Jan 25, 2025

Pan's Sanctuary Athens

Find the hidden ancient god

"Discover a hidden Athens' ancient sanctuary of Pan on Ardittou Street! Spot the faint Pan relief on a rock near Agia Fotini church — can you see him?"

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?

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Ardittou 1

no-price

Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Athens guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Athens

Santaroza

Santaroza – Asian film noir

Its trademark is the long, wooden bar that, with a length of 14 meters is perhaps the longest bar in Athens. It's the best place for negronis and whiskeys.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Asimina

Mitrothanasi

Feb 9, 2025
Matchpoint-bar

Matchpoint bar – Calm, cool and collected

Matchpoint's interior is tastefully decorated, and the music is lovely but my favorite is sitting outside enjoying my drink and watching the world go by.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Zoe

Tziakou

Feb 9, 2025
Ode-to-socks

Ode to socks – Greek culture encapsulated

Ode to socks has made good use of the local greek heroes such as the priest (pappa), the priest's wife, the sailor, and the fisherman, who are characteristic figures in every Greek's childhood.

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Zoe

Tziakou

Feb 9, 2025
Mandragoras

Mandragoras – Every time is like the first time

There are always dishes of the day in addition to the set menu, so no two visits to Mandragoras are ever the same. And kontosouvli is always available.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Antonis

Tsapepas

Feb 5, 2025
Hatzigeorgiou

Hatzigeorgiou – Αdding flavour to life

Every time I cross Evripidou Street, I am overwhelmed by the aroma of cinnamon, pepper, and oregano, and images of Eastern bazaars come to mind.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Antonis

Tsapepas

Feb 2, 2025
To-Laini

To Laini – Where the Cretan heart beats

My two favorites are Sfakianopita with honey and the famous Dakos. Every plate is cooked in olive oil with lots of rosemary.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Asimina

Mitrothanasi

Feb 1, 2025
Zuzuto-Ramen

Zuzuto Ramen – Combination of comfort and taste

In addition to ramen (my favourite is the Classic Shoyu), you can taste excellent sushi and try several other traditional dishes.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Antonis

Tsapepas

Feb 1, 2025
Mauricio-the-cat-bookstore

"Mauricio the cat" bookstore – A cultivated cat

Mauricio the cat likes to carry the latest publications, bringing attention to quality and design, and often hosts events such as reading time meetings with popular authors for his little friends.

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Zoe

Tziakou

Feb 1, 2025
Prigkiponisia

Prigkiponisia – Traditional tsoureki bread

"Prigkiponisia" is one of my favorite pastry shops in Palaio Faliro, Athens. They're well known for their tsoureki bread & ice cream

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Sofia

Skioti

Jan 31, 2025
Koukaki

Koukaki – My dearest neighborhood

"Koukaki", the neighborhood in the center of Athens, is my favorite neighborhood anywhere in the world! Just come explore -- you won't regret it...

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Marilena

Salamanou

Jan 31, 2025
The-Clumsies

The Clumsies – Nice and cozy

"The Clumsies" in Athens - my personal 'love at first sight'. This bar is different: let the world-class bartenders charm you with their cocktails...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Andreas

Papadopoulos

Jan 31, 2025
Melanthiou-street

Melanthiou street – Cyclists' joint

"Melanthiou street" used to be an Athens street where drug addicts frequented - now it's a cyclist's joint, full of refreshing bars and creative studios.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Andreas

Papadopoulos

Jan 31, 2025

Just €9.99!

Heading to Athens?

262 Insider Tips from Locals

Authentic Stories

Escape the Crowds

Full Access to our Art & culture Blog & App!

Just €9.99

Going to Athens?

262 Hidden Gems only Locals know

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

✓ Full Access to the Art & culture City Blog & App!

Our team loves Athens

Get to know our other Spotters from Athens