This 9 metre tall, solid, rectangular column sits out the front of the western side of the Propylaea, the grand entrance to the Acropolis of Athens. Without having it pointed out to you, it’s easy for the untrained eye to overlook it. It looks like a fairly plain tower but in fact it was a massive pedestal or plinth. An equally massive statue stood at the top. Over the centuries the statue has been changed a number of times. Originally it was a chariot but it is named after the last statue which was of the Roman politician and general, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa (63-12 BC). TICKET TIP: I’d highly recommend buying the combo ticket. At €30, it is excellent value. It lasts for 5 days and includes entry to 7 ancient sites. Entry to the Acropolis on its own is €20 so if it is your first time to Athens, it makes sense to buy this ticket (unless you’re here in winter when many sites are half price).

Monumental construction at the entrance to the Parthenon. You will necessarily pass by here, and if you are not enchanted by this grandeur explored by the Greeks, the rest will not make any sense (nor will your visit)