The First Cemetery of Athens is a historic burial ground near the Panathenaic Stadium, with quiet paths, shade trees and marble memorials that make it feel like an outdoor sculpture collection. Opened in 1837, it holds the graves of notable Greeks as well as archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. Look for elaborate tombs and the sculpture known as The Sleeping Girl. Its calm setting is a welcome pause from the city, but remember that this is an active place of remembrance: keep your voice low and treat the graves with care.
A cemetery opened in 1837
Athens’ first public cemetery opened in 1837, in the years after Greek independence. It became the final resting place of people from many parts of Greek public life, including politicians, artists, scholars and other notable figures. Archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann is among those buried here.
The cemetery sits near the Panathenaic Stadium. Its setting offers a quieter walk away from the city’s busy streets, with mature trees, shaded benches and paths running among the graves. This is a place to take your time and keep the purpose of the grounds in mind.
Marble memorials and The Sleeping Girl
The grounds contain numerous elaborate tombs, with marble sculpture and neoclassical forms among the details to look for. Some memorials resemble small Greek temples, while others are noted for their sculptural work. The scale and variety of the monuments give the cemetery the character of an outdoor collection of funerary art.
One of its best-known works is I Kimomeni, or The Sleeping Girl, a sculpture of a young girl. The cemetery also holds memorials associated with prominent Greek families and figures from different fields. Take a measured walk through the paths rather than treating the grounds as a shortcut; the graves are places of remembrance.
Planning a respectful visit
Set aside at least an hour, as the grounds are large and there are many tombs to see. The main gate is a useful starting point for spotting some of the larger sculptures, then you can continue farther into the cemetery to explore the paths and memorials.
There are cats around the grounds. If you choose to feed them, bring cat food and move calmly near them. Benches, including shaded spots, make it possible to pause during your visit. Keep your voice low and be considerate of anyone visiting a grave or attending to family matters.
FAQ
How long should I spend at the First Cemetery of Athens?
Allow at least an hour to explore the large grounds and see the memorials and sculptures.
Who is buried at the First Cemetery of Athens?
The cemetery holds the graves of notable Greeks, including archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, as well as politicians, artists and scholars.
What should I see at the cemetery?
Look for the ornate marble tombs and the sculpture I Kimomeni, known as The Sleeping Girl.
How should I behave at the First Cemetery of Athens?
Keep your voice low and treat the cemetery as a place of remembrance. Move calmly around the cats.
