Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Plato’s Academy

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Walk in the footsteps of the great ancient philosopher in the spot of his famous school.

When was it built

388 BCE, when Plato founded his famed philosophical school here. The grounds were formerly considered sacred woods where one of the ancient city’s three gymnasia—training grounds for athletes—was founded there in the 6th century BCE.

What's the story

This small open-air archaeological site may not be as impressive as others but you’ll definitely feel a thrill knowing you stroll the same paths as the man who inspired Western philosophy.

Why it's important

This is the first ‘university’ of the Western world where the foundations of Western science and philosophy were laid two-and-a-half millennia ago.

Must-see

The ruins of the Geometric-era Iera Oikia, or Sacred Residence, just north of Drakontos Street.

Fun fact

Thanks to Plato, we associate the word ‘academy’ with education. The word actually originates from the mythical hero Academus, to whom the land on which Plato’s Academy was built, was devoted to.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Info

Kratylou & Tripoleos, Akadimia Platonos, 104 42
Sepolia / Kolonos
+30 210 321 9288
Website
Refer to the website for opening hours and ticket prices.

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Plato’s Academy

Walk in the footsteps of the great ancient philosopher in the spot of his famous school.