Gods, Heroes & Acropolis View: Mythological Athens
Welcome to the first route we ever create—the OG!
Gods, Heroes & Acropolis View: Mythological Athens was created for myth lovers and those who want a full picture of what was happening in Ancient Athens. It’s meant for those who really want to hear the stories of the gods come to life, instead of just dates and facts.
Like we said—we do tours better. And better means bringing each places truly to life!
Where does the tour start?
The National Garden is a treasure in itself. It’s a beautiful green space to escape to, full of ancient landmarks, tree nymphs and over 500+ species of plants—lots imported that makes the national garden have its over micro climate.
Exploring the trees, ancient wisdom and stories of what the greeks used to believe is something so unique to this tour, and helps you see Athens in a new way.
After this, we head to the ONLY stadium in the entire world made entirely out of marble! Okay, the base is limestone, but then on top of that, allll marble. Here, we can see not only 2,500 years of history (which is crazy), but also stories that bring us all the way back to why the olympics started and how they were performed.
We also get to explore a little bit about Athina here.
Next, we wander over to the Temple of Zeus. Zeus is an interesting god to me (the author of this blog, and founder of Dawn Tours). Honestly, I think most of the gods are complex and personified in really interesting ways. The reason I say Zeus is interesting is because not only is he the king of the gods, but he is also the father of many gods, demi-gods and a lot of reasons people suffered. Zeus was always cheating on his wife/sister, Hera, who in turn tortured his offspring and mates for this reason, he was also always punishing the mortals and the muse (so I believe) of the god of the old testament. Seeing his temple in the shape it is now does not do the king of the gods justice, but it can teach us that no matter how powerful you are, you can fall.
The next part of our journey goes through Plaka. You’ve most likely seen photos from Plaka on Instagram, but to see it in real life has no comparison. It’s a beautiful path, with even more historical places for you to see, and it gives you such a good idea of what Ancient Athens was in the past, and just how big it was too!
Plaka leads to the Roman Agora (I have sooo many thoughts about the Romans in Greece, but we will leave that for another blog), which is home to the first public clock—this used water from the acropolis to tell time.
After this, we pass the Library of Hadrian (one of the 5 good roman emperors) on our way to Monastiraki.
Monastiraki is really cool, and it’s a central hub for hustle and bustle in Athens. Plus the Little Church (monastery (monasti) small (aka)) is said to be able to help woman get pregnant! So, avoid going in if you don’t want babies, but please go in if you do!!
This path leads to the Ancient Agora. The Ancient Agora, for me, is the MOST underrated place you can go in Athens (besides Keramikos). The Ancient Agora is not only an entire outdoor space, but it is home to a museum full of artifacts that tie everything together, BUT it also has one of the most well preserved temples in all of Greece. AND NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT IT! It’s actually a shame, and it is why it was a must for me on the tour. It’s so rich in history, mythology and above all else, it is the actual birth place of democracy.
This is where we end our experience.
Did I mention that we’re doing a scavenger hunt during this!?
If gods interest you and you want to learn more, you can book the tour here. But, if you cannot wait and you want to immerse yourself in Greek Mythology immediately, you can download our HAND MADE colouring book. NO AI! :)