Socrates Prison: The cave in the center of Athens
There are many places in Athens, and Attica in general, that you probably don't know that they exist, or have only heard of but not visited and never seen up close. One of them is probably the Cave of Athens, usually referred to as the prison of Socrates.
Even though it has been disputed and ruled out by many that this cave was the real prison where Socrates was found, this name has still caught on. It is actually an ancient building located at Filopappou Hill in Athens and has its own interesting history.
The area where the so-called Prison of Socrates is located was given this name because there was a widespread belief that the ancient philosopher was once imprisoned at this site. There are many objections and disagreements about this belief. However, those who support this version present some evidence that theoretically confirms this theory. What are these;
First, the fact that the prison is said to have been built in the middle of the 5th century and its location is said to have been on the main road. Also, written accounts state that it was located in a ground pit and had facilities for baths. These existed in this cave and are indeed consistent with the descriptions of the prison from the Platonic dialogs.
Further details of the imprisonment, the place where it took place, and the execution of Socrates are contained in the dialogs of Criton and Faedon. However, no one knows for sure what is true about the connection between this cave and Socrates' imprisonment. And it is not the only cave in Attica to claim this story. Another cave in Filopappou has the same name. It is a cave located in the grove opposite the picturesque church of Loubardiaris, just before the start of the path that takes you on foot to the top of the hill and the monument of Philopappos.
And these two are still not unique. The fact that there are many caves in Attica was the opportunity to assert this fact. It is not little to know that next to you may have been the prison of such a philosopher.
Athens is an open-air museum city that dates back to ancient times. It combines cultures from different centuries that blend harmoniously. You will see it in buildings, landmarks and monuments. Monuments from ancient Greece to the present day. Everything has something to tell you. As long as you are willing to read about them and explore them. Socrates prison is one of them, but not the only one. During World War II the cave was covered with a concrete protective wall to be used as a crypt for antiquities from the National Archeological Museum.