Shrine of the Muses

Athens

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Just below the crest of Filopappou Hill, the ruined shrine to the goddesses of creative inspiration is carved into the bedrock.

Even today it sees grateful or hopeful artists placing offerings on a small stone cairn.

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Nearby Athens attractions

1. Monument of Filopappos

0.03 MILES

This 12m-high marble monument at the top of Filopappou Hill was built between AD 114 and 116 in honour of Julius Antiochus Filopappos, a prominent Roman…

2. Filopappou Hill

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Also called the Hill of the Muses, Filopappou Hill – along with the hills of the Pnyx and the Nymphs – is a somewhat wild, pine-shaded spot that's good…

3. Socrates' Prison

0.13 MILES

On the slopes of Filopappou Hill, follow the path to this warren of rooms carved into bedrock. It's said to have been the place Socrates was imprisoned in…

4. Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris

0.18 MILES

At the foot of Filopappou Hill, this 16th-century church may not be the oldest in Athens, but it is certainly one of the loveliest, with a heavy timber…

5. Hill of the Pnyx

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North of Filopappou Hill, this hill was the official meeting place of the Democratic Assembly in the 5th century BC – really, the first site of democracy…

6. Odeon of Herodes Atticus

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This large amphitheatre was built in AD 161 by wealthy Roman Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Regilla. It was excavated in 1857–58 and completely…

7. Acropolis Main Entrance

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The main Acropolis entrance is used by tour groups so can be very busy. Come here for the disabled accessible lift.

8. Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum

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A museum for fashionistas: Ilias Lalaounis adorned Elizabeth Taylor and Melina Mercouri, among many others, and is responsible for a singularly Greek…