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

Athens, Greece
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Duration1h 31m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English
Group sizeUp to 99 travelers

Overview

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

What to expect

  1. Church of Kapnikarea
    10m
    An 11th-century church sitting in the middle of a bustling shopping street, saved from 19th-century demolition by a Bavarian king.
  2. 10m
    A tiny 16th-century chapel literally encased within the concrete pillars of the modern Electra Metropolis Hotel.
  3. 10m
    A tiny church built almost entirely out of reused ancient Greek and Roman marble reliefs, sitting next to the massive modern Cathedral.
  4. 10m
    An 11th-century church hidden in the quiet alleys of Plaka, offering a pristine example of Byzantine cross-in-square architecture.
  5. Church of Metamorphosis
    10m
    A tiny, unadorned 11th-century chapel tucked into the northern slope of the Acropolis, blending seamlessly into the hillside.
  6. Church of Agioi Asomatoi
    10m
    An 11th-century church sitting significantly below modern street level, restored in the 20th century as Athens reclaimed its Byzantine heritage.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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.

Additional information

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

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
€5.99 €4.79 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Red Thread · Booked through Viator
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