History in Athens

Discover 10 places to experience unusual history in Athens.

Kafeneio Oraia Ellas

Luminaries of all stripes have sipped strong Greek coffee at this cafe since 1839.

Passageway

Panathenaic Stadium Passage

Gladiators once walked this ancient, subterranean passage.

Side 6

The Blue Polykatoikia

An important example of architectural history slowly decays in the city center.

Building damage 3.

Amalias 42

This building displays the scars of the “Dekemvriana,” a dark time in modern Greek history.

From SW 2

The Olive Tree of the Acropolis

Legend says this sacred tree was a gift from goddess Athena.

Plane tree next to the streambed.

Parilissia Iera

An often overlooked ancient site in downtown Athens with substantial history (and nature).

Fethiye Mosque.

Fethiye Mosque

This historic structure has been used as a mosque, a barracks, a prison, a school, and a bakery.

Exterior of the church in April 2018.

Agia Dynamis

This small 16th-century church in Athens is almost entirely surrounded by a modern building.

Inside the church.

Holy Church of the Archangels

This small chapel holds the mummified heart of one of the heroes of the Greek Revolution.

The Interior

Little Metropolis Church

This gem is often wrongly overshadowed by the larger, newer Metropolis church in Athens.

Are we missing something unusual in Athens?