree and interesting LED decorations, which attract both kids and adults.

New Year decorations on the Aristotle Square, December 2025

The Thessaloniki Waterfront Promenade (Nea Paralia)

Stretching for five kilometres from the Concert Hall to the port, the Thessaloniki waterfront promenade is the favourite place, both for locals and tourists. It is perfect for a calm walk, cycling, running, and relaxing by the sea, surrounded by the 13 green thematic gardens and cafes along the promenade.

Thessaloniki Waterfront

Alexander the Great Statue

The most impressive statue on the promenade is the Alexander the Great Statue. The bronze statue, which is 6 metres high, represents Alexander the Great riding his faithful companion, Bucephalus.

Near the statue, there is a bronze relief depicting the “Battle of Issus”, while the installation features two arrays of saris and shields, with engraved and printed symbols of Alexander’s troops.

Alexander the Great Statue

Thessaloniki Umbrellas

One of the most photographed spots in town is the modern art installation “Umbrellas“, made by the famous Greek artist George Zongolopoulos. The installation consists of 40 umbrellas on vertical columns that span over 13 meters high.
For the first time, it was exhibited in 1903 at the Venice Biennale. Following excellent reviews, umbrellas were displayed in 1997 near the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art in Thessaloniki waterfront. They look more amazing at sunset or illuminated at night.

Umbrellas of Thessaloniki

Boat tours 

Take a cruise tour along the Thermaic Bay for the magnificent view of the town from the sea. A few bar boats, such as Black Pearl, Arabella and Klio Cruise Bar, offer a 30-minute ride along the bay. All departures start near the White Tower, every 90 minutes, from 11 AM to late at night.

Klio, Arabella, and Black Pearl cruise boats

We took the Black Pearl Cruise Boat, inspired by the famous Pirates of the Caribbean. The boat bar offers refreshing drinks, coffee, beers, wines, signature cocktails (Black Pearl, Jack Sparrow, Barbossa, or Will Turner), music and stunning views of the sea and city, especially at sunset. Also, you can book the pirate boat to celebrate your birthday, host a private event, or have an unforgettable party.

Cruise tour Black Pearl

Ladadika neighbourhood

Ladadika is one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in the town, with narrow cobbled streets and colourful houses.

By the way, the word “Ladadika” literally means the shops that sell oil and its products. It is located inside the city’s historical centre, and it is close to the port. It was also known as the “Egyptian Market”, and many Jews lived there and had their shops. Before World War I, Ladadika was also known as the Red Light District due to brothels located there.

Although Ladadika wasn’t destroyed by the fire in 1917,  it was almost abandoned until the early 1990s, when the Ministry of Culture listed it as a heritage site.

Ladadika restaurants and cafes

Many houses and the main square, Plateia Morichovou, have been renovated and transformed into interesting bars, restaurants, taverns and nightclubs. Today, Ladadika is a place known for its delicious food and good nightlife, which attracts numerous tourists and locals throughout the year.

A few interesting houses and buildings

I have to admit that I adore strolling around and discovering interesting buildings in every town, and Thessaloniki is full of them…

Old Business District

Close to the Ladadika, there was an old business district along the Agio Mina and Edessis streets. Around today’s Christimirou Square, there are houses built from 1890 to 1925, inspired by the Art Nouveau style. Some of them were destroyed, and the ones that survived are today restored in restaurants, bars or hotels. Some houses are abandoned, but they still look magnificent.

Today, Agio Mina is a pedestrian street, but a part of the tram line can still be seen as a memory of a previous time.

Agio Mina Street and the Jewish Museum

Near this street, you can see the building of Malakopi Arcade. It was built in 1906 for the Allatini family, one of the most powerful Jewish families in the town. The building consisted of shops and offices, and it also housed the Bank of Thessaloniki. It survived a great fire in 1917, while the pediment clock stopped at 11.05 at the time of a big earthquake in 1978. Today, the former arcade houses bars and restaurants.

Houses in the Agios Mina and Edessis streets, Malakopi Arcade (right, second row)

Longos Mansion

This three-storey house is also known as the “Red House” becaouse of its brick construction. It is located at the Agias Sofias Square, across the Church of Agia Sophia, in the centre of the town. The mansion was designed in 1926 by architect Leonardo Gennari for the family of Longos, a wealthy textile industrialist. During Christmas time, it was decorated with a large red ribbon.

Red House with a red Christmas ribbon

Also, the Agias Sofia pedestrian street was fantastically decorated with blue LED lights.

Agia Sophia Street during Christmas time

Zeitenlik Military Cemetery

The most significant place in Thessaloniki for the Serbian people is the Zeitenlik Allied Military Cemetery. It is the final resting place of about 20,000 soldiers who fought in the Balkan Wars and World War I. Together with Serbian soldiers, the French, Russian, Italian, and British soldiers were buried there.

Zeitenlik Military Cemetery

For decades, the Serbian family Mihailović has been the keeper of the Serbian cemetery. But everybody knows about its last keeper, Djordje Mihailović, who passed away in 2023.

You can read more about the brave Serbian soldiers and the Zeitenlik Military Cemetery here.

Memory of the keeper of the Serbian cemetery of Zeitenlik, Djordje Mihailovic, April 2014.

Museums in Thessaloniki

There are about 20 museums in the town, so take a look at some of them.

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is the most popular in the town.

Various items, mosaics and a statue in the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

There, you can see the fantastic artefacts from Macedonia, including statues, gold jewellery, various items, and the Derveni papyrus from the 3rd century BC.

Derveni krater and gold jewellery in the Archaeological Museum

The temporary exhibition “In the Cave”, dedicated to human life from the Palaeolithic era, can be seen from 15th May 2025 to 31st May 2026.

Exhibition “In the Cave”

◊ The Museum of Byzantine Culture is a modern museum of Byzantine heritage, which consists of mosaics, icons, and various objects. Also, the Museum of the White Tower is part of this museum (I already mentioned it in the text).

The museum inside the White Tower

The Jewish Museum is dedicated to the memory and history of the Jewish community. It is housed in a renovated commercial arcade dating back to 1904, which once belonged to the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki.

◊ The Museum of the Macedonian Struggle is dedicated to Macedonia’s history from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Ataturk Museum is the birth house of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Today, it is converted into a museum, adjacent to the modern building of the Turkish Consulate.

◊ MOMus MUSEUMS is the Museum of Contemporary Art, located at Warehouse B1 in the Port Area.

The Museum of Byzantine Culture, The Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, The Jewish Museum, The Atatürk Museum

Cafes and restaurants

Thessaloniki is well known for its delicious food, thanks to its position and trade on the Mediterranean. It is a mix of Greek, Balkan, and Middle Eastern flavours. In 2021, Thessaloniki was inscribed on the list of UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy.

All around the town, you can find many cafes, taverns, restaurants, and pastries. Try local specialities: Bougatsa pastry, koulouri (sesame bread rings), gyros, souvlaki, Greek salad, mezedes (small plates), and fresh seafood.

Take a look at several restaurants.
Ladadika taverns: Akratos, Haroupi, Akpov, Ladadika, Kantouni, Marathos, Charoupi, Savvikos Greek Grill, Full tou Meze.
Ano Poli is perfect for traditional dishes; the popular restaurants are Tsinari, Kanoula, and Stáfylos Gi.
Many of the waterfront promenade’s cafes and restaurants are ideal for enjoying the view of the sea.

Greek food and restaurants

One of the most popular pastry shops is Blé Taste Gallery, located on Agia Sophia Street. It is an amazing place with delicious chocolate, cakes, handcrafted breads, coffees, festive products, sandwiches and salads.
Blé was fantastically decorated during the Christmas and New Year period

Thessaloniki, Blé Taste Gallery

Accommodation in Thessaloniki

Numerous accommodation facilities in Thessaloniki suit all budgets.

Luxury hotels:
Electra Palace, Makedonia Palace, No. 15 Ermou Hotel, Mon Asty, The Excelsior – Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Mediterranean Palace Hotel, The Antigon Urban Chic Hotel, S Hotel Boutique Thessaloniki, Daios Luxury Living, and The Met Hotel Thessaloniki.

Mid-range hotels and apartments:
Noa Hotel, Bahar Boutique Hotel, Zenith Premium Suites, City Hotel Thessaloniki, Pillow urban stay, Caravan Hotel, Gatto Perso Luxury Studios and Apartments, and Mandrino Hotel.

Budget: options:
Zeus is Loose Hostel, Stay Hybrid Youth Hostel, Valaoritou 3 Luxury Rooms.

Shopping time

Ah, Thessaloniki is a paradise for shoppers
There are many shops where you can find everything, from luxury boutiques to various clothing, shoes and local markets.

Tsimiski and Egnatia streets are the main shopping streets with international brands and fashion stores.
Mitropoleos Street is known for designer boutiques, while Proxenou Koromila Street is the most exclusive shopping street, with luxurious brands and elegant cafes.

◊ Close to Aristotle Square, there are the Kapani Market and the Modiano Market. At these traditional markets, you can buy fresh local products, cheeses, and spices. Inside, there are also a few tavernas, restaurants and bars. 

Shopping malls: Attica Department Store, Mediterranean Cosmos and One Salonica Outlet Mall.

◊ And don’t forget to buy various souvenirs, handicrafts, magnets… You can take local products, like olive oil, olives, honey, wines, cheeses, handmade pasta, or local cakes and chocolates.

What to see close to Thessaloniki

Depending on your time and interests, you can combine a visit to Thessaloniki, a summer vacation and an excursion to a few nearby places.

◊ Beaches near Thessaloniki
Although Thessaloniki is a port city, there are no beaches in the town. The closest beaches are Perea and Agia Triada, located about 30 minutes away, and equipped with all tourist facilities. Epanomi Beach is located about 40 km away, known for its shipwreck and crystal-clear waters.

About an hour’s drive, you can reach the Chalkidiki Peninsula (Sithonia and Kassandra), the favourite area of Balkan tourists. The third “finger” is Mount Athos, known for its monasteries.

Mount Olympus is Greece’s highest mountain, located about 90 km from Thessaloniki. It is famous as the home of the 12 Olympian gods in Greek mythology. You can reach it by car, bus, train or organised tours.

◊ The famous Meteora is an amazing rock formation with the Orthodox monastery complex located on its top. It is about 230 km away from Thessaloniki.

In a word, there are many things you can see and do in Thessaloniki.

So, make a good plan: taste delicious food, visit Byzantine churches and historic monuments, relax, sip coffee and enjoy a sea view. I am sure that Thessaloniki will captivate you with its energy, flavours, and interesting stories.

These 15 monuments are recognised for their unique architecture, spiritual significance, and fascinating stories. They were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988, known under the common name of the Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki.

So, let’s go on a spiritual journey through the history…

Thessaloniki, the Eastern city wall

The Byzantine Churches and Monuments

Thessaloniki was the second city of the Byzantine Empire, after Constantinople. It was a major commercial and military centre on the Via Egnatia, a 2nd-century BC Roman road, which connected the Adriatic coast to Byzantium.

Also, Thessaloniki was an important centre for Christianity in the Balkans. The UNESCO World Heritage List contains the following 15 sites: the Byzantine churches and monasteries, the City Walls, Rotonda, and the Byzantine Bath.

1. City Walls (4th/5th centuries).
2. Rotunda of Saint George (4th century).
3. Church of Acheiropoietos (5th century).
4. Church of St. Demetrios (7th century).
5. Latomou Monastery (6th century).
6. Church of St. Sophia (8th century).
7. Church of Panagia Chalkeon (11th century).
8. Church of St. Panteleimon (14th century).
9. Church of the Holy Apostles (14th century).
10. Church of St. Nicholas Orphanos (14th century).
11. Church of St. Catherine (13th century).
12. Church of Christ Saviour (14th century).
13. Vlatadon Monastery (14th century).
14. Church of Prophet Elijah (14th century).
15. Byzantine Bath (14th century).

City Walls of Thessaloniki

The city was fortified from its establishment, in the 3rd century BC, by the Macedonian King Cassander.
At the beginning of the 4th century, Roman emperors Galerius and Constantine the Great strengthened the walls. From that period, the fortifications have been expanded and modified many times.

The wall ruins we can see today date back to the early Byzantine period (around 390 AD), and incorporate parts of an earlier, late 3rd-century, as well as from the Ottoman period.

Map of Thessaloniki, Source: www thebyzantinelegacy.com

Once, the walls were shaped like a trapezium and were about 8 km long. The Eastern and Western walls were descending from the hill towards the sea. One wall surrounded the Acropolis, and the fourth was the coastal wall. They were approximately 10-12 meters high, and 5 m thick, built of the Roman mixed construction of ashlar masonry and brick bands.

The northern part of the walls climbs to the slopes of the Acropolis of the city, where the citadel of the Heptapyrgion was.

Eastern city walls of Thessaloniki

By the way, about 4 km of walls can be seen today. Most of the sea walls were demolished in the second half of the 19th century by the Ottomans to modernise and expand the city.

Today, the surviving walls are incorporated into modern city life. The best preserved walls are located at the Ano Poli, or Upper City, surrounded by narrow alleys with small colourful houses, cafes, and traditional taverns.

Heptapyrgion (Eptapyrgio) Fortress 

The Heptapyrgion was built in the north-eastern part of the city’s Acropolis during the rule of the Roman emperor Theodosius I (379–395). The five northern towers with walls are probably from this period, while the southern towers and inner fortified redoubt were probably built in the 12th century. The fortress was also rebuilt during the Palaiologan period (between 1261 and 1453).

Ano Poli, Heptapyrgion, East Wall of Acropolis

The Ottomans leaded by the Sultan Murad, son of Sultan Mehmed, conquered the town in 1430. They called the fortress Yedi Kule, like a fortification in Constantinople. Even though its name (in the Greek and Turkish) means Seven Towers, it actually has ten towers; two are triangular, and eight are square-shaped.

The entrance from the citadel to the Heptapyrgion was by the way of the main, largest tower. Above the entrance, there is the refurbishment commanded by Cavus Bey, the first Ottoman governor of Thessaloniki, in 1431, after the city was conquered.

Thessaloniki, entrance to the Heptapyrgion and its model

Heptapyrgion Prison

From 1890 to 1989, Eptapyrgio was used as a prison.
All previous buildings within the fort’s interior were destroyed to make space for the new prisoners’ sections. Political prisoners were held there and tortured during various regimes, including the Metaxas dictatorship, the Nazi occupation and the military junta. This is why the Yedi Kule is often mentioned in Greek rebetiko poetry as a symbol of suffering.

Heptapyrgion fortress with prisoner buildings

The prison had an administrative office, the men’s and women’s prisons, isolation cells, a central watchtower located in the centre, and a chapel. After the prison was closed and moved outside the town, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism started the renovation of the castle in 1990. Archaeological excavations began in the 1970s and continue to the present time.

Today, you can visit the fortress and the exhibition, which shows the history of the fortress and the prison.

Thessaloniki, the Heptapyrgion prison and exhibition items

The Trigonion Tower

The Ottomans expanded the fortress and added a massive tower near the main gate, known as Trigonion Tower, or the Tower of the Triangle, due to its shape. It was the spot where the north wall meets the east wall. The tower served as the headquarters of the garrison commander until the end of the 19th century.

Trigonio tower of Byzantine walls

Don’t miss climbing to the top of the tower and enjoying panoramic views of the city and the Thermaic Gulf.

Thessaloniki, the top of Trigioniou Tower

Opening time of the Trigonion Tower: every day except Tuesday and public holidays: 8:30 AM to 8 PM.
The ticket price for adults is 6 EUR, and a reduced ticket costs 3 EUR.

View of Thessaloniki from the top of Trigioniou Tower

Old gates of the town 

By the way, the town had four main entrances: two gates in each of the east and west walls, set at the ends of the two parallel main streets.

The western gates were the Golden Gate (today the modern Egnatia Street) and the Letaia Gate (today the modern Agiou Dimitriou Street). In the east wall were the Cassandreia Gate (later the Kalamaria Gate), the Asomatoi Gate & the Rome Gate.

Smaller gates in the north wall of the city served military needs. The Chain Tower (in the Ottoman period) replaced the Byzantine Trigonion Tower. The White Tower at the coast replaced the old Byzantine Tower, standing at the junction of the sea wall and the eastern land wall.

Ano Poli, the Gate of the western fortification, the Palamidou Street

 

The main entrance to the Acropolis was the well-preserved Portara Gate, with walls that are over 10 meters high.

Portara Gate and walls, Ano Poli

 

Close to this gate, and a few hundred meters downhill from Heptapyrgyion, there is the Gate of Anna Palaiologina. On the marble lintel of this 14th-century gate, you can still see an inscription that mentions this Byzantine empress, who ruled Thessaloniki for fourteen years.

Thessaloniki City Wall, Gate of Anna Palaiologina, Ano Poli

Rotonda (Rotunda)

Location: Platia Agiou Georgiou Rotonta 5.

The Rotonda was built about 306 AD. Some think it was made as Galerius’ mausoleum, while others think it was used as a sanctuary of the Cabeiri deities or of God Zeus. But Galerius was buried in 311 AD in his mausoleum at Gamzigrad-Romuliana, today’s Zaječar in Serbia. 

Thessaloniki Rotonda

Rotonda got its name after its massive circular structure, similar to the construction of the “Pantheon” of Rome.

Stunning Rotonda, Thessaloniki

It is almost 30 meters high and 24.5 meters in diameter. The cylindrical wall is divided into eight rectangular niches.

Inside the Rotonda

Later, the Emperor Theodosius I converted it into a Christian basilica in the late 4th century. We can only imagine how marvellous its interior once looked. The dome and barrel vaults were covered with colourful mosaics, which are among the oldest Christian works of art. Mosaics are similar to those in Basilica di San Vitale in Ravenna, and today we can see some parts of them.

Mosaics of Rotonda

During the Ottoman period, in 1590-91, the Rotonda was converted into a mosque. A minaret almost 36 m high was added, while most of the murals were destroyed.

After the liberation in 1912, Rotonda was converted into an Orthodox church dedicated to Saint George. It was named after the small Church of Saint George, located opposite the western gate of the Rotonda. There is a small icon of Saint George above the entrance door.

Rotonda and the small Church of Saint George (photo right, the second row)

Today, the Rotonda is restored, and it operates as a museum and for exhibitions.
Opening hours: daily 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, closed on Tuesday and during public holidays.
The ticket fee is 10 EUR for adults, and the reduced ticket costs 5 EUR.

The Acheiropoietos Church

Location: Agias Sofias Street, opposite Makedonomachon Square.

The Acheiropoietos Church is one of the oldest Byzantine churches, built in the 5th century on the site of the Roman public baths. It was modified in the 7th and in the 14th-15th centuries. During the Byzantine times, it was known as the Panagia Theotokos, and it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Its name is connected with acheiropoietos (Christian icons not created by mortal hands), a miraculous icon of Panagia Hodegetria that was housed there. The church is known for its original mosaic decoration, 5th-century Ionian capitals, green marble columns, wall paintings, and three layers of floor mosaics from an earlier Roman-era bath.

It was the first church in Thessaloniki which was converted into a mosque, known as the Eski Camii (“Old Mosque”) in 1430 by Sultan Murad II himself. Later in 1922, it was used to accommodate Asia Minor refugees.

Church of the Acheiropoietos

Church of Agios Demetrius

Location: Agios Demetrios 83, in the city centre, near the Roman Agora.

This is the most important church in the town, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Saint Demetrius.

The facade and entrance of the Church of Saint Demetrius, Thessaloniki

During the reign of Emperor Galerius, Saint Demetrius was a young officer in the Roman army. He had been imprisoned, tortured, and after his death, buried at the Roman bath complex in 306 AD, because he believed in Christianity. 

The first church was built in that place in the early 4th century. It was replaced with a larger basilica a century later, and rebuilt in the 7th century after the fire. In 1493, the church was converted into a mosque, and after the liberation, it became the Christian church again. It was seriously damaged in the Great Fire in 1917, and it took years of renovation.

Archaeological excavations discovered the ruins of the Roman bath with a well, where Saint Demetrious died. Today, it is the crypt of the church, which was converted into an exhibition space in 1988, where the artefacts are displayed. Several mosaics of the 5th-9th century can be seen on the walls.

The church has remained a religious pilgrimage site worldwide to this day, due to the miraculous myrrh from the saint’s relics.

Inside the Church of Saint Demetrius

The feast of Saint Demetrius is celebrated on the 26th of October, with a large liturgy and procession. It is also a public holiday, because Thessaloniki was liberated from Ottoman rule on the 26th of October, 1912, during the First Balkan War.

Interior of the Church of Saint Demetrius, Byzantine churches

Latamonou Monastery and the Church of Hosios David

Location: Ano Poli, close to the Vlatadon Monastery, a junction of Bouboulinas Street and D. Poliorkitou Street.

The Church of Hosios David was built in the 5th century, as the catholicon of the Latomos Monastery. According to the testimony of the monk Ignatius in the 9th century, it was built by Theodora, the daughter of Emperor Maximian, the prosecutor of Christians. She became a Christian in secret and asked her father to build a house and a bathhouse. So, Teodora converted the bathhouse into a church, decorated it with a mosaic, and kept it in secret. By the way, the mosaic was revealed suddenly during an earthquake.

The monastery was converted into the Murad Mosque, and after the liberation, it became the Orthodox church again, named Hosios David. It was dedicated to David, a saint of Thessaloniki, while the name “Latomos” came from the nearby quarries (latomeia in Greek).

Parts of the unique Early Christian wall paintings from the late 12th and 14th centuries can still be seen inside the church.

Church of Agia Sophia (The Wisdom of God)

Location: Agia Sophia Square, close to Aristotle Square, in the centre of town.

Сhurch of Agia Sofia, Thessaloniki

The Church of Agia Sophia was erected in the 7th century, on the site of the earlier church, from the 3rd century. Its construction was inspired by Constantinople’s Hagia Sophia. In 1205, the Crusaders converted it into a cathedral, and then, in 1430, it became a mosque, known as Aya Sofya Camii. After the liberation, it became the Christian church again.

Inside the Church of Agia Sophia

The church of Agia Sophia is one of the most beautiful Byzantine churches. It is dedicated to Wisdom and the Word of God, and it is richly decorated during various periods. The Ascension of Christ from the 9th century is displayed in the dome, while the mosaic of the Virgin Mary holding baby Christ from the 11th-12th century is on the apse.

Agia Sophia Church

South of the Church of Agia Sophia, in Makenzi King Street, there are ruins of the Early Christian Baptisery, dating back to the 4th-5th century. It had a six semi-hexagonal structure, and today, only one of the six marble columns of the baptistery survives. Later, it was converted into a holy place, “Hagiasma”. It became part of the basilica complex; over its ruins, the Church of Agia Sophia was built.
From the church garden, you can enter the Catacombs of St. John the Baptist, where the first Christians practised their worship.

Ruins of the Early Byzantine Baptistery

 Church of Panagia Chalkeon

Location: in the centre, at the intersection of Aristotelous and Engatia streets, close to the former Roman Forum.

The Church of Panagia Chalkeon was built in 1028, over a pagan sanctuary by Christopher, the commander of Longobardia. Its name means “Virgin Mary of the Copper Smiths”, from the coppersmiths’ workshops that existed in the area. Surrounded by greenery and trees, the church had a nickname, “Red Church”, because it was constructed of bricks.

This church was also converted into a mosque during Ottoman times, and later, it became an Orthodox church again. It was restored after the fire in 1917 and the earthquake in 1932. Both times during our visits, in 2021 and at the end of 2025, the church was under renovation, so we could not visit it.

Thessaloniki, Church of Panagia Chalkeon

 Church of Saint Panteleimon

Location: an intersection of Arrianou and Iasonidou streets, close to the Rotonda and the Arch of Galerius.

The Church of Saint Panteleimon dates back to the late 13th century. Originally, it belonged to the Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin Mary Perivleptos. Like most churches in the town, Ottomans converted it into a mosque, and after the liberation in 1912, it became the church again. Today, only a few original wall paintings remain.

Thessaloniki, Church of Saint Panteleimon

 Church of Holy Apostles

Location: the beginning of Olympou Street, near the city’s western medieval walls.

The Church of the Holy Apostles was built around the late 13th and early 14th century, during the Palaiologan period. Probably, it was once the main church of the monastery complex, founded with the sponsorship of the Ecumenical Patriarch Niphon I.

Initially, it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Later, in the 18th century, it was dedicated to the Holy Apostles, becaouse of the tradition that the church had 12 domes symbolising the Twelve Apostles. The Ottomans converted it into a mosque, added a minaret, removed the small golden tiles from mosaics, and covered frescoes with plaster. After it became the Christian church again, several restorations were done to protect the mosaics and frescoes.

Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos

Location: Ano Poli, between the Apostolou Pavlou and Irodotou streets, near the eastern walls.

The name of the church is connected with Saint Nicholas, the protector of widows and orphans. Others think that it is related to the name of its founder, who belonged to the Family of Orphanos. And some think that it was the foundation of the Serbian king Milutin.

The church was probably built between 1310 and 1320, according to the stunning frescoes, which cover almost the entire interior. It is believed that the same monk painted the frescoes at the Hilandar Monastery in Mount Athos in 1314.

Church of Saint Catherine (Agia Aikaterini)

Location: northwestern corner of the Ano Poli, the intersection of Tsamadou Street and Sahini streets, close to the Church of Profitis Elias.

The Church of St. Catherine was built around the 14th century. Probably it was dedicated to Jesus Christ, and later to Agia Aikaterini. Like other churches, it was converted into a mosque, and then into the Orthodox church again. The church underwent many modifications, but fragments of the 14th-century frescoes can still be seen today.

 Church of the Christ Saviour (Metamorphosis Toy Sotiros)

Location: a junction of Egnatia and Palaion Patron Germanou streets, across the Arch of Galerius.

The Church of the Christ Saviour was erected between 1340 and 1345, and originally served as a burial church. Today, this small church with rare frescoes in the dome is surrounded by modern buildings.

Church of the Christ Saviour, Byzantine churches

Vlatadon Monastery

Location: the northern side of the Ano Poli, opposite the tower of Paleologos, Eptapyrgiou 64.

The Vlatadon Monastery is one of the oldest and most significant Byzantine monasteries in town. It is still active today, even though it was founded from 1351 to 1371. By the way, Empress Anna Paleologina (the wife of the last Byzantine Emperor, Constantine XI Paleologos) contributed to the construction of the monastery. It was founded by two disciples of Saint Gregory Palamas, brothers Dorotheos and Markos Vlattis. And according to the legend, the Apostle Paul preached to the locals in 51 AD, at this place. During Ottoman times, the monastery was converted into a mosque, but it was permitted to operate as a monastery.

It is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ, and only the catholicon survived until today. The wall paintings and icons date from the 14th century, while unique relics are kept in the sacristy of the monastery.

Today, it belongs to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, and the modern buildings house the Patriarchal Institute of Patristic Studies. Opening time: every day, from 8 AM to 11 AM, and from 6 PM to 8 PM.

Church of Prophet Elijah

Location: Ano Poli, a junction of Olympiados Street and Amphilocias.

The church dedicated to Prophet Elijah was built around 1360-1370, as the katholikon of the Nea Moni Monastery. Then, the Ottomans converted it into the Saraylı Mosque, and after the liberation, it became the church again.

Interestingly, its architecture is a mix of elements from the Palaeologan and Constantinopolitan periods, with red bricks and white stones. The interior of the church is known for Paleologan wall paintings and frescoes.

The Byzantine Bath

Location: Ano Poli, Theotokopoulou Street, near the Church of Taxiarches and a Byzantine cistern.

The Byzantine bath is probably dated back to the late 12th or early 13th century.
It is the only surviving Byzantine bath in town. There were more public baths in the Byzantine period, but they were abandoned because of the small and private baths.
The bath had a changing room, a warm room, a hot room, and a water reservoir. It was in use until 1940. During the Ottoman period, it was divided into male and female sections. After restoration in 2015, it was opened to the public.

Museum of Byzantine Culture 

Location: Stratou Avenue in the city centre, opposite the park of Pedion Areos.

For history lovers, the modern Museum of Byzantine Culture is a must-visit place to learn more about Thessaloniki’s Byzantine heritage. It consists of 11 galleries with permanent exhibitions of numerous mosaics, icons, manuscripts, artefacts and objects from daily life.

Authentic exhibits from Thessaloniki and Macedonia date back from the Early Christian period to the years after the Fall of the Ottomans.

Opening time:
Winter Season: 1st November – 31st March, Monday, Wednesday to Sunday: 08.30 AM to 3.30 PM, Tuesday closed.
Summer Season: 1st April – 31st October, Monday to Sunday: 08 AM to 8 PM.
The ticket fee is 8 EUR for adults, and a reduced ticket costs 4 EUR.

Museum of Byzantine Culture

Visit Byzantine churches

Well, you can find the Byzantine churches all around the town. But, bear in mind that almost all churches have different opening hours, so make a plan to visit them.

In a word, the story about the Byzantine churches turns us back to the turbulent Byzantine times, filled with divine spirit and the conquest attacks.

Stay tuned for the new story about Thessaloniki, the city of Byzantine Treasures and urban life.

For years, it was known as “Little Mykonos” because of its resemblance to Mykonos, with its traditional white houses with blue shutters, blue-domed churches, sandy beaches, and cosmopolitan charm.

In recent years, Paros has become one of the most popular destinations in Greece. According to the readers of the renowned travel magazine Travel + Leisure, Paros was voted the best island in the world for 2025!

It brings back memories of our vacation on Paros in August 2014. Looking at the photos from that time makes me want to return. The island has certainly changed: new luxurious hotels, stylish apartments, charming cafes and restaurants have appeared, but some things remain timeless…

So, let’s explore what you can see and do on this beautiful island.

Golden beach, Paros

How to get to Paros

Paros is the second-largest island of the Cyclades, located in the central part of the Aegean Sea.
Its closest islet is Antiparos, just 2 km to the southwest, while Naxos lies about 8 km away to the east.

Paros can be reached by ferry or plane.

By ferry:
The island’s main port is in Parikia, on the west side of the island.
From Athens, ferries depart from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina. During the summer, there are several daily connections. The journey takes around 3–4 hours on a high-speed ferry, or 4–5 hours on a regular ferry. The ticket price varies depending on the vessel and seat type, ranging from 51 EUR to 115 EUR for a one-way trip for an adult.
There are also ferry connections from nearby islands, such as Mykonos, Naxos, Santorini, Crete and Milos.

You can check ferry schedules here

By plane:
Paros has a small national airport located 11 km south of Parikia. There are daily flights from Athens, lasting approximately 45 minutes. During the summer, flights also operate from Thessaloniki and Heraklion (Crete).

From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to your accommodation. For example, the taxi to Parikia costs around 15 EUR, private transfers to Parikia cost around 50 EUR, and 60 EUR to Naoussa. There are also several departures by the Paros airport bus to Parikia and Naoussa. The bus ticket costs around 3 EUR, but check the timetable.

For our trip, we flew from Belgrade to Athens, then took the ferry from Piraeus to Parikia.

Best time to visit Paros

July and August are the most popular, but also the most crowded months.
If you prefer a calmer atmosphere, visit it in the late spring (May–June) or September.

Depending on where you’re staying, you can explore the island by renting a car or scooter, or by using public buses. Most routes run between Parikia and Naoussa. From these towns, you can visit several villages and beaches as well. The Parikia bus station is located next to the ferry port, while the Naoussa station is in the centre of the town. Bear in mind that there are no covered stations; the buses are lined up in the nearby parking lot.

A one-way ticket costs from 2 EUR to 4 EUR, while a single-day ticket costs 10 EUR. You can buy tickets at the kiosk, local markets or directly on the bus. Check the KTEL Paros schedule, routes and times here.

Paros, Parikian house with flowers

A few words about the history of Paros

Paros has a rich and turbulent past that stretches back to the Neolithic era. According to Greek mythology, the island’s first king was Alkaios from Crete, who named it Minoa. In 1100 BC, the Ionians conquered the island, and later the Arcadians arrived under their leader Parios, who gave the island its present name.

Between 800-700 BC, Paros flourished thanks to its maritime power and trade with the Phoenicians. It became famous for its white marble, which was used to build temples and some of the most famous statues of ancient art.

During the Greco-Persian Wars (490, 480–479 BC), Paros participated on the Persian side against Greece, but it was later forced to surrender and ally with the Athenians. Then, in 338 BC, the island came under the rule of Philip of Macedonia, Alexander the Great’s father. After his death came the Ptolemies, the Hellenistic dynasty (305–30 BC) that ruled Egypt.

Over the centuries, Paros was part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires. After the crusaders conquered Constantinople and overthrew the Byzantine Empire in 1204, Paros and many Byzantine territories were under the rule of the Duchy of the Archipelago. It was founded in by the Venetian nobleman Marco Sanudo as a maritime state due to the Venetian interests in the Aegean Sea, between 1207 and 1389.

In the mid-16th century, the Ottoman pirate and later admiral Barbarossa captured many Aegean islands, including Paros, which remained under Ottoman rule until the Greek War of Independence in 1821. One of the heroes of that struggle was Manto Mavrogenous, a noblewoman who financed and organised the fight against the Ottoman forces.

After the Independence War, Paros and other Cyclades islands became part of the modern Greek State. During World War II, the island was occupied by Nazi Germany.

From the 1960s, tourism began to develop, and it has become a major part of the island’s economy.

Parian marble

As I have mentioned before, Paros was widely famous for its fine-grained, almost snow white marble of exceptional quality. The most famous variety of Parian marble, lychnitis lithos, has high transparency and light transmittance, which, in the best quality material, can reach up to 12 cm.

The main ancient marble quarries are found in the villages of Marathi and Agios Minas, and have been used since the early Bronze Age. This marble was one of the most precious building materials in ancient Greece, used for temples and sculptures.

Here are some of the masterpieces crafted from the Parian marble.

  The Venus of Milo is the most famous statue among them, found on Milos Island. Today, it is in the Louvre Museum in Paris, together with the statue of the Nike of Samothrace.
Read more about the Venus of Milo statue and Milos Island here:
Milos, the island of Venus de Milo and stunning beaches.

◊ The Parthenon marbles and the Peplos Kore statue are today in the Acropolis Museum in Athens.
Read more here: The Acropolis of Athens, the ancient citadel.

  The Temple of Apollo is in Delphi, an ancient site in Greece.
Read more about the temple and marble statues here: Delphi, the navel of the ancient world.

◊ The Temple of Zeus was in Olympia, where you can also see the statues of Hermes of Praxiteles and Nike of Paionios (Greek goddess of victory), displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia.
Read more about the Olympic Games, temple and statues here: Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Also, many public buildings, monuments and the temple dedicated to the Goddess Athena, made of this marble, once stood in the old town in Parikia. Later, the Venetians reused ancient marble blocks to build their castle, whose remains can still be seen today.

Guide for Paros: What to see

You’ve probably seen those stunning photos of Paros on the internet: white houses draped in colourful bougainvillaea, golden sandy beaches and a blue sea… The two main spots on the island are Parikia and Naoussa.

Town of Parikia

Parikia, the island’s capital and main port, lies on the western coast.

Paros, Parikia port and the bus station

Most visitors arrive in Paros by ferry. Some choose Parikia for its base, while others continue to Naoussa, or one of the smaller villages.

We chose Parikia because it is the largest place on the island. It has good bus connections with other parts of Paros and ferry routes to the neighbouring islands. There is also a wide range of accommodation, shops, cafes and restaurants, everything you might need for a perfect vacation.

Parikia port and town

Paros Old Town and the Frankish Castle (Frangokastelo)

The old town of Parikia is a maze of whitewashed Cycladic houses with blue shutters, narrow cobbled alleys, and artisan shops. 

Alleys in the Old Town of Paros

Every corner looks like a postcard. Small balconies are decorated with flowers and bougainvillaea.

Beautiful bougainvillaea in the Old Town of Paros

You’ll find plenty of cosy cafes and taverns serving traditional Greek dishes, both in the alleys and along the waterfront. Near the Pirate Bar, famous for its cocktails, stands the small Pammegiston Taxiarchon Church.

Pamegiston Taksiarxon Church

Climb up Agios Konstantinos Hill to visit the Agios Konstantinos Church and the remains of the Frankish Castle.

Agios Konstantinos Church

The Castle was built in 1260 by the Venetian Duke of Naxos on the site of the ancient acropolis of Paros, using its marble blocks. Today, parts of the defensive tower and sections of the eastern and southern walls are still visible, while others have been absorbed into newer houses.

The Frankish Castle in Parikia

Panagia Ekatontapyliani (Church of 100 Doors)

A short walk from the port stands the impressive Byzantine church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani, the most famous landmark of Paros. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the island’s patron saint, it is one of the oldest churches in Greece.

According to legend, the church was built in 326 AD by Saint Helen, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (ruled 306–337). During her pilgrimage to the Holy Land, a storm forced her to stop on Paros. Grateful for her safety, she vowed to build a church to the Virgin. Another version says that the church was built later by her son, Constantine, after her death.

Later, the Roman emperor Justinian (527 to 565)  renovated the church centuries later, adding a dome. Throughout its long history, it has been restored several times, including renovation after a strong earthquake in the 18th century.

Panagia Ekatontapyliani

By the way, the name “Ekatontapiliani” means “the Church with the Hundred Doors”. So, it has only 99 now, but according to legend, there is one secret door. And, it is believed that the hundredth door will open when the Church of Hagia Sophia (today converted into a mosque) in Istanbul, becomes an Orthodox Church again…

Facade and interior of the Panagia Ekatontapyliani

The Monastery complex 

The Ekatontapiliani complex consists of the main church of the Virgin Mary and several internal and external chapels. In the monastery’s yard, there is a baptistery, the monks’ cells, and the Byzantine Museum with rare church artwork, wood carvings, silver and metal objects, and religious amphorae from the Byzantine Era.

Every year on the 15^th of August, the Panagia Ekatontapiliani celebrates the day of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, as one of the largest religious festivals on the island. Interestingly, during our vacation, there was a festival on the 2nd of August, which is also the birthday of my sister Tanja.

Panagia Ekatontapiliani in Parikia

Paros Archaeological Museum

Just a short walk from Panagia Ekatontapyliani, you’ll find the Archaeological Museum of Paros, small but rich in history. Its collection includes sculptures, figurines, mosaics, amphorae, inscriptions, and the famous Gorgon head, all discovered on Paros and nearby Antiparos. The artefacts date back from the Neolithic to the early Christian times.

In the museum’s yard, you can see the statues and funeral sarcophagi from the Classical and Roman times, as well as floor mosaics from the Panagia Ekatontalipiani.

Paros Archaeological Museum

The town of Naoussa

Naoussa is the second-largest place on the island. It is located on the island’s northeastern coast, about 10 km from Parikia. You can easily reach it by taxi, public bus, or by renting a car/scooter.

Naoussa, Paros

Naoussa is known for its picturesque harbour, whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, stylish bars and restaurants. Today, it is a perfect mix of Greek tradition and vibrant nightlife.

Naoussa port

The town was founded around the small port and the Venetian Castle-fortress in the late 14th century to protect from pirate attacks. Even today, the remains of the fortress can be seen, though much of the castle is underwater. In 1537, Naoussa fell under the rule of pirate Barbarossa and the Ottomans. Later, during the 18th century, it served as a Russian naval base.

The Remains of the Venetian fortress in Naoussa’s old port

Once the Venetian storehouses were situated opposite the fort. Today, the waterfront is filled with interesting bars, restaurants, and fish taverns. Among them, the most popular is the Barbaroussa restaurant, known for its delicious food, vibrant atmosphere with music, and guests dancing with white napkins in their hands. For sure, the dinners and good mood are to remember

Barbarossa restaurant and Naoussa alleys

Strolling through Naoussa’s narrow alleys, you’ll find elegant boutiques, artisan shops, traditional products, and souvenirs. And when the sun goes down, Naoussa becomes the centre of the vibrant nightlife on the island, under the stars…

Faneromeni (Panagía) Church is the landmark of Naoussa, and it dominates the skyline above the small harbour. It is the third-largest church in Paros.

Faneromeni (Panagía) Church, Naoussa

Explore the villages of Paros

Besides Parikia and Naoussa, Paros is known for its picturesque villages.
If you have time, plan to visit Lefkes, Prodromos, Marpissa, Aliki, or Piso Livadi.

Lefkes village

We visited the traditional village of Lefkes, nestled in the mountains, about 11 km southeast of Parikia. It is easy to reach by car, taxi or public buses, which run regularly (about a 20-minute drive).

Along the way, we passed by the small village of Kostos, with a lovely square with the churches of Agia Marina and Anastasi.

Churches in Kostos village

By the way, Lefkes was founded in the 17th century, and once, it was the first capital of Paros.

Lefkes village and the Church of Agia Triada

Agia Traida Church, Lefkes village

The Church of Agia Triada in the Lefkes village

After visiting the church, you can wander through the Lefkes’ alleys with traditional white houses, bougainvillaea trees and colourful flowers.

White houses in the village of Lefkes

Check small shops selling souvenirs, decorative objects, jewellery, or ceramics. Visit the Folklore Museum to learn more about the island’s traditions. Don’t miss the chance to take beautiful photos and enjoy a local dish or Greek coffee in one of the cafés.

Strolling along the Lefkes village

Lefkes also offers private villas, guesthouses, and apartments for a peaceful stay.

Whitewashed houses with flowers, Lefkes village

The best beaches on Paros

Paros has some of the best beaches in Greece, but keep in mind that they can be very crowded, especially during high season. Beaches are perfect. The golden sand, crystal clear and mostly shallow water, lively beach bars and taverns around them, will make your vacation full of memories.

Beaches around Parikia town

◊ Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) is located about 20 km southeast of Parikia. It is a long and partly organised beach with bars and restaurants. Together with the nearby New Golden Beach, it is ideal for windsurfing. Every August, one of the Windsurfing World Cup events takes place in this area. You’ll also find the Diving Paros Centre there, where you can enjoy a scuba diving session.

Golden Beach

Marcello Beach is situated in the bay of Parikia. It is well organised and very popular among young people because of the beach bars and music. You can reach it by car, on foot (it takes about 45 minutes from the centre), or by a short boat ride from the port of Parikia. Near Marcello, you can visit the Krios Beach, a well-organised sandy beach with small taverns in the bay. It is easily reached by public bus or car. Close to the beach, there are a campsite, hotels and apartments.

Marchello Beach

◊ Livadia is the closest beach to Parikia, about 700 meters from the harbour. Surrounded by trees, it is partly organised with sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports.

 Pounta Bay is located in a small village, about 9 km southwest of Parikia. It is a world-famous spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers, with several bars and hotels around it.

Pounta Beach and kitesurfing, Paros

Also, there is a small harbour in Pounta Bay, from which you can take a ferry to the opposite Antiparos island in a few minutes. Ferry runs between the islands every half-hour, but check the schedule before you go.

Ferry from Paros to Antiparos

Beaches around Naoussa (North Paros)

Kolymbithres is the most famous beach in Paros, known for its specific granite rock formations that create several natural coves. You can reach it from Naoussa by bus or water taxi. Just a few metres from the beach, you’ll find Taverna Kolymbithres, a great spot to try delicious Greek specialities.

Kolymbithres Beach

◊ Located on the east coast of Paros, in Plastira Bay, Santa Maria Beach is a good choice for families with kids because of its shallow, crystal-clear water. It is a well-organised beach with bars and water sports. However, it can be crowded, especially during the beach parties with a DJ. If you prefer a calmer beach, find Mikri Santa Maria beach, located just one km away.

◊ Monastiri Beach lies near the Environmental Park of Paros, established in 2009 to protect rare flora and fauna species. It is a small sheltered beach protected from strong winds, with calm, shallow water, which makes it perfect for families with small children. Visitors can enjoy sunbeds, umbrellas, the Monastiri Beach Bar & Restaurant, paddle boats and water sports, as well.

Monastiri Beach

On the rocky part of the beach stands Agios Ioannis Detis church, overlooking the blue Aegean Sea and Naoussa Bay. The first church was built in the 17th century, then renovated in 1806 by monk Joseph. Under the rule of King Otto, it was abandoned from 1833 until 1964, when Dutch painter Gisele D’Ailly got permission to live there and restored it.
Today, the festival of the monastery of Agios Ioannis Detis is celebrated on August 29, when pilgrims gather for an all-night mass.

Agios Ioannis Detis Church near the Monastiri Beach

A few more interesting beaches…

Agia Irini Beach is a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by palm trees, with a canteen offering snacks and drinks. It is located 5 km south of Parikia.
 Logaras Beach is situated in the southern part of the island, 18 km away from Parikia and a few km away from Piso Livadi Beach. It is a long, partly organised beach, with taverns, water sports and accommodation facilities.
Kalogeros Beach is a secluded and non-organised beach on the eastern part of the island. It is famous for its natural clay, so you can treat yourself to a free natural SPA, right on the beach
 Langeri Beach is a quiet and isolated beach, close to the Santa Maria Beach, mostly frequented by nudists.
Punda Beach is the most popular among the young visitors, known for bars, beach parties and loud music with a DJ.

Accommodation on Paros

Páros offers a wide range of accommodation, from small apartments to luxurious boutique hotels and villas.

We stayed at the Doukissa hotel, a family hotel run by two sisters, Doukissa and Lila. It is located in the centre of Parikia, near the Archaeological Museum and the Church of Ekatontapiliani, surrounded by roses, bougainvillaea, lemons, and pine trees. You can choose among various types of carefully decorated rooms, such as: Superior, Deluxe, Suite or Basic.

We were delighted with its perfect location, warm hospitality, and an excellent breakfast

Parikia, the Doukissa Hotel

Some of the most luxurious hotels are: Calme Boutique Hotel (adults only), Mythic Paros (adults only), Cove Paros, Martineli Residence-Beachfront Estate, Yria Island Boutique Hotel & Spa, PAROCKS Luxury Hotel & Spa, Kouros Blanc Resort & Suites, Vione Paros, White Dunes Luxury Boutique Hotel, Parilio, a Member of Design Hotels, Lilly Residence-All Sea View Suites (adults only), etc.

Check out the various accommodation options and find the best place for your stay in Paros.

Cafes & restaurants

Paros offers numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants serving delicious food and drinks.
Here are some of the most popular spots to check out.

Parikia:
Cafes: Symposium Cafe & restaurant (former Distrato, which was our favourite cafe & restaurant), Meltemi, Cosa All-day cafe Bar, Secret Cafe, Evinos Bar, Bebop, Pirate Bar, and Alexandros Bar, located in the old windmill, perfect for watching the sunset.
Restaurants: Taverna Mira, Mouragio, To Bountaraki, Apollon Garden.

Parikia, Distrato Cafe, today Symposium Cafe

Naoussa
Cafes: Kiranos Cafe, Fotis All Day Bar, Agosta, Sousauro.
Famous bakery: Ragoussis.
Restaurants: Barbarossa is the most popular and expensive restaurant, offering a cosmopolitan vibe and delicious gourmet dishes. It has hosted many Greek and international celebrities.
Also recommended: Tsakpinis restaurant, Siparos, Safran, and Sigi Ikthios.

If you are a wine lover, visit Moraitis Winery, one of the most famous wine producers in Paros.

Shopping & souvenirs

Ah, shopping, an essential part of every trip

Wandering through the small shops in Parikia and Naoussa, you can find handmade jewellery, Greek leather sandals and textiles, local ceramics, handicrafts, and various souvenirs.

And don’t forget to buy local wines, cheese, olives, organic Parian olive oil and herbs, perfect gifts to bring a piece of Paros back home.

Cultural Events & Festivals

From June to September, Paros hosts numerous celebrations, open-air concerts, and cultural events filled with food, music, and fireworks. Some of the most popular are:
The Panagia Ekatontapyliani Festival, on the 15th August in Parikia.
◊ Fish and Wine Festival on the 2nd July in Naoussa.
The Pirate Festival, on the 23rd of August in Naoussa, is a fun reenactment of pirate raids.

Everyone is welcome, so check the Paros festival schedule here. Eat, drink, dance and have some fun

Visit Paros & Cyclades

From Paros, you can visit several amazing Cyclades islands by ferry, in a one-day excursion. Or, you can combine an island-hopping tour including Paros and some of the islands. Just check the ferry schedules carefully.

Antiparos is a charming small islet. Boats depart from Parikia port and the Pounta Bay. My sister and I took a short trip there to meet with Fabrizio, our Italian friend.

◊ Naxos is another fantastic Cycladic island, located approximately 20 km away. You can read more about it in one of the following posts.

Mykonos is one of the most famous Greek islands, known for its nightlife, beach parties, and celebrities. We visited it during a one-day excursion. But if you like parties, plan to stay overnight to feel the vibrant atmosphere of the island.

◊ Milos is a marvellous island with stunning and colourful beaches.
You can read more about it here: Milos beaches, the hidden gem of Cyclades.

So, if you’re dreaming of your next Greek escape, Paros might be exactly what you’re looking for. It is a perfect mix of tradition, cosmopolitan style, beautiful sandy beaches, sunset dinners and bougainvillaea-lined alleys.

Just one visit, and you’ll understand why Paros is considered one of the gems of the Cyclades

Paros, Lefkes house

By the way, Kavala is a place where you can walk along Ottoman fortresses, the Venetian aqueduct, and relax on sandy beaches. And all of that, you can do in one day.

So, let’s check out what you need to know before your trip to Kavala.

Strolling along the Kavala Old Town

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How to get to Kavala

Kavala is nestled on the slopes of Mount Symvolo, in northern Greece, and it is part of East Macedonia and Thrace. It can be reached by road, air, and sea.

By car/ bus:
Kavala is about 160 km east of Thessaloniki (1.5–2 hour drive), and around 650 km from Athens (about 6.5 hours). There are several public and private parking lots in the town; the largest one is near the port and the Old Town.
By the way, it is well-connected by KTEL buses with Thessaloniki, Drama, Xanthi, and other towns in Northern Greece.

By air: 
Kavala International Airport “Alexander the Great“ (KVA) is near the town of Chrysoupoli, about 30 km from Kavala. It is connected with Athens with regular flights, and seasonal flights to several European cities. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a bus or rent a car to the town.

By ferry: Kavala is an important ferry port for the North Aegean islands, such as Thassos, Limnos, Lesvos, and Samothraki.
The most popular route among tourists is the one to Thassos Island from Kavala port to the Skala Prinos port. The second route is from Keramoti port (39 km away from Kavala) to Limenas port.

Kavala port and red Thassos ferry

Check the ferry schedule here

A few words about the history 

Kavala has a long and rich history.
In ancient times, it was known as Neapolis, which means “new city”. It was built in the late 7th century BC by the settlers from Thassos Island. The town was also a port of Philippi, located 14 km away, named after King Philip II of Macedon in 356 BC. Today, this important ancient city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

During the Roman rule, the town and the trade flourished due to the military Roman road Via Egnatia, which passed through the city. Also, one of the most important events was the landing of Apostle Paul during his first voyage to Europe.

In the 6th century, it was under the rule of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, who fortified the city. In later Byzantine times, it was called “Christo(u)polis“. During the 8th and 9th centuries, this area was attacked by Bulgarians, Normans in 1185, Lombards, and the Catalans in 1302.

Then, the Ottoman Empire captured the city in 1387, and Kavala remained part of it until 1912. During this period, the Roman aqueduct was reconstructed, and the Byzantine fortress on the hill was extended. The town was demolished and then rebuilt. It became an important commercial port, and it got a modern look. By the way, from the 16th century, the city changed its name to Kavala.
In 1912, the town joined the Kingdom of Greece.

During the Balkan Wars, and also the First and Second World Wars, this area was mostly under the Bulgarian occupation. After the liberation, Kavala was turned over to Greece. It faced economic decline and population emigration, but it began to recover and expand in the late 1950s.

Tobacco production in Kavala

Did you know that Kavala was famous for the production of tobacco?
I heard about it for the first time from the Greek tourist guide during my vacation on the beautiful Limnos island.

Read more here about the Secrets of Limnos Island.

Fishing was the primary occupation, but after the country’s industrialisation, the tobacco industry began to develop in northern Greece. Actually, from the mid-19th century until 1950, Kavala was the largest centre for the processing and exporting of tobacco in the Balkans. A small town became a wealthy and prosperous place due to the ideal conditions of the soil and climate for tobacco production.

Tobacco trade

At the time of the Ottoman occupation, Turks were forbidden to produce tobacco, but the Ottoman rulers still controlled the trade. It was a big opportunity for foreign investors to run the production in this area.

The most famous among them was the wealthy Austro-Hungarian banker and investor, Pierre Herzog. His company, “Herzog et Cie”, was founded in 1889, creating a monopoly of the tobacco trade in Macedonia. Also, Baron Herzog was one of the merchants responsible for liberalising the tobacco trade.

The company has many warehouses in the town, but the administration was moved to his residence, a beautiful whitewashed palace built in the 1890s. It looks amazing, like a medieval castle, with Gothic arches on the towers and balconies, and two Venetian Gothic apses on either side of the gate.

By the way, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the town, located on Kiprou Street. In 1937, the Municipality of Kavala bought this house. Until today, it has been used as the City Hall and for administrative services.

Kavala City Hall, former Baron Herzog residence

The Baron Herzog company was managed by Adolph Wix von Zsolnay, a German Jewish Baron who served as the German and Austrian consul in the city. His residence, also used as the office, was built next to the building of Baron Herzog in 1906. It is painted yellow, and it looks like a miniature Hungarian tower.

The building was bought by an American tobacco company in 1925. But today, it also belongs to the Municipality of Kavala and houses some of the Municipality’s services.

WIX building, Kiprou street

Life in Kavala during the tobacco period

The period of tobacco production was very important to Kavala. It became a wealthy and cosmopolitan town which attracted numerous tobacco experts, investors and merchants. They enjoyed restaurants, tennis, theatres, clubs, nightlife and balls at the Great Club of Kavala, or Megali Lesxi.

This beautiful building in the Austrian Baroque style is located on the left side of today’s City Hall. It was built in 1910 by the Philoptochos Adelfotis Kyrion Kavalas (a women’s charity for the poor) to house the Greek Community of Kavala. 

Great Club of Kavala, or Megali Lesxi building

By the way, in 1921, the majority of the Jewish community of 2,500 members worked in the tobacco industry. During World War II, the city’s Jewish community was largely deported to the Treblinka death camp in Poland, and only a small number of them survived.

The Tobacco Workers’ Square 

By 1913, there were sixty-one tobacco companies registered in the city. Almost 6,000 people worked in the tobacco industry, and among them, there were also many women.
And  262 warehouses were built in a special architectural style all around the town. Today, some of them are restored, some are not, but all of them are testaments to the rich history of the tobacco trade.

The Tobacco Workers’ Square is located in the town centre, today known as the Kapnergati Square. It got its name after the workers and their historical movement. 

On the square, and in front of the building of the Municipal Tobacco Warehouse, you can see the Monument to the Tobacco Worker. It was created by Dimitrios Armakolas, and it was placed there in 1986. The monument represents figures who participated in the tobacco workers’ movement.
Also, there is another artwork, “The Hands”, which represents the power, speed and mastery of the hands of the tobacco worker.

The Monument to the Tobacco Worker

Municipal Tobacco Warehouse

The Municipal Tobacco Warehouse was built in 1910 by the businessman and tobacco merchant Kiazim Emin. 

Beautiful building of the Municipal Tobacco Warehouse on the Tobacco Workers Square

This impressive building was built in Ottoman and European neoclassical style, with details such as four crowns, flowers, suns and family crests on the facade. In 1970, the Municipality of Kavala bought the building and made some renovations.
Today, the former tobacco warehouse is used for various events, concerts, conferences, and exhibitions. etc.

Facade of the Municipal Tobacco Warehouse

The Regie’s tobacco warehouse 

Close to the Municipal Tobacco Warehouse, on the right side, you can see the Regie Tobacco House.

It is a three-storey building complex with four wings, constructed in 1885. It was purchased by the Régie, the Ottoman tobacco monopoly, in 1892. This company had the exclusive right to distribute tobacco and to produce various types of cigarettes in four centres: Istanbul, Thessaloniki, Samsun and Izmir.

View of the Tobacco Régie Warehouse Complex

The tobacco workers’ strike of 1896, known as “the fight for bread”, took place in this tobacco warehouse.
Today, its current owners have converted the tobacco complex into a modern shopping mall.

The Tobacco Régie Warehouse Complex

The Tobacco Museum

Explore Kavala

The city is amphitheatrically built on the Panagia peninsula, stretching along the sea. The old part is interwoven with a new modern part. On the one side, there are narrow alleys with colourful houses and a fortress, and on the other side, a promenade along the port and modern buildings.

This unique and vibrant atmosphere makes Kavala a dynamic city. It is full all year round,  with numerous traditional taverns, cafes, clubs, and various shops. Commerce, tourism, fishing and oil-related activities make Kavala an important economic centre of Northern Greece.

A panoramic view of Kavala from the fortress

Aqueduct – Kamares

Aqueduct in Kavala

One of the most popular landmarks of the town is the Aqueduct, known as the Kamares (Arches). It is close to one part of the fortress, surrounded by modern buildings.

Aqueduct of Kavala

Originally, it was built by the Romans and reconstructed by Ibrahim Pasha, the vezir of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, in the 16th century. The aqueduct has 60 arches, it is 270 m long and 25 m of maximum high. It supplied the town with drinking water from Mount Pangaeus until 1911.
Even today, it still looks amazing, and it reminds me of the aqueduct in Istanbul.

Kavala Aqueduct, Kamares

Old Town of Kavala

Although the Old Town of Kavala evokes memories of the past, people still live there. It is a maze of narrow alleys and colourful houses decorated with flowers. Some of them are renovated and converted into small hotels, apartments, cafes and taverns. But some of them are in ruins or wait to get a new look.

So, if you start your walk from the port following the city walls, after a few hundred meters, you will see the Church of Saint Nicholas on the left side. On the right side, there is an information board to the hill and an entrance to the Old Town, known as Panagia.

Following Theodorou Poulidou Street, you will see a few small souvenirs, cafes, and interesting houses on the left side.

Houses in the Old Town, Kavala

On the right side, there is a beautiful, light rose-coloured building in the Ottoman Neoclassical style. It was built around 1905 as the residence of a Turkish merchant. Later, it was used as the Ecominics High School and as a prison for Greek patriots during the Bulgarian occupation in World War II. Today, it houses the Fifth High School.

The building of the Fifth High School

Imaret

Going further, you will see one of the Kavala landmarks, the Imaret, a unique Ottoman monument.
It stretches along the Theodorou Poulidou Street and Byzantine walls, which can also be seen from the port.

Muhammad Ali Pasha founded Imaret as “a gift” to his birthplace in 1813. Once, there was a sacred site of the goddess Parthenos sanctuary from the 7th century BC, at this place.

A view of the Imaret from the port, and the Castle in the background

Imaret was a religious, educational and charitable institution. The complex consisted of two medreses (seminaries), two large domed prayer rooms, an elementary school for boys, the imaret (soup kitchen), a hamam, a cistern, fountains, and the offices. A single dome of the Muhammad Ali Pasha Mosque can be seen from the street, but it is no longer open for worship.

From 1922, it served as a shelter for the refugees. Then, it was converted into a museum, cafeteria and restaurant.
In 2004, the complex was restored into a beautiful 5* luxury hotel. By the way, the hotel was closed temporarily becaouse of the renovations, and it was reopened on 1st October 2025.

Kavala Old Town, Imaret Hotel

Halil Bey Mosque

The unusual rose-red colour of the Halil Bey Mosque surprised me. It was probably built around the 1530s, during the Ottoman rule, on the site of a previous Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi. Some remains of the church can be seen today through the glass floor of the mosque.

Halil Bey Mosque

So, the mosque was a part of a complex, which also included a madrasa, with eight rooms for students.
By the way, the mosque and madrasa served as a girls’ school in the 20th century, and as a shelter for Greek refugees after the Balkan War. The mosque is also known as the “Mosque of Music” or “Palia Mousiki”, which means Old Music, because it housed the municipality’s philharmonic orchestra from 1930 to 1940.

The mosque and madrasa had many renovations, and today serve as a museum. 

Halil Bey Mosque  and madrasa

Muhammad Ali House

The Muhammad Ali House was and is still the largest house in the town. It consisted of the men’s rooms, the pasha’s private rooms, guest rooms, the women’s quarters, the hammam and the sofa. Today, his house has been preserved as a museum, which is open every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 10 AM to 3.30 PM. The entrance fee is 8 EUR for adults, and the reduced price is 5 EUR.

Muhammad Ali (1769-1849) is considered the founder of a dynasty that ruled modern Egypt.

Muhammad Ali House

Near the house, there is a huge statue of Muhammad on a horse.

A statue of Muhammad Ali

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin

Close to the Muhammad Ali House, there is the main church in Kavala’s Old Town, the Holy Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It is also known as the Church of Panagia.

Today’s church was built in 1957, on the place where a church was in the 15th century. During the Ottoman occupation, Greek Christians lived in this area, which got its name from this church. Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit.

Church of Panagia

If you continue to walk to the edge of the peninsula of the Old Town, you will find the Lighthouse, built in the late 19th century. There is a panoramic view of the sea, Mount Athos and the island of Thassos.

 Fortress of Kavala 

 The Fortress of Kavala is situated at the top of the peninsula of Panagia, about 70 meters above sea level.

The fortification of Kavala started in ancient times and continued through the Byzantine and Ottoman times. It consists of the external walls on the steep coastline and the interior around the Acropolis.

 The fortress, which can be seen today, was built in the 15^th century, on the remains of the Byzantine Acropolis. It was made of local raw granite stones, brick and marble, and it survived many reconstructions. The major renovations were made between 1530 and 1536 under the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent.

When you enter the fortress, on the left side, in the outer enclosure, today it is an open theatre and cafe. During the summer, various cultural events, concerts and theatrical performances are held there.

A view from the Fortress of Kavala of the theatre and town

Inside the inner enclosure

Then, passing through the inner gate, you enter the inner enclosure, which is about 90 m long and 37 m wide. There is a circular tower built in the 15th century, on the site of the Byzantine tower.

Inner gate of the fortress and the tower

Just be careful when you climb the tower, because of the narrow, steep and slippery stairs.

Stairways in the tower of the fortress

And from the top, you can enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the town, the aqueduct and the blue Aegean sea.

A view of the town and the blue sea

Near the tower, there are remains of a water cistern from the early Christian or Byzantine era. Also, you can see there an ammunition depot and a food store, built around 1530. Later, in the 18th – 19th centuries, it served as a prison. The Guardhouse was built in the 15th century and has undergone numerous changes.
And of course, be careful if you walk around the walls, and wear something comfortable.

The Guardhouse, an ammunition depot and a food store

Churches in Kavala

Besides the most famous Panagia in the Old Town, you can visit numerous Orthodox churches located around the town.

The Cathedral Church of St. Paul the Apostle

This church was founded to honour the town’s patron saint, the Apostle Paul. He landed at Neapolis during his first voyage to Europe in 49 AD. St. By the way, he baptised Lydia of Thyatira, a woman who sold purple fabric, during his travel through the region of Philippi. It is considered the first documented convert to Christianity in Europe.
The church was built in 1905 by the Greek Community after the consent of the Turkish Administration.

Church of Saint Paul

The Church of St. Nicholas

It is located close to the port and the Old Town. First, this building was erected in 1530 as a mosque, on the previous Christian church, by Ibrahim Pasha, vizier to Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. It was the largest mosque in Kavala. Then, in the 1920s, it was converted to an Orthodox church, dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The minaret was destroyed, and a new bell tower was built.

Church of St. Nicholas with mosaic

On the eastern side of the church, there is a mural depicting the arrival of Apostle Paul in Neapolis.
We entered the church, but there are some renovation works inside it.

Inside the Church of St. Nicholas

The Church of St. George

The church of Saint George was founded by refugees after 1922.
First, there was a mosque in this place, then it was converted to a church and renovated.

Church of Saint George

Cafes and restaurants

There are many cafes, small taverns and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Greek cuisine and drinks. Bear in mind that most restaurants are open from 12 PM for lunch, and later for dinner. Let’s mention some of them.

Cafes and restaurants

Popular taverns in the Old Town: To Araliki, Belle Helene, Koutoukaki, Kanados.
Gourmet restaurant: Atopo Bistronomy Restaurant.
Best fish tavern: Kapilio.
Best fast food: Panseta Lemonia (Πανσέτα Λεμονιά), Delikaris, Koulis.
Excellent Greek taverna with traditional dishes: Sousouro.
Best cafe & restaurant: Tsalapeteinos Urban Farm.
Best cocktail bar: Capsula.

Kafé Bríki (Coffee pot)
Take a break at the most unique cafe in town, located in the Old Town. The interior is interestingly decorated with vintage furniture, numerous details, and black-and-white photographs showing Kavala’s past.

Kavala, Cafe Briki

Try traditional Greek coffee in a pot and enjoy the beautiful view of the Kavala port.

Greek coffee at the Cafe Briki

 Accommodation in Kavala

There are various types of accommodations in Kavala, ranging from apartments to luxurious and boutique hotels.

Imaret Hotel: the most luxurious hotel in town, inside Muhammad Ali’s building.
◊ Lucy Hotel: a luxurious 5-star hotel located on Kalamitsa Beach, perfect for travellers who prefer resort-style.
Airotel Galaxy: 4-star hotel, great location by the harbour, with modern rooms, and a rooftop bar.
◊ Hotel Oceanis: 3-star hotel, good location, popular for its rooftop with a pool.

Accommodation in Palio, Nea Iraklitsa and Nea Peramos is more convenient for families with children because of the nearby sandy beaches. There you can find numerous apartments and hotels.

We booked the Brick Apartment in Nea Peramos, and we were satisfied with the equipment of the apartment and its location.

Beaches around Kavala

The nearest beach to the centre is the Rapsani Beach, located about 1 km away. Close to the town, there are Kalamitsa, Batis, Tosca, and Perigiali.

Beaches in Nea Iraklitsa are located about 16 km away, and in Nea Peramos, around 18 km from Kavala. One of the best beaches in northern Greece is Ammolofi Beach, with several beach bars, located close to Nea Peramos.

Ammolofi Beach

You can read more about the beautiful beaches near Kavala here.

Shopping and souvenirs

The modern Kavala’s city centre offers various possibilities for shopping.

The main streets with shops and services are Venizelou Street, pedestrian street Meg. Alexandrou, and along Omonia Square. There you can find local boutiques with clothes and popular brands, jewellery shops, and artisan stores. Along the Megalou Alexandrou Street, there is the Shopping Mall of Kavala, housed in a former tobacco warehouse, which I have mentioned before.

Shops and a local market in Kavala

Near the Church of Saint George, you can find the Kavala Municipal Agora. There you can buy local and fresh products, honey, herbs, spices, handmade pasta, etc.

And don’t forget souvenirs: almonds, local wines, olive oil, magnets or handmade ceramics.

TIP: Bear in mind that most shops have double working hours, usually from 8-9 AM to 2 PM, and from 5-6 PM to 7-8 PM.

Kavala Old Town, Theodorou Poulidou Street, souvenir shop

Visit Kavala

Usually, Kavala is a stop on the way to Thassos. But it is more than that. It is a place where you can find historical sites, beautiful buildings, wonderful sandy beaches, tasty food, and warm hospitality.

So take your time. Wander along the narrow alleys of Panagia and sip coffee, looking at the port. Walk under the arches of Kamares, and watch the sun dip into the Aegean Sea.

Whether you’re visiting Kavala for a day or planning a longer stay, I am sure that you will find interesting spots to enjoy your time sightseeing.

View of Kavala and the sea from the castle

Well, Kavala is located on the northern shore of the Aegean Sea in Greece, in the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. This important port town is known for its history, shipping, tourism, agriculture, and coastline with beautiful beaches.

So, here are some of the best beaches near Kavala you should not miss. This summer, we visited some of them, such as Ammolofi, Vrasidas, Sarakina, Nea Peramos, and Palio.

In a word, we all need sunshine, salt in the air, and a perfectly mixed cocktail in a hand on the golden sandy beach at sunset…

Ammolofi Beach

Beaches near the centre of Kavala town

By the way, there are several beaches near the centre of Kavala. Let’s just mention some of them.

Rapsani is the closest beach to the centre. It’s a narrow and sand-pebble beach, with clear and shallow water, but there are two stone ridges on both sides. Along the road behind it, there are a few tavernas, shops, and markets.

◊ Kalamitsa Beach is also located near the centre. It is a well-organised sandy beach surrounded by bars, taverns and parking.

Batis Beach is located in a gulf about 4 km from Kavala. It is a well-organised beach with sunbeds, umbrellas, cafes and dining options.

◊ Tosca Beach is situated about 5 km from the western entrance of Kavala. It is a small, sandy cove where you can spend a day in a peaceful environment, or you can book the excellent 4* Bomo Tosca Beach Hotel.

Perigiali is situated on the eastern entrance to the city, and it can be easily reached by public transport. It is a partly organised municipal beach.

Kalamitsa beach and Tosca beach

Beaches near Kavala

The area around Kavala offers a wide variety of sandy beaches, from ones with beach bars and party vibes to hidden gems.

Nea Peramos is located about 18 km from Kavala. It is a small place with a long sandy beach. Some parts are organised and surrounded by bars and good taverns. Considering that our accommodation was there, we visited this beach on the first day we came.

Cactus Beach Bar, Nea Peramos

Nea Iraklitsa is located 3.5 km from Nea Peramos and 16 km from Kavala. It is a popular place for families with children because of its long, sandy and organised beach with shallow water, water sports, cafes, beach bars and taverns, as well.

Ammolofi Beach

Ammolofi Beach is considered one of the best beaches in northern Greece. It is located 1 km west of Nea Peramos. This beautiful beach with golden sand and crystal clear water stretches about three kilometres. Actually, it is divided into several parts with stylish beach bars, such as Paradiso, Peponi, La Roca, Breeze, Liquid, Koo, Ammos, and Blue Beach Bar. In the evening, some beach bars organise themed parties with a DJ.

At the end of the beach, there is Foinikas Restaurant Bar, an excellent restaurant with Greek modern cuisine.

Ammolofi Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, making it an ideal destination for families and beach lovers. Besides its organised parts with bars, there are also free spaces to put your towels and umbrellas.

TIP: Arrive early during July and August, because it is crowded, especially on weekends.

Ammolofi Beach

What to know before visiting Beach bars?

Bear in mind some things before visiting the beach bars.

It is not allowed to bring your drinks or food on the beach, which means you have to drink/eat in the beach bar.
◊ The price of a set which includes 2 sunbeds and an umbrella is from 10 EUR to 50 EUR, depending on the number of rows and the type of sunbeds.

Also, in some beach bars, there is a minimum order for drinks and food of about 50 EUR or more for the first row.
◊ Take a look at some prices of drinks:
The coffees cost 5 – 6.5 EUR (Freddo Cappuccino, Frappe, Freddo Espresso, or Greek coffee).
Beers, such as Alpha, Nymphi, Vergine, Mamos or Sol, are 6-7 EUR.
Refreshment drinks, such as Pepsi, Schweppes, granita or a smoothie, cost 5-6 EUR, while cocktails are 10-16 EUR.

◊ Most of the beach bars have free and covered parking lots behind them, especially along the Ammolofoi Beach.
The music can be pretty loud, and some bars have a DJ as well.
◊ Beach bars are very crowded during July and August, and for some of them, you need to have a reservation.

Ammolofi Beach, La Roca Beach Bar

La Roca Beach Bar

One of the best beach bars on the Ammolofi Beach is La Roca Beach Bar.

La Roca Beach Bar, Ammolofi Beach, drone view by Aleksandar Petrović

It is a very well-organised beach with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and changing cabins, a perfect spot for fun and relaxation.

La Roca Beach Bar

Enjoy local beers, freddo cappuccino, refreshing cocktails, and delicious food at the restaurant.

The Roca Beach Bar and restaurant

Great music and a swing made of palm leaves will make your vacation perfect.

The Roca Beach Bar and swing

Just relax and enjoy summer vibes…

Breeze Beach Bar

Next to La Roca, there is another popular spot, the Breeze Beach Bar.
A path through the palm trees leads you to the sunny kissed Ammolofi beach.

The Breeze Beach Bar, Ammolofi Beach

Find your place, relax and enjoy the clear, shallow water and golden sand.

A view of the Ammolofi Beach from the Breeze Beach Bar Beach

The Breeze restaurant offers a diverse selection of drinks, refreshments, and cocktails, along with a variety of light snacks, seafood, pizzas, burgers, salads, vegan dishes, fresh fruits, and desserts.

The Breeze Beach Bar and restaurant

DJ and excellent music made this beach a perfect place to spend a beautiful day

Relaxing time on the Breeze Beach Bar, the Ammolofi Beach

Vrasidas Beach

Vrasidas Beach, drone shot by Aleksandar Petrović

It is a beautiful wild beach located on the peninsula of Vrasidas, between Ammolofoi Beach and Nea Peramos, and about 15 km from Kavala. Take a road toward Nea Peramos, pass the fortress, and follow the signs to Vrasides. One part of the road is not paved (about 3 km), so drive carefully. Parking is available close to the beach.

A drone view of the Vrasidas Beach, Greece

The sandy beach is in perfect harmony with crystal-clear and shallow water.

Vrasidas Beach

If you prefer a more natural setting, Vrasides Beach is the perfect place for you, surrounded by rocks and wild greenery.

Shallow water of the Vrasidas Beach

There are no organised facilities here, so bring your umbrella, water, and snacks. In fact, there is a small canteen with refreshment drinks and light snacks behind the beach, but it is not always open.

During my research on the internet about this beach, I found information that the beach is calm and not crowded. But, even though we visited it at the end of August, it became very crowded around noon. Also, it was very noisy due to the loud music by some visitors. causing violent reactions from those people who wanted to enjoy the calm and beautiful surroundings… So, you never know

Palio Beach 

This beach is located in the village of Palio, about 9 km away from Kavala. Also, it can be reached by bus from Nea Peramos, which is 10 km away.

The sandy beach consists of a few lаrge and smаll covеs, with pebbles and rocks in the water in one part of the beach. It stretches along the road, surrounded by small hotels, apartments, private villas, markets, several cafes and taverns.

Some beach bars and hotels offer sunbeds and umbrellas, but there is a lot of free space to bring your own umbrella. Generally, you can order coffee or drinks at the bar and get their sunbeds for free.

Palio Beach

Above the beach, in the quiet environment, there is the Paparouna restaurant (Μεζεδοπωλείο Παπαρούνα). And the view of the sea from a restaurant terrace is absolutely amazing!

Paparouna restaurant

This popular Greek tavern offers traditional dishes for lunch and dinner. The food was very delicious, portions were big, and prices were reasonable. We tried the fried summer vegetable balls, chicken schnitzel with arugula salad, beef steak with country potatoes, and Greek salad, of course

Delicious food in Paparouna restaurant, Palio Beach

Sarakina Beach & Paloma Beach Bar

The Sarakina Beach is located  5.5 km from the Elaiochori village and 31 km from Kavala town. Actually, it is a southern part of the Elеосhοriоu Beach.

The drone view of the Paloma Beach Bar and Sarakina Beach, drone shot by Aleksandar Petrović

The beach is a mix of sand and tiny gravel, and the water is crystal clear. However, it soon becomes deep, which is ideal for those who like to swim, but not suitable for small children.

Sarakina Beach

There are two beach bars close to each other, and we were in the Paloma Beach Bar. It was not so crowded as it usually is during July and August, when you sometimes need reservations.

Entrance to Paloma Beach Bar

It looks similar to beach bars in Ammolofi Beach: well organised, sunbeds, umbrellas, a restaurant, and an interesting sitting area. A set of two sunbeds and an umbrella costs 10 EUR. Evening parties with a DJ are also organised on the beach.

Paloma Beach Bar, Sarakina Beach

Beaches near Kavala: which one to choose?

Well, it depends on your interests which beach is the best for you.

For wild beauty: Vrasidas Beach.
◊ For relaxing with music, cocktails, and parties: Ammolofi and Sarakina Beach with beach bars.
For families and a quiet vacation, beaches in Palio, Nea Peramos or Nea Iraklitsa.

No matter which one you choose, the beaches near Kavala offer the perfect mix of Greek summer vibes: golden sand, crystal-clear water, and delicious food by the sea.

Ammolofi beach

Visit the marvellous Acropolis, busy Syntagma Square, pedestrian Ermou Street, the National Garden, and charming districts of Plaka, Anafiotika, Psiri, Thissio, Monastiraki and Kolonaki.

Look at the Athens Travel guide and feel the magical atmosphere of ancient history and modern city.

Athens Street and Acropolis

How to get to Athens

Athens is located in Greece’s Attica region and can be easily reached by plane, sea, or by car /bus.

By plane: Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” is located 33 km southeast of Athens. It is connected with all parts of the world with regular and charter flights. From there, you can catch a taxi or bus, and it takes 30-45 minutes to drive from the airport to the centre, depending on the traffic. Also, Metro Line 3 (the Blue Line) connects the airport and Piraeus with the city centre (Syntagma or Monastiraki stations, about 40 40-minute drive).

◊ By sea: There are two seaports near Athens. Piraeus Port is the main Athens seaport on the Saronic Gulf, located around 12 km away. Rafina Port is located around 33 km east of the centre of Athens, and it is close to the airport. From these ports, you can catch ferries to different Greek islands. The third port of Lavrio is located on the southeast coast of Attica, about 60 km from Athens.

By car or bus: Because of its position in Southeast Europe, you can also reach Athens by car or bus, as well. The A1 motorway leads from the Greek border at Evzonoi, passing Thessaloniki to Athens. There are two bus stations. Athens Kifissos Bus Station (Terminal A) is the largest bus terminal in the city. The second one is the KTEL Liosion (Bus Terminal B).

◊ By organised tours: many travel agencies organise various excursions from Europe to Athens, by bus or by plane.

Public transport in Athens

Even though the best way to explore the city is on foot, you can use public transport, which is affordable.

The metro is the fastest way. There are three metro lines: Line 1-Green Line, Line 2-Red Line, and Line 3-Blue Line. Interestingly, you can see Greek artefacts found during the construction of the metro, especially in the Monastiraki, Syntagma, and Acropolis metro stations.

Besides the metro, you can use the bus, tram, trolleybuses and suburban railway, as well. Take a look at the price of tickets.

The standard ticket: 1.20 EUR for all types of public transport, valid for 90 minutes.
◊ The one-way airport bus ticket is 5.50 EUR.
A special ticket to and from the airport: 9 EUR.
◊ Day Pass: 4.10 EUR (unlimited travel for 24 hours, excluding airport services).
A 5-day Ticket: 8.10 EUR (unlimited travel for 5 days, excluding airport services and bus X80).
◊ A 3-day tourist ticket: 20 EUR (unlimited travel and one round trip to/from Athens airport).

Check all details about the public transport in Athens here.

Athens by night

Best time to visit Athens

You can visit Athens all year round. The Mediterranean climate provides over 300 days of sunshine a year.
Autumn and winter are mild, with pleasant temperatures from 7° C to 15° C and rain, but snowfall is rare. Temperatures are usually above 22ºC from April until October, and summers are very hot.

For example, the evening and night temperatures were about 5° C for this New Year’s Eve. But the days were sunny with temperatures of 10-15° C, perfect for strolling around.

Is Athens expensive?

Compared to other European capitals and cities, Athens is an affordable destination, depending on your interests.

Lower budget travellers usually spend 40-70 EUR per day, mid-range travellers 100-250 EUR per day, and luxury travellers 250+ EUR per day. Bear in mind that the price of tickets for accommodation and archaeological sites may vary depending on the low and high seasons.

Athens Travel guide: what to see and do

Ahh… There are so many interesting places to see and things to do in Athens! Definetely, it is one of my favourite cities. You can enjoy the fascinating archaeological sites, stroll around picturesque districts, or go shopping.

In the meantime, take a coffee break in numerous bars and cafes, and taste delicious Greek food in taverns and restaurants. And, of course, you can enjoy the nearby beach in the Glyfada neighbourhood, which is easily accessible by private and public transportation. So, take a look at the list of the most interesting places in the city.

The Academy of Athens

Ancient Athens

Athens is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Europe. It flourished in the 5th century BC, known as “the Golden Age of Athens”.

The landmark of Athens is the Acropolis of Athens with magnificent monuments such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with beautiful Caryatids, and the Temple of Athena Nike. In previous blog posts, I wrote in detail about the fascinating history of the Acropolis and ancient Athens, as well as tips for tickets and visits.

You can read more about the Acropolis of Athens here.

Acropolis of Athens

Besides the Acropolis of Athens, many ancient monuments can be seen, such as the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Hephestus, the Hadrian’s Library, the Roman Agora, the Tower of the Winds, the Kerameikos cemetery, etc.

You can read more about the most famous Ancient monuments of Athens here.

Ancient archaeological sites in Athens

Modern Athens

Athens has a rich history shaped by the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians, and the Ottomans. After liberation from the Ottoman Empire, Greece became the Kingdom of Greece in 1830. Athens was chosen to be the capital of the new state in 1834, replacing Napflio, the first  Greek capital.

Today, Athens is a modern and vibrant city with over 3.6 million inhabitants. It is the main economic, political, cultural and educational centre of Greece. Also, it is a favourite tourist destination which attracts millions of tourists every year.

What to see in Athens

The most famous and important squares are Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Omonia, situated in the districts with the same name.

Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square, or Constitution Square, is the central square of the city. It got its name from the Constitution of Otto, the first King of Greece. After a military uprising on 3 September 1843, he was obliged to grant the first Constitution of Greece.

Today, the square is a very important transport spot with Syntagma metro, bus, and trolley stations. Next to the Hellenic Parliament, there is the National Garden, and across the street, a small park with a fountain.

By the way, Syntagma Square is a well-known meeting point for both locals and tourists. It’s a common location for strikes and demonstrations, but also one of the main spots for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Since we were in Athens at that time, Syntagma Park was interestingly decorated, with concerts and fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

Syntagma Park for NY Eve 2025

Within a short walking distance of Syntagma Square, there is pedestrian Ermou Street, as well as the neighbourhoods of Kolonaki, Plaka, Monastiraki and Psiri, the Acropolis and other famous sites of Ancient Athens.

The Greek Parliament and Evzones guardians

The Old Royal Palace is a neoclassical 19th-century building located in Syntagma Square. It has housed the Greek Parliament since 1934.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was mounted as a relief at the foundation of the Parliament building on March 25, 1932. It represents the naked male sculpture of a dead warrior on the ground, with a shield in his hand and an Ancient Greek helmet.

But, this building is one of the favourite tourist spots because of the famous Evzones, a special unit of the Hellenic Army. They guard the Monument of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Mansion.

Athens, the Greek Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and an Evzone soldier

The Changing of the Guards ceremony

Watching the Changing of the Guard is always fascinating, and it takes place every hour.

So, every soldier guards for about an hour, 3 times every 48 hours. During that one hour, they have to stand perfectly still, without any eye movement or changing facial expression. Their moves are strongly controlled and slow motion during the changing of the guard, to protect the body’s circulation. The Evzone soldiers are selected carefully. They must be tall at 187 cm and must be in excellent physical and psychological condition.

They are dressed in a special handmade uniform, with a red fez on their heads and unique shoes. But the most interesting part is the fustanella, a white skirt made of 30 m material, with 400 folds, which represent the 400 years of Ottoman occupation. Even King Otto wore it during his official appearances.

Also, they hold a semi-automatic gun with bayonets in their hands.

Changing of the Guard

The National Garden of Athens

An interesting National Garden is located near the Greek Parliament. It is a perfect place for a walk to avoid hot days and the crowded centre.

Originally, it was a private Royal Garden, commissioned by Queen Amalia (the wife of King Otto) in 1838 and completed by 1840. After the end of the monarchy, it was declared a public park and renamed the National Garden in 1927.

The entrance is free, so you can enjoy walking around more than 7,000 trees and greenery in an area of about 16 hectares. There you can see various birds, turtles, and fish in the small lake, as well as a children’s playground, the Botanical Museum, and an open coffee shop.

Also, there is a beautiful yellow building of Zappeon Hall. It was the official Olympic Village of the Olympic Games in 1896. Today, it is used for public exhibitions and various events and ceremonies.

National Garden of Athens, August 2015

Omonoia Square

Omonia Square

Vibrant Monastiraki Square

Monastiraki Square is one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Athens. It got its name after the nunnery (female monastery) established on the square. The small Church of Pantanassa is known as the Great Monastery, and later as monastiraki (“little monastery”). You can see it on the left side of the square.

On the right side, there is the former Tzistarakis Mosque, built in 1759. It was named after the Ottoman voivode of the city, Mustafa Aga Tzistarakis. This Ottoman building served also as an assembly hall for the local town elders, then as barracks, a prison and a storehouse. Today it is a part of the Museum of Greek Folk Art.

Monastiraki Square

The Monastiraki area also includes the Ancient Agora, the Hadrian Library and the Roman Agora with the Tower of Winds. There are many fast-food restaurants, cafes and taverns, as well.

In a word, this square is very crowded, regardless of whether it is morning or evening. Across the mosque, there is an entrance to the Monastiraki metro station.

Monastiraki Square, by day and night

Athens Trilogy

“Athens Trilogy” is a beautiful complex of three neoclassical buildings. They are located in Panepistimiou Street, a few minutes away from Syntagma Square and Omonoia Square, as well. The complex consists of the National Library, the University of Athens, and the Academy of Athens.

Danish architect Theophil Freiherr von Hansen designed them in the 19th century. They look just like the buildings in ancient Athens, surrounded by flowers, shrubs, and mandarin trees.

The National Library 

From 1903, the beautiful building of Vallianeion Hall with curved stairs housed the National Library of Greece. In front of it, you can see the statue of Panayis Athanase Vagliano, a shipowner, and one of the Vagliano brothers from Kefalonia Island. They donated a huge amount of money for the construction of this building.

Because of the limited space, the huge collection of approximately one million items was transferred to the modern Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in 2018. I think that today it is not open to the public.

The National Library of Athens

The University of Athens

The impressive building of the University of Athens is located between the Library and the Academy.

By the way, the University of Athens is the oldest university in Modern Greece. Also, it was the first contemporary university in the Balkan Peninsula and the Eastern Mediterranean region. First, it was housed in a building in Plaka from 1837, and then, the University was relocated to this building in 1841.

Athens, University

The University is fantastically decorated by a 45-meter fresco on the façade, designed by Carl Rahl and Eduard Lebiedzki. So, the fresco represents a series of figures from ancient Greece and Apostle Paul, to King Otto, surrounded by the Sciences in the form of Renaissance female figures.

Beautifully decorated building of the University of Athens

Today, this building houses the institution’s administrative offices. Also, it serves for the university’s ceremonies and official events.

The Academy of Athens

The third marvellous building is the Academy of Athens, built from 1859 to 1885. The complex consists of a central section and two wings.

Well, it is a great honour to be a part of the Academy. Its members are prominent persons from the fields of Science, Humanities and Fine Arts.

The Academy of Athens

In the front of the Academy, near the stairs and mandarin trees, you can see the statues of Socrates and Plato. At the entrance, on the left side, there is the statue of Athena, the goddess of wisdom. On the right side, you can see the statue of Apollo, the god of light.

The beautiful building of the Academy of Athens

Today, the Academy building is used for conferences, but it is not open to the public.

The decorated ceiling and columns of the Academy of Athens

The Panathenaic Stadium (Kalimarmaro)

This stadium is located at the end of Herodes Atticus Street. The first modern Olympics took place there in 1896, and again in 2004.

First, it was used in 330 BC for the Panathenaic Games, held to honour the goddess Athena, the protector of the city. Then, thanking Herodes Atticus, the Romans rebuilt it in 144 BC, adding marble seats, statues, and a temple of the goddess Fortune. However, it was abandoned until the 19th century, when it was rebuilt for the first International Olympic Games.

You can visit the stadium from 8 AM to 5 PM, during November-February, and from 8 AM to 7 PM, during March-October. The ticket price is 12 EUR, and the reduced price is 6 EUR.

Today, various sports events, concerts and theatrical plays are held in the stadium.

Panathenaic Stadium, August 2015

You can read more about
Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and the Modern Olympic Games here.

The most picturesque Athens quarters

Today, the Athens Urban Area consists of 40 municipalities. Five municipalities belong to Piraeus, and the other 35 belong to four units: Central Athens, North Athens, West Athens, and South Athens.

Vibrant Plaka and Anafiotika

Plaka is the most famous part of Athens, known for the magnificent Acropolis, and as a bohemian district. It is located between Syntagma and Monastiraki neighbourhoods, or you can follow Ermou pedestrian street and go down south.

Plaka is one of the oldest quarters, known as the Turkish district of Athens, during the Ottoman occupation. It was damaged during the Greek War of Independence. But, under the rule of King Otto, the main part of Plaka was rebuilt by the inhabitants from the Anafi island who took part in the construction of Athens buildings. Today, this part is known as Anafiotika.

Anafiotika, the touch of Cyclades

Nestled below the Acropolis, the Anafiotika looks like some of the Cyclades Islands! Tiny houses, narrow paved alleys, flowers and little gardens are all you can see there. It cannot be visited by car.

Anafiotika is a very calm area. Many houses are abandoned, but some are still well-preserved and restored. There, you can find the Byzantine Church of Agios Nikolaos Ragava and even the Turkish hammam. From there, you can go to the nearby Plaka or continue to Mount Lycabettus.

Anafiotika

By the way, Anafiotika is known as a district of Athens’ street art. The walls of the abandoned houses in winding alleys are painted with graffiti and colourful murals.

Athens, Anafiotika murals

Restaurants and shops in Plaka

The main street in Plaka is Adrianou Street, which splits the district into two parts: Ano (Upper) Plaka and Kato (Lower) Plaka. The whole area is a maze of cobbled alleys with various shops, specialized souvenir shops, charming cafes, traditional restaurants, and blooming bougainvillaea.

Restaurants and bars in Plaka

It seems that the time is slowing down there. Just get lost among colourful houses, and enjoy delicious Greek cuisine.

Plaka Restaurants, January 2025

By the way, we welcomed the New Year 2025 in the “Odos Lisiou”, a multi-levelled rooftop sky bar restaurant in the heart of Plaka.  It was such a good feeling standing on the rooftop with a glass of Prosecco, watching the fireworks over the city and the magnificent Acropolis.

NY Eve 2025, Odos Lisiou roofbar

Psyri

One more interesting part of Athens is Psyri, located northwest of the Acropolis. In the past, significant Muslim inhabitants lived there. Later, it became the quarter known for craftsmen. In the 1990s, many of the abandoned workshops were transformed into galleries and studios.

Today, it is famous for shops with affordable prices, street art, hipsters, artists, and trendy bars. You can see various colourful murals and graffiti.

Athens, Psiri quarter

There you can find excellent traditional taverns with delicious Greek dishes.

Tsipoyradiko Arahova tavern, Psiri

In a word, there are plenty of options for all budgets to satisfy your food tastes. Also, Psiri is known for its nightlife, which is popular among young people.

Scrolling around the Psiri quarter by night

Little Kook Café

Don’t forget to visit Little Kook, a fairy-tale-themed café that opened in 2015. It became one of the most photographed spots of Athens on Instagram!

So, depending on the time of the year, the whole interior and exterior of the cafe changes in different themes, such as Halloween, Mary Poppins, Snow White, Pirates, Peter Pan, Alice in Kookland, or Circus. Since we were in Athens for the New Year celebration, the café was decorated in Christmas mode.

And yes, it is eccentric, overdecorated, and colourful, with numerous lights, but it is also like a fairy tale!

This cafe is crowded by day and night. People stroll around, take selfies, and photograph the cafe. The prices of cafes, chocolate drinks and sweets are a little bit higher than in the other cafes and cake shops in the city.

Little Kook Cafe, Christmas style

Kolonaki 

Well, Kolonaki is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in Athens. It is located about ten minutes of walk from Syntagma Square, on the southern slopes of Mount Lycabettus.

In this upscale district, you can find high-fashion boutiques, art galleries, charming cafés, exclusive restaurants, hotels, and several museums. It is a stylish neighbourhood with neoclassical and modern buildings.

The Lycabettus Funicular Railway leads you to the summit of Lycabettus Hill. From there, there is a fantastic panoramic view of the city of Athens.

Lycabettus Hill, Kolonaki quart

Thissio

Thissio is a calm neighbourhood, surrounded by the archaeological sites of the ancient Agora and Keramikos. 

This area is known for pedestrian streets, cafes, restaurants, archaeological monuments, churches, and synagogues. It is connected to other parts of the city via a metro station. By the way, the Apostolou Pavlou is the main pedestrian street, which got its name after St Paul the Apostle, who visited Athens in​ AD 51 and walked this way.

Thissio quarter

On the Thissio local market, you can find various items, such as vintage clothes, antiques, handmade crafts, jewellery, unique souvenirs, and some local food products.

Athens, Local market at the Thissio district

Museums in Athens

There are many different museums in Athens, so take a look at the list with some of them.

The Acropolis Museum is located close to the Acropolis, and it was opened in 2009.
◊ The National Archaeological Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Greece.
  Stoa of Attalos – Museum of the Ancient Agora.
◊ The Numismatic Museum of Athens houses a collection of over 500,000 coins, medals, gems, weights, stamps and artefacts from 1400 BC to modern times.
The Museum of Cycladic Art houses a collection of Cycladic artefacts.
◊ The Byzantine and Christian Museum with frescoes, paintings, sculptures & artefacts.
The Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments.
◊ The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture.
The National Historical Museum.
◊ The Maria Callas Museum is a biographical museum dedicated to the famous opera singer.

Athens: Numismatic Museum, Museum of the Cycladic Art, Maria Callas Museum

Churches in Athens

 The Metropolitan Cathedral is located between the squares of Syntagma and Monastiraki. It is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. The foundations of the church were laid in December 1842 by King Otto and Queen Amalia, but it was completed in 1862.

This church is considered a spiritual centre of Greek Orthodoxy. Inside the church, there are the tombs of two saints: St. Philotheis and St Gregory V, Patriarch of Constantinople. Also, it is known for numerous important ceremonies, such as weddings, christenings, and funerals of famous people, including the Greek royals.

Metropolitan Church of Athens

◊ Close to this church, you can see the Little Metropolis or the Church of Panagia Gorgoepikoos.

 The nearby Church Agia Dynami (“Holy power”) is located on Mitropoleos Street. This tiny church dates back to the 16th century, and the modern building was built around it.

◊The Catholic Church of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite was built in 1844. It is located close to Syntagma Square.

Church of Agios Nikolaos Rangavas is located in the Anafiotika quarter. It was built in the 11th century and rebuilt in 1980. The inner dome and northern part of the church belong to the Byzantine period.
◊ The first Greek Evangelical Church was built in 1871. It was demolished and rebuilt in 1956.

The Agia Dynami Church, Church of Panagia Gorgoepikoos, Catholic Cathedral of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite, and Church of Agios Nikolaos Rangavas

The Church of Panagia Kapnikarea is located in the pedestrian Ermou Street. This Byzantine Church was built in 1050 over the ruins of an ancient church dedicated to Athena or Dimitra. The current church is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin. 

The Church of Panagia Kapnikarea, Ermou Street

Where to stay in Athens

Well, depending on your budget and interests, you can choose between various types of accommodation, from hostels and apartments to modern 4* and 5* hotels. Generally, affordable accommodation prices are around Omonia and Psiri, and the best locations are around Plaka, Syntagma and Monastiraki due to the proximity of archaeological sites.

The King George Hotel (built in 1930) and the Hotel Grand Bretagne are the two most famous luxury hotels. They are situated one next to another in the Syntagma Square.

Athens Capital Hotel, King George Hotel and Hotel Grand Bretagna

Cafes and restaurants

You can find numerous cafes, bars, roof bars, taverns and restaurants in Athens, almost at every corner.

In a word, you can choose between street food (gyros, souvlaki, kebab, various pastries, sandwiches, burgers), Greek taverns, roof bars, international, and Michelin-starred restaurants. 

Try delicious Greek dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, roasted lamb, stuffed tomato, and grilled seafood.

Shopping in Athens

Located below Syntagma Square, Ermou Street is the most famous commercial street in Athens. There you can find various international and local fashion brands.
◊ The famous high fashion brands’ boutiques are located in Kolonaki Street.
You can buy various souvenirs in the Plaka, Psiri, Monastiraki and Thissio districts, and generally, everywhere in the city.
◊ If you like to see local markets, visit the Varvaikos market, the central city market, located on Athenians Street.

Shopping souvenirs, Ermou Street and Varvaikos market

What to see near Athens

There are many interesting places to see close to Athens, during one or two-day excursions.

◊ Take a Hop-on-hop-off bus tour and visit Athens, the Port of Piraeus, and the coastline of the Athenian Riviera.
Visit Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon at sunset.
◊ Delphi, the ancient sanctuary dedicated to the god Apollo. You can read more here.
Mycenae, the centre of the Mycenaean civilisation, you can read more here.
◊ Epidaurus, the most ancient theatre, you can read more here.
Nafplio is a charming coastal town on the Peloponnese.
◊ Saronic Islands, the group of small islands in the Saronic Gulf.

Whether you’re exploring its ancient landmarks, enjoying Greek cuisine, or taking a day trip,
Athens offers endless possibilities for an unforgettable experience.

Today, Athens is a dynamic and vibrant capital of Greece. Its fascinating history, museums, delicious food and energy attract millions of tourists every year. And the more you uncover about this extraordinary city, the more you want to explore.

So, let’s embark on a journey through time and unravel the fascinating history of ancient Athens.

A Glimpse into Athens’ History

Athens has a rich and captivating history, and I will mention just a few facts.

The area of Athens and the Acropolis have been inhabited since the Neolithic period. Around 1600-1100 BC, the small settlement became an important centre of the Mycenaean civilisation with impressive Cyclopean walls.

During the Archaic period (7th- 6th centuries BC), Athens became a powerful city-state. It flourished in the 5th century BC, known as “the Golden Age of Athens” (from 480 to 404 BC).

Under Pericles’s rule, Athens became the centre of democracy, art, and philosophy. Also, the most important buildings were built at that time, such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

In the following centuries, Athens was under the rule of various empires, such as Alexander the Great of Macedonia, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians and the Ottomans. Each of them left its mark, reshaping Athens and the Acropolis.

Despite various attacks and wars, Athens remained the founder and centre of Western civilisation.

What to know before visiting the sites of Ancient Athens

• The most famous and crowded site of Ancient Athens is the Acropolis. Bear in mind that you can visit the Acropolis only on a booked day and time slot.
  Other archaeological sites are less crowded. They have flexible times for visits, just check their opening times.
• Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk, because it is the best way to explore the sites and the city. High heels are not allowed on archaeological sites.
• Luggage, smoking, pets, food and drinks are not allowed on the ancient sites. You can only bring a bottle of water with you.
  
• Bring a hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially on hot days.

Tickets for the archaeological sites of Ancient Athens

For every archaeological site, you can buy a standard ticket. The price of tickets and opening times may vary, depending on the site. You can purchase them directly on the sites or online via the Hellenic Heritage e-ticketing service or booking platforms such as Get Your Guide, Viator or Tripadvisor.

At the end of December 2024, we visited the Acropolis of Athens on an organised excursion with a travel agency.

However, during a visit to Athens in August 2015, my sister and I visited several archaeological sites with a combined ticket. I highly recommend this type of ticket, especially if you travel solo and want to see the most important sites of Ancient Athens.

There are various types of combined tickets (Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, 7 sites, private tours, etc). So, check the offers and find out which one is the best for you.

For example, the combined ticket costs 37 EUR (price in 2025), and it is valid for five consecutive days. The ticket is an excellent value for money because you save up to 50% of the price, and it includes access to seven sites:
◊ Acropolis of Athens
The Ancient Agora
◊ The Roman Agora
Hadrian’s Library
◊ The Temple of Olympian Zeus
Kerameikos Ancient Cemetery
◊ Aristotle’s School (Lyceum).

Guide for the top locations of Ancient Athens 

The Acropolis of Athens

Well, the Acropolis of Athens is the most famous and photographed site in Athens and Greece.
In a word, the Acropolis of Athens is a must-see place, no matter how many days you spend in Athens.

Located on the rock in the centre of the city, the Acropolis amazes us with majestic ruins, silent witnesses of its turbulent history.

Parthenon, the Acropolis of Athens

There are several remains of the temples and buildings which can be seen today.

Propylaea, the grand entrance of the Acropolis.
◊ The Temple of Athena Nike is dedicated to Athena, the goddess of victory. 
The Magnificent Parthenon is the temple dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens.
◊ The Erechtheion temple with its beautiful caryatids.
The ancient Theatre of Dionysus.
◊ The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, built in Roman times.

Ancient sites on the Acropolis of Athens: Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Theatre of Dionysus, the Erechtheion, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus

In the previous text on the website, I wrote in detail about these stunning temples and buildings.
You can read more about the Acropolis of Athens here:

Areopagus Hill

Close to the Acropolis Hill, you can climb on the smaller Areopagus Hill. It got its name after Ares (Mars), the god of war. 
The entrance to this site is free of charge, and from this place, there is a beautiful view of the Acropolis and the city. It is a popular place both for locals and tourists, especially at sunset.

The Areopagus Hill had an important role in the past. It was believed that the oldest supreme court of Ancient Athens was founded there. According to the findings of altar ruins dedicated to the goddess Athena and the Erinyes, it was also a religious centre and a place of worship.

Areopagus Hill

The Ancient Agora

By the way, Agora is the name for an open place used for markets and assemblies.

The Ancient Agora is located to the northwest of the Acropolis, and between the districts of Monastiraki and Thissio.

Once, in the 6th and 5th centuries BC, it was the heart of political, commercial and social life in ancient Athens.
Agora was destroyed in 480 BC by the Persians and later in 86 BC by the Roman general Sylla. But, it flourished again during the reigns of Octavian Augustus (27 BC-AD 14) and Hadrian (AD 117 – AD 138). Unfortunately, the Heruli tribe destroyed the buildings in AD 267.

The first excavations of the Agora started in the middle of the 19th century by the Greek Archaeological Society and the German Archaeological Institute. The research continues today because its remains are still buried under the Monastiraki area.

View of the Ancient Agora with the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos on the right side

The ruins of the various buildings can be seen today in this interesting archaeological site. For example, there were the Stoa of Attalos and several smaller stoas, the Temple of Hephaestus, altars, a Tholos, small temples, a bouleuterion (council house), the Odeon of Agrippa, an aqueduct, a fountain house, and walls.

Remains of various buildings in the Ancient Agora

Stoa of Attalos and the Museum of Ancient Agora

One of the most important buildings was the Stoa of Attalos, located on the east side of the Agora.
It was built in 159-138 BC by the King of Pergamon, Attalos II.

The restored Stoa of Attalos at the Ancient Agora

This two-storey stoa (the covered walkway) with shops was 120 m long, and it had 45 Doric columns on the western side. It was destroyed by the Heruli tribe, like other buildings in the Agora. However, the stoa was completely restored in the 1950s to house the Museum of Ancient Agora.

Well, it was an interesting feeling walking around the stoa, just like the Greeks did in ancient times…

The facade and portico of the Stoa of Attalos in the Ancient Agora, August 2015

The various artefacts of everyday and political life were found at the Agora site. The museum houses statues, inscriptions, bronze and glass objects, Athenian coins, and pottery for daily and funeral purposes.

Exhibits in the Agora Museum

The Temple of Hephaestus 

The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best-preserved temples in Greece. It is located on the northwest side of the Agora of Athens, surrounded by greenery. The temple is dedicated to Hephaestus, the Olympian god of artisans, blacksmiths, metalworking, fire and volcanoes.

Athens, the Temple of Hephaestus, August 2015

It was built around 450 BC. This impressive temple has 6 Doric columns on the east and 13 on the longer sides.

Interestingly, the temple was converted into an Orthodox church dedicated to Saint George in the 7th century. Also, in the early 19th century, it was a burial place for Protestants and people who died in the Greek War of Independence.
Today, it is one of the most important ancient monuments in Greece.

The columns of the Temple of Hephaestus, August 2015

By the way, Hephaestus was the son of Hera and Zeus, born on the beautiful island of Lemnos.
You can read more about the god Hephaestus and the island here: Secrets of Lemnos Island

Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles

The small Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles is located on the western side of the Agora. It was built around the late 10th century, on the former site of a 2nd-century sanctuary of the Nymphes (nymphaion) and a demolished Byzantine residence.

Well, it looked a little bit strange to me seeing the Byzantine church in the Agora. However, this church and the temple of Zeus are the only surviving structures in this ancient area.

Ancient Agora, the Church of the Holy Apostles

Arch of Hadrian

The stunning Arch of Hadrian is situated between the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus, close to Syntagma Square.

This triumphal arch was built in AD 131 to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It is 18 m high and 12.5 m wide. Despite many centuries and pollution, this marble arch still looks very impressive.

Arch of Hadrian

The Temple of Olympian Zeus

When you pass through the Arch of Hadrian, follow the path to the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
The temple’s construction started in the 6th century BC, but it lasted for centuries because of various ruler changes. Finally, after 700 years, it was finished under Emperor Hadrian in 125 BC.

The Temple of Olympian god Zeus, August 2015

The temple has a rectangular shape. It is about 100 m long and 50 m wide. Once, the temple had 104 columns of 17 m in height and 2 m in diameter. The Heruli also destroyed this temple in AD 267.

Later, in AD 425, the Byzantine emperor Theodosius II prohibited the cult of ancient Greek and Roman gods. Also, he allowed the inhabitants to use the temple remains for buildings. In 1852, the centre of the temple and the huge statue of  Zeus, made of ivory and gold, were destroyed in the storm. Unfortunately, only 15 columns survive today, and one column is lying in pieces on the ground.

The Roman Agora 

The ruins of the Roman Agora are located between the Ancient Agora, Monastiraki metro station, and the Plaka district.

It was constructed in the 1st century BC. The main entrance was the stunning marble Gate of Athena Archegetis (Athena the Leader), with four Doric columns that can be seen today. This gate was built in 11 BC by donations from the famous Roman emperor Julius Caesar and later from Augustus.

The Gate of Athena Archegetis, Roman Agora

The Roman Agora was a large, open marketplace with shops, an office market and a fountain surrounded by colonnades. The second entrance was on the east, i.e., the Ionic gate, next to the Tower of the Wind and public toilets.

Eastern entrance of the Roman Agora, August 2015

During the Venetian and Ottoman reigns, the Roman Agora was destroyed. Today, we can only see several columns and the remains of former workshops, houses, and temples.

Roman Agora and the Acropolis in the background

Tower of the Winds

The marble Tower of the Winds has an interesting octagonal structure in the northern part of the Roman Agora. It was built of marble around 50 BC by the Greek astronomer Andronicus of Cyrrhus.

The tower is 12 m high, with a diameter of 8 m. It got its name after the frieze of reliefs with 8 wind gods, according to their directions. There are: Boreas (N), Kaikias (NE), Eurus (E), Apeliotes (SE), Notus (S), Lips (SW), Zephyrus (W) and Skiron (NW).

By the way, the tower served as a weather vane, water clock, and sundial. Also, it was a Christian chapel and later the Ottomans’ place of spiritual and social gatherings.

Interestingly, this tower was an inspiration to other structures in the world. Some of them are the Radcliffe Observatory in Oxford, UK (18th century), the Italian Torre del Marzocco in Livorno (15th century), and the Temple of the Winds in Mount Stewart (Northern Ireland).

The Tower of the Wind in the Roman Agora

Close to the tower, there is the Fethiye Mosque or “Mosque of the Conquest”, built in the 17th century on the remains of the Christian basilica. Also, it was the Catholic Church during the Venetian rule, then the mosque again, as well as a school, barracks, prison, bakery, and storage for excavation objects… After the restoration, it was open to the public in 2017, and it serves for cultural exhibitions today.

The Hadrian’s Library

During the reign of Hadrian, the famous Hadrian’s Library was erected in AD 132 near the Roman Agora. In fact, it is incorporated into the Roman city walls.

West wall of the Hadrian’s Library with marble columns

The only entrance was part of the Stoa of Hadrian, with seven Penteli marble columns and four Corinthian columns. Interestingly, we saw a few dogs lying between these columns in August 2015 and also on the 1st of January 2025.

Entrance to Hadrian’s Library

The library had a rectangular shape. A garden with a peristyle of 100 columns was inside the interior courtyard, which was 122 m long and 82 m wide. The library, with rooms where papyrus books were stored, served as lecture halls and reading rooms.

The columns and ruins of the Hadrian Library, August 2015

Like many other sites, the library was destroyed during the Herulian invasion of AD 267. It was repaired in AD 407-412. During the Byzantine times, three Christian churches were built there, but today, only a few remains of foundations can be seen.

The ruins of Hadrian’s Library, January 2025

The Kerameikos Cemetery

The Kerameikos area is located to the northwest of the Acropolis of Athens, around the ancient city walls and by the banks of the Eridanos River. Once, it was the potters’ quarter of the city, from which the English word “ceramic” is derived.

Also, there was an important cemetery where the soldiers killed in battles were buried, along with the most important Athenians.

The Kerameikos area and Cemetery

Various funerary sculptures can be seen even today in the cemetery. Some of them are transferred into the small but interesting Kerameikos Museum.

Kerameikos Museum

Take a look at some of the most interesting statues, such as a kouros, a sphinx, a bull, and the funerary naiskos of two women, Demetria and Pamphile.

Various statues in the Kerameikos Museum

 Aristotle’s School (Lyceum)

If you have enough time, you can walk to Aristotle’s School (Lyceum). It is located close to the Byzantine and Christian Museum and Syntagma Square.

It was the place where the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle founded his Peripatetic School in 335 BC. He taught philosophy and rhetoric for 12 years to his students while he was walking and talking in the large garden.

The school was founded on the site of an ancient Greek sanctuary dedicated to the god Apollo Lyceus. Also, there was an ancient gymnasium with a wrestling area where athletes trained for sports competitions. By the way, in Ancient Athens, body training was strongly connected with education.

Explore Ancient Athens

In a word, the Acropolis and various monuments are a stunning reminder of the great history of ancient Athens. 

Today, we can only imagine how the Parthenon, temples, numerous statues and walls looked gorgeous in the eyes of inhabitants, traders and visitors. Even today, walking around them takes us back to the glorious times when art, music, and theatre flourished and to the place where democracy was born. 

Tip: If you want to know more about the daily life of the Athenians, read the book “24 Hours in Ancient Athens” by Philip Metizak. Interestingly, the lives of the inhabitants of Athens are shown within 24 hours, from slaves, a fish seller in the Agora, a housewife, soldiers, fig smugglers to a vase painter, soldiers, politicians, doctors and a fortune-teller.

So, the next time you come to Athens, make a plan and enjoy walking around the remains of ancient Athens.

Source:

• VisitGreece.com website
• Greeka.com website
• AncientGreece.com website
• AncientAthens3d.com website

Dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, this ancient citadel is the most important monument in Greece, and one of the most renowned historical sites in the world. A visit to Athens is not complete without a visit to the fascinating Acropolis.

Because of its architectural and historical significance, the Acropolis of Athens was inscribed on the UNESCO Heritage List in 1987.

Acropolis of Athens, the Erechtheion and the Parthenon

How to get to the Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis of Athens is located in the heart of Athens, on a rock 150 m above sea level.
It is easily reached on foot, by metro, bus, tram and trolley. Also, there are free and paid parking lots close to the Acropolis.

Right below the Acropolis, on the southern part, there is a charming pedestrian Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. By the way, the Acropolis Museum is located on this street.

On the east and north, the Acropolis is surrounded by the neighbourhoods of Anaphiotika and Plaka, the Areopagos Hill and the Ancient Agora. The main entrance to the site is located on the west side, together with the Odeion of Herodes Atticus.

Tickets for the Acropolis of Athens

If you are coming to Athens with a travel agency, you will have an organised excursion to the Acropolis. Otherwise, if you travel solo, the best way to get a ticket is to purchase it online, choose the exact time for your visit, and skip the long line.

Opening time and entrance

• Plan your visit to the following opening times:
  ⇒ during the summer season (1st April to 31st October), from 8 AM to 7.30 PM,
  ⇒ during the winter season (1st November to 31st March), from 8 AM to 5 PM.
  The Acropolis is closed on the 1st of January, the 25th of March, the 1st of May, Easter Sunday, and the 25th and 26th of December.
• Important note: you can visit the Acropolis only on a booked day and time slot, regardless of the ticket type. Due to the enormous number of visitors daily, from April 2024, the maximum number of visitors daily is set at 20,000 people.
• By the way, entering the site is possible 15 minutes before or after your booked time slot. But expect a wait of up to 30 minutes in the peak season, and for a security check.
  
• There are two entrances to the Acropolis site.
  The main entrance is located at the western end of the Acropolis. The second side entrance is on the southern part of the site, near the Dionysus Theatre. This entrance is usually less crowded than the main entrance. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from one entrance to the other.

A south slope and side entrance of the Acropolis of Athens

Price of the tickets

• Where to buy tickets: Tickets can be purchased online via the official Hellenic Heritage e-ticketing service, at the Acropolis entrance, at other archaeological sites, or via booking platforms, such as Get Your Guide, Viator or Tripadvisor.
• The standard ticket costs 20 EUR in the summer season and 10 EUR in the winter season.
  The reduced ticket is 10 EUR, and it is available for eligible visitors, including EU students and seniors from select countries.
  Admission is free for children under 5 years old and EU citizens aged 6 to 25 years old.
• There are various types of combined tickets, including the visit to the Acropolis with an audio guide, more sites or guided tours.
  For example, the combined ticket costs 37 EUR, and it is valid for five consecutive days.
  Besides the Acropolis, with this ticket, you can also visit other sites, such as the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, the Temple of Zeus, Kerameikos Cemetery and Aristotle’s School (Lyceum).
  
• Free admission is possible on specific days, such as the 6th of March, the 18th of April, the 18th of May, and the last weekend of September. The free tickets cannot be reserved online.
• Visitors with wheelchairs and mobility issues can access the site with the special elevator located on the northwest side of the Acropolis. Before the visit, contact +30 210 3214172 for all details.

Tips: What you need to know before your visit
to the Acropolis of Athens

• The Acropolis site is very crowded all year round, especially during the summer season. It is always good to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. 
• Generally, the visit lasts about 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your interest and the crowd.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The pathway is partly paved and leads up to the hill.
  Important note: it is not allowed to walk in high heels to avoid damaging the site.
• Smoking, food and drinks are not allowed on the site. You can only bring a bottle of water.
  Also, drunk tourists are not allowed to enter the Acropolis.
• Bring a hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen during hot days. 
• A toilet is available near the main entrance of the site.
• Pets are not allowed on the Acropolis site.
• If you have enough time, visit the nearby Acropolis Museum. It houses many original artefacts and sculptures from the site. The standard ticket costs 20 EUR, and the reduced ticket is 10 EUR.

A few words about the history of Athens and the Acropolis

The history of the Acropolis is strongly connected with the history of Athens. From the small Neolithic and later Mycenaean settlements, ancient Athens became the centre of democracy, art, music, philosophy, and freedom.

The Acropolis reached its peak in the 5th century BC, in the period known as “the Golden Age of Athens”. During the rule of Pericles, an Athenian statesman (461-429 BC), the stunning Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike were erected.

The most known architects, such as Ictinus, Callicrates, and Mnesikles, and sculptors, such as Pheidias, Alkamenes, and Agorakritos, made the Acropolis the most important masterpiece of Greece.

Throughout the centuries, Athens and the Acropolis were under various rulers. But, the Acropolis still stands proudly on the Acropolis rock and ignites visitors’ imaginations of its glorious days…

What to see at the Acropolis of Athens

You are probably familiar with the word “Acropolis” which means “the high city” in Greek. In fact, many ancient Greek cities had their own acropolis.

The sacred Acropolis rock is approximately 300 m long and 150 m wide. Various temples and buildings were built there. After the liberation from the Ottomans, the remains of their presence were removed from the site in an attempt to restore the Acropolis to its original look.

The first time, I visited the Acropolis of Athens in August 2015. That summer, my sister and I were on our way back from the beautiful island of Paros. So, we stayed two days in Athens and started our tour from this marvellous place.

The second time was on the 31st of December 2024, within the organised trip by the travel agency Mayak Tours from Belgrade. Even though we had a limited time, it was a beautiful reminder of the stunning ruins of the former ancient heart of the town.

The Acropolis Hill, map

Propylaea of the Acropolis of Athens

The zig-zag path leads you up to Acropolis Hill, where you’ll reach the Propylaea, the grand entrance to the Acropolis. The complex seen today was built between 437 and 432 BC by the architect Mnesikles on the site of an earlier gateway. However, it was never completed.

Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike (right), Acropolis of Athens

The Propylea is a pi-shaped building made of Pentelic marble, featuring both Ionic and Doric columns that frame the entrance to the sacred Acropolis.

Impressive Propylaea columns

Two wings extend from the main entrance and central hall, one to the east and one to the west.

On the north wing (to the left of the Propylaea), once was a large chamber named the Pinacotheca. This room was adorned with paintings and probably served as a refectory or a resting area for visitors.

The Pinakotheke of the Acropolis

The entrance to the Temple of Nike was possible from the south wing with Doric columns.

Columns and facade of Propylaea on the east side, The Acropolis of Athens

By the way, both wings were converted into churches in Christian times. But under the Frankish rule, it became the residence of the dukes of de la Roche. Then, in the Ottoman period (1458-1830), the Propylaea was used as a garrison headquarters and an ammunition store. It caused a huge explosion in 1640, which destroyed the building.

The Temple of Athena Nike

The small temple of Athena Nike is located on the southwest corner of the Acropolis. It was completed in 420 BC, on the place of an earlier temple, at the edge of the hill.

This marble temple, dedicated to Athena, the goddess of victory, was designed by the architect Kallikrates.

Temple of Athena Nike, Acropolis of Athens

Only priestesses could enter the temple, where once stood the statue of Athena Nike, a symbol of victory. According to Pausanius, it was Nike without wings, called Athena Apteros. It is supposed that Athena had no wings so that she could stay and never leave Athens.

Propylaea (left) and the Temple of Athena Nike (right)

The Parthenon temple

The Parthenon is the symbol of the Acropolis, Athens, and Greece.

The temple was built between 447 and 432 BC, after the victory of the citizens of Athens over the Persian Empire in the Greco-Persian wars. It is dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos (“Athena the Virgin”). The famous Phidias sculptor made her massive bronze statue 9 m high, decorated with ivory and gold. It was standing between the Parthenon and the Propylaia. According to some rumours, the statue is lost and may have been moved to Constantinople and taken apart.

Architects Iktinos and Kallikrates, together with the sculptor Phidias, were responsible for this masterpiece of Greek civilisation. The Parthenon is known for its perfection in building. Phidias used the mathematical concept of the Golden ratio (1.618), represented by Phi, the 21st letter of the Greek alphabet. By the way, the Parthenon is 30.8 m wide and 69.51 m long.

The Temple of Parthenon

Even though the Parthenon looks perfect, the truth is a little bit different. It contains no straight lines and no right angles! Also, the columns are slightly tapered, and the corner columns are larger in diameter than the other columns.

The Parthenon served as a treasury of the Delian League, i.e. the Athenian Empire. At the end of the 6th century AD, it became a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Then, under Ottoman rule, it was converted into a mosque with a minaret on the southwest corner and an ammunition dump.

During the Siege of the Acropolis in 1687, the Venetians, under the command of the future Doge Francesco Morosini,  bombed the Parthenon and destroyed a mosque and around 50% of its architectural decorations.

The marvellous Parthenon, the Acropolis of Athens

The Elgin Marbles

Probably you have heard about ” The Elgin Marbles”.
In fact, it is a collection of sculptures and objects removed from the Athenian Acropolis, named after Thomas Bruce, 7th Lord Elgin. He was a British nobleman and an ambassador to the Ottoman Empire (1799–1803).

So, between 1801 and 1812, Lord Elgin removed objects from the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaia. Among them were the marbles, fragments of the Parthenon pediment, a frieze with metopes, and a caryatid from the Erechtheion. These objects were shipped to England with Turkish permission because Greece was under Turkish rule at that time.

In 1816, Lord Elgin sold these objects to the British Museum on the condition that they be kept together and named “The Elgin Marbles”.

Parthenon, Acropolis of Athens

Even though the Greek government demanded many times to return the objects from the Acropolis, the British Museum didn’t accept their request. One of the reasons is that they rescued the marble columns and objects from damage, and then it was a legal trade, etc.

But the truth is that they belong to Greece, the rightful owner. In the Acropolis Museum, the plaster casts represent the pieces removed by Elgin. Despite several public campaigns, these objects are still in the ownership of the British Museum.

By the way, the story about the Elgin marble was described in Karen Essex’s excellent book “Stealing Athens”. She described the destiny of the Acropolis objects removed to London through a story of Mary, the wife of Lord Elgin, and Aspasia, a mistress of the Athenian statesman Pericles.

Something similar happens with the famous statue of Venus de Milo (Aphrodite of Melos). It was found on the beautiful island of Milos, and today, the statue is still in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Restauration projects

After Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire, huge efforts were made to restore the Parthenon and the Acropolis. Several restoration projects were made, especially to return all surviving pieces to their original place. This process continues even today.

Parthenon columns

 The Erechtheion or the Temple of Athena Polias

The beautiful and unique temple of Erechtheion is dedicated to both the goddess Athena and the god Poseidon.
It is located on the north side of the Parthenon. The temple was named Erechtheion after the mythical hero and king of Athens who founded the city. It is believed that his tomb is located beneath the foundations of the temple.

So this temple was built on the former temple of Athena Polias between 421 and 406 BC.

The Erechtheion or Temple of Athena Polias at the Acropolis of Athens

 Porch of the Maidens or Caryatid Porch

The temple is famous for its Caryatid Porch with six beautifully carved female statues, Caryatids.
They replace traditional columns and represent the maidens from the Laconic city of Karyes on the Peloponnese. It is believed that the Porch of the Caryatids was made for the tomb of Cecrops, the king of Attica and the son of King Erechtheion.

The Temple of Athena Polias with Caryatids, The Acropolis of Athens

The Caryatids that we can see today are replicas of the originals that once stood at the temple. For their protection, five original sculptures were transferred to the nearby Acropolis Museum, where everyone can see them. The sixth original Caryatid was removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, and it is now displayed at the British Museum in London.

As I have mentioned before in the text, the Greek government still demands from the British Museum and the UK government, to return the caryatid and half of the decorative surviving sculptures of the Parthenon. Until today, they still refuse to do it. But, one empty pedestal in the Acropolis Museum still waits for the sixth caryatid to return and join her sisters-caryatids…

Caryatids of the Erechtheion, the Acropolis of Athens

By the way, the first Caryatids in ancient Greece were standing in the Siphnian treasury. We saw them in the Archaeological Museum in Delphi. 

In the following centuries, many copies of caryatids became part of various buildings worldwide. Even we in Serbia have an example, such as the Monument to the Unknown Hero on Avala mountain, near Belgrade. Six caryatids represent all the peoples of the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia, i.e. Serbian, Bosnian, Montenegrin, Dalmatian, Croatian, and Slovenian women.

Myth about the goddess Athens and the god Poseidon

Near the west porch of the Erechtheion, you can see an olive tree. According to mythology, its roots can be traced back to the original olive tree that the Goddess Athena planted.

In fact, Athena, the goddess of wisdom and victory, and Poseidon, the god of the sea, were competing to see who would be the city’s patron deity. At that time, Athens was named Cecropia after its founder, King Cecrops. He was a mythical figure, half man and half serpent, who ruled over this city-state. To avoid a conflict, the god Zeus proposed a competition: who could offer a better gift to the king and the people?

So Poseidon struck the ground with his trident, and a water spring was shown. But it was seawater, and the people could not use it for drinking or watering the land.

However, Athena gifted an olive tree.
“Her gift provides food from olives, oil for cooking and lamps, wood for building homes and boats, and even shade from the hot sun” (source: Greek Myths website).
Of course, the king and the people chose an olive tree, and the city was named Athens in her honour.

Acropolis of Athens, The Erechtheion with an olive tree

From that time, the goddess Athena was the patron of the city. Her sacred animal owl, became a symbol of knowledge throughout Greece.

Also, her olive tree became a symbol in Greek culture. It represents peace and victory. We are familiar that Olympic champions were crowned with olive wreaths.  Olive oil is used for various purposes. It has a huge role in nutrition, in medicine for various prevention and diseases, and for skin and hair care.

The Erechtheion or Temple of Athena Polias, East façade, August 2015

The Beulé Gate

At the bottom of the Propylaia staircase, you can see the marble Beulé Gate.
It is a fortified gate built in the late Roman period. It was a part of the Post-Herulian Wall, built around the Acropolis in the years after the attack of the Germanic Heruli tribe in 267 or early 268 CE.

The gate was named after Charles Ernest Beulé, a French archaeologist who discovered it in 1852.

Today, this gate is an exit of the Acropolis. On the left side, you can follow the path which leads you to the south slope.

The back of the Beulé Gate, Acropolis of Athens

 The Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Located at the foothill of the Acropolis, this ancient amphitheatre was built during the Roman times, about 161 AD. The philosopher and politician Herodes Atticus erected it in memory of his wife Regilla, who died in 160 AD. It was destroyed during a raid by the Heruli in 267 AD.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Acropolis of Athens

The Theatre of Herodes Atticus was believed to be covered and could host 5,000 spectators. It had 32 rows of marble seats divided into two sections.

The Theatre of Herod Atticus

During the 1950s, the theatre was excavated, and it underwent a few restorations. Even today, from May to October, visitors can enjoy musical concerts and tragedies in the theatre during the Athens Epidaurus Festival.

Acropolis of Athens, Theatre of Herod Atticus

The Theatre of Dionysus

The ancient Theatre of Dionysus is nestled on the southern slope of the Acropolis, built in the 6th century BC.
It was considered the oldest theatre in the world. Famous tragedians Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylus, and Aristophanes presented their works there during the annual spring drama festival.

A view from the Acropolis to the Theatre of Dionysos and the Archaeological Museum in the background

The Theatre of Dionysus had several additions and renovations. Even today, a few of the front row stone seats with carved legs and armrests with the names of spectators can be seen.

Theatre of Dionysos at the Acropolis of Athens, August 2015

Also, it is believed that the theatre could have housed 17,000 spectators during the 4th century BC. As I saw from the top of the Acropolis today, it is not allowed to enter the theatre space, as it was during our visit in 2015.

Seats at the Theatre of Dionysus, August 2015

Acropolis of Athens, Theatre of Dionysos, August 2015

Close to the theatre, you can see the ruins and inscriptions of the Asclepius of Athens. 

Asklepion of Athens on the south slope of the Acropolis, August 2015

It is one of the numerous Asclepian sanctuaries built in Greece in honour of Asclepios, the god of medicine.
By the way, the most famous sanctuary is the Asclepian Sanctuary in Epidaurus, together with the ancient theatre.
You can read more about it here: Epidaurus, the most famous ancient theatre.

The Acropolis of Athens and ancient monuments

Besides the stunning Acropolis of Athens, there are many ancient monuments which are interesting to see.
Some of them are: Areopagus Hill, Ancient Agora, the Temple of Zeus Olympian, the Hadrian’s Library, the Roman Agora, the Arch of Hadrian, the Tower of the Winds, etc.

In a word, the Acropolis of Athens is a stunning reminder of Athens’s great ancient history. Walking around the numerous monuments takes us back to the glorious times when art, democracy and philosophy had a huge impact on the social, political and cultural aspects of everyday life.

Stay tuned, because you can learn more about them in the following post

Source:

• VisitGreece.com website
• Greeka.com website
• AncientGreece.com website
• Greek myths website

I believe you are familiar with some places that emit special energy and serenity. So, it was not surprising that Delphi was the religious centre of the Greek world. Even today, surrounded by beautiful nature, mountains and greenery, Delphi enchants you with fresh air and serenity.

Because of its extraordinary historical importance, Delphi was inscribed on the UNESCO Heritage List in 1987.

I hope that history lovers will enjoy the story as I enjoyed walking around the divine sanctuary.

Illustration of ancient Delphi by French architect Albert Tournaire, 1894

How to get to Delphi

The Delphi archaeological site is located about 400 m from the present-day village of Delphi, in the territory of Phocis. Actually, it is nestled on the lower slope of Mount Parnassus in central Greece, between the pair of rocks of the Phaedriades, which are about 700 m high. On the other side of the rock, the valley of the small river Pleistos makes a natural passage from eastern to western Greece.

Delphi is 10 km far from the Gulf of Corinth and 181 km from Athens.

Delphi site between the two Phaedriades cliffs

I have to say that Delphi has been on my travel list for many years. When I saw that the agency “Mayak Tours” had an excursion to Delphi in their New Year’s program, I knew that it was time to see it

Usually, visiting Delphi is a one-day excursion or weekend getaway from Athens.
The best way to reach Delphi is by car, depending on your accommodation.
The second option is by bus from Athens’ KTEL Liosion bus station, and the ride lasts 3 hours. The one-way ticket costs about 18 EUR, but check the KTEL schedule first.

The third way to reach Delphi is by organised tours of travel agencies in Athens or via Get Your Guide or Viator booking platforms.

Tickets for the Delphi archaeological site

The ticket price includes a visit to the Archaeological Museum and the Delphi archaeological site.

Summer season: 1st April – 30th October: 12 EUR, and the reduced ticket is 6 EUR.
Opening hours: every day 8 AM – 8 PM, except Tuesday 10 AM – 5 PM.
◊ Winter season, 1st November – 31st March: 6 EUR for all visitors.
Opening hours: every day 8.30 AM – 4.30 PM.

Children under 5, EU citizens under 25 and students do not pay for tickets.

Check more information about opening times and closed holiday days on the website here.

Tips: What to know before visiting Delphi

Delphi Sanctuary is one of the most important Greek archaeological sites, and it can be crowded.

If you come individually, the best time to visit is early in the morning or the afternoon to avoid the bus tours.
◊ There is a small free car park near the Delphi museum. However, the cars and buses are mostly parked near the road.
Close to the museum, there are clean free toilets, but there are no toilets on the archaeological site.
◊ Wear comfortable shoes, as the path is partly paved and can be slippery.
Bring water with you, especially during hot days, as well as a hat and sunscreen.
◊ It is not allowed to touch or climb the ruins of the site or the museum.
 Smoking is prohibited on the site because of the many trees around the ancient ruins.

Interesting column and an inscription

A few words about the history of Delphi

The Panhellenic sanctuary of Delphi is dedicated to Apollo, the Olympian god of light, archery, prophecy, music, art, and healing.

White ground Kylix with god Apollo

Evidence shows that Delphi was inhabited since the Neolithic time (around 4000 BC), and then during Mycenean time (1500-1100 BC). The sanctuary began to develop in the 8th century BC, but its peak was during the 6th century BC. Today’s ruins are from the 4th century BC.

According to the myth, in an attempt to locate the centre of the Earth, the god Zeus sent two golden eagles, one to the East and one to the West. At the point where they met, Zeus threw the conical stone from heaven directly into Delphi’s place. It was the Omphalos, considered the centre of the world for ancient Greeks, or the “navel” of the Earth.

The Omphalos was located in Apollo’s sanctuary. The original stone is in the Delphi Museum, and you can see its copy on the Sacred Way, at the site where it was found.

Original and the marble-carved Omphalos of Delphi

The amazing nature and marvellous sanctuary complex attracted the visitors, who came there to hear about the future from Pythia, the priestess of Apollo.

The Temple of Apollo, the rocks of the Phaedriades in the background

Python and Apollo

According to some myths, first, there was a temple dedicated to the female goddess of the Earth (Gaia). Her son, the dragon Python, lived near the Castalian Spring, between the rocks of the Phaedriade, and guarded her.
So, Apollo killed Python and founded his sanctuary there. In honour of Python’s death and to purify himself of the crime, Apollo initiated the Pythian Games. The priestess who served him in the sanctuary was called Pythia.

All visitors and pilgrims stopped to wash themselves at the Castellan Spring before visiting Delphi. Also, the Pythia and the priests used it to clean themselves before the oracle process.

What to see at the Delphi archaeological site

The Delphi archaeological site includes:
The Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia with the Tholos and Gymnasium,
◊ The Sanctuary of Delphi with the Temple of Apollo,
The Archaeological Museum.

The Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia and Tholos 

Following the road from Arachova village to the Delphi sanctuary, first, you can see the ruins of the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia and Tholos on the left side. It is one part of the Delphi site with free entrance. From the road, follow the path down and pass by the Gymnasium ruins.

I must admit that I wanted so much to visit this place, but unfortunately, our group didn’t see it. Usually, this is the case with group tours, probably becaouse of the limited time. Also, the path was closed by the government of the Region of Central Greece due to a previous cliff collapse in October 2024, because two tourists were injured. But if you come individually, you can visit it, just be careful because there is no paved path.

A view of the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia and the Tholos

The sanctuary consisted of several altars, the temples of Athena, two treasuries and the Tholos, the most photographed part of Delphi. Even today, it looks marvellous, nestled between the hills, valley, trees and fields of olives.

The Tholos was a circular building, constructed by the architect Theodore the Phocaean in 380-370 B.C. Once, it had 20 Doric columns on the circular colonnade and 10 Corinthian semi-columns in the interior. Today, only three reconstructed columns can be seen. Hmm, its real purpose is still a mystery…

The Tholos Delphi, © Copyright: www.delphi.culture.gr

Next to the sanctuary, there was a Gymnasium, palestra and baths, where athletes trained for the Pythian games held at the Delphi stadium.

The Tholos and Gymnasium

The main Delphi site and museum are located approximately 800 m north of this sanctuary, just following the road.

The Sanctuary of Apollo

In the Archaeological Museum, you can see the model reconstruction of the Sanctuary of Apollo.
We can only imagine how amazing and powerful it looked in ancient times…

A model reconstruction of the Sanctuary of Apollo

Sacred Way and Roman Agora

The ancient path known as the Sacred Way was the main entrance to the Apollo Sanctuary.
The path goes zig-zag with several sets of steps due to the configuration of the land.

Delphi Sacred Way

The first stop on the Sacred Way was a Greek agora, a marketplace.
But when the Romans came, they rebuilt it, and it became known as the Roman Agora.

Columns of the Roman Agora

It included a columned portico and a long stoa for rest and as a meeting point. There were five shops where the pilgrims could buy votive offerings before visiting the Apollo temple.

The Roman Agora, ruins and reconstruction

Treasury buildings and omphalos stone

Along the Sacred Way, there were many statues and treasury buildings with offerings from major Greek city-states.
Treasuries presented their wealth and power and also served to commemorate victories and to thank the oracle for advice. Usually, it was a tenth of the spoils of battles. They were built like small temples, and today, we can see only the ruins of their foundations.

One of the most interesting was the Siphnian Treasury, dated to the 6th century BC. It was built by the inhabitants of the Siphnos city from the Cycladic Island of Siphnos, rich with silver and gold mines. Its pediment was supported by two caryatids, mounted a century before the famous caryatids on the Acropolis. Their parts can be seen in the museum, together with parts of the frieze.

One of the largest treasuries was the Treasury of Argo, dating back to 380 BC. Then, there were treasuries of the Sicyonians, Boetians, Thebans, Spartanians, etc.

The foundations of various Delphi treasuries

Close to the Athenian treasury, there is a copy of the omphalos at the place where it was found. I have mentioned it before in the text.

Omphalos copy on the Delphi site

Treasury of Athenians

The Treasury of the Athenians was the most impressive treasury and the only one reconstructed between 1903 and 1906. The
Athenians built it about 490 BC after their victory at the Battle of Marathon against the Persian Empire.

Beautiful Treasury of Athenians

The Treasury is 9.7 m long and 6.62 m wide, built of the finest Parian marble. There were two columns in antis supporting a small porch in the middle. The series of 30 metopes (small square panels), with scenes of Herakles and Theseus’ battles, surrounded an entablature. The plaster copies of the metopes are placed on the restored monument because the originals are in the museum.

The marvellous Treasury of Athenians with metopes

The Rock of Sybil

By the way, oracle consultations had an important role in ancient Greece. The most famous oracles were in Dodona, Olympia, on the island of Delos, and Didyma in Asia Minor. However, the most important oracle was in Delphi, dating back to 1400 BC to 390 AD.

One interesting rock can be seen close to the Treasury of Athenians. It is supposed that Sibyl, the first priestess of Delphi, was sitting there and giving the oracles’ answers.

The Rock of Sibyl

Close to the Athenian treasury and the Rock of Sibyl, there was a Stoa of the Athenians.
By the way, a stoa is a covered walkway, open at the entrance with columns. This stoa was constructed around 478-470 BC during the early Classical period, with Ionic marble columns. It was dedicated to Apollo by the Athenians after the Persian Wars.

The Stoa of the Athenians

Behind the stoa, you can see the remains of the Polygonal wall, which supports the terrace of the temple of Apollo.

Columns of the Stoa of the Athenians and the Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo was located in the centre of the sanctuary.
It was surrounded by the theatre, treasuring houses, numerous statues, stoa, and altars.

Doric columns of the Temple of Apollo

There were three temples built in the same place from the 7th century BC to 334-333 BC. The ruins of the third temple can be seen today. Also, it was restored and renovated in 84 AD by the Emperor Domitian. There is an inscription about it in the museum.

The temple had 6 Doric columns on the narrow sides and 15 columns on the long sides. It is believed that the temple consisted of the pronaos, the cellar (naos), the inner sanctuary, and the chamber where the Pythia received prophecies.

Interestingly, the temple is also known for the Delphic maxims of the Seven Sages of Greece. They represent a set of moral precepts. Three of 147 maxims were inscribed on the pronaos: “Know yourself”,  “Nothing in excess”, and “Surety brings ruin”, together with the mysterious Delphic symbol “Ε”. In some way, they teach us that all the answers we are looking for are actually inside of us.
Hmm, my favourite maxim is “Do not get tired of learning”

Reconstruction of the Temple of Apollo

Pythia and The Oracle of Delphi 

The Oracle of Delphi was a sacred place of the Apollo sanctuary. In the innermost part of the temple, Apollo spoke his famous prophecies through Pythia.

For many centuries, the Greeks consulted them about various issues: war, the founding of colonies, health, marriage, and religious ceremonies. They could ask questions on the 7th  day of the month during the whole year, except in winter, because Apollo was not in his temple but with other gods.
But first, visitors have to purify themselves in the sacred spring and bring the votive lavish offerings.

So, the high priestless Pythia was seated on the divine tripod in the temple. I tried to imagine her inhaling vapours from a chasm on the floor, chewing leaves from Apollo’s laurel and holding a bowl of spring water. Pythia was in a trance to receive the words and answers from Apollo. Sometimes, her prophecies were frantic, and the priests needed to translate them to visitors.

By the way, it is believed that the vapours from the floor were gases from the earth. According to the new geological research, it is possible that there were light hydrocarbon gases from limestone, which had intoxicating hallucinations.

Stunning The Temple of Apollo

Two interesting facts about Pythia’s prophecies

According to Herodotus, Croesus was the ruler of Lydia, a Greek kingdom in today’s Turkey, between 585 and 546 BC.
He consulted the oracle because he wanted to invade Persia. The answer was: “If you make war on the Persians, you will destroy a great empire”. However, Croesus believed that he would destroy the Persian Empire, but his army was destroyed.
Well, the oracle told the truth, the empire was destroyed, but the opposite of what Croesus was thinking…

Another interesting myth is about Alexander the Great after becoming king of the Macedonians.
Before his famous invasion of the Persian Empire, Alexander stopped by the Oracle for a prophecy. But, it was told to him to come back another time because that day it was forbidden to get the answer. He was furious and dragged Pythia to the shrine. She was afraid and told him that he was invincible.
Well, it was a perfect answer for Alexander, and he continued the expedition to Asia in 334 BC.

The stunning Temple of Apollo

The Serpent Column and Altar of Chians

The Serpent Column and an Altar of The Temple of Apollo

 

The Serpent Column

Ancient Theatre of Delphi

Following the path above the Temple of Apollo, we came to the Theatre of Delphi.
We took off our jackets, maybe because it was a sunny and warm day, even though it was the 2nd of January, or maybe due to divine energy which can not be described…
This impressive theatre was constructed in the 4th century BC, using the natural slope of the mountain for seating.

Ancient Theatre of Delphi

It had 35 rows of stone seats divided by corridors, and it could house about 5,000 visitors. Like other ancient Greek theatres, it had a semi-circular orchestra and a short scene building. Various festivals, musical and dramatic performances were held there, especially during the Pythian Games.

Going up to the hill, there is a stunning panoramic view of the theatre, the Temple of Apollo, and the unique landscape.

Ancient Theatre of Delphi

Ancient Stadium

On the highest spot of the sanctuary, there is a well-preserved Ancient Stadium, surrounded by lush greenery. It was built in the 5th century BC and has been reconstructed many times. The present form is from the 2nd century AD. It is 177 m long and 25 m wide. On the north side were the benches with backs for the judges.

By the way, the stadium could host around 6,500 spectators. The athletic competitions were held there in honour of the god Apollo, known as the Pythian Games.

Ancient Stadium

Pythian Games

The Pythian Games were one of the four Panhellenic Games of Ancient Greece. The games were started in 582 BC (after Apollo killed Python) and continued until the 4th century AD. They were held every four years, two years after the Olympic Games, and between each Nemean and Isthmian Games.

The Pythian Games lasted for six to eight days. The first two days were dedicated to the glamorous procession, singing the hymn in honour of Apollo, a ritual sacrifice in the Temple of Apollo, and the participants took oaths at the altar. On the third day were competitions in art, dance, singing, and playing musical instruments.
On the fourth day, competitors could take part in running, wrestling, boxing, pankration, and the pentathlon. 

The final day of the games was dedicated to races of a chariot drawn by two or four horses on the hippodrome near the sea. Only the richest Greeks could compete in these disciplines, i.e. the riders competed in their name. But the victory belonged to the owner of the horses.

Interestingly, young boys between 12 and 14 years old competed in running and boxing. Also, women were allowed to participate in athletic and artistic events, unlike the Olympic Games.

Instead of money, the victors got a wreath of bay laurel, sacred to Apollo.

Even though many visitors and groups don’t walk up to the stadium, follow the path to the top. I think it is worth visiting it

The Ancient Stadium

You can read more about the famous Olympic Games here:
 Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

The end of the Delphi oracle and its excavation

In 390 AD, the Roman emperor Theodosius I issued an order for the destruction of pagan temples, including the Temple of Apollo.

The sanctuary became an urban Roman settlement in the 5th and 6th centuries AD. Its ruins were used for building houses, a Roman agora, basilicas, baths and other buildings. But in the second half of the 6th century, it started to depopulate, probably because of the  Justinian plague. After the Slavs’ invasion in the early 7th century, Delphi was finally abandoned, and it remained in these conditions for centuries, until the 19th century.

The first excavations of Delphi were in 1838 by the French archaeologist Théophile Homolle and the French Archaeological School of Athens. “La Grande Fouille” or the Grand Excavations of Delphi lasted 10 years, and finally, the sanctuary of Apollo saw the light again.

Archaeological Museum of Delphi

The museum in Delphi was founded in 1903 and designed by the French architect of the excavations Α. Tournaire.
It is one of the most important museums in Greece, with the artefacts found in the sanctuary of Delphi. 

Take a look at some of the most interesting exhibits.

Entrance to the Delphi Archaeological Museum

In the first two rooms, there are clay figurines from the Mycenaean period, then a large bronze cauldron, tripods, heads of griffins and lions, bronze figurines, bronze votive helmets and shields from the 8th and 7th centuries BC.

Ancient exhibits in the Delphi Museum

Sphinx of Naxos statue

One of the museum’s highlights is the statue of the Sphinx of Naxos.
A sphinx is a mythical creature with the face of a woman with an enigmatic smile, prey bird wings, and the body of a lioness. It was a votive offering from the rich island of Naxos, carved from its finest marble in 560 BC.

This statue is 2,2 m high, and it stood on a 10 m tall Ionic column near the Rock of Sibyl and the Temple of Apollo.

The Sphinx of Naxos

The Syphnian Treasury

I have already mentioned the Siphnian Treasury, built for the offerings of the city-state Siphnos. Two beautiful caryatids supported the pediment of the treasury, which was built around 525 BC. 

The upper body of the Caryatid from the Siphnian treasury and drawing

The treasury was 8 m long and 6 m wide. The continuous frieze was below the pediment with the Twelve Olympians, the dispute between Heracles and Apollo, the Trojan War, the Battle of the Giants, the Judgement of Paris and a relief with horses.

Column with Dancers

The statues of the Dancers of Delphi are also known as the Acanthus Column. There are three female figures about 2 m high in relief on top of an acanthus column. The column was about 13 m tall and decorated with acanthus leaves. It was situated in front of the temple of Apollo, and it was dedicated by the Athenians around 330 BC.

It is supposed that the dancers were three daughters of Cecrops I, the first king of Attica. According to restoration, it is supposed that women supported the huge bronze tripod with the sacred omphalos.

Column with Dancers

Besides this amazing ancient monument, you can see the circular altar from the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. It was decorated with twelve girls with bands on a garland of leaves.

Circular altar of the Sanctuary Athena Pronaia

The Charioteer of Delphi

The bronze statue of The Charioteer is situated in the last room of the museum.

We were so impressed by how stunning it looked and so alive! The life-size statue (1,8 m) represents a young chariot driver. It was made to commemorate one of two victories of the tyrant Polyzalus of Gela in Sicily and his chariot in the Pythian Games of either 478 or 474 BC.

Statue of the Charioteer

It is believed that this statue belonged to a larger complex, including the chariot, the horses, and two stable boys.

The drawing and fragments of the Charioteer with horses and a stable boy

Once, it was situated on the right side of the Sacred Way, close to the Temple of Apollo. The statue was buried under a rockfall at Delphi, which was probably destroyed by the earthquake in 373 BC. Indeed, it is the only surviving bronze statue from the site. It was found in 1896, and only part of the left hand is missing.

The Charioteer had a long tunic with a belt tight high above the waist, but the pleats looked so mobile and real! In his right hand, he holds a part of the bridle. In a word, the statue looks gorgeous

Bronze statue of The Charioteer

Inscriptions and statues

One of the impressive descriptions is the dedicatory inscription of Emperor Caesar Domitianus when he repaired the Temple of Apollo.

Dedicatory inscription of the Emperor Caesar Domitianus

According to Pausanias, there were about 3,000 statues in the Delphi sanctuary. Some of them were restored, but most of them had their parts missing. Interestingly, the oldest votive offerings are Kouroi of Delphi, made about the 6th century BC. They were twin brothers, Kleobis and Biton of Argos, sons of a priestess of Hera.

Various sculptures in the Delphi museum

The cult statue of Antinous

One of the most impressive and beautiful statues is a well-preserved sculpture of Antinous. He was a beautiful young man and the lover of Emperor Hadrian. The statue is made of Parian marble between 117 and 138 AD.

Unfortunately, Antinous had barely reached adulthood when he drowned in the Nile during their journey in Egypt in October 130 AD. His death was mysterious, with various speculations. However, Hadrian was devastated by his death. So, he proclaimed Antinous to be a god and created a cult devoted to him, which was very unusual. Also, he constructed a city named Antinoöpolis on the site of Hir–we in Upper Egypt. He organised games known as the Antinoeia, which were held annually for several centuries.

The cult of Antinous spread in Egypt, Athens, Macedonia, and Italy. At least 28 temples and altars were constructed in his honour and numerous statues were made widely in the Roman Empire. However, the cult of Antinous was criticised by both pagan and Christian individuals.

Despite everything, Antunous was an inspiration for centuries to many books and musical performances. Because of his homosexual subculture, Antunous became the “gay icon”.

Some archaeologists think that Antunous was buried at Hadrian’s Villa. But, some of them think that he was buried at his temple in the Egyptian city of Antinoöpolis, founded in his honour. Interesting story, isn’t it?

Antinous statue

At the end of the exhibition, you can see a 3D model of the ancient sanctuary on display.

What to visit close to Delphi

Depending on your time, you can visit some of the following interesting places.

◊ Delphi Village, take a break for coffee or lunch after visiting the archaeological site.
Arachova is a charming, small mountain town about a 10-minute drive away.

◊ Walk across the famous Corinth Canal that connects the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea.
Nafplio is an adorable coastal town with taverns, cafes, fortresses and accommodations.
◊ Mycenae, the ancient centre of the Mycenaean civilisation.
You can read more about Mycenae here: Mycenae, the heart of the Mycenaean world.

Epidaurus, an ancient theatre with amazing acoustics and the Sanctuary of Asclepius.
You can read more about it here: Epidaurus, the most famous ancient theatre.

In a word, Delphi is a place with magnificent ancient monuments, an amazing natural environment and divine energy.
Maybe the only thing that is missing is the voice of Pythia, bringing the answers to numerous questions that we have about the future…

Source:

Archaeological Museum of Delphi

Today, the Epidaurus is one of the most famous Greek tourist attractions and an excellent choice for a one-day excursion from Athens.

During our trip from Nafplio to Epidaurus, we were passing by the huge hills with pines, endless fields of olives and citrus trees and the coast with the blue sea. And when we finally came there, we could breathe clean and fresh air!

Sitting in the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

How to get to Epidaurus

Epidaurus is located about 150 km from Athens, on the eastern coast of the Argolid Peninsula in the northeastern Peloponnese.

The best way to visit it is by car because it takes approximately one and a half to two hours to reach it.

Another option is to catch a bus from Kifissos KTEL Bus Station in Athens to Napflio, which takes about 2 hours. Then from Napflio, there are departures to Palea Epidaurus and theatre. It takes about 1 hour but check carefully the KTEL schedule because of the limited number of departures. During the festival in the ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, there is a special bus itinerary from Nafplio and Athens to Epidaurus.

Usually, many travel agencies organize excursions from Athens or Napflio. Trips include visits to Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Nafplio. We visited Epidaurus on an organized excursion from Athens with the travel agency “Mayak Tours”.
Check platforms Get Your Guide and Viator, or travel agencies and find the best trip for you.

Tickets for the Epidaurus archaeological site

The ticket price includes visits to the Ancient Theatre, the Archaeological Museum, and the archaeological site.

From April to October, the price is 12 EUR, and the reduced ticket is 6 EUR.
Opening time: April-August: 8 AM to 8 PM, in September to 7 PM, in October to 6 PM.
◊ From November to March, the price is 6 EUR for all visitors.
Opening time: 8 AM to 5 PM.

You can read more about closed days and free tickets here.  

What to see in Epidaurus archaeological site

The whole archaeological site belongs to the Epidaurus Municipality, located near the traditional village of Lygourio.

Ancient Epidaurus was a small town about 10 km away, on the coast of the Saronic Gulf. A new small tourist resort with a port was built at the same place, known as Palaia Epidavros or Palaia Epidauros. A few km away, there is another small town with a similar name, Nea Epidavros.

By the way, the Epidaurus archaeological site consists of:
The Ancient Theatre,
◊ The Sanctuary of Asclepius and Tholos,
Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus.

Because of its exceptional historical importance and architecture, it was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1988.

Map of the Ancient Epidaurus archaeological site

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

According to Pausanias, the Greek traveller and geographer, the Theatre of Epidaurus dates back to the end of the 4th century BC. It was designed by Polykleitos the Younger, the architect from Argos.

A view of the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

The theatre of Epidaurus was built of local grey limestone. It is located on a natural slope of Mount Kynortion and at the southernmost edge of the Sanctuary of Asclepius. Visitors entered the theatre through two impressive gates situated on both sides of the former stage building.

Entrances   to the Ancient Theatre

The ancient theatre consists of three parts: orchestra, cavea and stage building.

Parts of the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

The floor of the circular orchestra is from beaten earth. It is 20 m in diameter, with a stone circular frame around it. A circular white base of the former altar can be seen even today in the middle of the orchestra.

Cavea are seating sections in Greek and Roman theatres. The lower level of the theatre has 34 rows of seats, divided into 12 sections by stairs and walkways. Later, in the 2nd century BC during the Roman period, 20 rows were added, divided into 22 sections.
Once, the first row had backrests and it was known as the “front seats of honour”.

Rows of seats in the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

The stage-building (the scene) is situated in front of the orchestra and cavea. It was used for actors’ needs and as a storage room for theatre equipment.

By the way, the theatre was excavated in 1881 by the Greek archaeologist Panagiotis Kavvadias and his team. Since the discovery, there have been several restorations to protect this architectural marvel.

Epidaurus Ancient Theatre

Unique acoustics of the theatre

The theatre could host between 13,000 to 14,000 spectators.

Despite various experiments and research, scientists have not been able to explain the unique acoustics of the theatre until today. It means that no matter where you sit, you will hear every word perfectly, even a whisper!

There are several theories, but most scientists think that it is because of the project design, specific soil composition and seats made of limestone, which reflect high frequencies towards the audience. Also, limestone provides a filtering effect, suppressing low frequencies of voices and minimizing background crowd noise.

Epidaurus Ancient Theatre

Whatever the reason for the perfect sound, sitting in the place where the ancient Greeks sat in the 4th century BC was an amazing feeling

Sitting in the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

What was the Epidaurus Theater used for?

The Epidaurus Theater was used for musical, dance and dramatic plays. It was connected to the cult of Asclepius, the son of Appolo and the Greek god of medicine.

It was believed that theatre had positive mental and physical effects on health. Hm, very interesting belief, isn’t it

Because of its incredible acoustics, the theatre is used even today.
The Epidaurus Summer Festival has been held in July and August every weekend since 1955. Many famous artists took part in music and theatrical performances, such as Maria Callas, Yiannis Moralis, Míkis Theodorakis, Montserrat Caballé, etc.

The Sanctuary of Asclepius 

The Sanctuary of Asclepius was one of the most important sanctuaries in the ancient world. It was considered the foundation of medicine which included temples, baths, and a hospital. It was a new way of healing that combined a traditional way with religious rituals.

So, the patients prepared themselves by bathing for purification, fasting, and reading about miracles. Sleep was an imitation of the death and resurrection. The god approached patients in a dream and in a miracle way heals them, or shows them treatments to be cured.

“The treatment was based on the belief that every human disease has psychosomatic causes and that the power to restore health must arise from inside the patient himself” (source: website Climascape).
Well, it was a mix of magical energy and auto-suggestion…

Sometimes, pharmaceutical drugs were given to the patients, and some of them had surgical treatments. Various medical tools were found there, and they can be seen in the nearby museum.

Scene of Asclepius healing in Epidaurus centre

The sanctuary of Asclepius flourished in the 4th and 3rd centuries BC as a centre of healing and worship. At that time, many important buildings were built, and their ruins can be seen on the site. Also, many new buildings were erected in the 2nd century AD during the Roman time.

At the end of the 4th century AD, the site was looted by Goths. Then, the emperor Theodosius II banned paganism in AD 426, leading to the Asclepius cult’s end, which was replaced with an early Christian basilica. Finally, the site was abandoned in the middle of the 6th century AD.

What you can see in the Sanctuary of Asclepius

Today, only parts of the building’s foundation can be seen on the site.

The Tholos, also known as the Thymele was built by Polykleitos the Younger. It is a circular building with an outer colonnade of 26 Doric columns and an inner 14 Corinthian columns. Below the tholos, there was the labyrinth with sacred snakes. Probably, it was destroyed by an earthquake in the 6^th century AD.

Tholos of Epidaurus

◊ The Temple of Asclepius was the central building in the sanctuary. It was erected around 370 BC and destroyed by fire after the 4th century AD. The temple was surrounded by 6 columns on the shorter side and 11 columns on the long side.
The sculpture of the god Asclepius on the throne was in the middle of the temple, which was richly decorated. Also, there was a treasury in an underground chamber with precious objects and votives. Close to the temple, there was one bigger altar used by the Greeks, and one smaller, used by the Romans.

The temple of Asclepius

◊ The Temples of Artemis is dedicated to Artemis, the sister of Appolo. She was the goddess of childbirth and the protector of young women.

Epidaurus, Temple of Artemis

Gymnasium, important for recovery and maintaining health.
◊ Abaton with stoa was a place for sleeping and incubation (ritual rest).
Dining room, Greek baths and Roman baths.
◊ Katagogion is a square-shaped building used to accommodate pilgrims, the sick and their companions during their stay in the sanctuary.
An ancient stadium from the 5th century BC, where athletic competitions took place.

The Sanctuary of Asklepios is located behind the museum. Unfortunately, we didn’t see it because of the limited time. So, if you can, visit the ruins of this marvellous healing centre.

Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus

The archaeological museum is one of the oldest archaeological museums in Greece, opened in 1909. You can see valuable artefacts that were found on the Epidaurus site in the small hall and two rooms.

Building inscriptions

Close to the entrance, there are huge building inscriptions of Epidaurus temples. They are texts with important information about the people who were responsible and who built the buildings, the materials used for construction, and various details.

Building inscriptions in the Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus

The statue of  God Asclepius and medical instruments

The God Asclepius is presented with his serpent-entwined staff (the Rod of Asclepius). By the way, the serpent was the symbol of medicine and health care, and the snake was considered as sacred animal.

Even today, several organizations and services worldwide use the rod of Asclepius as their logo or part of their logo.

A few words about Asclepius

According to Greek legend, he was the son of Appolo (the god of archery, music, healing, light, and prophecy), and Coronis, a mortal woman from Trikala, Thessaly. After she betrayed him during her pregnancy, Apollo ordered his twin sister Artemis to kill her. Watching Coronis at the funeral pyre, Apollo felt guilty and cuts Coronis’s stomach to save his unborn child. This might be one of the first Caesarean sections in history.

Asclepius’s statue with his serpent-entwined staff

So, Apollo gave a baby to Chiron, a half-human half-horse creature. He taught Asclepius the secrets of healing and surgery.  Soon, Asclepius became an important healer and helped many people, kings, and warriors. According to legend, goddess Athena gave him a small bottle of Gorgon blood with magical properties.

Another myth said that in return for Asclepius’s kindness, a snake licked Asclepius’s ears and taught him secret knowledge of medicine. By the way, snakebites were the most difficult to heal in ancient times.

Also, Asclepius healed  Philoctetes, the son of the king of Thessaly during the Troyan War, who was recovering on the Island of Lemnos.

You can read more about the interesting Lemnos here: Secrets of Lemnos Island.

However, Asclepius had the power to return the dead persons to life. But the Appolo’s father, God Zeus wasn’t satisfied because of  “disturbing the normality of things and Nature”. So, he strucked Asclepius with a thunderbolt, and he died as a mortal man.
Because of its huge help in healing people, Zeus included Asclepius among the gods and goddesses on Olympus. Also, his image with a snake was transferred to the stars, known as the constellation Ophiuchus.

Sanctuaries of Asclepius

The cult of Asclepius flourished after the Asclepius death. Experiences of miraculous healings are preserved on votive tablets. About 300 asclepieions (healing temples) were built in his honour.

The most famous temples were in Trikala, Epidaurus, Pergam, Athens and on the Kos island, which we visited in 2006. By the way, the most important descendant of Asclepius was Hippocrates who founded a medical school on Kos. He is considered the father of medicine. And of course, we are familiar with the Hippocrates Oath.

Medical instruments

In the museum, we saw medical tools used in healing treatments by the Asclepius priests of the sanctuary.
Hmm, they are very similar to instruments which are used today!

Medical tools, The Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus

The most of medical tools were found in the tombs of several generations of the medical family, discovered on the outskirts of Epidaurus.

Ancient Medical instruments

Besides medical instruments, there are small jars, objects and lamps, probably used for drugs, and as votive offerings.

Small jars, objects and lamps

Statues and ruins of the walls 

Various big and small statues from the Archaic period to the Roman times can be seen in the museum.

Statues in the Museum of Epidaurus

Some of them are replicas because the original statues were transferred to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

Inscribed honorary and statues from the Sanctuary of Asclepius

Also, there are columns and parts of temples and sanctuaries, such as the Temple of Artemis and the Tholos of Epidaurus.

Columns and ruins of walls in the Archaeological Museum

Wall parts, the Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus

What to see close to Epidaurus

Indeed, the Epidaurus area has some unique and healing energy. Surrounded by beautiful nature, it is known as the place “to harmonize the mind, body and soul”. The theatre with music, dance and philosophy feeds the mind and soul, which is strongly connected with healing the body.

Depending on your accommodation, you can visit some interesting places close to the Epidaurus site.
Beaches in the ancient Epidaurus area.
◊ Mycenae, the kingdom of King Agamemnon.
You can read more about this amazing site here: Mycenae, the heart of the Mycenean world.

Delphi, the ancient Greek oracle.
◊ Walk across the Corinth Canal and visit the archaeological museum of Corinth.

If you like the story about the ancient Epidaurus theatre and sanctuary,
stay tuned for the new one about the incredible Delphi oracle…

Source:
Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus
◊ Website VisitGreece
 Website Greeka
◊ Website Warwick 

Homer, the famous Greek poet, wrote about the Mycenaeans and the Trojan War in his epics “The Iliad “and “The Odyssey”. And I am sure that you are familiar with a story about Paris, prince of Troy, who took beautiful Helen from her husband Menelaus, king of Sparta and brother of King Agamemnon, known as the leader of the Greeks in the Trojan War.

Today, Mycenae is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and a popular tourist destination.
So, let’s go for a walk around this marvellous place.

Mycenaean Walls

How to get to Mycenae

Mycenae is located 120 km southwest of Athens, in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese. Also, it is 35 km from Corinth, about 20 km from Nafplio and 55 km from Epidaurus. You can reach Mycenae in three ways.

By car: The best and most comfortable way is by car. If you are coming from Athens, follow the National Highway Athens-Corinth, the Corinth Canal, then the road to Tripoli and signs to Nafplio and Mycenae.

By bus: From the Athens Kifissos KTEL Bus Station, you can catch daily buses to Mycenae, and the trip lasts about 1 and a half hours. Also, there are daily buses from Nafplio and Argos to Mycenae; check the KTEL schedule.

Organised tours: If you come to Greece with a travel agency, they usually organise tours for you. For example, we came to Athens with “Mayak Tours”, the Serbian travel agency from Belgrade. They organised a one-day excursion for us to visit Mycenae, the Epidaurus Theatre, and Nafplio.
Otherwise, many travel agencies in Athens organise various excursions.
Also, you can check the Get Your Guide, Viator or TripAdvisor platforms and choose the excursion you like the most.

Tickets  for visiting Mycenae

The ticket price includes the visit to the Mycenae archaeological site, the Archaeological Museum and the Treasury of Atreus.
So, take a look at the price of tickets:

Summer season, 1st April – 31st October: 12 EUR, and the reduced ticket is 6 EUR.
◊ Winter season, 1st November – 31st March: 6 EUR, for all visitors.

Opening hours: from 8 AM to 5 PM during the winter season, and from 8 to 7 PM during the summer.
Check more information about opening times and closed days on the website here.

Even though we visited Mycenae on the 31st of December 2024, the site was crowded. Bear in mind that there can be more people during the summertime.

What to know before visiting

TIP 1: Take a special ticket package that costs 20 EUR and is valid for 3 days.

With this ticket, you can visit 5 sites: the Archaeological site and Museum of Mycenae, the Tiryns site, the Byzantine Museum of Argolis, the Archaeological site and Museum of Asine, the Archaeological Museum of Nafplion, and the Fortress of Palamidi.

TIP 2: Take comfortable shoes and bring water with you

Even though most of the visitor path is paved, some parts are not. Bear in mind that the path is rocky and slippery, so wear comfortable shoes or sneakers.

Also, take water with you, you will need it because the path goes up to the hill.
If you visit Mycanea on hot days, bring a hat and sunscreen. Avoid peak sun hours if it is possible.

So, you can visit the first museum or the site, depending on your time and crowd. I will write more about the artefacts in the museum later in the text. But now, let’s talk more about the history of Mycenea and its architecture.

The map with a description of the Mycenae archaeological site

The History of Mycenean Greece 

According to the legend, Mycenae was founded by Perseus, grandson of King Acrisius of Argos, the son of Acrisius’s daughter, Danaë and the god Zeus. To protect his new city, he hired the mythical Cyclopes to build the walls around it. Because of them, these walls made of giant stones are called “The Cyclopean Walls”.

There are three explanations for how Mycenae got its name. According to one story, it is because of Perseus’s cap (mykēs) of the sheath of his sword, or after a mushroom he had plucked on the site. The third explanation was given by Homer, who connected the name to the nymph Mycene, the daughter of the river god Inachos of Argos.

The Mycenaean civilisation and King Agamemnon

The Mycenaean civilisation dates from 1600 to 1100 BC, with a peak between 1400 to 1200 BC. It greatly influenced military infrastructure, architecture, art, and the Linear B writing system in mainland Greece and the eastern Mediterranean.

The city-states with the king on top were established at that time. Mycenae is widely known as the kingdom of the legendary King Agamemnon, who led the Greeks in the Trojan War. He was the son of King Atreus and Queen Aerope, and the brother of Menelaus. Agamemnon had four children: Iphigenia, Electra, Orestes and Chrysothemis with his wife Clytemnestra. According to legend, she killed him with her lover, Aegisthus, upon his return from the war.

By the way, Mycenae and Tiryns were the two most important cities of the Mycenaean civilisation. They were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999.

It is supposed that the decline of Mycenae occurred around 1100 BC. The possible reasons are damage from earthquakes and fires, civil strife and the invasion of Dorians. However, it was partly inhabited during the Greek Classical Period (5th-4th centuries BC), the Archaic period (8th-5th centuries BC), the Hellenic period and later in the Roman period (31 BC). But it was soon completely abandoned.

Excavations of Mycenae

The Mycenae archaeological site came under the jurisdiction of the Greek Archaeological Society in 1837.
 The German amateur archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann made the first excavations in 1876. He followed the historical details of places described by Homer in his epic “The Iliad”. By the way, Heinrich Schliemann became famous after he found ancient Troya in 1873.

Because of these fascinating excavations, Schliemann was named the “Father of Mycenaean Archaeology”. His mansion in the centre of Athens is now housing the Numismatic Museum of Athens.

After him, various archaeologists continued excavations in the late 1800s and early to mid-1900s.

Script Linear B

The Minoan civilisation from Crete Island had its Linear A writing system. In 1600 BC, the Mycenaean Greeks borrowed their syllabic writing system and developed their script known as Linear B.

It was used for administrative purposes, economic transactions, religion, and information about the public and private lives of the Mycenaeans. The script was recorded on clay tablets and pottery.

Mycenae, The Linear B script

The Linear A and Linear B scripts were discovered first in Crete by English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans in 1900. By the way, they have not been fully deciphered until today.

You can read more about the Minoan civilisation, the Linear B and the Knossos Palace here.

What to See in Mycenae

The ancient Mycenae was nestled between two hills, Profitis Ilias (805 m) and Sara (660 m), on the fertile Argolid Plain in Peloponnese. Its strategic position gave it control of the trade routes, sea and the Argolid Plain.

And for sure, from the top of the citadel, there is a breathtaking view all around. We were so lucky to have an amazing sunny day during our visit on the 31st of December 2024!

A view from the Mycenae citadel

Mycenae Acropolis

The Acropolis was surrounded by the impressive Cyclopean walls. The complex includes the citadel with the palace complex, megaron, storerooms, workshops, and circular graves. 

The Lion Gate

The landmark of the Mycenae site is the Lion Gate, located on the northwestern side of the Acropolis.
This iconic entrance to Mycenae can be seen today, even though it was built around 1250 BC. The Greek archaeologist Kyriakos Pittakis found and cleared the Lion Gate in 1841.

The stone gate has a triangular construction above the lintel. It is adorned with a relief of two lions (or lionesses), posing on both sides of a pillar. Unfortunately, their heads have not been preserved.

Mycenae, The Lion Gate entrance

The gate is 3.10 m wide and 2.95 m high at the threshold. By the way, the lion was an emblem of the Mycenaean kings and a symbol of their power. Interestingly, the Lion Gate is the only surviving sculpture of the Mycenaean culture and the largest one from the Bronze Age.

Mycenaean Lion Gate

Also, it has never been buried underground since its construction. Even the famous ancient geographer Pausanias mentioned the Lion Gate after his visit in the 2nd century AD.

The rear side of the Mycenaean Lion Gate

On the left side of the gate, there was a small room in the wall, which probably served as a shrine of the gate. Also, near the wall, there are ruins of buildings in the northern quarter.

Interestingly, we saw two adorable cats, one in front of the Lion Gate and another beside its rear side. They look like guardians of this ancient marvellous place…

Cats around the Mycenaean Lion Gate

Grave Circle A

When you pass through the Lion Gate, you enter the Citadel complex.

Reconstruction of the Grave Circle A

There is a huge burial site with six shaft graves on the right side, known as Grave Circle A, discovered by Heinrich Schliemann in 1874.

Mycenaean Grave Circle A

It was a royal cemetery with various artefacts and funerary gifts. Among them were golden funeral masks, weapons, a set of swords, ornate staffs, golden jewellery, and silver and gold cups.
The most famous mask is known as the “ Mask of Agamemnon”, found in Tomb V.

Mycenaean Grave Circle A

On the right of the gate was a building known as the “Granary“. There were found pithoi, the large clay storage jars with carbonised grains, wheat and barley.

Mycenaean Granary ruins

On the left side of Grave Circle A, there are ruins of the Ramp House, House of Warrior, Hellenistic chambers, and the Cult Centre.

 Royal Palace and Megaron

Following the Paved Ramp (today with modern steps) and going up the summit of the hill, we came to the ruins of the palace and megaron.

The Royal Palace was built in the 13th century BC, and it consisted of a large court and a megaron.

Megaron was the great hall in ancient Greek palaces. It had a rectangular shape, supported with columns, while a large circular hearth was in the centre. Also, it was open in the front with a two-columned portico. The throne room of the ruler was located in the main chamber on the raised platform. Usually, smaller rooms surrounded the megaron, such as offices, shrines, workshops, potteries, storerooms and corridors.

Ruins of the Megaron and Royal Palace

Megaron was the administrative, political and economic centre of Mycenae. Probably it was destroyed at the end of the 13th century and partly rebuilt in the 12th century BC. By the way, the model of Greek temples was developed from the Megaron building.

The Cult centre

A processional road in the citadel leads to the Tsountas House, and the cult centre of Myceanae, the Temple and shrines.

The Temple was built right beside the megaron, on a lower terrace. The main room was 13 m long and 11.5 m wide, and it had a central hearth. Next to it, there was a sealed room where the broken clay figurines and snakes, used in rituals, were found.

Mycenaean Temple (5) and artefacts in the Mycenae Museum

By the way, Myceneans adopted the Minoan religion’s ceremonial beliefs and then developed their rituals. The altar and fragments of frescoes were found in the nearby room, the shrine known as The House of Frescoes.

The House of Frescos, the Mycenae Archaeological Museum

The underground Cistern

The underground cistern is located in the northeast corner of the Mycenae Acropolis. It dates back to the late 13th century BC.

Mycenae

This subterranean reservoir served to supply water to the inhabitants. It is accessible through three levels. The first one consists of 16 surviving steps surrounded by a massive stone cyclopean gate.

In front of the underground cistern

The area around the Acropolis

Outside the walls of the Mycenaean Acropolis, there was the residential area of the city, Grave Circle B and various tholos tombs.

Grave Circle B was the cemetery from the late 17th-16th centuries BC. Today, it is located outside the Acropolis walls.  There were 26 tombs with inhabitants’ bones excavated between 1952 and 1954 by Greek archaeologists. Some of the tombs were similar to those from Grave Circle A in the Citadel complex.

The Tomb of Clytemnestra (Agamemnon’s wife) and the Tomb of Aegisthus (the lover of Clytemnestra) are located close to the Grave Circle B. Also, there you can see ruins of the Perseia Fountain House, the House of the Oil Merchant Group, and the Lion Tholos tomb, which is located close to the entrance of the museum.

Mycenae Pottery from the House of Oil Merchant Group

Women of the Mycenean world

Well, there are always two sides to women’s roles in life.
Some Mycenaean women were slaves and involved in domestic economy and textile work.

But some of them were the priestesses, some belonged to the upper class, and they were involved in royal activities. Women wore Minoan ornate dresses and had faience and glass beads, and golden jewellery, as well. Also, they have bronze mirrors (1400-1250 BC), small jars, cosmetic spoons and implements made from bones. Well, it is not easy to be a woman, isn’t it

Mycenaean jewellery and women’s items, Archaeological Museum

Mycenae Archaeological Museum

The museum is located close to the entrance of the Mycenae archaeological site.
It was opened in 2003, on the initiative of the Greek archaeologist Giorgos Mylonas.

There are three galleries with the artefacts and objects found in the Mycenae area. But the most valuable and significant items are located today in the Archaeological Museum of Athens, and you can see their replicas in the Mycenae Museum.

In the first room, objects from the Mycenaean’s public and private life can be seen. There are many ceramic items in various shapes and sizes from different periods.

Mycenaean pottery items, Archaeological Museum

Mask of Agamemnon

The second gallery is dedicated to the tombs, graves and funeral offerings. 

Certainly, the most fascinating object is the golden death mask of King Agamemnon. Actually, it is a replica, because the original mask can be seen in the Athens Archaeological Museum.

Famous Mask of Agamemnon, Mycenae Archaeological Museum

Also, there are replicas of a few items found in the grave of Agamemnon.

Mycenaean artefacts in a museum

Gold & jewellery, Archaeological Museum

The third gallery includes the objects regarding the Mycenaean civilisation, religion, science, art, administration and trade.

Mycenaean human figurines and pottery

Mycenaens had trading contacts with Crete, the Cyclades, Egypt, the Western Mediterranean, and northern Europe in the 16th century BC. They traded with amber, gold, bronze, tin, as well as faience and semi-precious stones.

Trade routes

The Treasury of Atreus

Within walking distance of the citadel, you can visit the Treasury of Atreus.

It is located on the side of a hill in front of the Acropolis of Mycenae. Well, it is the best-preserved vaulted tomb in Greece, even though it was constructed between 1350 and 1250 BC. It got its name after Atreus, king of Mycenae and father of King Agamemnon, and, therefore, it is also known as “the Tomb of Agamemnon”.

Entrance to the Treasury of Atreus

So, the Mycenan kings and queens were buried in tholos tombs. They were built of ashlar blocks with a technique known as corbelling, to create a special dome-tholos, and then covered with earth. The dromos – corridor that leads up to the entrance is 35 m long and 6m wide. Stone blocks are carefully laid around it.

The Treasury of Atreus door

The door is about 5.5 m high. Once, it was decorated with two Minoan columns of green limestone with a zigzag pattern. Today, they are in the British Museum in London.

Above the door, there is a triangle with a lintel consisting of two massive stone slabs. Interestingly, the innermost weighs approximately 120 tons, and it is 9 m long!

The ceiling and a huge intel of The Treasury of Atreus

This tomb represents a masterpiece of Mycenean engineering and construction. It is 13.5 m high, and it has a diameter of 14.5 m. The tomb consists of 33 concentric circles of stones. One circle overlaps the one immediately below towards the inside, and they go around until a single stone ends the circle at the top (corbelling). 

The Treasury of Atreus dome

This vaulted ceiling also creates an amazing echo.

Inside of The Treasury of Atreus

The side chamber of the tomb

There is a wall opening on the right of the entrance to the small chamber. Probably it was used as an ossuary to which the remains of previous burials were relocated. And new interments with rituals were made in the main chamber of the tomb.

Visitors are not allowed to step inside.

Side chamber in the Treasury of Atreus

By the way, this tomb had the tallest and widest stone dome in the world until the Roman period and the building of the Pantheon in Rome during the years 27-25 BC.

The Tholos tomb was discovered at the beginning of the 19th century. Veli Pasha, the Ottoman Pasha of the Morea, excavated the tomb in June 1810. After him, excavations continued by a few British archaeologists and German Heinrich Schliemann in 1874 and 1876, as well.

What to visit close to Mycenae

Depending on your time and interests, you can visit a few interesting places close to Mycenae.

◊ The modern village of Mycenae with few accommodation facilities and restaurants.
Archaeological site of Tiryns, about 20 km away.
◊ The ancient theatre of Epidaurus.
Charming coastal town of Nafplio.
◊ The ancient Oracle in Delphi, you can read more here: Delphi, the navel of the ancient world.

For sure, it was a fantastic experience to unveil the ancient marvels of Mycenae. The specific engineering, organisation and military skills made the Mycenaean civilisation one of the most significant periods in ancient Greece.

Stay tuned: our next stop is the ancient theatre of Epidaurus…

Source:

1. Archaeological Museum of Mycenae
2. History website
3. Ancient Greece website

Known for its harbour, stunning lake in the town centre, vibrant atmosphere, and proximity to beautiful beaches, Agios Nikolaos offers something for every traveller.

Agios Nikolaos port

How to get to Agios Nikolaos 

Agios Nikolaos is the administrative centre of the Lasithi region. It is located on the west side of the Gulf of Mirabello, 65 kilometres east of Heraklion, Crete’s capital. You can reach the town in several ways.

By air: The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, which is connected to Athens, Thessaloniki, and major European cities. There is also a small airport in Sitia that serves domestic flights.
◊ By car: The fastest way is to rent a car from Heraklion airport or port. The drive along the highway takes about an hour and offers beautiful coastline views.
By bus: Public buses from Heraklion and other towns run frequently and are a budget-friendly option, just check the KTEL schedule.
◊ By ferry: If you arrive in Crete from Athens (Piraeus) or another Greek island, ferries go to Heraklion, Chania, and Sitia. From these ports, you can continue to Agios Nikolaos by car or bus.

Cruise ship in Agios Nikolaos port

A few words about the history of Agios Nikolaos 

Remains of an ancient house of Kamara in Agios Nikolaos

 

The town got its name after the Byzantine chapel of Agios Nikolaos, located next to today’s “Minos Palace” hotel, on the Ammoudi peninsula.

According to historical testimonies, Agios Nikolaos was founded with the fall of the Byzantine Empire (1204), when Crete was sold to the Venetians. However, Enrico Pescatore, a Genovese adventurer and pirate, built a fortress on top of a hill in 1206. The fortress was given the name “Mirabello” which means “Beautiful View”. Today, the gulf and this part are named “The Gulf of Mirabello” because of its beautiful views over the area. By the way, Ottomans ruined the fortress during their rule.

Agios Nikolaos in modern times

So, after the Cretan revolution (1866-1869), the community started to grow. It became the capital of the Lasithi region in 1924.

By the way, tourism started to develop there in the 1960s and 1970s with the first luxury hotels and resorts. Agios Nikolaos became a popular tourist destination and attracts more and more tourists every year.
Approximately 30,000 people live in the city today.

Charming cafe in Kyprion Agoniston Street

What to see and do in Agios Nikolaos 

Agios Nikolaos means Saint Nicholas – Nikolas, which is one of the favourite masculine names in Greece and Cyprus. The town is named after Saint Nicholas of Myra (270- 343), an early Christian Greek bishop during the time of the Roman Empire. He is known for many miracles, and he is the patron saint of sailors, fishermen, merchants, children, and all entire Greece.

The Salt Lake Voulismeni 

The most important landmark of the town is the beautiful Lake Voulismeni. The locals call it just “The Lake”, and various stories are connected with it.

According to mythology, the goddesses Athena and Artemis once bathed in this magnificent lake. It was believed that the lake was bottomless and guarded by underground spirits. Also, it is believed that everything thrown inside disappeared, including the German tanks and vehicles at the end of the Second World War.

Once, it was a circular freshwater lake. It is 134 metres wide and surrounded by steep rocky cliffs on one side. The first measurement of depth was made by Captain Thomas Spratt in 1852, and it was 64 metres. After the huge Crete earthquake in 1856 (almost 8 degrees on the Richter scale), one cliff collapsed into the lake. It probably blocked the freshwater spring, leading to the later stagnation, and the lake became “stinky”.

Because of this, a solution was to dig a channel into the nearby sea. The first channel was dug by Kostas Adosides Pasha, the Ottoman governor of Lasithi. The wider canal was made by the French Army between 1905 and 1907, which can be seen today.

Cafes and taverns around Lake Voulismeni

The Lake today

The new measurements showed that the lake’s depth is 48,8 metres. Also, the famous marine explorer Jacques Cousteau confirmed it in 1967, but he and his team found nothing on the lake’s bottom. The modern road bridge was opened in 1967.

Voulismeni Lake

Today, the Lake is very popular both for locals and tourists. On the other side, there are cafes and restaurants where visitors can enjoy food and drinks with a spectacular view. The Folklore Museum is also located near the lake, representing Crete’s tradition.

Alexandros Roof Bar and Folklore Museum

There is a path around the lake, and don’t be surprised if you see ducks walking freely among the tourists and restaurants

Ducks strolling around the Lake

Near the lake, there is a small white chapel. It is the Fisherman’s Church, dedicated to the safety of the lake’s fishermen. Inside the church, there is a 25-meter crypt, like a sailing museum, with old items. Even though we walked around the lake several times, it was always closed.

Agios Nikolaos, Fisherman’s Church

From the top of the cliff and park, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the lake, town and port.

Panoramic view of Agios Nikolaos

Around the cliff, there are several cafes and restaurants as well.

A view of the Voulismeni Lake and the centre of Agios Nikolaos

Also, the lake looks amazing at night when the cliffs are lit up, creating reflections across the water. 

Lake Voulismeni by night

Kitroplatia – Citrus Square

Kitroplatia Square is located about 200 meters west of Lake Voulismeni. It is surrounded by cafes, taverns, and shops. There is also a small pebbled-sandy beach with the same name. The name of the square derives from the citrus market, which was in this place until the 20^th century.

Kitroplatia Square and Beach

Horn of Almathia

An interesting statue of the Horn of Almathia is located near Kitroplateia Square. It is one of the landmarks of Agios Nikolaos.  The statue was designed and created by brothers Nikos and Pantelis Sotiriades in 2000, and it is connected with the myth of Zeus. 

Agios Nikolaos, Horn of Almathia

The Goddess Rhea, the mother of Zeus, hid him from his father in the cave on Mount Ida. The goat Almathea nourished Zeus until he grew up. One day, while playing, Zeus accidentally broke one of her horns. He felt terribly, and he blessed the damaged horn, adding a hole, which meant that its owner would find everything he desired in it.
So, this horn became known as a Cornucopia, an eternal symbol of abundance. 

The Horn of Almathia

The Abduction of Europa

The sculptors Nikos and Pantelis Sotiriades made another landmark of the town in 2012. It is the sculpture of the Abduction of Europa, designed by the Cretan film director Nikos Koundouros. This bronze sculpture is 6 meters high, and it weighs almost 6 tons. It is located close to the statue of the Horn of Almathia and at the end of a parking lot in the port area.

The Abduction of Europa statue

The sculpture is also connected with the god Zeus. However, he fell in love with the Phoenician Princess Europa and transformed into a beautiful white bull to approach her. The bull captured her and her friends. Europa tried to ride the bull, but Zeus took a chance and ran into the sea, taking Europa with him south of Crete, on the Matala beach. From this relationship, Europe gave birth to three sons, and one of them was Minos, the king of Crete and the founder of the Minoan civilisation.

You can read more about the stunning Matala beach and caves here.

In front of the statue of Europe sitting on the back of a giant bull, there is a statement carved in stone in English and Greek. “Europe is my name. I am the daughter of the Phoenician King Aginoras and mother of King Minos, creator of the Minoan civilisation.”

The Statue of the Abduction of Europe

Churches in Agios Nikolaos

I have already mentioned the small Byzantine Chapel of Agios Nikolaos, after which the town got its name. It is located about 2 km from the town, near the Minos Palace Hotel, on the Ammoudi peninsula. The church dates back to the 10th century, and fragments of old frescoes can be seen even today.
Besides that, there are several interesting churches that you can visit in Agios Nikolaos.

Panagia Vrefotrofos  – Church of the Nursing Virgin Mary

This small church is located in the old part of the town. The original church dates back to the 12th century, while the fragments of frescoes are from the 14th century. Inside the church, there is a monumental tomb of the Venetian noble Lavrentios Malipiero. On top of the tomb, a Latin inscription bears the date of 1602. The Feast days of the church are the 8th of September and the 3rd of February.

Panagia Vrefotrofos

Agia Triada – Church of the Holy Trinity

The Church of Agia Triada is located in the centre of town. It is a triple-aisle basilica with a dome, founded in the 20th century. The church is dedicated to Agia Triada – Three Hierarchs, and the Presentation of the Virgin Mary.

Agia Triada Church

It is richly decorated with frescoes of Byzantine Hagiography trends.

Agios Nikolaos, Agia Triada

A small stone Saint Athanasius Church is located on the pedestrian Roussou Koundourou street.

Saint Athanasius Church in Roussou Koundourou Street

Close to the port, there are the Church of Saint George (left in the photo) and the Saint Irene Church (right).

Church of Saint George and Saint Irene Church

The port and marina of Agios Nikolaos 

The harbour of Agios Nikolaos is a vibrant spot, located in the centre of town. It is a very popular stop for cruise ships, as well. Around the port, there are many cafes, restaurants, shops with various products, apartments and small hotels.

Agios Nikolaos port

The Marina Agios Nikolaos is filled with yachts and fishing boats. It has all the modern facilities and services.

Yachts in Agios Nikolaos Marina

Accommodation in Agios Nikolaos

Depending on your interests and budget, you can choose between apartments, guesthouses, hostels, small boutique hotels or family hotels.
Some of the most luxurious resorts are Minos Palace Resort (adults only), Mirabello Bay Luxury Resort, Daios Cove, etc. Also, the Elounda area is known for its luxurious hotel resorts.

Approximately, a mid-range hotel or guesthouse might cost from 50 to 150 EUR per night. Luxury hotels and resorts can range from 150 to 300 EUR or more per night.

Cafes and restaurants

There are many bars, cafes, taverns and restaurants in Agios Nikolaos.
Dining costs can vary depending on the type of restaurant. For example, a meal at a local tavern can cost approximately 15 to 25 EUR per person, while a meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can cost around 40 to 70 EUR.

Here are some of the popular restaurants and bars around Lake Voulismeni, the favourite tourist spot.

Migomis Piano Restaurant is located in a house from 1890, on the cliff, perfect for a romantic dinner.
◊ Karnagio Restaurant serves dishes made from only Cretan products and herbs.
La Strada, a family-owned restaurant overlooking the lake.
◊ ARC Espresso & Cocktail Bar is a bar from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake and town.
Skala by the Lake, a restaurant with Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, near the lake.

Karnagio, La Strada, ARC bar, La Scala by the lake

Basilico Italian restaurant and Kyma restaurant are located near the Ammos beach, overlooking the sea and marina.

Basilico and Kyma restaurants near the Ammos Beach

Close to the port, you can find Creta Embassy Tavern and Pelagos Fish Tavern, which serve various Mediterranean and vegan dishes.

Cretan Taverna Embassy and Pelagos restaurant

The Pelagos restaurant is beautifully and richly decorated with a wall fountain, flowers, and many colourful details.

Interior of the Pelagos restaurant

During the peak season, it can be crowded, so make a reservation for lunch or dinner.

Dinner in the Pelagos restaurant

One of our favourite taverns was located near the Agia Triada Church. I don’t know if they changed the name or the owner (once “Poya”, today “Yiasemi” Meze Restaurant), but the food was delicious, and it was popular with both locals and tourists.

Beaches around Agios Nikolaos 

There are several beaches close to the centre of the town. I will write about them in the following post.
Let’s just mention some of the most popular beaches in this area.

Kitroplatia is a pebble well-organised beach, located in the centre, on Kitroplatia Square.
Ammoudi Beach, Minos Beach, and Havania Beach are located on the western side of the centre.
Ammos Beach is a sandy beach close to the marina. It is a nice, organised beach, surrounded by a few excellent taverns.

Almyros Beach is about two kilometres away from the town. It is a big sandy beach with shallow water, known for the river which flows into the sea. Also, behind the beach, there is a wetland protected by the Natura 2000 program.

Almyros river and beach

Voulisma Beach

Known as “Golden Beach,” Voulisma is located about 10 km from the town. We were captured by this long, sandy beach with turquoise water and waves. It is one of the best beaches in Crete.

Crete, amazing Voulisma Beach

Vai Beach

Vai Beach is one the most beautiful beaches in Crete and Greece, as well. It is known for the 5,000 palm trees which surround the bay and beach. Even though it is located 94 km east of Agios Nikolaos, it is worth visiting and spending one day on this exotic beach under the palm trees.

Stunning Vai Beach

Chrissi Island

The uninhabited Chrissi Island is surrounded by the Libyan Sea. It is accessible by boat from Ierapetra in the south of Crete. The island is known for its turquoise water, sandy beaches and cedar forest.

We visited Chrissi Island in September 2021 with a guided tour from Agios Nikolaos. From 2022, visitors are not allowed to disembark on the island. The reason is the protection of the unique natural ecosystem of the island. In the present time, the ship approaches close to it, and visitors have to swim if they want to visit the beach.

Turquoise water of the Chrissi Island

Excursions from Agios Nikolaos

Besides relaxing on beautiful beaches, there are several interesting locations that you can visit in the Lasithi region. Take a look at some of them and make a plan for your incredible vacation.

Spinalonga, Elounda and Plaka

A boat trip to Spinalonga Island is something special, and I am sure that you will remember it forever. It is known for the well-preserved Venetian fortress, but also for something else. It was a leper colony from 1903 to 1957, for patients from Crete and the rest of Greece. Today, it is a famous tourist attraction.

You can read more about the history of Spinalonga, life and lost dreams in a leper colony here:

Elounda and Plaka are located opposite Spinalonga.
Elounda is a village about 12 km away from Agios Nikolaos. You can visit it by car or KTEL bus. Today, it is mostly known as a tourist spot with luxury resorts. Plaka village is located a few kilometres away, known for seafood taverns.

Both villages are mentioned in Victoria Hislop’s novel The Island, the story about Spinalonga, a leper and the tragic destiny of its inhabitants. By the way, this novel was adapted for Greek television and aired as a mini-series in 2010-2011. I highly recommend this amazing book.

Village of Kritsa

Kritsa is a beautiful village nestled 10 km from Agios Nikolaos, in the hills. You can reach it by car, by bus or by a local blue train from the port, as we did. Well, it was a real adventure!
During the guided tour, we visited an olive oil factory, the Byzantine Church of Panagia Kera from the 13th century with stunning frescoes, and a traditional Kritsa village.

You can read more about this picturesque village and Cretan life in the following post.

Kritsa village

Depending on your time, you can visit some of the following locations.

Lasithi Plateaux with Zeus Cave.
◊ Sarakino Gorge.
Catamaran cruises in the Mirabello Bay.
◊ Off-road Crete Safari in a Land Rover vehicle.
Gastronomy tours (olive oil tasting, wine tour, traditional Greek food).

Shopping in Agios Nikolaos 

Two main pedestrian streets are 28is Oktovriou Street and Roussou Koundourou Street. There, you can find various products, fashion stores of local and international brands and souvenirs for your beloved, and for yourself, as well

Buy some of the Cretan products such as olives, olive oil, spices, honey, cheese, wine, raki, traditional sweets, etc.
Nice gifts can be handcrafted jewellery, leather goods or ceramic items.

Also, you can find shops in small alleys around the lake and port.

Shopping time

The Street Art

While we were walking around the town, we saw these interestingly decorated stairs with the Minotaur bull and sea scenes. They were part of the artistic project from 2018, known as “The Spirit of the Stairs”.

Agios Nikolaos, Street Art

Why Visit Agios Nikolaos?

Agios Nikolaos is a place where you can feel the Cretan life, discover ancient artefacts, and enjoy fascinating nature and beaches. 

It is the perfect base to explore the towns and villages in the Lasithi region, as well. On the other side, you will certainly enjoy strolling around the town and walking along the port and marina.
Taste traditional Greek food, wine or ouzo in taverns and cafes with a fascinating view of Lake Voulismeni.

And be happy soaking in the sun and feeling the fresh salt air, leaving only your footprints on the beach.

Agios Nikolaos, port by night

As the largest city on the island, Heraklion offers visitors a unique mix of ancient landmarks, numerous myths, interesting buildings, taverns, and cafes where you can enjoy delicious Greek food and drinks.

How to get to Heraklion

Heraklion, also known as Iraklio, is well-connected and easily accessible. It can be reached by air, sea, or road.

By air: Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” is the second busiest airport in Greece. It is located just 5 km east of the city centre. Heraklion is connected with domestic flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, and other Greek islands, and regular flights and charters with major European cities. You can take a taxi from the airport to the city centre, which takes about 10-15 minutes, or by public bus, which runs frequently and is more affordable.

By Sea: Heraklion’s port is one of the largest in Greece. There are regular ferry connections to Athens (Piraeus), Santorini, Mykonos, and other islands in the Aegean Sea. It is a popular stop for cruisers, as well.

By Road: Heraklion is well-connected by road to other major towns such as Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos. The main highway, E75, runs along the northern coast of Crete, providing a direct route to Heraklion. Renting a car is a popular way to explore the island because there are many beaches and interesting sights to visit.

Loggia building and 25th August Street

A few words about the history of Heraklion

An ancient time of Heraklion

The ancient history of Heraklion is connected with the Minoan civilisation and the famous Knossos Palace. Actually, Heraklion was the port of Knossos, located about 4 km away, which was the political and economic centre of the Minoan era. Its ancient name was Heracleium, which was in honour of the hero Heracles (Hercules). The golden age of the Minoan civilisation was from the 16th to the 14th century BC, but it collapsed about 1450 BC.

After the Hellenistic and Roman periods, Crete became part of the Byzantine Empire until the 9th century, when it was occupied by Arabs. They built a new town, Rabdh al Khandak (Castle of the Ditch), at the site of Heraklion. Then, the Byzantines took over the island again and controlled it until the 13th century, when Crete was occupied by the Venetians.

Venetians, Ottomans and the present time

During the Venetian rule, which lasted four centuries, Crete and its towns, Heraklion and Chania, flourished in trade, architecture, and the arts. The Venetians called the city Candia. The battle between the Ottomans and the Venetians lasted for 21 years, and the Ottomans captured Crete in 1669. After many revolts, Crete got its autonomy in 1898 as the Cretan State. The city was renamed Heraklion, as in ancient times. Crete became part of Greece in 1913.

Today, Heraklion is the fourth largest city in Greece with about 154,000 inhabitants. It is Crete’s administrative and commercial centre, and it has the largest port and the largest airport on the island.

What to see in Heraklion

If your accommodation is in Heraklion, walking around and exploring the city is easy. We visited it during the organised one-day excursion from Agios Nikolaos, a town on the eastern side of Crete.

Knossos Palace

The most significant landmark of Heraklion and Crete is the Knossos Palace. It is a must-visit place to find out more about the famous Minoan civilisation.

The complex with impressive palace remains and a grand courtyard offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Minoans.
You can read more about the stunning Knossos Palace here.

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum

After visiting Knossos, continue your journey into Crete’s ancient past at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Located in the city centre, this museum houses exhibits from the Neolithic period to the Roman era. You can see there the world’s largest collection of Minoan artefacts, including the famous Snake Goddess figurines, the Phaistos Disc, amazing Kamares Ware pottery, and the Bull-Leaping Fresco. 

  You can read more about the Heraklion Archaeological Museum here.

Heraklion Old Town

After the visit to the museum, we walked to the nearby old town. It consists of narrow streets, local shops, cafes, taverns, small squares, interesting buildings, and Venetian walls.

The Venetian Loggia

One of the most famous buildings in Heraklion is the Venetian Loggia, located in the centre, in 25th Avgoustou Street.

Generally, the Loggia was an essential public building in every Venetian city. This loggia is the fourth and only one remaining in Heraklion, built in the place of the third Loggia.

Venetian Loggia

It was built in 1626-1628 by Francesco Morosini, the General Proveditor of Crete. The impressive architecture of the edifice reminds one of the Basilica of Palladio in Vicenza, combining the Doric style on the ground floor and the Ionic style on the first floor.

It was a meeting place for the aristocrats and nobles to discuss economic and political issues. Also, it was used as their gentlemen’s club and for various social events. During the Turkish occupation, it became the Ottoman administrative centre.

The Venetian Loggia

The building was almost destroyed after the earthquake of 1856, and after a few renovations, it was completely restored in 1980. Inside the complex, you can see an atrium where you can see a blue sky, which makes it more interesting.

By the way, in 1987, the Loggia got “The Europa Nostra award” for the best-renovated European monument of the year. Today, the Loggia is used as the City Hall of Heraklion.

Venetian Loggia – today Town Hall

Sagredo Fountain is located on the north wall of the Loggia, in a narrow alley. It was built by the Duke of Crete, Giovanni Sagredo, between 1602 and 1604, and used for the nobles’ needs and the Noblemen’s Club in the Loggia.

Today, only the remains of a wall female statue can be seen. The basin around it was destroyed in the Second World War.

Sagredo Fountain

The Cathedral of Saint Titus

Close to the Loggia, you can see the Cathedral of Saint Titus, an Orthodox church dedicated to Saint Titus. Titus was a Greek and a companion and disciple of St. Paul the Apostle.

Church of Saint Titus

First, a Byzantine church was founded at this place in the 10th century. Then, the Venetians rebuilt it in 1446 and 1550. However, they took the sacred relics and brought them to Venice after the Ottoman occupation. The church transformed into a mosque, but it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1856.

The present church was built in 1869 as the Yeni Cami or New Mosque. In 1925, the mosque was converted into a Christian church, and it was declared a cathedral in 2013.

Saint Titus Church

Only one relic – the skull of Titus was returned from Venice to the church in 1966. It is displayed in a silver reliquary in a chapel. In the middle, you can see a carved wood chandelier, and the wooden iconostasis with icons.

Saint Titus Church

The entrance is free, but you can donate some money if you like or light a candle.
Sunrays through stained glass windows made interesting reflections on the floor.

A reflection of sunrays inside of the Saint Titus Church

Around the church, there is Titus Square and a small park with palms, benches, and a fountain. It is also a pedestrian zone with bars, cafes, shops and Hondos Centre, the favourite shopping place for ladies.

Palms around the Saint Titus Church

Lions Square and The Morosini Fountain

The most famous fountain in the town is the Lions Fountain or Morosini Fountain.
It got its name from Francesco Morosini, known for the building of the Venetian Loggia. Also, under his rule, a 15 km long aqueduct was constructed for transporting fresh water from the mountain into Heraklion town.

The fountain was built in 1629 in today’s Eleftheriou Venizelos Square. It is known by locals as Lion Square after the four lions in the middle of the fountain. The lion’s head flanks the eight basins, and it can be reached from all sides. The fountain is decorated with the Venetian coats of arms and relief sculptures. Bear in mind that the water is not drinkable, and today it is not allowed to stay close to the structure.

Morosini Fountain

By the way, Francesco Morosini belonged to the noble Venetian family Morosini and was also a Doge of Venice. He was a great military leader, known as the commander in the war between Venice and the Ottoman Empire. He captured the Morea—Peloponnese peninsula, and we saw his influence during our visit to the Methoni Castle.

You can read more about the interesting Methoni, the Sea Castle in Peloponnese, here.

There are many shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants around the fountain where you can take a break. The fairy-tale Hans & Gretel’s sweet shop serves delicious gelato and various sweets, which attracts both kids and adults, as well.  

Hans & Grete sweet shop, and Barba Thymios restaurant

 St. Mark Basilica

St. Marco Basilica

The Market Street – 1866 Street

South of Lions Square, there is 1866 Street called “Market Street”.
The street got the name “1866” after the Great Cretan Revolution (1866-1869) against the Ottoman occupation.

Take a walk in this traditional agora, among the small shops and stalls with fresh products, such as honey, spices, olives, olive oil, cheese, etc.

Market Street

There are various souvenirs, natural cosmetic products, jewellery, clothes, leather bags, belts and sandals, and Cretan knives (the Cretan cultural symbol). Also, you can take a break in small cafes and taverns.

Souvenirs in Market Street

At the end of Market Street is Kornorou Square, where you can see an Ottoman fountain and the Bembo Fountain.

The Ottoman Sebil and the Bembo Fountain

The Ottoman Sebil (Philanthropic Fountain) was built in 1776 by Hadji Ibrahim Aga. It is the only remaining sebil in the town (sebil is the Ottoman public fountain). This building has a hexagonal structure and water taps under the arched windows.

Once, it was used by thirsty travellers. Also, it enabled purification before the prayer in the Valida Sultana Mosque, which was once located in Kornarou Square.

In the present time, the small space of a building is used as a café with outside-only seating.

The Ottoman Sebil

A few meters away, there is the Bembo Fountain. It was built between 1552 and 1554, and named after the Venetian Gianmatteo Bembo, who built it.

Actually, it was the first fountain that supplied Venetian Candia with running water. It consists of various elements in white marble, including a basin (a former Roman sarcophagus) and a headless Roman statue brought from Ierapetra.

Bembo Fountain in Heraklion

Statues of Aretousa and Erotokritos

On Kornorou Square, you can find a pair of interesting sculptures. They represent Aretousa and Erotokritos.

Well, it is a Greek version of the love story of Romeo and Juliet.  The romance story was written by Vincenzo Kornaro (1553-1613), the greatest Cretan poet, and it is considered a Cretan Renaissance Masterpiece. The Kornarou Square was named after him.

So, the scene represents Erotokritos on his horse, saying goodbye to his loved one, Aretousa, the daughter of the King of Athens, Heracles. Their love was forbidden. The king sent Arethousa to prison, to “cure” her from the “love’s blindness”, and Erotokritos into exile.

But this story had a fortunate end. They reunited and vowed eternal happiness, with the king’s blessing. By the way, this love story is a subject in many folk poems and music, as well as in theatre performances and art exhibitions.

Statues of Aretousa and Erotokritos

The Agios Minas Church

Agios Minas Cathedral is one of the most impressive and largest churches of Crete. It is the metropolitan temple of the patron and protector of the city of Heraklion, Saint Minas. It is celebrated on the 11th of November, which is a public holiday in Heraklion.

Agios Minas Church

The Agios Minas Church was built between 1862 and 1895. The interior of the church is richly decorated, with the wood-carved iconostasis and icons.

Inside the Saint Minas Church

The ceiling of the Saint Minas Church

Many legends are connected with Saint Minas, and his protection of the town, from the Turkish attack to the German bombing in 1941. The bomb fell next to the church and the staircase that leads to the plateau of St. Catherine, but it never exploded.

Inside the Saint Minas Church

The small temple of St. Minas and Pantanassa

In front of Agios Minas, there is a small church built in the Venetian times. It was the first church of Agios Minas, known by locals as the “Little Agios Minas“. After the renovation in 1735, it became the Christian centre during the Turkish occupation.

One tragic event was connected with this church, when the Turks killed all civilians, the bishop and monks during mass in June 1821. But the miracle happened at Easter that year. The Turks planned to attack again, but a mysterious cavalryman appeared in front of them with his sword, chasing them away from the temple. According to the legend, it was St. Minas, the protector of the city.

Many icons in the temple that have survived to this day are works of Cretan icon painters of the 18th century. However, the church was closed during our visit, and we could not see it.

Little Minas Church and Saint Minas Church

We walked to the plateau with the Agia Aikaterini Church on the other side of the Saint Minas Church.

Agios Minas Church

Agia Aikaterini – Saint Catherine Church

The Church of Agia Ekaterini belonged to the Orthodox Venetian Monastery of Saint Catherine, a dependency of Sinai. The church was originally built around the 13th or 14th century, during the early Venetian times.

Agia Aikaterini

The monastery served as an educational institution and the Cretan school of iconography from the mid-16th to the mid-17th century.

The church was converted to a Muslim mosque in 1669, until the early 20th century, when Crete became autonomous. Today, it houses the Ecclesiastical Museum of Heraklion, with many rare icons, ecclesiastical vestments, manuscripts, and frescoes. 

25th August Street

The most historic and beautiful street is the 25th August Street (25th Avgoustos Street). It is a popular pedestrian street and shopping area with various shops, souvenirs, cafes, restaurants, and ice cream shops.

25th Avgoustou Street

It was known as the Ruga Maistra in the Venetian time, and Vizier Casci during the Ottoman rule. But the current name is connected with the tragic event which took place on the 25th of August in 1898, when the Turks massacred hundreds of Christian Cretans, British soldiers, and the vice-consul of England.

The 25th August Street stretches from Lion’s Square to the Venetian old harbour. Walking around, the beautiful buildings in the neoclassical style can be seen.

Building in 25th August Street

One of the most interesting buildings is “The Liopyrakis Megaron”. It was one of the most luxurious mansions constructed in the first two decades of the 20th century. By the way, at that time, the 25th of August Street was called ‘The Avenue of Fallacy”, because it gave the impression of wealth, but on its end, there were only old and poor houses.

Liopyrakis Megaron

Venetian walls and port

Heraklion is known for the Venetian walls, which are among the best-preserved fortifications in the Mediterranean. The walls were built in the 16th century to protect the town from Ottoman attacks on pre-existing Byzantine walls.
The defensive walls stretch about 7 km in the form of a triangle, surrounding the town. There were seven bastions and four gates.

Heraklion Venetian port – Koules Fortress

Koules Fortress and shipyards

The harbour entrance was protected by the Koules Fortress (koules means fortress in Turkish), known as Rocca al Mare. It is a landmark of the town and the symbol of the Venetian heritage. After the 21-year-long Siege of Candia, the Venetians surrendered the town to the Ottomans in 1669.

The boats in the Heraklion port

Today, the fortress has been restored. The visitors can walk around the walls and climb to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the town and see. Cultural events and art exhibitions are occasionally held inside the fortress. A few cannons, cannonballs, and clay jars can be seen in the Castle Museum as well.

Heraklion Fortress, Koules or Rocca a Mare

The ground floor consists of 26 rooms, which were used to store food, ammunition and as a water reservoir.  Some of the rooms were a prison for the Cretan fighters during Ottoman rule. On the upper floor, there is a big courtyard where once were the soldiers’ barracks, the officers’ quarters, a bakery, a mill, and a small church.

The relief of the winged Venetian lion, the symbol of the patron saint of Venice, can be seen on the north wall of the fortress.

Venetian lion on the Heraklion Fortress, Rocca a Mare

Dockyards and shipyards were constructed both on the north and eastern parts of the harbour between the 15th and 17th centuries. Once, there were 19 Venetian Shipyards, which were used for the construction and repair of Venetian ships. But today, only six shipyards can be seen. The similar shipyards we saw in the Old Town of Chania.

Heraklion port and Venetian shipyards

Beaches around Heraklion

From Heraklion, you can rent a car or take a bus (check the KTEL schedule and routes) to visit the most popular beaches around Heraklion.
On the western side of town, there are  Ammoudara Beach, Paleokastro Beach, Theseus Beach, and Agia Pelagia. On the eastern side, there are beaches such as Karteros, Tobrouk, Amnissos, Analipisi, etc.
Malia is the most popular beach resort in Heraklion, located about 36 km from Heraklion. It is famous as an excellent nightlife spot in Crete, as well as the remains of one of the most important Minoan palaces.

The most popular beach in the Heraklion region is the sandy Matala Beach in the southern part of Crete. It is known for its unique and ancient caves where hippies from all over the world lived in the 1960s and 1970s.

You can read more about Matala Beach and caves here. 

What to visit more around Heraklion

Besides the beaches, and depending on your time and interests, you can visit a few interesting places around Heraklion.

The Historical Museum and the Museum of Natural History, with exhibits of the Cretan flora and fauna, are located in the town.
◊ Take a Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour Bus to see the city’s main attractions.
Go to Crete Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the Mediterranean, in Gourmes, about a 20-minute drive from Heraklion.
◊ Discover the ancient city of Gortyn.
Take a day trip to the Palace of Phaistos, another marvellous Minoan palace.
◊ Visit Fodele village, the birthplace of El Greco, the great Greek painter of the Spanish Renaissance.
If you are in good fit and like hiking, you will enjoy the Samaria Gorge, a 16 km long gorge through beautiful nature.
◊ Visit the charming Agios Nikolaos town.
Explore Archanes, a traditional Cretan village.

Visit Heraklion & Crete

Whatever you decide to see and do in Heraklion town and region, you can enjoy the island all year round.
Summers are long and warm, perfect for the beach, and winters are mild.

So, make a plan and visit the beautiful island of Crete

Located in the heart of town, this museum offers an extraordinary glimpse into Crete’s ancient history and culture. It houses the magnificent artefacts of the Minoan civilisation, such as frescoes, pottery, gold jewellery, religious objects, and sculptures.

How to get to the museum and useful information

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is located in the centre of the town, just a short walk from the main Eleftherias Square. If you’re staying in Heraklion, it’s easily accessible on foot or by public transport – check the KTEL schedule.

Also, organised tours from other cities of Crete include visiting Knossos Palace, the town, and the museum.
First, we visited Knossos Palace, and then we went to the museum.

You can read more about the stunning Knossos Palace here.

Address of the museum: Xanthoudidou 2, Heraklion
◊ Opening Hours:
During the summer, every day is from 8 AM to 8 PM, except Wednesdays, when it is from 1 PM to 8 PM.
During the winter, every day is from 8.30 AM to 3.30 PM, except on Wednesdays from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Check the official website for updated information.
Price ticket:
The full ticket costs 12 EUR in the summer season, 6 EUR during the winter period, and 6 EUR is the reduced price. Check out the list of free entrances on the museum’s website.
◊ If you want, rent an audio guide or join a guided tour.
It takes approximately two or three hours to visit the museum because there are so many various items to see

Entrance to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

You can read more about Heraklion here: One day in Heraklion, the capital of Crete

A few words about the history of the museum

The museum was established in 1908, but the present building was constructed between 1935 and 1958 on the site of the Roman Catholic Monastery of Saint Francis. The last restoration work took place from 2001 to 2014.

The collection includes numerous items from the Neolithic times to the Greco-Roman period. But the most important artefacts belong to the Minoan civilisation. I have to say that I was so impressed by the quantity and variety of exhibits that I could stay there all day…

Maybe it is because of my childish dream to be an archaeologist and to discover lost cities and civilisations

What to see in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

So, the exhibition is located in 27 rooms. You can see the Minoan collection and sculptures on the ground floor in twelve rooms. Also, there is a Sculpture section in the rooms XXVI and XXVII. The Minoan frescoes and the Greek-Roman collection are on the first floor.

The private collections of S. Giamalakis and N. Th. Metaxas are in separate sections in rooms XXIII, XIV and XXV, while a lecture hall is in Room XXIV. The remains of the Venetian monastery of St Francis can be seen in the museum garden.

Rooms I and II: Neolithic life

The first two rooms contain exhibits from the Neolithic and Early Bronze Ages on Crete (6000-1900 BC).

The first settlement was founded on the hill of Knossos, in the Kairatos River Valley. The houses were small with a few rooms and strong walls. The inhabitants were engaged in fishing, hunting, and vegetables, and they exchanged goods for survival.

So, many pottery objects, jewellery, clay figurines, and burial objects from Knossos, Malia, Mesara, Archanes, and Mochlos can be seen there.

Pottery from the Neolithic era

Gold jewellery from sites of Messara, Mochlos and North Crete looks stunning!
There are various necklaces, gold items, gold ornaments, diadems, myrtle leaves, chains with appendages… One of the highlights is the gold pendant of two bees with a cup of honey, found in the Malia burial complex (1800-1700 BC).

Gold jewellery from Messara, Mochlos and North Crete

Room III: The first or the old palaces

In this room, you can see daily life items, as well as objects used in economic and administrative services. The exhibits were found at the first Minoan palaces such as Knossos, Phaistos and Malia from the period of 1900 to 1700 BC. By the way, the old palaces were probably destroyed by fire around 1700 BC.

The social status and prestige of the palatial elite were presented in this period due to funds such as the gold-sheathed luxury weapons and gold jewellery.

Dagger with gold cover hilt and Sword, about 1700 BC, Malia, Room III

Pithoi is a Greek name for a large jar used for the storage of agricultural products. The pithos in the photo below were made from 1800 to 1650 BC, during the First Palace period, and it were found in Phaistos. They are approximately 50-60 cm high, with monochrome and polychrome decorations.

Pithos from Phaistos, Room III

Pottery in Polychrome Kamares Ware style

I was so impressed by this pottery because it looks incredible even today! This style of decorating first appeared during the Middle Minoan period (around 2100 BCE), and lasted until the Late Minoan period, around 1450 BC.

Kamares Ware items

The Kamares Ware pottery was used for the royal dinner service in Phaistos. Also, these items were a luxury product of the Minoan export trade and they were found around the Mediterranean.

Amazing Kamares Ware pottery objects

The vases, cups, jugs, vessels, pithos, and kraters are made in various sizes and forms. They are decorated with white, yellow, orange and red motifs on a dark background.

Kamares Wares style, Pottery from Knossos and Phaistos

Take a look at the beautifully decorated vase – krater, about 45 cm high, with a tall foot and white flowers, from 1750-1700 BC.

Kamares Ware Krater with a tall foot and white flowers, Room III

Linear A script 

One of the Greek mysteries is the Cretan Hieroglyphic and Linear A script, and until today, they are not fully deciphered.
Linear A is the earliest record found in the First Palace of Phaistos. It consists of “syllabograms”, symbols depicting people, animals or objects and phonetically representing syllables. “Logograms” are special symbols that represent whole words, such as olives, wine, and other goods. Other symbols represent a decimal numerical system and units of measurement for recording goods.

Linear A script

Also, a complex system of Sealings with various symbols was developed to control the trade. Take a look at some of them which date back to the late 18th BC, found in Phaistos.

Phaistos sealings

A large wooden model of the Knossos Palace can be seen as well, so visitors can imagine what it looks like. As I have mentioned in the previous post about Knossos Palace, it was a large complex composed of many rooms, corridors and objects.

Wooden model of Knossos Palace

Rooms IV and V: New palaces and Phaistos Disc

The exhibits in these two rooms belong to the period of the new palaces and villas, from 1700-1450 BC, and the development of maritime trade.

The multi-storeyed and beautiful palaces were built in the towns, which represented the ruler and administrative centres. The largest palace was in Knossos, and the famous palaces were built in Phaistos, Malia, Galatas, and Zakras.

Pottery from villas, Rooms IV and V

Also, the Mycenaean fleets ruled the Mediterranean Sea. Owing to Cretan traders, the Minoan objects have been found on the Aegean islands, in Egypt, and in the East.
Pottery objects made with Marine motifs can be seen in Room V.

Marine Style pottery, Palaikastro, 1500- 1450 BC, Room V

Phaistos Disc

One of the museum’s highlights is the Phaistos Disc in Room V.
It was discovered in 1908 by the Italian archaeologist Luigi Pernier in the Phaistos Palace. The disc is a rounded clay about 15 cm in diameter, dating back to 1700 BCE. It has 241 occurrences with 45 mysterious signs, unlike any known writing system. They were inscribed on both sides in a spiral pattern. It looks like it can be a combination of Cretan hieroglyphs, Linear A, Linear B and Anatolian hieroglyphs.

The mysterious Phaistos Disc

Despite many attempts, the disc with the Minoan script has not been fully deciphered, until the present time. Some archaeologists think it could be a prayer, a poem, or a religious text.

After more than 30 years of researching Minoan artefacts, Dr Gareth Owens, an archaeologist and coordinator of the Erasmus program of Crete Technological Institute, thinks that it could be a hymn to Astarte, the Minoan goddess of love.
Well, it is still one of the most interesting mysteries of Greek archaeology.

Another side of the Phaistos Disc

By the way, you can see there a preview of the Draughtboard (Greek: Zatrikion), a luxury gaming board (1700-1500 BC), found in Knossos Palace. The dimensions of the board were 96 x 53 cm. It had a wooden base,  and it was decorated with ivory, gold leaves, silver and crystals. Even though it is not known today how it was played, this board was a symbol of the Knossos’ wealth.

Preview of the Draughtboard, a luxury gaming board

Room VI: Daily life and sport

The exhibits in Room VI are dedicated to daily private and public life and sports.

Banquets had a significant place in the social Minoan life. Special vessels and jars were used to cook and serve food and drinks for these events. You can see large bronze cauldrons (1500-1450 BC) found in one of the villas in Tylissos, 16 km from Heraklion. The biggest cauldron is about 44 cm high and 1.25 metres in diameter.

Three oversized double axes from 1600-1450 BC were found in Nirou Chani, an archaeological site located 15 km from Heraklion. So, the biggest object is 118 cm long, and the two other items are 93 cm long. Impressive, isn’t it

Large bronze cauldrons, wine jars and oversized double axes

Bull-Leaping Fresco

One of the highlights is certainly the reconstructed Bull-leaping Fresco from the Knossos Palace, 1600-1400 BC.
The dimensions of the fresco are 78 x 104 cm, and it represents the ancient Minoan ritual and sport.

In the following photo, you can see two female figures painted in white and one male figure painted in brown. So, one female holds the bull’s horns to reduce its speed. The man, an acrobat, is in an upside-down position, leaping over the back of a charging bull. And the second woman is back with outstretched arms to catch the leaper when he lands.

It is believed that these leaping-bull games took place in ceremonies before a crowd, in the Central Court of the Knossos Palace. Even though we cannot understand the games completely, many cultures around the world have had bull sports throughout history, such as the most famous Spanish bullfighting.

The Bull-Leaping Fresco, Room VI

Room VII and VIII – Minoan religion in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

These two rooms are dedicated to the symbols of the Minoan religion: ritual vessels and sanctuaries, during the Late Bronze Age (1700-1450 BC).

One of the most interesting objects is the stone Bull’s head rhyton (1600-1500). The bull is a religious symbol, and it was found in the Little Palace in Knossos. It is considered the masterpiece of Minoan culture. By the way, the rhyton represents various ornate drinking vessels of ancient times. Usually, it is shaped like an animal’s head.

The “Snake Goddess” figurines (1650-1550 BC) will certainly attract your attention. In 1903, English archaeologist Arthur Evans found them in the Temple of Repositories of the Knossos Palace. Two female faience figurines represent goddesses. Snakes, often symbolising the renewal of life, are around their bodies and hands.

Bull’s head rhyton and Snake goddesses

The Golden “Ring of Minos” was discovered in 1928 in a field near the Royal Temple Tomb of Knossos, and it may be the largest ever found in Crete.
The complex epiphany scene is a mix of figures, such as dancing goddesses, a man in a small boat carrying the shrine, and various symbols. It is connected with the Minoan religious belief, which is expressed in the worship of the Great Goddess, protector of nature. In fact, they believe that the cohesion and stability of the natural world are ensured by divine powers.

Golden Ring of King Minos

During communal religious ceremonies, a file of men and women were bearing ritual vessels. The most important ceremony was presented on the “Fresco of the Procession”, from the Knossos Palace.

The unusual ritual vessel with eight handles (1500-1450 BC) was found in the Zakros palace. Various conical rhytons are interestingly decorated with spirals and rosettes, or they are made of stone.

Ritual vessels, Room VIII

Rooms IX, X and XI: Cemeteries and Linear B script

Well, Room IX represents the final phase of the Knossos Palace’s use (1450-1300). Actually, after the destruction of the Minoan palatial centres in 1450 BC, only the Knossos palace continued to be used, where the Mycenaean rulers established their rule.

In these rooms, you can see various objects from 1900 BC to 1300 BC, found in the cemeteries of Phaistos, Knossos, and Archanes.

Amazingly decorated pottery objects from Knossos Palace

For centuries, jewellery was an important status symbol, and many people were buried with rich grave offerings and gold jewellery. Even today, everything looks fascinating: necklaces of gold and blue sand, crystals, then rings, earrings, ornaments… In a word, all of them are fantastic masterpieces!

Fascinating Gold jewellery from Archanes Pourmi

On the other side, the warriors were buried with various weapons, swords, spears, and helmets, depending on their social status.

Egyptian amphora

An interesting amphora of alabaster was found in the cemetery of Katsambas, the harbour of Knossos. It is an Egyptian amphora with a hieroglyphic inscription including the cartouche of Pharaoh Tuthmosis III.

It is believed that it was a diplomatic gift from Pharaoh Tuthmosis III to the ruler of Knossos. An amphora was produced in a royal workshop during the reign of Tuthmosis III. It is approximately corresponds to the Late Minoan period in Crete.

Alabaster Egyptian amphora, Room X

Goddesses with uprising hands – Poppy Goddesses

Room XI houses clay figurines of Goddesses with uprising hands from the Late Bronze Age, 13th century BC.

The figurines were found at the sanctuary at Gazi, a suburb of Heraklion. They are also known as the “Poppy Goddesses” because of the opium poppy seedheads rising from the diadem on their heads. Hmm, we can only wonder today whether the Minoans used opium in ancient times…

Goddesses with uprising hands, Room XI

Linear B script

Many inscribed clay tablets with the Greek Linear B script were found in Crete. They represent a complex system of palatial administration and economy. Linear B is considered the oldest known dialect of the Greek language. In Room IX, you can see tablets in various sizes and texts.

Cretan Scripts, Room

By the way, we found the Linear B tablets from the Mycenean era in the new Archaeological Museum in Pylos. They were found during the excavations in Messinia, in the Peloponnese. In the museum, they are presented modernly, supported by digital applications.

You can read more about Pylos, the museum and Navarino Bay here.

Room XII: The World of the Dead

Room XII is dedicated to the world of the dead and afterlife beliefs.

Various sarcophagi in Room XII

One of the most impressive is the sarcophagus from 1370-1320 BC, found in a funeral building near a villa in Agia Triada. It is 130 cm long, 43 cm wide and 91 cm high. The stone coffin is decorated in the fresco technique with colourful scenes. It represents a funerary ritual which consists of offerings from a procession of men to a deceased man, a bull sacrifice, and priestesses. According to its decoration and size, it was probably used for the burial of an eminent person.

Sarcophagus from Hagia Triada, Room XII

This room contains clay sarcophagi – larnakes of various sizes and forms, found in areas of Agia Triada and Heraklion. All of them are interestingly decorated, as well.

Various Sarcophagi

Room XIII – The Minoan frescoes in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

The Minoan frescoes are displayed in the long room on the first floor. Their fragments are carefully collected and mounted on the walls to show visitors the world of nature and how life on the court was going.

The Minoan wall painting started during the period of the Old Palace, around 1800 BC, but it finished after the final destruction of the Knossos Palace around 1350-1300 BC. The fresco painters used techniques that included applying the pigments onto the fresh plaster.

So, take a look at some famous frescoes from the Knossos Palace.

Fresco Figure with 8 shields

Once, this large fresco decorated the lightwell in the East Wing of Knossos Palace (1450-1400 BC). Dimensions of the restored fresco are 1.6 x 1 metres.

Fresco Figure with 8 shields, Knossos

The Procession Fresco

This fresco was found in the West wall of the South Propyleum in Knossos Palace (1450-1400 BC). Today, we can see the fragments of the large fresco composition.
“The Cup-Bearer” is a part of it, and it represents a young man carrying the rhyton, a cult vessel, after which the fresco got its name. Also, one small fragment of a foot can be seen.

Fragments of the Procession Fresco

The Prince of the Lilies, and Lilies frescos

One of the most famous Minoan frescos found in the South Wing of the Knossos Palace is “The Prince of the Lilies”. Probably, it is a part of the large “Procession Fresco”. According to Sir Evans, who discovered Knossos, the man represents a Priest-King of Knossos. He has a marvellous crown of lilies and peacock feathers.

Lily fresco was once a part of the large composition in the villa of Amnissos (1600-1500 BC).

The Prince of Lilies and Fresco with Lilies in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Women in Minoan Frescoes 

Well, as we can see on reconstructed frescoes, women had an important role in the Minoan era.

“The Ladies in Blue” represents the wealthy ladies in blue with jewellery.
The fragments of two “Seated Women” frescoes were found in a shrine on the islet of Pseira in East Crete (1650-1500 BC). So, they wore richly decorated garments and jewellery, and probably they were goddesses or priestesses.

Minoan Frescoes: Seating Women and Ladies in Blue

In the restored “La Parisienne” fresco, we can see a profile of a young woman, probably the priestess. She has white skin, red lips, and large black eyes. Because of its elegant look, the fresco got its name after the Parisian ladies from the early 20th century. Well, we all know that Paris is a centre of fashion and beauty

This fresco is part of the larger fresco known as the “Camp Stood Fresco” or “Libation Fresco” from Knossos Palace (1400-1350 BC). It represents women and men in the ceremonial banquet. Even though it is partly restored, it looks very interesting, doesn’t it?

La Parisienne and Camp Stood fresco

 Frescos with Relief Bull and Griffins

One of the famous frescoes is the Relief Charging Bull from Knossos Palace (1650-1500 BC). In the museum, we can see fragments of the bull’s head, which was once on the West Porch of the Northern Entrance to the Palace.

Nearby, there are the Griffins fresco (1700-1450 BC), the Tripartite Shrine Fresco from Knossos (1600-1500 BC), and fragments of various frescoes.

Minoan Frescos

Rooms XV, XVI and XVII: Cretan society and sanctuaries

These rooms represent Cretan society during the Early Iron Age, with daily use of artefacts and votive offerings in sanctuaries.

Clay objects from the Sanctuary of Praistos, 8th-6th BC, Eastern Crete, Room XV

A pair of stone birds was found in the sanctuary of Zeus in Amnisos. There are eagles of Zeus and a falcon of Hera, and they belong to the Archaic-Classical period, 525-480 BC. On the right side, there is a relief-decorated plaque of terracotta from the 6th BC, found in the temple of Palaikastro.

A pair of birds, an eagle and a falcon, Room XV

Behind it, there are six large pithos from the ancient city of Arkades, made during the early Archaic period, in the 7th BC.
These specific pottery objects are interestingly decorated with geometric patterns, animals, and ritual scenes. For example, on the first pithoi, you can see the “Swastika symbol”. In various religions, including Minoan culture, it symbolises well-being, prosperity and good luck, and it means “noble” in Buddhism.
But in modern times is widely known as a German Nazi symbol. Nazis adopted it and became known as an emblem of the Aryan race in the 1930s, and as a symbol of suffering and killing during the Second World War.

Large pithos with various decoration patterns, Room XV

Bronze shields from the Idaean Cave 

According to mythology, the Idaean Cave was the place where the goddess Rhea hid her son Zeus to protect him from his father, Cronus, who was killing his children. It is located about 78 km from Rethymno, and two luxury votive offerings from 670-650 BC are found there.
On the left side of the photo, there are Bronze shields with symbols of animals’ heads. On the right side, it is a Bronze drum with a scene of Zeus and his guardians Curetes.

Bronze shields and drum from the Idaean Cave

Rooms XVIII-XIX: Geometric & Archaic period 

The Mycenaean era collapsed (1250-1000 BC), and new towns known as “Cretan polis” were founded. Dorians, the Greek tribes came from the Helladic region in Crete. The religious power was still strong, and it was interwoven with political and military structures.

During the Geometric and early Archaic periods (8th to 7th BC), the economy of the island and trade flourished, as well as the art of making pottery.

The clay circular shrine, about 18 cm high, looks stunning. It belongs to the Geometric period (around 810 BC). In the middle of the shrine, there is a goddess with upraised arms, and on the roof, there are two male figures. Probably, it represents the contact between the terrestrial world and the underworld.

Circular Shrine and Pottery from Gortys Sanctuary, Archaic period

A wine jug with painted decoration dates back to the 7th century, the Archaic period. It is interesting because of the main scene with two lovers. It is supposed that it could be Ariadne (a daughter of King Minos) and Theseus, a hero who killed the Minotaur creature.

A Wine jug with an Ariadne and Theseus motif, and a bigger image (right), Room XIX

And the gold jewellery found in the Prinias cemetery from 8th-7th BC looks fascinating!

Jewellery from the Prinias cemetery, Room XVIII, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Pithois for daily use are beautifully decorated.

Pottery from the Archaic period, Room XIX, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Hmm, did I mention that I was fascinated by both the pottery and gold jewellery

Jewellery from the Knossos tomb, Geometric period, late 8th, Room XIX

Room XX: Cities and Sanctuaries

In this room, there are exhibits from Cretan city-states and their sanctuaries from the Classical to the Roman period, 5th century BC to the 3rd century AD.

There, you can see the largest pithoi in the museum, from the Archaic period, 550-500 BC, found in Arkalochori. The preserved height of this orange-red clay storage jar is 141 cm, and the estimated height was about 191 cm. It has a relief decoration with various patterns and animals. Even though the back, the right handle and the bottom are missing, it looks fascinating.

Pithoi jar, Archaic period, Room XX, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Around it, there are various wine jugs and dishes from the Hellenic period.

Wine jugs and dishes, Room XX

Roman period

Romans conquered Crete in 67 BC, and Gortyn became the capital city of Crete and Cyrenaica (the eastern region of Libya). During the Roman period until the 4th century AD, trade flourished. Public buildings such as temples, theatres, agoras and aqueducts were built, as well as luxurious private ones. Also, many sculptures were made that can be seen in Rooms XXVI and XXVII.

Two interesting mosaic floors can be seen there, as well.
They are from the period 160-140 AD, found in Roman houses in Hersonissos. On the left side, there is a part of a mosaic with black and white tesserae, about 170×330 cm. On the right side, there is a multicoloured mosaic 330×330 cm, which consists of four octagonal parts with circles and birds, such as doves, roosters, sparrows, and parrots.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Mosaic floors, Room XX

Room XXI – Coinage in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

In this small room, you can see the evolution of the Cretan coinage used in towns.

Cretan coinage, 5th-2nd cent. BC

Also, they had a specific coin-weighting system for measures during the period of the 5th to 1st centuries BC.

Cretan coin Weighting system, Room XXI

Room XXII – Cemeteries in the Hellenistic & Roman Period

As we know, there was a custom of burning the dead and placing the bones in funerary urns. It became widespread at the end of the Late Bronze Age. The cult of the dead was very important, and it is a reason why many various votive offerings were found in the graves, not only in Greece but in the whole world. 

Take a look at the stunning gold jewellery found in the cemeteries in Knossos and Hersonissos. Gold earrings with goddess Nika, ornamental bands, necklaces, and earrings, every item is marvellous!

Gold grave jewellery and figurines, Room XXII

Then, you can see the ancient Roman golden wreath of leaves, a craft in the form of a golden head, and various jewellery from the Hellenistic period, 3rd century – 1st  century BC.

Various pieces of gold jewellery and a gold wreath

Red-figure pottery objects look completely different from the others in the museum. It is a special style of Greek vase painting invented in Athens c. 530 BC. Red and white figures are painted on a black background. These exhibits from 350 BC were found in the tomb in Hersonissos.

Red-figure pottery, Room XXII

Room XXVI and XXVII: Sculpture Collection

These two rooms are on the ground floor, and there you can see various sculptures from Gortys and the Prinias Temple.

Frieze of Prienias Temple from 650-600 BC (Archaic period) was probably set on the outside of the temple. It consists of reliefs representing a procession of horses and riders.

Frieze of Prinias Temple A, Room XVI

From the same period, you can see an interesting lintel of the main entrance to the Prinias Temple A, with two identical goddesses.

Lintel of the Prinias Temple A, Room XVI

Sculptures are mostly from the Roman period.

Statues in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

So, you can see statues of mature women, Peplohoros (women wearing in peplos), a Nymph, and the goddess Athena.

Sculptures in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Also, there are statues of Isis-Persephone and Sarapis-Hades, the god Pan, Dionysus Sardanapalus, Relief of Leda and the Swan, a portrait bust of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, a headless statue of the emperor, etc.

Statues in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

An interesting sarcophagus with relief floral decoration, a small Eros and heads of Medusa caught our attention. It is 243 cm long and 95 cm wide, made from white marble. It was found under the high altar of a Christian basilica in Malia, built during the Roman period (early 3rd AD).

Marble sarcophagus with a floral decoration, Malia

Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

A visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum provides a unique time travel experience, taking visitors back to the golden age of the Minoan civilisation. Whether you are drawn to the mystery of the Phaistos Disc, amazed by the elegance of the Serpent Goddess figurines, or delighted by the wealth of Kamares Ware pottery and frescoes with vivid scenes, you will find treasures in the museum that tell stories dating back centuries.

By combining a visit to the museum with a tour of the Knossos Palace, you have an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the rich history and culture of Crete.

Take a moment to dive into the world of ancient Crete and discover the fascinating details of its past.

Source: https://heraklionmuseum.gr/

It is located on Crete Island, close to the town of Heraklion. The palace was a very important centre of the Minoan culture. Many stories and myths are connected with this stunning place. I am sure that you are familiar with the myth of King Minos and the labyrinth where he kept the Minotaur.

Knossos is a marvellous site with a rich history, from the Neolithic village to the centre of the Minoan civilisation. It attracts more and more tourists and history fans every year. According to current trends, it is believed that the number of visitors in 2024 may exceed one million!