Did you know that on the first Sunday of every month from 1 November to 31 March and on the European Heritage Days weekend, the last weekend of every September, entrance to the archaeological sites, museums and monuments of the state is free? This is a great opportunity to visit museums, archaeological and historical sites around Greece and get to know the treasures of our country. We suggest a museum and an archaeological site for each month of autumn.
CITY
The Parthenon, a global benchmark of ancient Greek cultural heritage, is the most famous monument of the Sacred Rock. There stood the gold and ivory statue of the goddess Athena, the creation of the sculptor Phidias. From there, the Englishman Elgin removed his “vital” parts to take them to his hometown, where they are still there today. Autumn is the best time to walk up Dionysiou Aeropagitou Street and get to know the other monuments, such as the Erechion with its beautifully shaped caryatids, the Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike.
Information Archives of the Acropolis Archaeological Area
T 210 9238747
Acropolis Museum
In 300 meters, you will find the museum “jewel” of the city. Its permanent collection includes many exhibits from the Parthenon and other monuments of the Acropolis. Tour the five halls and the archaeological excavation at the base of the Museum. LEGO fans, you can admire an imaginative model of the Acropolis “built” from 120,000 bricks. Also, until the end of the year and every Friday evening you can take part in walks through the Museum’s halls in the company of an archaeologist.
Information Dionysiou Areopagitou 15 T 210 9000900
Archaeological Site of Delphi
The “navel” of the earth, Delphi, still attracts the interest of Greek and foreign travellers. Pythia with her oracles does not stay there anymore, however, the magnificent monuments and the Castalia spring, in whose waters the priestess was purified before giving her ambiguous oracles, have remained. The temple of Apollo, where the oracle operated, the theatre where musical competitions were held and the stadium where sports competitions were organized.
Information Ephorate of Antiquities of Fokida T 22650 82313
Museum of Delphi
The Museum of Delphi is located in the archaeological site with many exhibits, mainly from the excavations. Its most famous exhibit is the famous bronze statue of Heniochus, a tribute to a dynastic family from Sicily. It depicts a teenage chariot racing athlete with a height of 1.80m and has been created with every detail taken care of to look “alive”. His eyes of brown and black stones fascinate us and give us the feeling that they are “watching” us.
Information Ephorate of Antiquities of Fokida T 22650 82313
Archaeological site of Ancient Olympia
The place that gave birth to the Olympic Games, ancient Olympia, is located in the Peloponnese, in the valley of the river Alpheus. There are the ruins of the temple dedicated
to Zeus, the ancient stadium and all the monuments used during the Olympic Games, such as the prytanion and the parliament building, the athletes’ hostels and the baths. There you will also find the workshop of Phidias, the great sculptor of antiquity.
Information Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia T 26240 22517
Museum of Ancient Olympia
Within walking distance from the archaeological site is the Museum of Olympia, one of the most important in Greece. Includes the permanent exhibition from the excavations in the
archaeological site, priceless exhibits, the most important of which is the exhibition of sculptures and a collection of bronze objects, the richest in the world.
Information Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia T 226240 22742
