A unique housing complex born from the aftermath of the Greek Civil War.

150 or so scrounged-up lamps, chandeliers, and lanterns light up this alley in central Athens.

Elaborate stone houses constructed from the ruins of war.

This building displays the scars of the “Dekemvriana,” a dark time in modern Greek history.

An important example of architectural history slowly decays in the city center.

The home of Greece’s national poet sits crumbling in the middle of a popular tourist district.

This Byzantine Church was moved from Paris to Athens block by block.

This Ottoman-era church is hidden amid a busy tourist area.

The only ancient site that remains on the south bank of the sacred Ilissos river.

Underneath one of the region's most historic roads lies the home of Plato's successor.

According to legend, this ancient column contains healing properties.

Legend says it was constructed with the destroyed pillar of an ancient Greek Temple.

The ruins of this ancient fortification wall sit in the middle of a quiet, residential intersection.

A tiny Greek Orthodox church from the Ottoman era hides on a busy city street.

This small chapel holds the mummified heart of one of the heroes of the Greek Revolution.

This once architecturally advanced housing complex is now a haven for squatters that still bears the scars of war.

An often overlooked ancient site in downtown Athens with substantial history (and nature).

These caves secretly held national treasures during World War II.

Preserved portions of Athens's ancient defenses are on display in a subterranean parking garage.

A Byzantine church containing the holy remnants of three saints sits atop the site of an ancient temple.

The only surviving choragic monument is a trophy awarded in 334 BC for the winning dramatic chorus.

There are many Byzantine-era churches still standing in Athens, but this is the only one with a 2,500-year-old column rising through its roof.

This historic structure has been used as a mosque, a barracks, a prison, a school, and a bakery.

This small museum once served as a royal hunting pavilion for King Otto Friedrich Ludwig.