Athens

Parthenon

Visit Athens – Parthenon

The Parthenon is the premier attraction when you visit Athens. The Parthenon is downtown on a hill top known as the Acropolis, which overlooks the modern city. The site dates back to the 5th century B.C. The intricate carvings that adorned the Parthenon were removed by the British and taken to the Royal Museum in London. Beside the Parthenon, on the hill top, is the Erechtheion, with 6 columns carved as maidens supporting the structure. The Theater of Herod Atticus is at the foot of the hill and is often used for live performances. The Theater of Dionysious and the Acropolois Museum are at the foot of the hill too.

Temple of Hephaestus, © Can Stock / Violin

Visit Athens – Agora

Below the hill top of the Parthenon are the extensive ruins of the Ancient Agora. The Agora was the market area of the ancient city for 800 years. Socrates, Aristotle and Plato walked these grounds. The Temple of Hephaestus is a highlight and is better preserved than the Parthenon. The Museum of the Ancient Agora has reconstructed the Stoa of Attalos covered walkway, so you can take a pleasant walk through the columns of the covered portico.

Along the northwest edge of the Agora is the Kerameikos or potter’s area, plus the Athens City Museum. Kerameikos is the origin of the English word “ceramic”. In the area called the Plaka beside the Agora, you will find souvenirs and very inexpensive gyros and souvlakis. The Monastiraki Flea Market happens here on Sundays. The ruins continue into the city at Hadrian’s Library.

Acropolis & Lycabettus Hill © Can Stock / fazon1

Visit Athens – Constitution Square

Constitution Square (Syntagma Square) is where the people of Greece demanded and received a constitution. The Royal Palace faces Constitution Square. Each hour the elite soldiers known as Evzones, dressed in kilts, strut past the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The National Gardens is directly off Constitution Square. The National Gardens has an African rainforest right in the middle of the desert climate of Athens. Ermou Street off Constitution Square has been converted to a pedestrian only avenue.

Herodus Atticus Theater © Can Stock / karapas

National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is one of the most commonly visited attractions for a visit to Athens. The museum has the best collection of Greek antiquities in the world. Taking a private walking tour from Constitution Square that includes the National Archaeological Museum.

Visit Athens – Other Sights

• Temple of Olympian Zeus – the largest of the Greek temples.
• Visit the Panathenian Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Also stop by Omonia Square.
• Mount Lycabettus – an amazing view, a cafe and an amphitheater with great performances.

Byzantine Kapnikarea Orthodox Church

Visit Athens – Hotels

Hotels in the Plaka area at the base of the Acropolis often have roof top dining with views of the lighted Parthenon each evening. If you don’t stay at one of these hotels, try to at least have dinner at one of them.

• 360 Degrees – rooms and roof top restaurant with views of the Acropolis
• The View of Antiquity – less expensive apartment with a view of the Acropolis
• Athens la Strada

Visit Athens – Background

Athens is the capital and largest city in Greece. About 3 million people live here. Athens has a long history from classical Greek times to a Roman occupation and rules by the Byzantines and Ottomans. The most famous attraction in Athens is the Parthenon, which dates back to 447 BC. Athens has a long standing grievance with the Royal British Museum over artifacts from the Parthenon. Many priceless sculptures from that Parthenon, including the Parthenon frieze, were taken to London in 1801 by Lord Elgin. Lord Elgin claimed concern about the preservation of the ancient artifacts. Greece has repeatedly requested their return, but with no results.