Last week you sent me on a mini-adventure to see some of the Athens ruins. There is a five day pass that costs 30 euros that get’s you into seven sites. Considering the Acropolis alone is 20 euros to get in, it’s actually a pretty good deal. So, I wanted to see if you could see them all in one day and if it was worth it or not. So, here is my one day journey through some of the Athens ruins.
Stop 1: Hadrian’s Library
Hadrian’s Library was built in 132 A.D. by Roman Emperor Hadrian. It was built for academic study in science. If you would like to read more about the history, click HERE. I made this my first stop on my Athens ruins tour because it’s pretty much the first one you see when entering Plaka. So, it seems like a good place to start to me.
This isn’t a huge site, there are a few pillars still standing, and it doesn’t take much time to get through. I think the excitement for me was more about stepping on these ancient grounds and seeing things that have been around for centuries. As you explore you find old clay pots and the stands from pillars that have fallen.
I would actually suggest starting here anyway, as there are no lines to buy your ruins pass, and it kind of eases you Into what you are about to see. It’s a cool first stop and not too overwhelming. You can explore at your pleasure since it seems most skip over some of these smaller sites.
Stop 2: Roman Agora
The Roman Agora was apparently the place to be back in the day. There were shops and a fountain to hang out at. It was basically the B.C. version of a mall. There was no date to when it was erected, but it says it was built in the first century B.C. This site is right next to Hadrian’s Library, so it’s a short walk over.
Again this site isn’t that big. But has some great things to see. The giant pillars that cascade above you as you walk up the stone stairs are really quite remarkable, the tower of the winds. An eight-sided tower that represents, you guessed it, the 8 directions the wind blows. It’s not a huge tower, but worth the stop to peek inside.
Stop 3: Ancient Agora
Next to the Acropolis, this is probably the second most popular stop. Ancient Agora is filled with things to see and holds the most well-preserved temple in Athens, the temple of Hephaestus. Sitting atop of Ancient Agora, this gorgeous temple looms over you with its beauty and getting up close to it. You would be surprised by how great of shape this place was in.
Honestly, I really loved this stop because it was so big, and you could discover little things, like a container for offerings to the dead. I never knew such a thing existed. The Church of the Holy Apostles is also a must-stop, as they have some really amazing murals inside to see. There is also a small museum they built dedicated to some ancient artifacts they’ve found over the years. Ranging from arrowheads to pottery, this is definitely a neat little history lesson.
Obviously, all these Athens ruins are filled with history, but Ancient Agora, I found out many exciting things by just stumbling upon them as you walk. I spent about an hour walking around these ancient grounds, so don’t go in hungry. Even if you don’t buy the 30 euro ticket, this is a must-stop for anyone visiting Athens.
Stop 4: Kerameikos
Kerameikos isn’t so much a “ruins” spot but an archaeological site. I will fully admit, this was probably one of my least favorite spots. But, I was also on stop number four, sweltering and a little hungry. The truth is, though, there’s not much to see because it used to be a graveyard. But now, it’s a graveyard without the graves.
Kerameikos is also a little off the path and kind of hard to find if you don’t know your way around and you don’t have google maps due to no internet service. But it’s still worth a stop. They do have a tiny museum to visit, and they do have some headstones displayed in a hidden corner. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love it. But, if you’re anything like me and just are an “Oh, that’s cool” history person, maybe don’t seek out this site. I’m also a person that wants to see everything I paid for, so I probably would have ended up here anyway.
Stop 5: Olympian
Olympian is known for the Temple of Zeus, the chief of the Olympian Gods. This temple has an amazing history because it started construction in the 6th century B.C. and didn’t finish till around 125 B.C. And only last in its entirety for a few centuries before it got destroyed. What was once a 104 column temple is now in the teens. Click the link I posted for this one. It’s fascinating.
So, I was actually really excited for this one, but they are currently doing some reconstruction on the temple, as you can see in the picture. So while, yeah, it’s cool to see, there’s not much to see. The Temple of Zeus is all that stands in this part of the Athens ruins. But it’s fairly close to the Acropolis, so why not stop by?
Stop 6: Lykeion
Lykeion, or as other websites have called it, Aristotle’s Lyceum is the place where he taught his students and walked around quoting his profound words. Look, I’m not a philosopher by any means, and honestly, it’s not something that interests me. But, if you are a lover of philosophy, this is something that will interest you. Out of my whole self-tour, this is the one I would have skipped.
I’m not dissing Aristotle, but if I wanted to look at a hole in the ground, I would have just dug one. It’s way out of the way, and I don’t know; there’s not much to look at. I did get to walk past Athen’s version of the changing of the guard, so that was pretty cool. But, if you buy the ticket, this is personally the one I would skip. And if you’re a philosopher, no disrespect. But let’s be honest, how many philosophers are reading my travel blog?
Stop 7: The Acropolis
I went to this as my last site for a reason. If you start with the Acropolis, everything else is going to be “meh.” It’s like going to a concert of your favorite artist and they open the show, but the rest of the show is an hour of some person they “discovered” on Youtube. The Acropolis is probably the most amazing thing I’ve seen in person next to the Colosseum in Rome. It’s beautiful, spectacular, and worth the price of admission.
I had already gone to the Acropolis, I didn’t put it up for a vote, because if you’re in Athens, you’re going to go. This place is so rich with history and like I said before you’re standing on the grounds of buildings that have been around for THOUSANDS of years. There is nothing like it. If they allowed food I would pack a picnic and just sit and enjoy.
From the most famous structure, the Parthenon, to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, this place is filled with amazing architecture. I said it my last “Photo Journal Friday” that you should go at around 7 p.m. because the light is perfect as the sun is about to set. Don’t get there any later, as they close at 8 p.m. and you need an hour to see everything. It’s a perfect way to end your day seeing all the historical sites on this one ticket.
Is The Athens Ruins Ticket Worth It?
Absolutely! The price to both the Acropolis and Ancient Agora combined cost 30 euros. So the other stops are just bonus stops. If you only go to the two major spots, you already got your money’s worth. But I think it’s definitely worth your time to check out some of these lesser-known places as well.
Should You Do The Athens Ruins Ticket In A Day?
No. If you are in Athens in the summer, it is scorching. Like my shirt is wet from sweat, kind of hot. There is a reason you have five days on this ticket because it’s exhausting. While some are close together, it’s still very spread out. Suppose you are crunched for time. Go for it. But I would suggest at least splitting it up into two days. And if I am completely honest, I started to lose a little interest after stop three. I was like a high schooler in history class for 8 hours.
Where Is The Athens Ruins Ticket Available?
You can buy the Athens ruin ticket at any of the above sites. I would go to one of the smaller ones to avoid the lines. And once you go to each place, they scan you in and pass everyone.
*Don’t forget to head to my homepage to send me on my next adventure. Because it’s not just my adventure, it’s OUR adventure.
[…] challenge to see if I could see them all in a day and if it was worth it. You can read all about it HERE. But here are just a few of my favorites […]