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Sacred Gate: A Passage Through Time

Explore the Sacred Gate in Athens, a historical landmark and passage to ancient Greek civilization, located in the Kerameikos district.

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The Sacred Gate, located in the Kerameikos neighborhood of Athens, is a significant historical landmark. Built in 478 B.C. as part of Themistocles' city wall, it served as a crucial passage for the Sacred Way leading to Eleusis and the Eridanos River. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved site and imagine the processions and rituals that once passed through this ancient gateway.

A brief summary to Sacred Gate

  • Athens, 105 53, GR

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the surrounding areas involves a fair amount of walking.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Kerameikos Archaeological Museum to enhance your understanding of the site.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Thissio, walk northeast on Ermou Street towards the city center. Continue until you reach Piraeus Street and turn right. Walk for about 10 minutes, passing shops and cafes. After crossing Iera Odos (Sacred Way), continue straight until you see a small path on your left leading to the Sacred Gate. The entrance is located at Athens 105 53.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Athens Metro to the Kerameikos station. From the station, walk south on Piraeus Street for approximately 500 meters. Turn left onto Iera Odos (Sacred Way) and then take the first right. The Sacred Gate will be on your left. A single metro ticket costs €1.40 and is valid for 90 minutes on all modes of transport within the city.

  • Taxi

    Hail a taxi from anywhere in central Athens. Ask to be taken to the Sacred Gate in Kerameikos (Ἱερά Πύλη, Κεραμεικός). The average taxi fare within the city center is around €8. There is a base fare of €1.80, plus €0.90/km during the day (05:00 to 24:00) and €1.25/km at night (24:00 to 05:00). Be sure the driver sets the meter.

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Discover more about Sacred Gate

The Sacred Gate stands as a testament to Athens' rich history, marking a key point in the ancient city's defenses and religious practices. Constructed in 478 B.C. as part of the city wall built by Themistocles, the gate allowed passage for both the Eridanos River and the Sacred Way, the processional route to Eleusis. This route was integral to the Eleusinian Mysteries, one of the most important religious events in ancient Greece. The gate complex was fortified with two square towers and featured a courtyard divided into two sections, with the Eridanos River flowing through one side. The Sacred Gate was not only a point of transit but also a vulnerable point in the city's defenses. In 86 B.C., Sulla breached the city walls here, marking a significant event in Athenian history. Today, the Sacred Gate offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past. The site's well-preserved remains showcase the successive building phases from the 5th century B.C. to the 1st century A.D.. Exploring the area provides a tangible connection to the ancient world, allowing one to envision the pilgrims, processions, and daily life that once characterized this bustling gateway. The Sacred Gate is a reminder of Athens' enduring legacy as a center of culture, religion, and history.

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