Discover Athens through its ancient sundials
The city of Athens holds a secret beyond the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Scattered throughout the city are forgotten timepieces, ancient sundials that once marked the passing of the sun. These sundials hold stories of empires long gone, of people who built, laughed, and dreamed under the same sun. So, if you want to time travel, you know where to head to!
The sundial of the Agora
In the beating heart of Athens, within the Ancient Agora, a 2500-year-old sundial stands in silent testimony to the fifth century BC. Used by Athenians to measure time by casting the sun's shadow, it was a marvel of its era. Unearthing this sundial is like stepping into a time machine, offering a tangible link to the daily lives of the ancient Greeks.
The Tower of the Winds
The Tower of the Winds, situated in the Roman Agora of Athens, is an octagonal marble clocktower and one of history's most significant timekeeping devices. Each side features a sundial, while the interior housed water clocks for use when sunlight was insufficient. This architectural masterpiece not only indicated time but also represented wind directions, and held profound astrological symbolism.
The National Garden sundial
Nestled within the verdant oasis of Athens' National Garden, a modern sundial invites visitors to experience serenity amidst the bustling city. It serves as a tribute to Greece's long history with solar measurements, making it an ideal spot for history enthusiasts and anyone looking for a moment of quiet during their city tour.
The sundial at Plato's Academy
Near the grounds where Plato once imparted his teachings, an ancient sundial—thought to be utilized by his very students—remains etched in stone. Its historical resonance is profound, serving as a tangible link to the past where young scholars and philosophers convened under the Athenian sun. This archaeological site provides a glimpse into the harmonious fusion of everyday life, intellectual pursuits, and the rhythm of the sun.
