Parilissia Iera, the Shrines by Ilissos, was an area with a quite high density of temples and shrines at the edge of ancient Athens, next to the waters of its most important river. In Roman times, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was erected beside it. Today, with the course of River Ilissos covered everywhere except here, it marks one of the city’s most beautiful spots—a site of history, mythology, and wonder, hiding in plain sight, steps from some of Athens most heavily trafficked tourist areas. The preserved part of Parilissia…
