One of the many amazing things about Athens is that everywhere you look there are reminders of the city’s past. Ancient Athens lives on in the present, thanks to the many beautifully-preserved archaeological sites across the city. Athens has a long and rich history that goes back thousands of years, many of which come with incredible stories and legends. If you really want to explore the ancient city, these are the ruins in Athens that you absolutely can’t miss! Step back in time and discover Ancient Greece first-hand.

The Parthenon

The most famous ruins in Athens are found at the Acropolis, most notably the Parthenon.
Photo by Michel Curi on VisualHunt

Perhaps the most-recognized monument in Athens, the Parthenon has been looking over Athens for more than 2000 years. This ancient building served as a temple to the goddess Athena, the patron of Athens, and actually replaced an earlier version of the temple. Construction began in 447 BC and took about 15 years to fully complete. The Parthenon remains so special and important because of the high level of artistry and skill it took to create such a building, and retains to this day.

The Parthenon is in the Acropolis. The Acropolis is an ancient citadel where many of the most famous ruins in Athens can be found, including the next ruins we are introducing, Theater of Dionysus. From the adorning sculptures to the iconic columns, the Parthenon is thought by many to be the epitome of the Doric architectural period. No trip to Athens is complete without taking in the views below from the Parthenon. This site is where you can see the most important ruins in Athens, without a doubt!

Address: Athens 105 58

Theater of Dionysus

The Theater of Dionysus, the world’s first theater, sits at the foot of the Acropolis. Its namesake is the god Dionysus, who was the patron of theater (and wine!). Amazingly, this ancient theater could seat up to 17,000 people, meaning it was a great location for ancient Greek celebrations. Greece is known for its works of theater that were written and produced during this period, and it appears that the Theater of Dionysus is where it all began. Greek tragedy is credited as originating at the theater, and the rest is history! Greek theater developed here over the centuries, and had a global influence.

Address: Mitseon 25

The Temple of Zeus (Olympeion)

Some of the best ruins in Athens can be found at the Ancient Agora.

Today, all that are left of the once-enormous Temple of Zeus are columns, but it is still a beautiful example of ancient Greek architecture. An interesting fact about this temple is that it took more than 600 years to fully complete. This temple is one of the best and most famous marble buildings ever built. The long history of this buildings reminds us of how far back Athens can trace its history. The Temple of Zeus isn’t the most complete temple in Athens, but the ruins leave much to the imagination.

Address: Athens 105 57

The Temple of Hephaestus

Some of the best ruins in Athens can be found at the Ancient Agora.
Photo by Ava Babili on VisualHunt

Near the Acropolis is the Ancient Agora of Athens, which was the assembly, or meeting place of ancient Athens. Within the complex, there are many ancient ruins that stand in wonderful condition to this day. One of these monuments is the Temple of Hephaestus, which has had various uses throughout the centuries. This temple was dedicated to Hephaestus, the Greek god of forge and fire, and due to that there were many metal and woodworking workshops surrounding the temple. Construction began in 449 BC and finished in 415 BC. After the Greeks converted to the Greek Orthodox faith, the temple became a church until the 19th century. Now it is one of the ruins in Athens that visitors love to admire and marvel at.

Address: Athens 105 55

Tickets and information

Click here for ticket information about the Acropolis (20 euros), the Olympieion (6 euros), and the Ancient Agora of Athens (8 euros).  There is also a special package available for 30 euros, which is valid for 5 days. You can access the Acropolis, Ancient Agora of Athens, Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos, Archaeological Site of Lykeion, Hadrian’s Library, Kerameikos, Museum of the Ancient Agora, North slope of Acropolis, Olympieio, Roman Agora of Athens, and South Slope of Acropolis, all for one price! Lastly, there is also free admission on the following days:
  • March 6th (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
  • April 18th (International Monuments Day)
  • May 18th (International Museums Day)
  • The last weekend of September (European Heritage Days)
  • October 28th
  • The first Sunday of the month from November 1st to March 31st

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