Tower of the Winds Tours and Activities

Athens featuring heritage elements and a city as well as a large group of people
Athens featuring a city, heritage architecture and building ruins
Athens showing a ruin and heritage elements
Tower of the Winds
Athens showing heritage elements and heritage architecture


Learn about the many ingenious uses of this ancient tower while you inspect intricately carved reliefs and enjoy views of the Acropolis.  

Visit the Tower of the Winds, a white marble monument that was built in the 1st century B.C. Designed by the astronomer Andronicus of Kyrrhos, this construct has served many functions over the centuries.

From its perch on the western slope of the Acropolis, the tower has been used as a church, sundial and compass. History buffs will love the rich legends of this Byzantine landmark. It is said that during Turkish rule, Sufi whirling dervishes used the site as a site for their mystical dance.

Admire its fascinating octagonal design that rises 12 metres (39 feet) to a bell chamber. Its carefully configured corners represent the points of a compass. Look up and spot reliefs of eight figures around the top, representing the eight winds, or I Aerides (the Windy Ones). Boreas, the north wind, blows a conch, while Zephyros, is depicted scattering blossoms.

Observe the faded marks below each relief these were once part of an ancient sundial. Also missing is a bronze Triton weather vane holding a metal rod that originally revolved atop the tower. Marvel at ancient ingenuity inside the tower, where a water-powered turning device was used to determine the passing of time.

Take a break from exploring in the park outside the Acropolis. Grab a lunchtime snack at the kiosk, or bring your own food and enjoy a picnic with a view of the city. For an insight into the history of the area, hire a guide from the ticket booth. Alternatively, buy a guide book and learn about the area at your own pace.

Find the Roman Agora in the centre of Athens. The area is served by convenient public transport. Admission fees are included in the entry fee for the Acropolis. The tower is open daily.

Plan a trip to see Tower of the Winds

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Grecotel Pallas Athena
The Pinnacle Athens
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini

Tours & day trips

See all 432 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 212 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 79 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 25 activities

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 24 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Tower of the Winds Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Grand Hyatt Athens

Grand Hyatt Athens

5 out of 5
115, Syngrou Avenue, Athens, Attica
Grand Hyatt Athens
The Stanley

The Stanley

4 out of 5
1 Odisseos Str., Athens, Attiki
The Stanley
Electra Metropolis Athens

Electra Metropolis Athens

5 out of 5
15 Mitropoleos Street, Athens, Attiki
Electra Metropolis Athens
Divani Palace Acropolis

Divani Palace Acropolis

5 out of 5
19 25 Parthenonos St, Athens, Attiki
Divani Palace Acropolis
Athens Tower

Athens Tower

4 out of 5
Athinas 2, Ermou 78, Athens, Attiki
Athens Tower
The Residence - Christokopidou Hotel & SPA

The Residence - Christokopidou Hotel & SPA

2 out of 5
Christokopidou 19, Psiri., Athens
The Residence - Christokopidou Hotel & SPA
PLAY Theatrou Athens

PLAY Theatrou Athens

5 Theatrou, Athens
PLAY Theatrou Athens
Electra Palace Athens

Electra Palace Athens

5 out of 5
18 - 20 N Nikodimou Street, Athens, Attiki
Electra Palace Athens
NYX Esperia Palace Hotel Athens

NYX Esperia Palace Hotel Athens

5 out of 5
22 Stadiou, Athens
NYX Esperia Palace Hotel Athens
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.