Exploring the First Cemetery of Athens offers a captivating look into the city’s rich history. Led by an expert art historian, this small-group tour guides visitors through the cemetery’s remarkable sculptural tombstones. As you stroll the grounds, you’ll learn about prominent Athenian figures and witness breathtaking views of the Panathenaic Stadium. This immersive experience promises an insightful journey, revealing the stories that have shaped modern Athens. Prepare to uncover the fascinating legacy that lies within the First Cemetery’s hallowed grounds.

Contents show

Key Points

A guided walking tour of the First Cemetery of Athens, exploring the history and stories behind the distinguished citizens buried there.
Opportunity to learn about the development of modern Athens through the lens of prominent individuals’ gravesites.
Includes a stroll through the Mets neighborhood and a view of the Panathenaic Stadium from Arditos Hill.
Tour led by a professional art historian guide, providing a personalized and engaging experience.
Tour is wheelchair accessible, includes bottled water, and operates in all weather conditions.

Tour Overview

The First Cemetery of Athens Walking Tour offers a small-group experience led by a professional art historian guide, allowing visitors to explore the history of modern Athens through the graves of its distinguished citizens.

The tour includes a stroll through the nearby Mets neighborhood and a view of the Panathenaic Stadium from Arditos Hill.

Priced from $58.70 per person, the tour provides a respectful and personalized experience in a tranquil setting, with bottled water included and food and drinks available for purchase.

Into exploring Athens on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at

Tour Highlights

Although the tour explores sculptural tombstones, you will learn the captivating stories behind prominent Athenians. The tour provides a respectful and personalized experience in the tranquil setting of the First Cemetery. Bottled water is included, and food and drinks are available for purchase.

| Tour Highlights |

| — | — | — | — | — |

Meeting and Pickup Information

The tour meets in front of the Acropolis Metro Station, beside the Acropolis Museum, located at Στρατηγού Μακρυγιάννη 7, 117 42 Athens, Greece.

The tour meets at the Acropolis Metro Station, next to the Acropolis Museum, in Athens, Greece.

Participants will receive confirmation upon booking and can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour with no charge.

The tour ends at the Zappeion Hall, on Leof. Vasilissis Olgas, 105 57 Athens, Greece.

Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended due to the uneven surfaces of the cemetery.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly, operating in all weather conditions, with appropriate dress advised.

Accessibility and Recommendations

Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended for this walking tour due to the uneven surfaces of the First Cemetery of Athens. The tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly, making it inclusive for visitors of varying mobility. However, it may not be suitable for those with significant walking difficulties. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so appropriate dress is advised.

| — | — | — | — |

| Wheelchair Accessible | ✓ | Comfortable Shoes | ✓ |

| Stroller-Friendly | ✓ | Appropriate Dress | ✓ |

| Not Recommended for Walking Disabilities | ✓ | N/A | N/A |

Reviews and Feedback

Participants have praised the knowledgeable guides and engaging experiences on the First Cemetery of Athens walking tour, awarding it a 5.0 rating based on 4 reviews.

Highlights include personal stories, insights into local life, and the peaceful atmosphere of the cemetery. Reviewers expressed willingness to repeat the tour and appreciated the depth of knowledge shared by guides.

The tour offers a respectful and personalized experience, with bottled water included and food and drinks available for purchase.

There's plenty more to explore in Athens

History of the First Cemetery

Although established in the early 19th century, the First Cemetery of Athens holds a rich history that reflects the development of modern Greece.

The cemetery was founded in 1834 as the first organized burial ground in the newly independent capital. It became the final resting place for prominent figures, including politicians, military leaders, and cultural icons.

The cemetery’s neoclassical monuments and sculptures showcase the artistic and architectural styles of the time, mirroring Greece’s transition from Ottoman rule to a modern European nation.

Visiting the First Cemetery offers a unique glimpse into Athens’ past and the individuals who shaped its present.

Prominent Figures Buried in the Cemetery

The First Cemetery of Athens serves as the final resting place for many of Greece’s most influential figures throughout history.

Buried here are renowned poets and writers, such as Dionysios Solomos, the national poet of Greece. Political leaders, including Prime Ministers Eleftherios Venizelos and Ioannis Metaxas, also have their final resting places in the cemetery.

Plus, the graves of renowned archaeologists, like Heinrich Schliemann, can be found among the cemetery’s well-preserved tombstones and sculptures.

Exploring the First Cemetery provides a unique glimpse into Greece’s cultural, literary, and political legacies, honoring the memory of these distinguished individuals.

FAQ

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, participants can take photographs during the tour. The tour overview indicates it’s a walking tour, and there’s no mention of any restrictions on photography. Guests are encouraged to capture the sculptural tombstones and scenic views along the way.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour recommends comfortable shoes and clothing due to the uneven surfaces, but there’s no strict dress code. Visitors should dress appropriately for the weather conditions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities at the Cemetery?

There aren’t any restroom facilities at the cemetery itself, but the tour includes a stop at the nearby Zappeion Hall, where participants can use the restrooms before or after the walking portion of the tour.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t allow pets. Visitors are encouraged to leave their pets at home, as the cemetery grounds aren’t suitable for animals. The tour focus is on the history and architecture, so bringing pets isn’t recommended.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There’s no minimum age requirement for the tour, but it’s not recommended for young children as the cemetery’s uneven surfaces could be challenging. The tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly for those who need it.

Sum Up

The First Cemetery of Athens Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s past. Led by an art historian, the tour delves into the lives of prominent Athenians, showcasing the cemetery’s remarkable sculptural tombstones. Participants can enjoy breathtaking views and learn about the city’s heritage in a personalized, comfortable setting. This unique experience promises an enriching journey through Athens’ history.