Calling all history buffs! What legacy did Plato and Socrates leave behind? Join us to find out on this fascinating tour of Greek philosophy in Athens.
Tour Details
At the indicated time, we'll meet at the Statue of Theseus in Athens, a fitting place to begin our fascinating journey into the world of Greek philosophy.
Our first stop will be the Kerameikos Archaeological Site—a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists despite its historical importance. The name, which translates to 'ceramic' in English, is fitting, given the many pottery workshops that once thrived here. This site also served as Athens' cemetery for centuries, and many prominent figures in Athenian history were laid to rest here. It's also the place where Pericles delivered his famous “Epitaph” speech, honouring the first casualties of the Peloponnesian War and celebrating the virtues of democracy.
Next, we'll walk to the Ancient Greek Agora, the heart of ancient Athens. This was where philosophers like Socrates and Plato, alongside politicians like Solon and Pericles, debated matters of life, politics, and ethics. We'll take in the grand atmosphere of this once-bustling centre of Athenian public and political life, and explore how Socrates used the Agora to challenge the societal norms of his time.
We'll then continue to the lively Monastiraki Flea Market, the first of its kind in Athens. This bustling market will give us a taste of an Eastern bazaar. From there, we'll make our way to Hadrian's Library, built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD. Once the second-largest library in the ancient world, it was a hub of knowledge where scholars gathered to read and debate. We’ll talk about its role in spreading ideas and learning across the city.
Then, we'll make our way to the Roman Agora, located to the north of the Acropolis and to the east of the Ancient Agora and an extension of it. Did you know that to this day, it still hasn't been fully excavated? From there, we'll head to the Tower of the Winds, a remarkable octagonal structure built by the astronomer Andronicus of Kyrristos in the 1st century BC. This early meteorological station was both a sundial and a water-powered clock—a true marvel of ancient engineering!
Afterwards, we'll stroll through Plaka, a charming neighbourhood known for its labyrinth of narrow streets and traditional houses, before heading to the Prison of Socrates. Here, we’ll reflect on the tragic fate of the great philosopher. After his unjust execution, the Athenians later regretted their decision and honoured him with a statue in the Agora, where he had once taught. We'll discuss his life, trial, and the enduring impact of his ideas.
Our next stop is Pnyx Hill, often called the “cradle of democracy.” This was where Athenians gathered to make decisions about their city and future. The hill also offers fantastic views of the Acropolis and Athens. We'll also visit the St. Dimitrios Loumbardiaris Church, a medieval 9th-century church nestled in the city. Here, we'll delve into the incredible philosophies of Ancient Greece and their influence on Western thought.
Finally, we'll end our tour at Philoppapos Hill, where we'll enjoy the breathtaking views and reflect on the philosophical discussions we've encountered along the way. After about 3 to 3.5 hours of exploring Athens and its philosophical heritage, our tour will come to a close.
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