The First Cemetery of Athens

So, as my journey drew to a close, I decided to spend my last day in Athens visiting the First Cemetery of Athens. Despite battling a bit of a virus and Google Maps being less than cooperative, I made my way there on foot, choosing to keep my germs to myself rather than take public transport.

The First Cemetery of Athens is actually the oldest in the city, established back in 1837, around the time modern Greece itself was founded. It’s more than just a resting place—it’s a serene, tree-lined park filled with tall cypress and pine trees. It feels almost like an open-air sculpture garden, with beautifully crafted monuments that are artworks in their own right.

As I wandered around, I came across graves of notable figures like Adamantios Korais, a key figure in the Greek War of Independence, the architect Ernst Ziller, and Heinrich Schliemann, the famous archaeologist/treasure hunter. Each tomb and monument tells a story, and some, like the Sleeping Maiden or the Mother of the Occupation, are renowned for their artistic beauty.

I didn’t stay too long—mosquitoes were out in force, and I wasn’t armed with repellent—but it’s a place I’ll certainly return to another time for a deeper exploration. For anyone visiting, it’s located at Logginou 3 in Athens, and it’s open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM.

So that’s how my Greek island journey ends: not with a splash into the Aegean, but with a quiet walk through history in Athens. From the hidden gems of tiny islets to the timeless streets of the capital, it’s been a voyage full of discovery. Now it’s time to pack up, head home, and start dreaming of the next adventure.