In Paul’s Footsteps in Athens

You will meet your tour guide outside the Thisio Metro Station.

Your tour begins with a walk to the Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill. In ancient times, this hill was adorned with altars, temple sanctuaries, statues, and was home to the open-air supreme court of Athens. During one of the Apostle Paul’s visits to the city, certain Athenians led him to the Areopagus and asked: “Can we get to know what this new teaching is that you are speaking about? For you are introducing some things that are strange to our ears.” (Acts 17:19–20) Paul seized the opportunity to deliver his renowned speech (Acts 17:22–31), which is now commemorated by a bronze plaque on the site. Although most of the original structures are gone, a few bench-like seats carved into the rock remain visible today.

Next, you will visit the Roman Market, also known as the Forum of Caesar and Augustus. This was a vibrant courtyard surrounded by a peristyle filled with shops—essentially, an ancient shopping mall. The grand Gate of Athena Archegetis, located at the west entrance, still stands. Julius Caesar donated funds for its construction in 51 BCE. When Julius Caesar visited Athens in 47 BCE, blueprints appeared ready and some work may have begun, but political turmoil delayed the project. It was eventually completed by Augustus between 19 and 11 BCE. Augustus, who ruled over the Roman Empire during Jesus’ early life, is mentioned in the Bible by name (Luke 2:1).

To the east of the Roman Market stands the Horologion of Andronicos Kyrristos, also known as the Tower of the Winds. This octagonal marble tower features relief representations of the eight winds at the top of each side, with their names inscribed in stone. Sundials adorned the exterior walls, a weather vane stood atop the roof, and an intricate water clock was located inside. Built in the 1st century BCE by the astronomer Andronicos of Kyrrhos in Macedonia, it is one of the few buildings from classical antiquity still standing nearly intact.

You will then proceed to Hadrian’s Library, constructed in 132-134 CE by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. This complex featured a peristyle courtyard with a garden and decorative cistern. In its eastern section were rooms for storing papyri, while amphitheaters on each side were used for lectures. Smaller rooms served as study spaces.

From there, you’ll walk to Monastiraki Square, the vibrant heart of modern Athens. Here, in a compact space, you’ll discover an ancient underground stream, a Christian church, and a Muslim mosque peacefully coexisting. You’ll enjoy a relaxing break at a rooftop café, emerging in stunning panoramic views of the city while enjoying refreshments—a must-have experience when in Athens.

Afterward, you’ll visit the site of the Stoic Philosophers’ School, where the Stoics most likely began disputing with Paul. (Acts 17:18)

You’ll then walk through the Ancient Agora, also known as the Marketplace, the cradle of democracy. Surrounded by remnants of ancient altars, sanctuaries, and temples, you’ll get a sense of what it was like for Paul, whose “spirit became irritated on seeing that the city was full of idols. So he began to reason…with those who happened to be on hand.” (Acts 17:16–17)

You will also learn about the synagogue where Paul “began to reason…with the Jews and the other people who worshipped God.” (Acts 17:17)

Another highlight is a visit to the Temple of Hephaestus, the best-preserved temple of the classical period, which remains largely intact. This Doric peripteral temple was built between 460 and 420 BCE by an unknown architect.

During your visit to the Agora, you’ll also see the remains of a temple dedicated to the Imperial Cult—a religion that worshipped the emperor and some members of his family as deities. Many early Christians who refused to take part in such worship were executed in Roman arenas.

At the Stoa of Attalus Museum, located within the archaeological site, you’ll learn about the significance of colonnades in the lives of Jesus and his disciples. Your guide will also highlight biblically relevant exhibits. Using a model, your guide will explain the main monuments of the Acropolis—such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Propylaea

—preparing you for an independent visit at your convenience.

Your tour concludes at the Ancient Agora, just steps from where you began—at the Thisio Metro Station.