Must-See Attractions in Athens, Ep. 1

Must-See Attractions in Athens, Ep. 1

Greece has plenty of fascinating attractions, but we have gathered the highlights of Athens for you to read up on before your trip to Greece. Let's take a look!

1 The Parthenon

If you come to Athens, this is a must. The temple is the highlight of the city, and it's fair to say everyone has to visit. It is an ancient temple built on the Acropolis hill, a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and a work of ancient Greek architecture. It was built in the Doric style in a rectangular shape, with 17 carved marble columns supporting the long sides and 8 columns supporting the short sides. Steps lead down to the ground on all four sides, and you can also admire the beautiful ceiling painted with a sky full of golden stars. You really should see this World Heritage site!

2Syntagma Square

This is the political center of Athens. If you visit the Acropolis, stop by here too. The highlight is watching the changing of the guard, which takes place every hour. If you want to see the soldiers in full ceremonial dress, come every Sunday at 11.00.

3 Monastiraki Flea Market

This is a one-stop place for everything: souvenirs, leather goods, musical instruments, jewelry, gemstones, postcards and more. There are plenty of pubs and café-bars too. It is located right next to Monastiraki metro station in Athens, close to Plaka and the Acropolis.

4 The Ancient Agora (Agora means "market" in Greek)

This was once a place of trade. Today it is where Athenians often come to chat about local news and exchange goods. The square is full of beautiful statues, the ruins of the Royal Lodge, and many shops. The area is also lovely with its almond trees, myrtle flowers and pomegranate trees. If you want a beautiful photo, stand in the middle of the square, where you will enjoy a truly stunning view of the Acropolis hill.

5 The Roman Agora

This square was a new commercial market, built with joint donations from Julius Caesar and Augustus. The square is surrounded by many marble-clad columns, and there are still remaining fragments of a fountain, shops, and a temple built in honor of the Olympian gods. You can also see an ancient drainage system.

6 The Acropolis Museum

It opened in June 2009 in a modern building designed by the internationally renowned architect Bernard Tschumi. The first floor houses ancient sculptures and exhibits from the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. The second floor has a shop and a restaurant, and the top floor displays the original Parthenon sculptures along with copies of those held abroad. The sloping design is meant to evoke the feeling of ancient pilgrims climbing up to the Acropolis. Open daily from 08:00 - 20.00.

(An entrance fee applies. On some Mondays or public holidays, the fee may be higher than on regular days.)

7 The National Archaeological Museum

This is one of the largest and most important museums in the world. Located on Patision Street, the National Archaeological Museum displays more than 11,000 exhibits, presenting a magnificent panorama of ancient Greek culture from prehistoric times to antiquity. It also displays the bronze statue of Poseidon, the tomb of Egesos, and objects excavated at Mycenae, as well as an important Egyptian collection and ancient Cypriot antiquities.

8 Plaka

Athens' old town has classic houses and narrow, stone-paved streets, and it is a attraction very close to the Acropolis. Adrianou Street is the main street of Plaka, full of shops, traditional bars and pubs, and many restaurants. There are also several old churches in the neighborhood. At the northeastern foot of the Acropolis is Anafiotika, named by migrants from Anafi, who built the first houses there next to the Acropolis archaeological area. The architectural style is Cycladic (think of an island with white houses along narrow lanes). You are sure to fall in love with it.

9 Lycabettus Hill

According to legend, this hill was created when a rock fell from the hands of the goddess Athena when she heard bad news from a crow. You can take the funicular up or walk up through the forest. At the top there are 2 churches, Agios Isodoros and Agios Georgios, and the Lycabettus Theatre. Sunset is the most beautiful time to visit.

10 Taste Souvlaki, Gyros and Kebab in Athens

One of the Athenians' favorite foods is Souvlaki. Many people wonder what it is. It is skewered beef, pork or chicken, and the most delicious place to try it is Elvis in Pagrati.

Gyros is another dish Athenians love. It is located on a lovely corner of Kypseli, Agios Georgios Square, and uses high-quality meat marinated with a secret recipe from Uncle Andreas, the recipe's owner.

The most delicious Kebab is Thanassis's in the heart of Athens, made with care and quality, with skills that are hard to match.

Link: Must-See Attractions in Athens, Ep. 2…………………………………………………
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