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National Garden Roman Ruins: Echoes of Ancient Rome in Athens' Green Heart

Discover ancient Roman remnants nestled within Athens' National Garden, a serene escape offering a unique blend of history and nature.

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Nestled within the verdant expanse of Athens' National Garden, the Roman Ruins offer a glimpse into the city's Roman past. These remnants, scattered amidst lush greenery, provide a tranquil yet intriguing historical experience, showcasing the layers of history interwoven within modern Athens.

A brief summary to National Garden Roman Ruins

  • Leof. Vasilisis Amalias, Κηφισιά, GR

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven paths and exploring the garden.
  • Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to spend a few hours exploring the garden.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Zappeion Hall or the Panathenaic Stadium.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The easiest way to reach the National Garden and the Roman Ruins is via the Athens Metro. Take Line 2 or Line 3 to Syntagma station. Upon exiting the station at Syntagma Square, walk towards the Hellenic Parliament building. The main entrance to the National Garden is located next to the Parliament. From there, follow the signs or ask for directions to the Roman Ruins within the garden. A single metro ticket costs €1.20.

  • Walking

    If you are already in central Athens, such as in the Plaka district or near the Acropolis, walking to the National Garden is a pleasant option. From the Acropolis, walk north towards Syntagma Square. The walk is approximately 1.7 km and takes about 20 minutes. Once you reach Syntagma Square, the National Garden is located next to the Hellenic Parliament building. Enter the garden and follow the paths to the Roman Ruins.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Athens. Ask your taxi driver to take you to the National Garden (Ethnikos Kipos) next to the Parliament building on Syntagma Square. A short taxi ride from areas like Plaka or Monastiraki will typically cost between €4 and €6. Note that traffic can be heavy in central Athens, especially during peak hours.

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Discover more about National Garden Roman Ruins

The Roman Ruins in the National Garden provide a serene encounter with history amid the bustling city of Athens. Located in the southern part of the garden, near Vasilissis Amalias Avenue, these ruins date back to the Roman period (1st to 3rd centuries CE) and offer a tangible connection to Athens' Roman past. Discovered during the garden's construction in the 19th century, the ruins consist of fragments of columns, building foundations, ancient paving, and remnants of a Roman aqueduct. These elements likely belonged to residential and public buildings in the Roman quarter that developed near the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Ilissos River. Some remains may have been part of private baths or utility structures connected to the city's Roman-era infrastructure. The ruins are integrated into the garden's landscape, allowing visitors to discover them unexpectedly while strolling along the paths. This seamless blend of nature and history creates a unique atmosphere, where ancient stones echo the grandeur of Roman Athens within a peaceful green setting. The National Garden itself is a historic landmark, commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838 and completed in 1840. It features over 500 plant species and a variety of animals. The garden, originally the Royal Garden, was opened to the public in 1927 and renamed the National Garden. Today, it remains a green oasis in the heart of Athens, offering respite and a connection to both natural and ancient history.

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