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?