First Cemetery of Athens Athens
An elegant open-air museum featuring stunning sculptures and mausoleums of prominent Greeks, offering a peaceful historical escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant light for photos
First Cemetery of Athens Athens
Best Time
Pleasant light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An elegant open-air museum featuring stunning sculptures and mausoleums of prominent Greeks, offering a peaceful historical escape.
"A beautiful and peaceful open-air museum with impressive sculptures and historical significance."
🚶♀️ Wander and Discover
Take your time to explore the diverse sculptures and mausoleums. It's a beautiful place for a leisurely walk.
📸 Photography Friendly
The cemetery offers stunning photo opportunities, especially with its artistic monuments.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sculptural Masterpieces
Marvel at the intricate sculptures and elegant mausoleums, a testament to Greek artistry and prominent figures.
Famous Gravesites
Pay respects to national heroes and cultural icons, including politicians, artists, and writers.
Tranquil Atmosphere
Enjoy a peaceful walk amidst lush greenery, offering a serene contrast to the vibrant city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Peaceful Stroll Through History
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wander and Discover
Take your time to explore the diverse sculptures and mausoleums. It's a beautiful place for a leisurely walk.
📸 Photography Friendly
The cemetery offers stunning photo opportunities, especially with its artistic monuments.
🤫 Be Respectful
Remember this is a place of rest. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of visitors.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven paths, so wear comfortable footwear.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wander and Discover
Take your time to explore the diverse sculptures and mausoleums. It's a beautiful place for a leisurely walk.
📸 Photography Friendly
The cemetery offers stunning photo opportunities, especially with its artistic monuments.
🤫 Be Respectful
Remember this is a place of rest. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of visitors.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven paths, so wear comfortable footwear.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the First Cemetery of Athens for its stunning artistic sculptures and tranquil atmosphere, describing it as a beautiful and peaceful open-air museum. While some note the uneven paths, the overall sentiment is one of appreciation for its historical significance and aesthetic beauty.
"Enjoying visiting cemeteries while traveling, this one is a good one. This 19th century cemetery is large and well taken care of. Each burial site comes with ornate statues, memorials, and more. If you visit, be respectful as it's a burial site."
Austin Graff
"May 2025
Amazing Urban explore, unbelievable sculptures and frescoes.
A really large cemetery, the largest more impressive sculptures are just after the main gate.
As the cemetery goes back and up the hill there are so many tombs and graves.
As stated in other posts there are cats everywhere, the same with other places in Athens.
The opening times are from about 8am in a morning and closes at 5pm (17:00hrs).
Well worth a visit away from the centre of Athens"
Alan Holmes
"Beautiful cemetery with interesting tombstones that highlight Greek culture. Plus, you will find some cute cats there too."
Linda Liepa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The First Cemetery of Athens is easily accessible by public transport. You can take a bus or metro to nearby stations. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from the city center, especially if exploring the Mets neighborhood.
Street parking can be challenging in the area. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or a taxi/ride-sharing service to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, it's a walkable distance, approximately 20-30 minutes. The walk takes you through charming neighborhoods like Mets, making it a scenic route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the First Cemetery of Athens is generally free. It's an open public space for visitors to explore and appreciate its historical and artistic value.
The cemetery is typically open daily from morning until late afternoon. It's advisable to check the most current hours before your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
Yes, the cemetery is usually open on Sundays. It can be a peaceful time to visit, though it might be busier with locals enjoying a stroll.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. The cemetery's beautiful sculptures and architecture make it a popular spot for photographers. Be respectful of any ongoing ceremonies.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, creating a beautiful golden hour glow on the marble sculptures.
While general photography is permitted, avoid intrusive shots of mourners or any disrespectful behavior. Focus on the art and architecture.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You'll find an impressive collection of sculptures and mausoleums of prominent Greek figures, including politicians, artists, and writers. It's like an open-air museum of funerary art. +1
To fully appreciate the art and atmosphere, plan for at least 1-2 hours. If you're a keen photographer or history enthusiast, you might want to spend longer.
While official guided tours might be limited, you can often find independent guides or simply explore at your own pace, using information from guidebooks or online resources.
The paths can be uneven and made of gravel or stone, which might pose challenges for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility issues. It's best to proceed with caution.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Art & History Enthusiasts
Consider bringing a small guidebook or researching key figures beforehand to enhance your understanding. The cemetery offers a unique perspective on Greece's modern history and its artistic legacy, making it a deeply rewarding experience for the intellectually curious traveler.
Photographers
Aim for the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the most dramatic lighting. Be mindful of your surroundings and respectful of any mourners. The cemetery's artistic richness ensures you'll come away with a portfolio of stunning and memorable images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Artistic Heritage and Notable Figures
Key figures interred here include the poet Kostis Palamas, the politician Eleftherios Venizelos, and the renowned opera singer Maria Callas. Each grave tells a story, not just of the individual, but of the era and the artistic trends of the time. The sheer variety and quality of the sculptures are breathtaking, from grand marble statues to intricate reliefs.
Visitors often remark on the unexpected beauty and tranquility found within its walls. It's a place where art, history, and nature converge, offering a unique and contemplative experience away from the usual tourist trails.
Exploring the Mets Neighborhood
As you wander through Mets, you'll find lovely cafes, small shops, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to experience a slice of Athenian life away from the crowds. The proximity of the cemetery to the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games, also makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the historical landmarks of Athens.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit