Athens Mythology Walk, Athens

Explore Athens' rich history and mythology on this family-friendly walk. You'll meet your expert guide in Thissio, named for King Theseus of minotaur-slaying fame, and hear about the historical and mythological figures who have shaped this area under the Acropolis. Take in sweeping views of the city from the National Observatory and head to Pnyx Hill, the birthplace of democracy, before ending your journey at the Prison of Socrates in Filopappou Hill, where the philosopher was imprisoned and executed.

Mythology and history meet during this family-friendly walking excursion to some of Athens' most significant sites. You'll meet your guide at the Thissio Metro Station and begin your journey by hearing the origin story of Theseus, the mythological King of Athens, known for escaping the labyrinth and killing the minotaur.

Located just next to the metro is the Temple of Hephaestus, a well-preserved sanctuary dedicated to the blacksmith of the gods. Learn about Hephaestus' tragic birth when his parents, Zeus and Hera, threw him from Mount Olympus into the sea. Next, walk for 10 minutes to the 20th-century Church of Agia Marina, which contains a smaller 11th-century temple within. Along the way, listen to the Greek myth of how the first spider was born, a favorite with kids. 

The next stop is the Herakleidon Museum, which is three minutes away. Here, you'll find ancient Greek sculptures and ceramics housed in a 19th-century mansion with a peaceful garden and a terrace showcasing views of the Acropolis. In another five minutes, you'll arrive at the National Observatory of Athens, the oldest research center in the city.

From this location on Nymphs' Hill, you can take in sweeping views of the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill, and all of Athens. Next, walk five minutes to Pnyx Hill, where Athenian leaders and politicians gathered in the 6th century BCE to host popular assemblies, making this spot the birthplace of democracy.

You'll also explore other sites around Filopappou Hill, which sits just opposite the Acropolis. Discover the tiny 9th-century Church of Demetrios Loumpadiaris, nestled off a cobblestoned pedestrian path, then continue to the Prison of Socrates, carved into the side of a rock, where the philosopher was held during the trial that led to his execution. Finally, learn the history of the 2nd-century Filopappou Monument dedicated to Philopappos, a prominent Greek of the Roman Empire.