Choragic Monument of Lysicrates Tours and Tickets
Overview
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. The monument is known as the first use of the Corinthian order on the exterior of a building. It has been reproduced widely in modern monuments and building elements. The circular structure, raised on a high squared podium, is the first Greek monument built in the Corinthian order on its exterior. It was originally crowned with an elaborate floral support for the bronze tripod, the prize awarded to Lysicrates' chorus. Its frieze sculpture is thought to depict the myth of Dionysus and the Tyrrhenian pirates from the Homeric Hymn. Immediately below the architrave and between the column capitals is a second frieze depicting the choragic tripods. The monument is inscribed "Lysikrates son of Lysitheides of Kikynna was sponsor, Akamantis was victorious in the boys’ competition, Theon was pipe-player, Lysiades of Athens directed, Euainetos was archon". It stands now in its little garden on the Tripodon Street ("Street of the Tripods"), which follows the line of the ancient street of the name, which led to the Theater of Dionysus and was once lined with choragic monuments, of which foundations were discovered in excavations during the 1980s. In 1658, a French Capuchin monastery was founded by the site; in 1669 the monastery succeeded in purchasing the monument, then being called the "Lantern of Demosthenes". It was also called "Lantern of Diogenes". A reading of its inscription by Jacob Spon established its original purpose. The young British architects James "Athenian" Stuart and Nicholas Revett published the first measured drawings of the monument in their Antiquities of Athens, London 1762. The monument became famous in France and England through engravings of it, and "improved" versions became eye-catching features in several English landscape gardens. Lord Byron stayed at the monastery during his second visit to Greece. In 1818, friar Francis planted in its gardens the first tomato plants in Greece. In 1821 the convent, which had enclosed the monument, used as a storage for books, was burned by the Ottomans during the Greek War of Independence, and subsequently demolished, and the monument was inadvertently exposed to the weather. In 1829, the monks offered the structure to an Englishman on tour, but it proved to be too cumbersome to disassemble and ship. Lord Elgin negotiated unsuccessfully for the monument, by then an icon in the Greek Revival. French archaeologists cleared the rubble from the half-buried monument and searched the area for missing architectural parts. In 1876–1887, the architects François Boulanger and E. Loviot supervised a restoration under the auspices of the French government. In June 2016, anarchists vandalised the monument with spray paint, writing: "Your Greek monuments are concentration camps for immigrants".
More info
- The Monument of Lysicrates is located outdoors where there is little shade, so wear a hat and sunscreen to visit in the summer.
- The pedestal sits at the end of Tripodon Street, one of the liveliest shopping and dining thoroughfares in Plaka, making it an easy stop while exploring the neighborhood.
- The square around the monument is flat and paved, easy to navigate with strollers and wheelchairs.
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Access for Seniors
- Physical difficulty level for Seniors - 2
Access for Visually Impaired
- Service animals permitted
Accessibility for wheels
- Wide doors >= 75 cm and < 90 cm
- Easy without assistance
- Bathroom: Too narrow for wheelchair
- Access with Portable Ramp
As you stand at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens, surrounded by the bustling sounds of modern city life, you are about to embark on a journey back in time to ancient Greece. The sun beats down on the marble ruins, casting a warm glow over the ancient stones. The air is heavy with the scent of olive trees and blooming flowers, transporting you to another world. You begin to walk up the path towards the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, your footsteps echoing off the ancient stones. The sound of chirping birds fills the air, a symphony of nature that harmonizes with the ancient whispers of the past. As you approach the monument, you feel a sense of reverence wash over you, as if you are entering a sacred space. The monument stands before you, a beautifully preserved testimony to the glory of ancient Athens. The intricate carvings of vines and flowers dance across the marble structure, telling a story of artistic mastery and spiritual devotion. You run your hands along the cold, smooth surface, feeling the centuries of history that are etched into every crevice. As you close your eyes, you can almost hear the sounds of the ancient chorus echoing through the air, the voices of the chorus members rising in harmony with the flickering flame of the oil lamp that once sat atop the monument. You can feel the energy of the performers as they danced and sang in honor of the god Dionysus, their passion and devotion palpable in the air. Opening your eyes, you gaze up at the intricate roof of the monument, the delicate carvings reaching towards the sky like outstretched fingers. The sunlight filters through the marble, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the sacred space. You feel a sense of wonder and awe wash over you, as if you are standing on the threshold of a divine revelation. As you stand in the shadow of the monument, a gentle breeze rustles through the olive trees, carrying with it the whispers of ancient poets and philosophers. You feel a deep connection to the past, a sense of kinship with the generations of artists and visionaries who have walked these same path before you. As you turn to leave, you take one last look at the monument, etching its beauty and power into your memory. You carry with you a piece of its spirit, a fragment of its ancient magic that will stay with you long after you have left this sacred place. And as you walk back down the path, you know that you have been touched by something truly divine, something that transcends time and space.<br/>
The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens does not offer official audio descriptive guides or sensory-friendly hours. Visitors with disabilities or specific sensory needs may want to contact the site directly to inquire about any accommodations that may be available.<br/>
The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens is a popular and iconic landmark that holds great significance for both locals and tourists alike. Local writers and artists have shared their perceptions and experiences of this impressive monument. One local artist, Sofia, describes how the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates has always been a source of inspiration for her art. She marvels at the intricate Corinthian-style architecture and the detailed carvings that adorn the structure. Sofia often visits the monument to sketch its unique features and capture its timeless beauty on canvas. Another local, Yiannis, who is a historian and writer, delves into the historical and cultural importance of the monument. He emphasizes how the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates is a symbol of the artistic and architectural achievements of ancient Athens. Yiannis often includes references to the monument in his writings, highlighting its significance in the city’s rich history. For many locals, the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates is not just a monument, but a symbol of pride and connection to their city’s past. It serves as a reminder of Athens’ cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of ancient Greek civilization. Visitors and locals alike are drawn to the monument’s timeless elegance and historical significance, making it a beloved landmark in the heart of Athens.<br/>
The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Here are some comprehensive options for getting to the monument: 1. **Public Transportation**: - **Metro**: The nearest metro station to the monument is the "Acropolis" station on Line 2 (Red Line). From there, it is about a 10-15 minute walk to the monument. - **Bus**: Several bus lines serve the area around the monument, including lines 230 and 500. Check the Athens Public Transport website for specific routes and schedules. 2. **Taxi or Ride-Sharing**: - Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Athens. You can simply input the address of the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates into the app for pickup and drop-off. 3. **Walking or Cycling**: - The monument is located in the historic Plaka neighborhood, making it a pleasant walk or bike ride from many central locations in Athens. Just be aware of the uneven and sometimes steep terrain in the area. Ticket booking for the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates can be done on-site at the ticket office or through various tour agencies in Athens. Discounts for students, seniors, and children may be available, so be sure to bring any necessary identification to qualify for these discounts. For local amenities near the monument, there are public parking lots available in the vicinity, but keep in mind that parking spaces can be limited due to the popularity of the area. Restrooms can be found in nearby cafes or restaurants, and there are also public facilities in the surrounding area. As for dining options, there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the Plaka neighborhood offering a variety of cuisines to cater to different dietary needs. You can easily find options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or traditional Greek cuisine to enjoy before or after your visit to the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates.<br/>