The marble road

to Acropolis

GENERAL INFO

There are few visitors to the Acropolis who have not paused to ponder how the large masses used for the monuments were originally hauled up the sacred rock...
...attention should be paid not only to the purely immaterial and intellectual part of the achievement, but also to the manual...
...certain stages of the work such as quarrying and transport were much more demanding than that of raising the marbles into position

Manolis Korres, Architect in charge of the restoration of Parthenon - Acropolis

If you belong to the people who are not satisfied in the learning process until they gain insight behind the scenes, here is great news: We have created a prototype tour that suits you! We will leave the center of Athens and drive to Mt. Penteli, to visit one the most important ancient marble quarries, and learn in detail about the process of finding, cutting and transport the marble blocks. From there, we will head to the top of the mountain to overlook the area where the battle of Marathon, one of the most significant battles for the western world, took place. The Athenian victory secured the establishment of democracy and led to the building of the Parthenon. Next, we will head to the other side of the mountain to hike towards Dionysus open air marble museum.

DAILY ITINERARY

We pick you up from your location in the center of Athens or elsewhere. A short drive on a modern highway will bring you to the Vrilisia outskirts at the foot of the Southern slopes of Mount Penteli. Leave the populated area, and ascending the curving asphalt road, soon you'll reach the location of the ancient Spelia Quarry. After a short hike on a dirt road, the scenery of the quarry opens up in front of you. Wandering around the remains of once bustling activity, you will learn all the details about the process of extraction, smoothing and transportation of the huge marble pieces to the building site of Acropolis distanced 17 km away. One must not to forget that this was happening in the golden age of antiquity 2,5 thousand years ago. Return to the car and drive to the top of Mt. Penteli at 1100m. Besides the feeling of liberation and joy of breathing fresh air on a mountain top with Athens at your feet, you can also gaze towards the area where the battle of Marathon took place.
From the summit descend to the north side of the mountain and reach the Dionysus Open air marble museum. In this magnificent location designed and shaped by some enthusiastic architects and traditional marble craftsmen you will enjoy a refreshing picnic while adding some more information about the wonderful world of marble.

Hiking distance: 4,2 km / Hiking Duration: 2 hr
Elevation gain: 380 m
Driving distance:

Athens center to Spelia Quarry 30 km / 45 min
Spelia Quarry to start of the hike 13 km / 20 min
End of the hike to Athens center 45 km / 1 hr

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AND BOOK YOUR TRIP

WHAT'S INCLUDED

PRICE INCLUDES

  • All transportation during the trip
  • Services of a guide throughout the tour

NOT INCLUDED

  • Gratuities for leader/guide or driver
  • Other items of a personal nature
  • Anything not mentioned in above program

INCLUDED MEALS

  • Snacks during activities
  • Picnic lunch

ITINERARY CHANGES

We are constantly updating our unique itineraries based on new information and experiences available. The walks, accommodations, and visits listed may be adjusted. The itineraries presented are subject to modification and change by Tripin Adventures. We reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in our judgment, conditions warrant, or if we deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants.

TRIP NOTES

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CONTACT

ADRIANOU 3, 14341
ATHENS, GREECE
info@tripin.gr
+30 6973 989 552
+30 6946 526 542

SUPPORTED BY

POLO CENTER

AMBASSADOR OF

HIKERS FRIENDLY

LICENSED BY

GREEK NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION
AUTHORIZED LICENSE NUMBER:
0206 E 60000520201

MEMBER OF

HELLENIC ASSOCIATION OF TOURISM
ENTERPRISES IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

OUR GUIDES ARE CERTIFIED BY

IFMGA/UIAGM
MOUNTAIN GUIDE

HFMC
MOUNTAIN GUIDE

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