Bema of Phaidros, Athens

Name: Bema of Phaidros
Address: Athens, Greece

#30 among attractions in Athens

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Facts and practical information

The Bema of Phaidros is an often-overlooked historical gem nestled within the bustling city of Athens, Greece. This ancient podium, also known as the Bema of Phaedrus, is a significant archeological site that offers insight into the city's rich cultural and political history.

Located in the heart of Athens, near the Agora, the Bema of Phaidros served as a platform from which speakers would address the public. It is named after Phaidros, a prominent Athenian aristocrat and supporter of Socrates, who was frequently referenced in the philosophical works of Plato.

The structure itself is relatively modest, yet it holds profound significance as a testament to the democratic practices of ancient Athens. It was here that citizens would gather to listen to orators, engage in public debate, and participate in the decision-making processes that were central to Athenian democracy.

While much of the original bema has been lost to time, the remaining stone platform still captures the imagination of visitors, evoking images of ancient Athenians engrossed in passionate political discourse. The site remains a symbol of the city's historical dedication to free speech, philosophy, and the civic engagement that contributed to the foundations of Western civilization.

Coordinates: 37°58'13"N, 23°43'40"E

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Αθήνα 1 (Ακρόπολης)Athens Greece

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Day trips

Bema of Phaidros – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Acropolis, Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Choragic Monument of Thrasyllos.

~640 ftNW
5th-century B.C. hilltop temple monument
Acropolis, Athens
4 min walk • Perched atop the rocky outcrop of Athens, the Acropolis stands as a monumental testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. This iconic citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an enduring symbol of the city and represents the apogee of classical...
~550 ftNW
Iconic 5th BC Athenian temple ruins
Parthenon, Athens
3 min walk • The Parthenon stands as the quintessential symbol of ancient Greece and a testament to classical Greek architecture. Nestled atop the Acropolis in the heart of Athens, this temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena, the city's patron deity.
~670 ftS
Museum, Archaeological museum, History museum
Acropolis Museum, Athens
4 min walk • The Acropolis Museum, nestled at the foot of the ancient Acropolis in Athens, Greece, is a modern architectural marvel that houses some of the most significant artifacts of Greek antiquity. Since its opening in 2009, the museum has become an essential destination for...
~320 ftN
Memorial
Choragic Monument of Thrasyllos, Athens
2 min walk • Perched on the south slope of the Acropolis in Athens, the Choragic Monument of Thrasyllos is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of ancient Greece. This prominent structure was erected in 320-319 BCE by Thrasyllos, a wealthy Athenian citizen, to commemorate a...
~470 ftNW
Memorial
Asklepieion of Athens, Athens
3 min walk • Nestled amidst the historic city of Athens, Greece, the Asklepieion of Athens stands as a testament to the ancient world's dedication to health and healing. This sanctuary, dedicated to the god of medicine, Asklepios, served as a therapeutic and religious center in...
~240 ftW
Memorial
Choragic Monument of Nikias, Athens
2 min walk • The Choragic Monument of Nikias is a memorial building built in the Acropolis of Athens in 320–319 BCE to commemorate the choregos Nikias, son of Nikodemos. It was situated between the Theatre of Dionysos and the Stoa of Eumenes where its foundations remain along with some fragmentary elements of the structure.
~680 ftNE
Landmark monument in a small square
Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, Athens
4 min walk • The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates near the Acropolis of Athens was erected by the choregos Lysicrates, a wealthy patron of musical performances in the Theater of Dionysus, to commemorate the prize in the dithyramb contest of the City Dionysia in 335/334 BCE, of which performance he was liturgist.
~390 ftE
Ancient tiered performance arena
Theatre of Dionysus, Athens
2 min walk • The Theatre of Dionysus is an ancient Greek theatre in Athens. It is built on the south slope of the Acropolis hill, originally part of the sanctuary of Dionysus Eleuthereus.
~460 ftN
Archaeological site
Pandion, Athens
3 min walk • The Sanctuary of Pandion is the name sometimes given to the remains of a building located in the south-east corner of the Acropolis of Athens. Its foundations were found during the excavations for the construction of the Old Acropolis Museum.
~570 ftN
Archaeological site
Sanctuary of Zeus Polieus, Athens
3 min walk • The Sanctuary of Zeus Polieus was a walled open-air sanctuary dedicated to Zeus Polieus around 500 BC on the Acropolis of Athens, sited to the Erechtheion's east.
~270 ftE
Ancient Greek architecture, Archaeological site
Odeon of Athens, Athens
2 min walk • The Odeon of Athens or Odeon of Pericles in Athens was a 4,000 m2 odeon, built at the southeastern foot of the Acropolis in Athens, next to the entrance to the Theatre of Dionysus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Bema of Phaidros?

Nearby attractions include Choragic Monument of Nikias, Athens (2 min walk), Odeon of Athens, Athens (2 min walk), Choragic Monument of Thrasyllos, Athens (2 min walk), Theatre of Dionysus, Athens (2 min walk).

How to get to Bema of Phaidros by public transport?

The nearest stations to Bema of Phaidros:

Metro

Akropoli • Lines: Μ2 (4 min walk)
Syngrou-Fix • Lines: Μ2 (10 min walk)

Bus

Μακρυγιαννη • Lines: 040, 040 Συνταγμα - Πειραιασ, 227, 790, Α2, Α3 (8 min walk)
Συγγρου • Lines: 227 (8 min walk)

Trolleybus

Μακρυγιαννη • Lines: 1, 15, 5 (7 min walk)
Αγιοσ Ιωαννησ • Lines: 1, 15, 5 (7 min walk)

Tram

Βουλιαγμένης • Lines: Τ4, Τ5 (9 min walk)
Fix • Lines: Τ4, Τ5 (10 min walk)

Train

Lycabettus Hill Funicular - Lower Station (29 min walk)
Lycabettus Hill Funicular - Top Station (31 min walk)