Exploring the City. Athens is the historical capital of Europe. It is the birthplace of democracy, the arts, science, and the philosophy of Western civilization. Home to Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles, and Aeschylus, Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, with a recorded history spanning over 3,400 years and continuous habitation since the 11th millennium B.C.E. Today, under the shadow of the Parthenon, the city’s contemporary urban landscape reflects its rich historical legacy, multicultural identity, and modern infrastructure.
See more: Visit Greece, Athens This is Athens
The second through the fourth day (28-30 June 2026) of the conference sessions will be held in this historic building.
Athens Rings from Marasleion
National Archaeological Museum
44, 28th of October (Patission) str., 106 82, Athens [See more...]
The Hellenic National Archaeological Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient Greek art. It was founded at the end of the 19th century to house and protect antiquities from all over Greece, thus displaying their historical, cultural and artistic value. Its rich collections, enumerating more than 11,000 exhibits, offer the visitor a panorama of ancient Greek culture from the beginning of prehistory to the late antiquity.
National Library
Panepistimiou 32, Athina 106 79 [See more]
Construction on this imposing neoclassical building was completed at the turn of the 20th century. The National Library of Greece’s collection contains over 2,000,000 items, among them 5,200 manuscripts that include over 300 Greek New Testament manuscripts and handwritten renditions of works by Aristotle, Plato and Homer. The interior of the building stands out for the unrivalled charm of its rich décor, green lamps and original bookshelves, stacked with rare books. Since 2017, the National Library has moved at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, however the original building now serves as a reading room and is open to the public.
Lycabettus Hill (Lycabettus Hill Funicular)
58–62 Ploutarchou str., Athens 106 75 [See more...]
Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in the center of Athens. Considered one of the most romantic places in Athens and providing one of best views of the city, thousands of Athenians and tourists climb up to the top every year to enjoy the view from a height of 277 meters, have a meal or drink in the café/restaurant, bar, or cantina that operate on site, or visit the 19th century St. George chapel featuring remarkable religious art.
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rectorate Building, Downtown, Athens, 30 Panepistimiou (Eleftheriou Venizelou) str., 106 79 Athens
Academy of Athens
Panepistimiou 28, Athina 106 79 [See more...]
An exceptional example of neoclassical architecture, this building is home to one of the most important research institutes in Greece. With its perfect proportions and harmonious lines, it is regarded by some experts as the most beautiful neoclassical building in the world. The Academy’s monumental sculptures and murals, which took a decade to complete, depict ancient Greek mythology, 19th century Hellenism, as well as visions of how the artists imagined the future. Christian Griepenkerl’s enormous mural of Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound, that extends down the western side of the Academy's Main Hall, in eight sections is a must-see.
The Athens City Museum
5-7 I. Paparigopoulou str., 105 61, Athens [See more...]
The Athens City Museum (Vouros-Eutaxias Foundation), housed in two of the capital’s oldest buildings (including a former royal palace), is dedicated to the development of the city of Athens in modern times. The Museum has a Library and hosts a collection of approximately 40,000 items ranging from antiquity to the 21st century, including ancient artifacts, rare books and musical texts, Byzantine and post-Byzantine ecclesiastical art, glass, porcelain, ceramics, recording media, woodcrafts, paintings, engravings, fabrics, photographs, and other items.
Numismatic Museum Iliou Melathron,
12 Eleftheriou Venizelou (Panepistimiou) str., 10671 Athens [See more...]
This historic neoclassical building hosts a collection of ancient and modern coins. This museum’s 500,000-strong coin collection is a treasury of historical data, tracing the political, commercial, religious, and social life of Greek and non-Greek city-states, kings, and rulers through the ages. Visitors particularly enjoy the building’s décor: Pompeian-style frescoes, floor mosaics depicting archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann’s finds at Troy and Mycenae, and excerpts from Greek literary texts on the walls.
Department of Pedagogy and Primary Education, Marasleio,
Marasli 4, Athina 132 45
The second through the fourth day (28-30 June 2026) of the conference sessions will be held in this historic building.
The Ancient Agora and Stoa of Attalos
24 Adrianou, Monastiraki, 105 55 [See more...]
The Agora was the center of pollical, commercial, social, religious, and cultural life in Ancient Athens. Established in the sixth century BC, it grew over a period of several centuries. The Stoa of Attalos- a covered promenade of shop stalls, a precursor to the modern-day mall - was built by the King of Pergamon in the second century. The Hephaisteion, a Doric temple built in the fifth century BC and dedicated to the gods Hephaistos and Athena, is one of the Agora’s most famous attractions. Most Greeks refer to the Hephaisteion as the “Thisseion” because of the scenes depicting the feats of Theseus on its frieze.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
133 Vasilissis Amalias Ave., Athens 105 57 [See more...]
Located in front of the Hellenic Parliament at Syntagma Square (the largest square in the city), the monument serves as a lasting tribute to Greece's unnamed heroes. The daily Changing of the Guard at the site – one of the most popular sights in Athens – is an impressive display of precision, discipline, stoicism, and a powerful symbol of respect keeping the nation's connection to its past alive.
The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture
1 Koumbari St. & Vas. Sofias Ave., 106 74 Athens [See more...]
The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture is housed in one of the most beautiful neoclassical-style buildings in Athens, featuring a unique exhibition on Greek culture arranged ranging from prehistoric times to the 20th century. Permanent collections include Prehistoric, Ancient Greek and Roman art, Byzantine art, Historic heirlooms, Post-Byzantine and Neo-Hellenic art, paintings, drawings, and prints, and a library, while the rotating exhibitions and events display the work of internationally acclaimed artists providing a rare glimpse into exciting artistic and cultural experiences.
The Byzantine and Christian Museum
22 Vasilissis Sofias Ave., Athens 106 75 [See more...]
The Byzantine and Christian Museum is centered around – but not limited to – religious artifacts of the Early Christian, Byzantine, Medieval, post-Byzantine and later periods, dating between the 3rd and 20th century AD and encompassing the entire Hellenic world. Moreover, the Museum gardens are an oasis in the heart of Greece’s largest metropolis, where visitors can take an imaginary journey through history and art, while its popular café is a charming attraction for tourists and locals alike
Museum of Cycladic Art
4 Neofytou Douka St., Athens 106 74 [See more...]
The collection of the Museum of Cycladic Art is one of the most complete private collections of Cycladic Art in the world, featuring marble figurines, vessels made of marble and clay, as well as bronze tools shedding light on the remarkable civilization that flourished in the 3rd millennium BC. Moreover, the Exhibition of Cypriot Antiquities is one of the largest and most important collections in the world, while the collection of objects that revive everyday life in classical times, using Athens as a guide, combine explanatory texts with audiovisual presentations and 3D illustrations.
National Gallery
50 Vasileos Konstantinou str., 116 34, Athens [See more...]
The National Gallery houses collections of over 20,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures engravings and other art forms. This treasury of Modern Greek art encompasses the period from the post-Byzantine era until the present day. In addition, the National Gallery features a remarkable collection of Western European paintings. Newly renovated in 2021, the new building complex, with its roots in the heritage of Greek modernism, stands as a contemporary cultural landmark in the heart of Athens.
The New Benaki Museum:
Pireos 138, Athina 118 54 [See more...]
The new Benaki Museum building is one of the central development axes of Athens. Its permanent collections feature photographic, historical, performing art, and modern Greek architecture archives, while it also hosts current exhibitions and events showcasing the work of up-and-coming and recognized Greek and international artists that engage audiences using a variety of mediums.
National Garden
631 Vasilissis Sofias Ave., Athens 105 57 [See more...]
Established in 1838, the former royal garden was declared a public space in 1927 and stands today as an idyllic park located right next door to the Hellenic Parliament. Home to over 7,000 trees and 40,000 shrubbery, along with hundreds of species of birds, turtles and fish, its rich nature makes it one the most beautiful parks in the city. The National Garden is perfect for relaxing and strolling, as visitors can admire its rich nature as well as the ancient Roman villa mosaic floor, decorated with geometric shapes of plants and leaves.
Archaeological Site of the Lyceum of Aristotle
11 Rigillis str., Athens 106 75 [See more...]
Aristotle's Lyceum was founded in 335 BC making it one of the three oldest gymnasia in Athens. Gymnasia were places where young men would engage in physical exercise, but gradually evolved into centers of spiritual exercise as well. Stroll through the perimeter of Aristotle’s ancient school of philosophy, and visitors can experience for themselves the area where the renowned philosopher would instruct his students, or admire ancient technology, such as the baths, where the pipes running under the floor used to funnel in heat to create a “steam room.”
The Parthenon [See more...]
The Parthenon is arguably the most seminal and best-known historical site in Athens, making it a venue you can’t miss. Dating back to the 5th century BC and constructed entirely out of marble from nearby Mt. Pendeli, the Parthenon represents architectural perfection - a pinnacle of human achievement. Dedicated by the Athenians to the goddess Athena, the patron of their city, it is considered the most magnificent creation of Athenian democracy at the height of its power. It is also the finest monument on the Acropolis in terms of both conception and execution.
Plaka: The Neighbourhood of the Gods [See more...]
Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood, is a top attraction for visitors. Its picturesque streets, historic landmarks and lively shops make it a must-see. Visitors enjoy wandering through its winding pedestrian streets, marveling at the white and fuchsia bougainvillea that spills from balconies, and stumbling upon unexpected ancient ruins, while chasing glimpses of the Acropolis between the neoclassical buildings, Byzantine churches, cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The neighborhood is also famous for its dining options, ranging from traditional Greek food to old-school cafés.
Zappeion Megaron
Vasilisis Olgas Ave., 105 57 [See more...]
The Zappeion Megaron has been an active part of Greece's history for the last 130 years. Cultural events of great importance take place within the premises. From serving as a venue during the first modern Olympics Games in 1896, an Olympic Village in 1906, to the headquarters of Greece’s first radio station and hospital in the mid 20th century, and as a home to significant contemporary exhibitions, it has continually served as a key site for some of the nation's most significant moments, while always been integrally linked to the Olympic Movement, making it a famous Athens landmark.
War Museum
2–4 Rizari str., Athens 106 75 [See more...]
The War Museum was established by the Hellenic Republic to honor all those who fought for Greece’s freedom. Its mission is the collection, preservation and exhibition of war relics, and the study, documentation and promotion of the struggles of the Greek nation from antiquity until today. This venue constitutes the largest museum of military history in Greece and one of the largest in Southeastern Europe, featuring relics related to the history of the Greek people from all wartime periods, along with special sections of historical, photographic and cinematographic archives also operational on site.
The Acropolis Museum
Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, 11742 Athens [See more...]
Located in the historic area of Makryianni, the Museum stands about 300 meters southeast of the Parthenon. Its entrance is adjacent to the start of Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian walkway, which links it to the Acropolis and other key archeological sites in Athens. The top floor of the Museum, the Parthenon Gallery, offers a panoramic view of the Acropolis and modern Athens. As one of Athens’ newest venues – having opened in June 2009 – the Museum boldly seeks to maintain, through its highly transparent glass facades, a direct visual connection between its exhibits, the Acropolis itself and the in-situ Acropolis monuments from which the Museum’s exhibits originate.
Temple of Olympian Zeus / Olympieion,
Andreas Syggrou Ave., Athens 105 57 [See more...]
Dating back to the 6th century BC, the Olympeion was once the largest ancient temple in mainland Greece. Today, the 15 standing columns and one fallen one remain to tell the story of the 100 x 50-meter temple dedicated to Zeus, originally featuring 104 columns. The carvings on the columns that are part of the ‘Stone Chronicle’ kept on monuments during Ottoman rule to keep track of noteworthy events such as epidemics and natural disasters are one of the temple’s “must-sees.”
Panathenaic Stadium, the first modern Olympic Stadium in the world
Vasileos Konstantinou Ave., Athens 116 35 [See more...]
A unique archaeological monument, the Panathenaic Stadium represents a living symbol uniting the ancient and modern heritage of sport and the Olympic Games. Home to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, this monument, with its signature white Attic marble, offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the Olympic spirit, while also operating as a modern-day venue for cultural events, such as theatrical performances, concerts, and festivals, while its top rows feature impressive views of Mt. Lycabettus and the Acropolis.
Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation
13 Eratosthenous str., Athens 116 35 [See more...]
The Basil and Elise Goulandris Museum in Athens provides visitors with the opportunity to come into contact with modern and contemporary art, featuring a collection focusing on Greek and foreign artists, including rare works by masters of the European avant-garde such as Cézanne, van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Degas, Rodin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Bonnard, Picasso, Braque, Léger, Miró, Giacometti, Balthus, as well as works by distinguished modern Greek painters including Parthenis, Bouzianis, Vassiliou, Hadjikyriakos-Ghika, Tsarouchis, Moralis, Tetsis and others.