Legendary Marathon

Nowadays, the name «Marathon» evokes memories of epic running races and strong-willed athletes and that’s all very much true, but the actual area of Marathon symbolises a lot more besides. The Battle of Marathon is possibly the most significant historical event that changed the course of Greece and the Western Civilisation, safeguarding its values and its eventual historical meaning. 

Marathon is one of the most important historical sites of Athens and Greece in general, but the natural beauty of the area is not to be ignored. The story of Marathon includes a visit to the Soros, the tumulus erected for the 192 Athenian soldiers who died during the Battle, close by the sea of this Eastern Attica town. The Archaeological Museum of Marathon at the site includes exhibits from the Neolithic Period all the way to the Classical and Roman eras as well as parts of the Egyptian sanctuary of Brexila and even the marble stele of the Athenians, commemorating the fallen Athenians and Plataieis.

Close by, the Temple of the Nemesis sanctuary, destroyed by the Persians and reconstructed during the Peloponnesian War in honour of Nemesis, the ancient goddess of retribution and catharsis, punishing those who have committed the ultimate sin of hubris.

Marathon also includes places for exploration like Schinias, the large beach which is today a National Park and a protected area. The namesake Marathon Dam is close by, constructed over 90 years ago, covered in the same marble used to build the Acropolis and featuring at its base a replica of the Athenian Treasury in Delphi.

But Eastern Attica has plenty more besides: just a stone’s throw from Lavrion, the mining city famous for being Ancient Athens’ industrial lifeline and, of course, Cape Sounion, with the famous Temple of Poseidon, built by Athenians to honour the God of the Sea, Poseidon, overlooking the Saronic Gulf from a height of nearly 60 meters. The area features cafes, restaurants and beautiful beaches, while watching the sunset becomes the perfect conclusion to a day filled with history and mythology.

Info

1. Archaeological Museum of Marathon and Tumulus

Opening Hours: 8:30 – 16:00 (except for Tuesdays)

Admission Fee: 6 Euros (Reduced Fee applicable for special categories)

2. Temple of Nemesis Rhamnous

Opening Hours: 8:30 – 16:00 (except for Tuesdays)

Admission Fee: 4 Euros (Reduced Fee applicable for special categories)

3. ULEN Museum