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.

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