The Tower of the Winds—The World's First Meteorological Station

The Tower of the Winds, or the Horologion of Andronicus Cyrrhystes, is an impressive octagonal clock tower in Aerides district (which means "Winds" in Greek), a subdivision of Plaka, at the site of the Roman Agora. It is considered the world's first meteorological and time measuring station, and it was supposedly built by Andronicus of Cyrrhus around 50 BC, although according to other sources, the tower might have been constructed in the 2nd century BC.
 
The 12-meter structure features eight positions for sundials, a Clepsydra (water clock), and was once crowned by a wind vane portraying the sea god Triton. Below the vane, the extraordinary frieze depicts the eight wind deities — the four main ones, Boreas the North wind, Apeliotes the East, Notus the South, and Zephyrus the West wind, along with the four lesser wind deities, a combination of the above mentioned, Kaikias the Northeastern, Eurus the Southeastern, Lips the Southwestern, and Skiron the Northwestern wind. The Clepsydra that was inside the clock tower, was generated by water gushing down from the Acropolis, and thus, according to studies, the whole tower was hydraulically moving to place the sundials and the wind-vane so as to measure and show the time and weather.
 
In 2014, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Athens decided to undertake the project of the conservation of the clock tower. Eventually, its restoration was completed in 2016, receiving ever since countless visitors from around the world.