Anafiotika
Anafiotika

Private Experience of Athens' Ottoman Heritage, Athens

Go back in time to an era when Athens was ruled by the Ottomans. Explore the surviving monuments and finish in a local Hamam!

Overview

Explore the hidden Ottoman heritage of Athens in this 3-hour tour! You'll visit some of the city's oldest neighborhoods and explore historically significant sites such as the Benizelos Mansion. Get insight into the influence of Muslim culture on the city, and enjoy a traditional eastern-inspired dessert with your guide. Delve into Athens' past and spoil your senses with its amazing culture on this amazing tour!

Highlights

  • Explore Anafiotika, a tiny neighborhood which looks like Santorini in the heart of Athens
  • Discover the last remaining Ottoman houses, hammams, and Byzantine churches in Plaka
  • Admire the Benizelos Mansion, a stunning example of Ottoman-era architecture
  • Uncover the secrets of The Bazaar area, including mosques and the Athens Muslim school
  • Savor a traditional eastern-inspired dessert at a local spot with your guide

Know before you go

Duration
3 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Private

What you'll do

Athens was part of the Ottoman Empire for centuries, with the city being conquered by the Ottomans in 1456. Although this period is long gone, remnants of its Ottoman heritage can still be seen in Athens's architecture, culture, and cuisine today. This tour offers an unparalleled opportunity for those who would like to delve deeper into the city's hidden history. 

You will meet your guide at the Acropolis metro station and start your tour by discussing how Athens and the Acropolis area have changed over the years, from ancient times to the Ottoman period and all the way to the present day. 

With your local guide leading the way, you will explore Anafioatika, a tiny neighborhood in the heart of Athens. While passing by an old Ottoman house that's been transformed into the first University of Athens, your guide will share some interesting stories. Your guide will now take you through the streets of Plaka, where you can explore the last remaining Ottoman houses and their captivating stories, hammams, Byzantine churches, and more. Your next stop will be the Benizelos Mansion, a stunning example of Ottoman-era architecture. Get a glimpse into the history of the house and its original owners, and discover all you need to know about Ottoman design. After walking around Plaka, you will head to The Bazaar area and uncover the secrets of a bygone era. Marvel at the mosques and remnants of the Athens Muslim school, and learn how three religions peacefully coexist. After your exploration, your guide will take you to a local spot to end the tour, where you can savor a traditional eastern-inspired dessert.

Start times

  • Monday
    6:00 pm
  • Tuesday
    Not available
  • Wednesday
    6:00 pm
  • Thursday
    Not available
  • Friday
    Not available
  • Saturday
    6:00 pm
  • Sunday
    6:00 pm

What's included

  • Licensed tour guide
  • Traditional Hammam experience (Kese Hammam) - optional after the completion of the activity
  • Traditional coffee and dessert