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

ΤΟ FILEMA
Snack bar on the pedestrian walkway of Romvis with fantastic tastes and a very friendly atmosphere.... more
AIOLIS
Bar-Restaurant on the pedestrian walkway of Aiolou Street with nice music choices.... more
KRINOS
Old patisserie with traditional doughnuts and cream pies for customers of every age.... more
GLYKYS
Nice snack bar in Plaka, away from noise and the overcrowding, with tasty dishes.... more

Shopping

ROYAL ORIENTAL CARPET
Make a treasure hunt out of it and discover this basement store in the most ancient area of the city... more
MOFU
Vintage and Contemporary Design for the 70s nostalgic in a very interesting environment.... more
COMPENDIUM BOOKSHOP
The shop sells anything from new and used, fiction and nonfiction books in English, mainly to ex-patriots – who seem... more
BENAKI MUSEUM SHOP III
A beautiful space filled with unique souvenirs from the Benaki Museum – such as ceramics, silver vessels, reliefs and sculptures,... more