CLOCK OF ANDRONICUS (TOWER OF WINDS)

This beautiful, tall, octagonal tower was built in the 1st Century B.C. (that is, during the early Roman Empire), but many archaeologists now prefer a construction date in the mid-2nd Century B.C. (during the Hellenistic period) and is found immediately east of the Roman Agora.

It was designed by the famous astronomer, Andronicus of Cyrrhus, Macedonia, to be an elaborate water clock (on the inside), sundial (on the outside), and weather vane (on the top). The nickname "Tower of the Winds" is derived from the personifications of the 8 winds carved on the 8 sides of the building – 3.20 m in length and 12 m in height.

The Tower of the Winds was transformed during the early Christian era into a church or rather the baptism hall for a neighborhood church, while in the area outside of the northeastern entrance resided a Christian cemetery. In the 15th Century, the monument was referred to by Kyriakos ex Agonos as the Temple of Aiolos, while another unknown traveler described it as a church.

Finally, during the 18th Century the Tower of the Winds was converted into a home for whirling Dervishes (better known as Muslim practitioners).

THE ADDRESS

Roman Agora (Archaeological Area)

10555 Athens (Greece)
Tel. +30 210 - 3224625

HOW TO GET THERE

BY ATHENS METRO: 1 (Green Line), 3 (Blue Line), Station "Monastiraki"

BY BUS: 025, 026, 027, 035, 200, 227, 500

BY FOOT: From Monastiraki Square, follow Ermou Street towards Syntagma onto Aiolou Street and you will find the archeological area of the Roman Agora.

Gastronomy

AIOLIS
Bar-Restaurant on the pedestrian walkway of Aiolou Street with nice music choices.... more
PURE BLISS
Alternative multiplace, with unique drinks and dishes and events that foster the body and soul.... more
GLYKYS
Nice snack bar in Plaka, away from noise and the overcrowding, with tasty dishes.... more
MANIMANI
With roots from the region of Mani in the ingredients and its recipes, it does not hold it “maniatiko” (holds... more

Shopping

ATHENS GALLERY
Located in the ancient heart of the city, in Plaka, the Athens Gallery offers guests the chance to experience the... more
NOTOS GALLERIES LAMPROPOULOS
The oldest and highly respected Greek-owned department store.... more
ACROPOLIS MUSEUM SHOP
The ground level shop has a broad selection of postcards, paper goods and the museum’s children’s collection. The second floor... more
COMPENDIUM BOOKSHOP
The shop sells anything from new and used, fiction and nonfiction books in English, mainly to ex-patriots – who seem... more