Top Things to do in East Attica Region
Top Restaurants in East Attica Region
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What to do and see in East Attica Region, Attica: The Best Ancient Ruins
Discover the best top things to do in East Attica Region, Greece including Amphiaraion Archaeological Site, Temple of Poseidon, Temple of Artemis, Ancient Theater of Thorikos, Mycenaean vaulted tomb - Acharnes, Archaeological Site of Thorikos, Ramnous Archaeological Site, Sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods.
Restaurants in East Attica Region
1. Amphiaraion Archaeological Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By 90vladb - Sydney, Australia
The whole site is in the middle of a pine forest, the smells are wonderful and it is peaceful and relaxing. There were no other tourists. The area is largely shaded, but sun hat and good shoes are recommended. There are public toilets and a vending machine with drinks, but as a precaution take your own water. This site was a sanctuary of the Amphiareos, a hero known for his ability to predict future and heal based on the content of dreams. It was built in 5th century BC and was in constant use well into Roman times. It was built on the sides of a winter stream, with extensive earthworks to create flat area for the temple, the stoa and the theatre. One can visit areas on both sides of the gully. The huge retaining wall was reinforced in modern times, because the original lost some of its structural integrity after 2500 years. Most artefacts found on site are in various museums around the world, some in Greece. A very interesting and significant structure is the klepsydra, outflow type water clock (literal translation – water thief), one of the best preserved in the world. You can inspect it, walk down the steps to the water outlet still plugged in with a bronze plug (which looks very old, but maybe it is a recent copy). Because the site was in use for such a long time the statues of Greeks were eventually replaced by the statues of Romans and the original inscriptions erased and replaced to match the statues. Brutus, one of the assassins of Julius Caesar, had his statue there.
2. Temple of Poseidon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,382 reviews
Reviewed By ImmerWandern - Palos Heights, United States
Be sure to time your arrival for about an hour before sunset in order that you have time to explore the site and walk around to admire the temple from all angles before claiming your spot at the edge of the cliff to enjoy the sunset. The park staff are very strict about clearing out the site right as the sun drops below the horizon. Thing was, the best part of the light show came once the sun was down. Do not leave right away; the temple will be lit up about 30 minutes after sunset. Cape Sounion is the southernmost tip of the Attica Peninsula. It looks out onto shipping routes to Athens’ Piraeus harbor. Not unlike the Acropolis this rocky outcropping was devoted to Poseidon and Athena; unlike in Athens, however, Poseidon ruled here. The sanctuary of Athena once stood at a point to the northeast but was dismantled by the time of the Roman Empire while the Poseidon's Temple was left standing proud. The similarity to the Athens Acropolis extended to its having been a fortress and a means for Athenians to guard and control the approaches to its port. The builder of Poseidon's Temple is thought to be the same one that build the Temple of Hephaestus in the Agora below the Acropolis. Just like the Parthenon the temple was built to replace one destroyed by the Persians under Xerxes, also during the mid-5th Century BC. There is a legend associated with this site involving King Minos of Crete, the legendary Minotaur, King Aegeus and Theseus. King Minos of Crete demanded that the city-state of Athens pay an annual tribute of 7 young men and women to be fed to the dreaded Minotaur housed in the Labyrinth underneath the royal palace in Knossos. The king of Athens, Aegeus, had only one son, Theseus. This young man, already a legend in the making, volunteered for the sacrifice and went to Crete against his father's wishes. His plan was to find a way to slay the Minotaur. Enjoying the special treat of nature's light show. A ridiculous 'technicolor' Copper River salmon pink! Speaking of colors, King Aegeus and Theseus made an arrangement that when Theseus' ship returned it would fly white sails if he had survived, black sails if not. Theseus would have to sail past this headland on the way back to Athens, so King Aegeus is reputed to have set up camp here and monitored the seas for the return of his son. In Crete the daughter of King Minos, Ariadne, fell in love with Theseus and helped him find the way back out of the Labyrinth using a ball of string. She fled with Theseus and joined him on the ship to Athens. Theseus and his crew stopped on the island of Naxos. There they either searched for water or celebrated their victory. Regardless they all fell asleep, exhausted at the end of the day. The following day the crew set off, somehow leaving Ariadne behind. Furthermore it somehow took Theseus too long to realize she'd been left behind and there was no going back for her. Thoroughly distraught he forgot to have the crew change the sails to the white ones before approaching Athens. King Aegeus was overcome with grief when he saw the approaching ship bearing black sails. Such was his despair at the loss of his only son he threw himself off the cliffs. Hence the Aegean Sea, the waters here named in his honor.
3. Temple of Artemis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By dawnk906 - Park City, United States
What a glorious surprise to find this walking distance to our hotel in Vravrone! A great way to make history come alive for my children! Must See!
4. Ancient Theater of Thorikos
5. Mycenaean vaulted tomb - Acharnes
6. Archaeological Site of Thorikos
7. Ramnous Archaeological Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By ioannisv459 - London, United Kingdom
The site is unique, very well preserved, really worth visiting. However there is very limited information on the site and poor internet (better read in advance) and to reach the settlement you need to trek through a good 10 mins of very hard terrain. Closed shoes and a bottle of water is advised in the summer months. FYI so that you don't get disappointed, in the winter months the main site is closed (only the bases of the 2 temples are open for visiting) and the site closes at 3pm. Better call and ask before you visit!
