Tourist guide of Athens.
Athens is a sprawling city located between seven historic and remarkable hills surrounded by mountains. Inhabited for more than 3,000 years ago, Athens is widely known as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. The ancient city is composed of a large center, an urban district and the metropolitan area. Athens presents a confusing mix of historic and modern elements. An overview of the main attractions of Athens.|
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1. The Parthenon
The Parthenon on the Acropolis is located on a hill overlooking Athens. The temple was built in honor of the goddess Athena Parthenos, the patron of Athens, thank you for protecting the city during the Persian Wars. Originally designed by the famous sculptor Phidias, the Parthenon originally held all kinds of treasures. But the main attraction was a huge statue of Athena outside the chryselephantine also known as elephant ivory and gold. The Parthenon dates back to 447 BC and was actually built on another temple that is often referred to as the Pre-Parthenon.
2. Plaka
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Athens is the Plaka district, which is under the Acropolis and Syntagma runs. This town is almost like an island within the city, and is the perfect way to experience authentic Greek culture. The area is quite private and offers a truly unique landscape with several cafes, old trees, green leafy canopies and stone walkways. The area is known for its food, boutiques and cafes. Along the street Kydathineon, visitors find the Jewish Museum, the Folk-Art Museum and Saita Taverna, serving delicious bakalauro and other meats grilled Greek style.
3. The Agora
Located northwest of the Acropolis, the Agora of Athens was once a marketplace and civic center. The people gathered here to browse all kinds of products. It was also a place to meet other people and talk about politics, business, current events and the nature of the universe and the divine. The ancient Greek democracy actually dates back to the ancient site. It is a wonderful area to watch the Athens cultural beginnings. Overlooking the Ancient Agora from its elevated position on the hill of Kolonos Agoraios, Temple of Hephaestus was built in the fifth century BC. Similar in style but smaller than the Parthenon, the temple consists of 34 Doric columns supporting a roof still partially intact. It is the best preserved of all Greece, thanks to its transformation into a church in the seventh century temple.
4. The Erechtheion
Or Erechtheus is the Erechtheion temple made of Pentelic marble. The Erechtheion is situated on the Acropolis, and is one of the legendary pieces of Greek architecture. Its construction dates from c. 421 and 405, when the previous temple to Athena was destroyed by the Persian invasion. The Erechtheion was once a shrine to Athena Folias, Erechtheus and Poseidon. Visitors can enter the sanctuary of Athena by going through the east gate. The north porch leads to the western cella. The Porch of the Caryatids can be found across the south portico. The six draped female figures can be found here supporting the entablature, which is the defining characteristic Erechtheion.
5. The Temple of Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is known as the largest temple in Greece. The religious complex took almost seven centuries to complete. The building originally began in 515 BC by order of Peisistratus, but work stopped at the temple, as it was seen as an oppressor because Peisistratus and his son were seen as tyrants by the Athenians. Work resumed in 175 BC, but was arrested 10 years later, when the Roman architect Cossutius died. Under the emperor in the year 132 BC Hardian, the temple was finally completed and dedicated to Zeus Olympus. The temple is today primarily as a reminder of Greek history, but only 15 of its 104 massive columns remain standing. The columns are 17 meters high and once surrounded a cella where two large statues.
6. Syntagma Square
An important landmark for any traveler to Athens is Syntagma Square. The most famous aspect of Syntagma is the Changing of the Guard of Evzones in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Parliament House is located here as well as trams, a fountain, ancient statues and two large green areas that offer picture perfect place for photos and picnics. Most important events in Greece were held in Syntagma Square. This place is also the site of several political functions and was also in this square where the military junta was overthrown in 1974. In addition to the headquarters of the Hellenic Parliament, this place contains historical Hotel Grande Bretagne and George II.
7. National Archaeological Museum
For visitors who love art exhibitions, there is no better place to visit in Greece the National Archaeological Museum. Several collections can be found here by contemporary artists to all the way back to antiquity. The museum also has a large collection of works of art dating back to the Neolithic Age. The collections include small pots, tools, pottery and other small artifacts that are among the oldest archaeological finds dating from the seventh millennium. More than thirty rooms, sculptures of all ages can be seen Kouros including ancient Egyptian sculptures.
8. Mount Lycabettus
For the romantic, beautiful evening sunsets and a stunning panoramic view of Athens, Mount Lycabettus is an incredible adventure. The highest point of Athens, allows visitors to see breathtaking scenery across the Attica basin and the Aegean Sea. Climbers can also see the chapel of St. George. To start the hike, visitors go along the path that starts at the end of the street Aristipo in Kolonaki. The road follows along with the wind up around the mountain. Visitors can also take the funicular, which departs from Ploutarchou and Aristipo.
9. Acropolis Museum
A major stop on any trip Athens is the New Acropolis Museum, which lies near the base of the hill overlooking the city. It has the largest collection of ancient Greek architecture and sculptures including statues of the goddess Athena and Kritios. The museum was originally slated to be built in time for the Olympic Games in 2004, but its completion was delayed due to legal battles. The museum has five plants showing 4,000 artifacts. The permanent exhibitions here include the frieze of the Parthenon, the statue of Athena, Peplos Kore, the Parthenon and Athena Nike Gallery.
10. National Gardens of Athens
In the heart of Athens, the National Garden offers a green oasis to visit during sunny afternoons. The Royal Garden has a private garden of the Royal Palace, now the Parliament building. The Public Garden was established in 1923, it is a quiet and peaceful away from the bustling city. Numerous statues decorate the gardens, and there are dozens of small flower beds and ancient ruins. Zappeion Gardens can also be found here, and around the old congress hall, which was built in the 19th century.
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