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Tower of the Winds
The Tower of the Winds, formally known as the Horologion of Andronikos Kyrrhestes, is an octagonal Pentelic marble clocktower in the Roman Agora of Athens. Dating back to the early 1st century BC, it is widely regarded as the world's first meteorological station, serving as a sundial, water clock, and wind vane. The exterior of the 12-meter-tall structure is famous for its high-relief friezes depicting the eight wind deities, such as Boreas and Zephyros, positioned on the sides corresponding to the directions from which they blow. Atop the conical roof, a bronze Triton once served as a weather vane, pointing toward the prevailing wind. Inside, a sophisticated hydraulic system functioned as a clepsydra (water clock), powered by water flowing from the Acropolis. Throughout history, the tower was repurposed as a Christian bell tower and later as a dervish tekke during Ottoman rule, which preserved it from destruction. Today, following extensive restoration, visitors can view the remnants of its complex inner mechanisms.
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A postcard from Tower of the Winds
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- Highlights: Tower of the Winds · Agoranomion · Shaded view of a Roman agora
- Nearby: South Athens (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 19 | 15 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 66 | 58 | 53 | 30 | 21 | 20 | 12 | 8 | 29 | 49 | 69 | 86 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Built in the early 1st century BC by Andronikos of Kyrrhos.
- The tower stands 12 meters high with an 8-meter diameter.
- It features eight sundials, one on each octagonal face.
- The interior contained a water clock fed by the Acropolis.
- The structure is made entirely of Pentelic marble.
- It survived as a mosque/tekke during the Ottoman period.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Tower of the Winds (8)
Fethiye Mosque
Building in Athens, Attica Region, Greece, an Ottoman mosque from the 17th century.
Roman Agora of Athens
Ancient square in Athens, once a commercial center with a gate and colonnades.
Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments🏛 museum
Musical instrument museum in Athens, displaying traditional Greek instruments and sounds.
Plot "Kalamia"
Archaeological site in Athens, plot with ancient remains near the Agora.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What was the original purpose of the tower?
Can you visit the inside of the tower?
What do the sculptures at the top of the tower depict?
Where exactly is the tower located?
Is the tower illuminated at night?
Tower of the Winds: where is it located?
Tower of the Winds: what is there to see?
Tower of the Winds: when is the best time to visit?
Tower of the Winds: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
