Monastiraki Square, known locally in Greek as Πλατεία Μοναστηρακίου (Plateia Monastirakiou), is one of the busiest historic squares in Athens. Its name comes from the “little monastery” that once stood here. Surrounded by the metro station, the flea market, Ottoman-era monuments, and views of the Acropolis, the square reflects the layered history and everyday energy of the city.

The Temple of Hephaestus, known locally in Greek as Ναός του Ηφαίστου (Naos tou Ifaistou), is one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece. Built in the 5th century BC in the Ancient Agora of Athens, it was dedicated to Hephaestus, god of metalworking and craftsmanship. Its Doric columns and sculpted decoration reflect the power, skill, and civic life of Classical Athens.

The Stoa of Attalos, known locally in Greek as Στοά του Αττάλου (Stoa tou Attalou), is a reconstructed ancient colonnade in the Agora of Athens. Originally built in the 2nd century BC by King Attalos II of Pergamon, it served as a covered commercial and social space. Today, it houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora and reflects the public life of Classical and Hellenistic Athens.

Hadrian’s Library, known locally in Greek as Βιβλιοθήκη του Αδριανού (Vivliothiki tou Adrianou), was built in the 2nd century AD by the Roman emperor Hadrian. Located near Monastiraki, it once formed a grand complex with reading rooms, lecture halls, gardens, and a central courtyard. Its surviving columns and walls reflect Athens’ role within the Roman Empire.

The Roman Agora, known locally in Greek as Ρωμαϊκή Αγορά (Romaiki Agora), was the commercial and civic centre of Roman Athens. Built in the 1st century BC with support from Julius Caesar and Augustus, it replaced parts of the older Greek Agora. Its gates, columns, shops, and monuments reflect the city’s transformation under Roman rule.

Benizelos Mansion, known locally in Greek as Αρχοντικό Μπενιζέλου (Archontiko Benizelou), is one of the oldest surviving houses in Athens. Dating from the Ottoman period, it belonged to the Benizelos family and is linked with Saint Philothei, a 16th-century Athenian noblewoman and philanthropist. Its courtyard, wooden galleries, and domestic rooms preserve a rare image of pre-modern Athenian life.

Mitropoleos Street, known locally in Greek as Οδός Μητροπόλεως (Odos Mitropoleos), is one of the central streets of historic Athens. It links Syntagma Square with Monastiraki and takes its name from the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. Lined with shops, churches, cafés, and neoclassical façades, the street reflects the city’s mix of religious, civic, and commercial life.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, known locally in Greek as Μνημείο του Άγνωστου Στρατιώτη (Mnimeio tou Agnostou Stratioti), stands in front of the Hellenic Parliament on Syntagma Square. Created in the 1930s, it honours Greek soldiers who died in war. The monument’s relief figure, inscriptions, and ceremonial guard reflect national memory, sacrifice, and the symbolic centre of modern Athens.

The sundial, known locally in Greek as ηλιακό ρολόι (iliako roloi), reflects the ancient use of sunlight to measure time. In Athens, such instruments are closely linked with the scientific culture of the Greek and Roman periods. Their markings, shadows, and alignment show how astronomy, daily rhythm, and public life were connected in the ancient city.

The Zappeio Roman Baths, known locally in Greek as Ρωμαϊκά Λουτρά Ζαππείου (Romaika Loutra Zappeiou), are remains of a bath complex from Roman Athens. Located near the National Garden and the Zappeion, they reveal part of the city’s daily life under Roman rule. Their walls, rooms, and heating system traces reflect ancient habits of hygiene, leisure, and social gathering.

The Zappeion, known locally in Greek as Ζάππειον Μέγαρο (Zappeion Megaro), is a grand neoclassical building beside the National Garden of Athens. Completed in the late 19th century, it was created as part of Greece’s modern Olympic vision. Its columned façade, circular atrium, and ceremonial halls reflect the revival of ancient ideals in the modern Greek state.

The Panathenaic Stadium, known locally in Greek as Παναθηναϊκό Στάδιο (Panathinaiko Stadio) or Καλλιμάρμαρο (Kallimarmaro), is one of Athens’ most iconic ancient sites. Built on the place of an earlier stadium and rebuilt in marble in the 2nd century AD, it hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Its white marble tiers connect ancient athletic traditions with the revival of the Olympics.

The Arch of Hadrian, known locally in Greek as Πύλη του Αδριανού (Pyli tou Adrianou), is a Roman triumphal arch near the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens. Built in the 2nd century AD, it marked the boundary between the old Greek city and the new Roman district developed under Emperor Hadrian. Its inscriptions reflect the meeting of Classical Athens and Roman imperial power.

The Acropolis of Athens, known locally in Greek as Ακρόπολη Αθηνών (Akropoli Athinon), is the most famous ancient citadel in Greece. Rising above the city on a rocky hill, it became the religious and symbolic centre of Classical Athens. Its temples, including the Parthenon, reflect the power, artistry, and political ideals of the 5th century BC.

The Theatre of Dionysus, known locally in Greek as Θέατρο του Διονύσου (Theatro tou Dionysou), is considered the birthplace of ancient Greek drama. Built on the southern slope of the Acropolis, it was dedicated to Dionysus, god of wine and theatre. Its stone seating and stage area are linked with the works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes.

The Acropolis Museum, known locally in Greek as Μουσείο Ακρόπολης (Mouseio Akropolis), is one of the most important museums in Athens. Opened in 2009, it houses sculptures, architectural fragments, and archaeological finds from the Acropolis. Its glass floors, modern galleries, and Parthenon display connect ancient monuments with the contemporary city below.

The Parthenon, known locally in Greek as Παρθενώνας (Parthenonas), is the most famous temple on the Acropolis of Athens. Built in the 5th century BC and dedicated to Athena Parthenos, it became a symbol of Classical Greek art, civic power, and religious devotion. Its Doric columns, sculptural decoration, and commanding position reflect the ideals of ancient Athens.

Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, known locally in Greek as Οδός Διονυσίου Αρεοπαγίτου (Odos Dionysiou Areopagitou), is one of the most elegant pedestrian streets in Athens. Running along the southern side of the Acropolis, it connects major archaeological sites with neoclassical houses and modern cultural landmarks. The street reflects the meeting of ancient heritage, urban refinement, and contemporary Athenian life.

The Roman Cistern, known locally in Greek as Ρωμαϊκή Δεξαμενή (Romaiki Dexamení), is a preserved trace of the water infrastructure of ancient Athens. Such cisterns collected and stored water for public and domestic use during the Roman period. Their stone chambers, channels, and practical design reflect the engineering systems that supported everyday life in the ancient city.

Areopagus, known locally in Greek as Άρειος Πάγος (Areios Pagos), is a rocky hill northwest of the Acropolis. In ancient Athens, it served as a meeting place for one of the city’s oldest councils, associated with law, justice, and aristocratic authority. The hill is also linked with the Apostle Paul’s speech, connecting Classical Athens with early Christian history.

The Propylaea, known locally in Greek as Προπύλαια (Propylaia), is the monumental gateway to the Acropolis of Athens. Built in the 5th century BC under the architect Mnesicles, it formed a ceremonial entrance to the sacred hill. Its marble columns, balanced proportions, and unfinished details reflect both the ambition and disruption of Classical Athens during the Peloponnesian War.

The Sanctuary of Pan, known locally in Greek as Ιερό του Πανός (Iero tou Panos), is a small ancient sacred site on the slopes of the Acropolis. It was dedicated to Pan, the rustic god of shepherds, wild nature, and music. Its rocky setting reflects the older layers of Athenian religion, where natural caves and hillside spaces became places of worship.

Socrates’ Prison, known locally in Greek as Φυλακή του Σωκράτη (Fylaki tou Sokrati), is the traditional name given to a rock-cut chamber on the slopes of Philopappos Hill. Although the link with Socrates is not certain, the site has long been associated with his final days after the trial in 399 BC. Its carved rooms reflect the layered history and legends surrounding ancient Athens.

The Themistoclean Wall, known locally in Greek as Θεμιστόκλειο Τείχος (Themistokleio Teichos), was the defensive wall built around Athens after the Persian Wars in the 5th century BC. Associated with the statesman Themistocles, it protected the city during a period of renewed political and military strength. Its surviving sections reveal the urgency, resilience, and strategic ambition of Classical Athens.

The Hill of the Nymphs, known locally in Greek as Λόφος Νυμφών (Lofos Nymfon), is one of the historic hills west of the Acropolis. In antiquity, it was associated with the Nymphs, spirits of nature linked with springs, trees, and mountains. The hill is also connected with modern science through the National Observatory of Athens, built here in the 19th century.