First Cemetery of Athens
A peaceful open-air gallery of 19th-century funerary sculpture — the 'Père Lachaise of Athens'.
The call
Worth it if you are watching the budget and you only have one day.
Why
- 01
It's a serene, almost empty park of cypress avenues and extraordinary marble sculpture (the 'Sleeping Maiden' is a masterpiece), free and deeply atmospheric for those who like cemeteries-as-art.
Our read - 02
The catch: it's a working cemetery somewhat out of the way, the appeal is niche, and obviously it's a sombre choice rather than a fun one.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
You are watching the budget
On a budget, First Cemetery of Athens still earns its price.
You only have one day
Even on a tight schedule, First Cemetery of Athens earns the hours.
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, First Cemetery of Athens works.
You are traveling solo
Solo, First Cemetery of Athens works.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free
- Timing
- Morning, when it's coolest and quietest.
- Allow
- 45 min–1.5 hours
- Accessibility
- Mostly flat paved avenues; manageable for most.
- Getting there
- In Mets, a walk from Akropoli or the Panathenaic Stadium area.