So, you’ve found yourself in Piraeus for the night, waiting for your early morning ferry. Maybe you thought it was just a busy port, but surprise! This historic city is packed with ancient ruins, maritime legends, and fascinating landmarks. Instead of just killing time, why not take a journey through history? Here’s what to see before you set sail!
1. Archaeological Museum of Piraeus – A Treasure Trove of Ancient Greece
📍 Address: 31 Charilaou Trikoupi Street, Piraeus
⏰ Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
🌍 Website: Archaeological Museum of Piraeus
Start your journey at the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, where you’ll discover just how important this port was in ancient Greece. The museum houses incredible finds from the Classical and Hellenistic periods, including bronze statues of Apollo, Artemis, and Athena. These artifacts were hidden underground for centuries before being unearthed—talk about history literally being buried under your feet!
Don’t miss the ship models and naval relics, which showcase Piraeus’ long-standing role as Athens’ gateway to the sea.
2. Themistocles’ Tomb – Honoring the Genius Behind the Battle of Salamis
📍 Location: Drapetsona, Piraeus
⏰ Open 24/7, no ticket required
If you love stories of underdog victories, then you have to visit the Tomb of Themistocles. Themistocles wasn’t just any general—he was the mastermind behind the Battle of Salamis (480 BC), one of the most crucial naval battles in history.
At the time, Athens was under threat from the mighty Persian Empire. Instead of fighting on land (where they were outnumbered), Themistocles lured the Persian fleet into the narrow straits of Salamis, where their large ships struggled to maneuver. The smaller, faster Greek ships took advantage and crushed the Persian navy, securing Greece’s freedom and shaping Western civilization as we know it.
Today, his tomb stands as a quiet tribute to the man who saved Athens with sheer strategy. You can find an interesting read about the tomb from the American School of Classical Studies in Athens here.
3. The Piraeus Lion – A Stolen Masterpiece With a Viking Mystery
📍 Location: Akti Miaouli, Cruise Terminal C
⏰ Open 24/7, no ticket required
Once standing proudly at the entrance of the port, the Piraeus Lion was a massive white marble statue sculpted around 360 BC, earning Piraeus the nickname “Porto Leone” (Lion Port) among Italian sailors. Originally part of a fountain, the lion was looted in 1687 by Venetian commander Francesco Morosini during the war against the Ottoman Empire and taken to the Venetian Arsenal, where it still stands today as a symbol of Saint Mark. A fascinating twist? In the 11th century, Swedish mercenaries carved Viking runes into its body, leaving behind one of the few Norse inscriptions in Greece. Though the original remains in Venice, a replica now guards the Piraeus waterfront, keeping the spirit of this ancient landmark alive.
4. Hellenic Maritime Museum – Greece’s Naval History in One Place
📍 Address: Akti Themistokleous, Marina Zeas Piraeus
⏰ Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Closed: Sunday- Monday
🎟️ Ticket: €4 General Entrance, Special Discounts apply
🌍 Website: Hellenic Maritime Museum
Greece is a seafaring nation and Piraeus has been a maritime hub for over 2,500 years, so it’s no surprise that the Hellenic Maritime Museum is filled with fascinating exhibits. Inside, you’ll find ancient ship models, naval maps, and historic weapons, giving you a real sense of how Greece ruled the seas.
If you love stories of epic naval battles or want to see artifacts from the Greek War of Independence, this is the perfect stop.
5. Kastella Hill – A View Worth Climbing For
📍 Location: Kastella District, Piraeus
⏰ Open 24/7 for walking
Kastella, the most scenic neighborhood in Piraeus, sits atop a hill offering stunning sea views. Its name comes from the small fortifications (Kastellia) once built here, dating back to ancient and revolutionary times. From Foskolou Street you will find the Steps (Skalakia) which you can take you uphillthrough its narrow streets and neoclassical homes, giving a glimpse of the pase. The view from the top? Absolutely worth the climb—especially at sunset, when the Saronic Gulf stretches out before you in golden hues.
Before you embark
Now that you know Piraeus isn’t just a stopover but a city full of history, you’ve got plenty to explore before your ferry. From ancient landmarks to naval museums, there’s no shortage of fascinating sights to fill your time. But after all that walking, you’ve probably worked up an appetite! Coming up next: the best food spots in Piraeus to refuel before your journey. 🍽️🚢 Stay tuned!
