Trip Planner: Europe / Greece / Attica / Athens / Historic Sites / Monument of Lysikrates

Monument of Lysikrates, Athens

(85+ reviews on the web)

Ruin Tourist Spot

The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates near the Acropolis of Athens was erected by the choregos Lysicrates, a wealthy patron of musical performances in the Theater of Dionysus, to commemorate the award of first prize in 335/334 BCE to one of the performances he had sponsored. The choregos was the sponsor who paid for and supervised the training of the dramatic dance-chorus.The monument is known as the first use of the Corinthian order on the exterior of a building, which is symbolically used for the award design of the new classical Driehaus Architecture Prize.HistoryThe circular structure, raised on a high squared podium, is the first Greek monument built in the Corinthian order on its exterior. It was originally crowned with an elaborate floral support for the bronze tripod that was the prize Lysicrates' chorus won. Its frieze sculptures depict episodes from the myth of Dionysus, the god whose rites developed into Greek theatre. It stands now in its little garden on the Tripodon Street ("Street of the Tripods"), which follows the line of the ancient street of the name, which led to the Theater of Dionysus and was once lined with choragic monuments, of which foundations were discovered in excavations during the 1980s.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor

Lucian M

The Monument of Lysicratous or Lysicrates is an interesting piece of ancient history of Athens because the story behind it. If you know nothing about it, if you don’t make any research about the place... more »
Cain W

This is in an area that is easily accessible and in a nice part of Plaka. Not exactly a must see if you don't do your research before you visit. This monument could easily be missed. A bright part of ... more »
ianwyj

Rather than honouring Lysikrates (or Lysicrates, depending on who spelt the name), this monument is named for the individual who erected it. It seems that he was the benefactor of a choir that had won... more »

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Robert Frederking

This is a big stone pedestal put up to hold a choral prize that the donor won. The award was of course looted at some point.

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Duncan Stewart

An interesting area with a range of cafes surrounding this monument.

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Pablo Benavides

Big restaurant with different styles and moods over the monument park

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Dwi Pertiwi

The only place I love in the area

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Marco Baruzzi

The square around the monument is really romantic at night

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