Marathon Battlefield - Sanctuary of Artemis & Temple of Poseidon

The Panathenaic Stadium dates back to the 4th century B.C. and was the site of the first modern Olympic games in 1896 and remains the starting point of the Olympic flame torch relay. Made entirely of white marble, it's an impressive sight that's earned it the nickname Kallimarmaro or "beautiful marble". There are even a couple of hours in the morning designated for morning jogs when you run in the footsteps of former Olympians.

The Marathon’s Archeological site, in the eastern part of Attica prefecture, is worldwide famous for the same name battle of Marathon in 490 BC, were Athenians and their allies Plataeans (around 11.000) have been clashed with the Persians (more than 125.000) during their expedition and their invasion effort to Greece. Actually, Athenians managed to repel the Persians invasion and destroy their army and fleet (Salamina’s battleship) and to maintain alive their culture, philosophy, art, theater and innovative politics, as a lighting house for democracy and today’s western civilization. The relevant tomb is the cemetery for 200 hundreds of Athenians who fell in the battle of Marathon, supporting their values and principles. In the north of the tomb, there is a marble trophy, erected by the Athenians to commemorate their win and honoring their fighters who felt in the battle. A lot of historical artifacts are exposed in the nearby archeological museum of Marathon.

The excavations have revealed the extensive complex of the Egyptian gods sanctuary and the luxurious bathhouse (balneum), as well as a large ellipsoidal cistern further to the south. Visitors can circulate in the archaeological site after works executed by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture with the financial support of the European Union (3rd Community Support Framework).

The complex was founded by Herodes Atticus, around 160 AD. The great orator, sophist and benefactor hailed from Marathon and resided here, and the complex was possibly established within his estate. The sanctuary can be identified as “the sanctuary of Canopus” referred to by Herodes’ biographer Philostratos (2nd-3rd cent. AD). In founding it, Herodes imitated the Emperor Hadrian, who had built a Serapeion on an artificial islet at Tivoli, close to Rome, modeled on the Serapeion of the town of Canopus on the Nile Delta.

This is a wonderful, well-organized Museum in Vravrona with many artifacts and pieces of art. It is “user-friendly” with all the exhibits located on one floor and, also, handicap accessible. You will really travel back in time. There are detailed descriptions in both English and Greek.

An amazing scenery of temple of Artemis (Diana) and a beautiful museum. The sanctuary of Artemis at Brauron / Vravron is an early sacred site on the eastern coast of Attica near the Aegean Sea in a small inlet. The Archaeological Museum of Brauron/ Vravron — located around a small hill 330 m to the ESE — contains an extensive and important collection of finds from the site throughout its period of use. The Sanctuary of Brauronian Artemis was among the most important sacred sites in ancient times. Vravrona (or Brauron), about 20 km from Athens, was one of the 12 towns of Attica that Theseus united and formed Athens.

You will visit the 5th century B.C. temple of Poseidon with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world (on a clear day you can see at least seven islands).

After all archaeological sites we will visit a beautiful small beach and we will stop at an authentic Greek restaurant by the sea. Enjoy your meal or "Meze" gazing the Temple of Poseidon and Aegean Sea.

As our tour concludes, we will head back to Athens from the Athenian riviera , the best drive in Athens with sea views.