Pan's Sanctuary Athens
Find the hidden ancient god
Antonis from Athens
Suppose you walk on the sidewalk of Ardittou Street from the side where the Temple of Olympian Zeus is located, shortly before its junction with Athanasiou Diakou Street. In that case, your path is interrupted a bit annoyingly by a large rock on the side of the road. This rock is actually part of an ancient sanctuary for Pan, the ancient god of wildlife.
At this point, at a lower level than the road, is the church of Agia Fotini. As you descend towards the church, you will see on your right a sign indicating the location of the ancient sanctuary of Pan. It is a large rock with two carved sides and a small natural cave at its base.
The sanctuary was first recognised and explored at the end of the 19th century. A shelter was probably supported in the rock recesses, while the excavations inside the small cave showed that it was used for burials. Archaeologists have identified on one of its two polished vertical surfaces a relief representation of Pan, showing him walking with a stick on his shoulder. Unfortunately, the unmaintained relief exposed to urban pollution has almost disappeared and is very difficult to distinguish.
So put yourself to the test, and if you pass this point, go down the steps and test yourself to see if you can spot the figure of Pan on the rock and discover one of the most interesting hidden attractions of Athens.
Can you spot him in our photo?
Athens Spotter Antonis
About this spot
Ardittou 1
- 247
€
no-price
Our Athens City Guide
Find your way with 264 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Athens
Lacandona
A delicious alternative spot
"Lacandona" Athens is fair trade cafe/grocery store. It's one of my favorite places for a coffee - don't miss their exciting mojito parties!
by
Marilena
Salamanou
By the Glass
The perfect place to be local
"By the Glass" in the center of Athens is in one of the most 'secret' urban arcades and offers you more than 200 different wines... Central & 100% local!
by
Javier
Muñoz
Statues of Ζappeion Garden
Beauty made of marble
The Statues of Ζappeion Garden depict national heroes, benefactors of Greece and also mythological characters. But I love two of the statues the most...
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Coast to Coast
Walk next to the sea
Athens has the big advantage that it's built by the sea. If you feel like you want to relax, walking along the kilometers of unbroken coastline is one...
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Krikos
The combination of almost everything
"Krikos" Athens was my go-to when I use to live in the neighbourhood, given their cosy atmosphere and delicious coffee. Nice place to go on a sunny day...
by
Margarita
Kalogeropoulou
A Hidden Village
Just for curious walkers
There is A Hidden Village in Ano Petralona in Athens. Here's a bit of the deepest Greek villages right in the centre. What a beautiful, quiet gem!
by
Javier
Muñoz
Stoa tou Vivliou
Culture in the heart of Athens
At "Stoa tou Vivliou" in Athens you can find and visit many publishing houses - it's the 'book arcade'. I like it because it's intellectual & alternative.
by
Andreas
Papadopoulos
Organic Market
Saturday morning shopping
This "Organic Market" in Athens is not just any organic market: it's in an old squat with a beautiful garden and people are just so friendly there!
by
Margarita
Kalogeropoulou
Fouar
An oasis in the heart of Athens
"Fouar" is an oasis located in the heart of Athens. This restaurant is where the aesthetic of the '60s meets Asian cuisine and contemporary art. Love it!
by
Andreas
Papadopoulos
Leloudas
The (almost) century-old tavern
"Leloudas" (est. 1928) in Athens is a taverna/restaurant for locals and truck drivers! The atmosphere is very friendly and homey - check out their wine...
by
Andreas
Papadopoulos
Rafiki
New Age kafeneio
"Rafiki" in Athens offers the experience of a new age kafeneio: few but very well cooked dishes of mezedes with local ingredients. Check their music nights
by
Sofia
Skioti
Anafiotika
The island inside Athens!
"Anafiotika" is so close to Athens' most famous sight, the Acropolis, but it is still a secret. I love losing myself in its narrow streets...
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Heading to Athens?
264 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 264 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Athens
Get to know our other Spotters from Athens
As featured on:
