4 Hours Private Athens highlights Tour with a pickup

Acropolis

The Acropolis of Athens, a symbol of ancient Greek civilization, has stood for millennia as a testament to art, philosophy, and democracy. Its most famous structure, the Parthenon, was built in the 5th century BCE during the Golden Age of Pericles, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Earlier, the site had been used for Mycenaean palaces and temples. Over time, the Acropolis witnessed numerous transformations: it became a Roman temple, a Byzantine church, a Frankish palace, and an Ottoman mosque. Despite damage from wars, earthquakes, and looting—most notably the removal of sculptures by Lord Elgin in the 19th century—it remains a UNESCO World Heritage site and a powerful symbol of Western heritage. Today, the Acropolis continues to inspire millions, representing the enduring legacy of ancient Athens and its contributions to democracy, philosophy, and the arts.

Tempio Di Zeus Olimpio

The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, also known as the Olympieion, was one of the largest temples in the ancient world. Construction began in the 6th century BCE under Peisistratos but was halted due to political unrest. It remained unfinished for centuries until Emperor Hadrian completed it in 132 CE. Built in the Corinthian order, it originally had 104 massive columns—only 15 remain standing today. The temple housed a giant gold-and-ivory statue of Zeus, modeled after the statue at Olympia. Hadrian, a great admirer of Greek culture, added his own statue and built an arch nearby in his honor. Over the centuries, the temple suffered damage from invasions, earthquakes, and stone looting. Today, it stands as a dramatic ruin in the heart of Athens, symbolizing both the ambition of ancient builders and the city’s long, layered history. Its scale and story reflect the blend of Greek and Roman influence in imperial-era Athens.

The Panathenaic Stadium, known as Kallimarmaro (“beautiful marble”), is a historic stadium in Athens made entirely of white Pentelic marble. Originally built in the 4th century BCE by Lycurgus for the Panathenaic Games, it was later rebuilt in marble by Roman Emperor Hadrian and Herodes Atticus in the 2nd century CE. After centuries of decline and abandonment, it was excavated and restored in the late 19th century by benefactor Georgios Averoff for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. With a capacity of around 50,000 spectators, it hosted athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies. It remains the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. Today, it is used for ceremonial events and hosts the final stretch of the Athens Marathon. The Kallimarmaro is a symbol of the revival of the Olympic spirit and a bridge between ancient Greek traditions and the modern world of sport.