Self-Guided Podcast Walking Tour: The Sunken City of Athens

1 hour 31 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: German and 1 more

Look past the towering Parthenon and the modern concrete blocks, and you will find a secret city hiding in plain sight. This redthread tour takes you on an intimate journey through the Middle Byzantine period, an era when Athens was a quiet, provincial town. Discover tiny, sunken medieval churches that survived 19th-century demolition campaigns, were swallowed by modern hotels, and were built entirely from recycled ancient temples. Uncover the hidden medieval heart of the modern metropolis.

- A 2.5 km self-guided tour with 6 stops over 91 min
- Ideal for travelers interested in History & Memory and Art, Design & Aesthetics
- Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

What's Included

Verified facts woven into an engaging story
Interactive in-app guide for questions about the story and surroundings
Precise navigation between the stops
Immersive podcast-style audio featuring experts and locals

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Panagía Kapnikaréa Church

From Athens's main station, take local public transport toward Church of Panagia Kapnikarea. Get off at the nearest stop and walk the final few minutes. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.

End point

From the Church of Agioi Asomatoi, walk to the nearest public transport stop and travel back to Athens's main station. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 31 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Church of Kapnikarea

    An 11th-century church sitting in the middle of a bustling shopping street, saved from 19th-century demolition by a Bavarian king.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    A tiny 16th-century chapel literally encased within the concrete pillars of the modern Electra Metropolis Hotel.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos and Saint Eleutherius

    A tiny church built almost entirely out of reused ancient Greek and Roman marble reliefs, sitting next to the massive modern Cathedral.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    An 11th-century church hidden in the quiet alleys of Plaka, offering a pristine example of Byzantine cross-in-square architecture.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Church of Metamorphosis

    A tiny, unadorned 11th-century chapel tucked into the northern slope of the Acropolis, blending seamlessly into the hillside.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6

    An 11th-century church sitting significantly below modern street level, restored in the 20th century as Athens reclaimed its Byzantine heritage.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Red Thread

Tags

Private and Luxury
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Virtual Experiences
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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