Ancient Athens' Rise and Fall: An Audio Tour with Tristan Hughes

Athens built its identity on a mix of myth and hard-won power, from a legendary hero to the world's first democracy. On this self-guided walking tour, voiced by History Hit's Tristan Hughes, you'll follow Athens' transformation from scattered villages into a democratic superpower. You'll also hear how that power collapsed under Spartan sieges, Macedonian kings, and Roman conquest. You'll pass the Agora's ruins, once Athens's busiest marketplace, and climb through pine-covered hills to the Pnyx, birthplace of Athenian democracy. Along the way, you'll pass the ancient Sanctuary of Zeus and climb past the National Observatory of Athens, perched where astronomers once tracked the solstice. You'll pass the tomb of Philopappos, a Roman prince buried facing the Acropolis, and the cave-like Prison of Socrates, where Nazi-era looted treasures were once hidden. Further on, you'll stand where the Apostle Paul preached on the Areopagus, and walk through the Roman Agora's Tower of the Winds.

1. 1

   Acropolis Of Athens

   Pass by

   The route takes you past the Acropolis of Athens, the limestone outcrop where Pericles launched a temple-building programme in the 400s BC that still shapes the city’s skyline. Please note that admission to the Acropolis is not included in this tour.

2. 2

   Parthenon

   Pass by

   You may spot the Parthenon on the hilltop above, the marble temple to Athena completed in 432 BC, whose columns swell slightly at the middle so they look straight from a distance. Please note that entry to the Parthenon is not included in this tour.

3. 3

   Ancient Agora of Athens

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   Walking past the Ancient Agora of Athens, you’ll see the ruins of the city’s marketplace and civic centre, where Socrates questioned passers-by in the 400s BC. Please note that admission to the archaeological site is not included in this tour.

4. 4

   Temple of Hephaestus

   Pass by

   The route offers a glimpse of the Temple of Hephaestus on its low hill above the Agora, begun around 450 BC and still ringed by its full set of Doric columns. Please note that entry to the temple is not included in this tour.

5. 5

   Herod Atticus Odeon

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   The route passes below the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a stone theatre built in AD 161 that still hosts concerts and plays each summer in its restored marble seating. Please note that entry to the theatre is not included in this tour.

6. 6

   Stop 6

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   You’ll pass Areopagus Hill, the bare rock outcrop below the Acropolis where ancient Athens’ council met as a court to try murder cases. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

7. 7

   Philopappos Hill

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   Philopappos Hill takes its name from the marble tomb of Gaius Julius Antiochus Philopappos, a Roman-era benefactor of Athens, which has stood on its summit since around AD 116. Any costs related to visiting the hill and surrounding area are not covered in this tour.

8. 8

   Pnyx

   Pass by

   You’ll walk past the Pnyx, the hillside where citizens of ancient Athens gathered to debate and vote, addressing the crowd from a speakers’ platform cut into the rock. Any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.

9. 9

   Stop 9

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   Passing the Roman Forum of Athens, also known as the Roman Agora, you may spot the Tower of the Winds, an eight-sided marble tower that once held a water clock and sundials. Please note that admission to the site is not included in this tour.

10. 10

    Hadrian's Library

    Pass by

    You’ll catch a glimpse of Hadrian’s Library near Monastiraki, built by the Roman emperor in AD 132, its row of Corinthian columns still lining the street front. Please note that admission to the site is not included in this tour.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.