Must-See Attractions in Athens, Ep. 2

Must-See Attractions in Athens, Ep. 2

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! Part 2

1 Temple of Poseidon

The Temple of Poseidon was built between 444 and 440 BC. It has 42 white marble columns, each 6 meters tall, and a 6-meter bronze statue of Poseidon stands prominently in the ceremonial courtyard. It is located at Cape Sounion, about 80 km from Athens, and was built to honor Poseidon, god of the sea. The temple stands on top of a rugged rocky hill with beautiful sea views and 15 Doric columns. At sunset it becomes the backdrop to the most beautiful beach on the Attic coast.

2 Herod Atticus Odeon (Odeon of Herodes Atticus)

This is a semicircular open-air theater similar to a Roman theater, with a floor paved in black and white tiles. The seating has 32 rows and holds about 5,000 spectators. "Odeon" comes from the Greek word for a theater or concert hall. It is part of the Acropolis World Heritage site, set at the foot of the hill before the entrance to the Acropolis. It was built in 161 AD, when the Romans held power in Athens, by Herodes Atticus, a wealthy Greek who had served in the Roman government, in memory of his wife Regilla. Some legends say he built the theater to ease his guilt after killing his wife. Today the theater is still used for concerts, classical music, ballet and cultural performances.

3 Theatre of Dionysus in Athens

Located on the southern slope of the Acropolis in Athens, this theater was part of the sanctuary of Dionysus, which was directly connected to myth and the worship of the god. The theater may have been founded in the 6th century BC, during the time of the Peisistratid dynasty. The play Dionysus Eleutheros was performed in this open-air theater, which was the most famous in ancient Athens and is regarded as the first theater in the world. It was the center of the dramatic performances held in ancient Athens at the Megala Dionysia, celebrated in late March and early April, when all citizens attended plays organized by the state and funded by wealthy citizens (sponsors). Today, the theater is not permitted to host plays or other cultural events, but you can still visit the archaeological site.

4 The Athens Riviera (Apollo Coast)

This beach is not far from Athens. It offers beautiful beaches and bays with rocks and deep blue sea, lush green scenery and archaeological ruins. If you visit in spring, you will see the beauty of gray autumn-like leaves and the sea and sky alternating in color. If you keep traveling along the beach, you will reach Cape Sounion.

5 The National Garden

Located in the heart of Athens, the National Garden is a small green oasis for a stroll on a sunny Sunday, a peaceful place full of nature. The park has ancient ruins, mosaic columns, busts and plenty of people every day, as it is open from sunrise to sunset. It sits next to the Hellenic Parliament and stretches south to the Zappeion. Open daily: 6:00 - 19:30

6 Psyri or Psiri

If you love culture and art, this area is perfect. It is very close to Monastiraki and full of Athenian charm. It is a place for exchanging and creating art and culture. There are many taverns and small restaurants, especially pizzerias, and Mediterranean-style restaurants await you around every corner.

Pic : https://www.trip2athens.com/el/city-areas/areastovisit/plaka/

7 Dionysiou Areopagitou Street and Thissio

Walk north along Dionysiou Areopagitou Street and you will find graceful neoclassical buildings, a hallmark of the archaeological area. Keep walking until you reach Thissio, where you will find many cafés, each with its own distinct character, so you can choose whichever you like. Continue on to the Acropolis Museum and the steps leading up to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The street is full of street musicians singing or playing guitar every afternoon, which is wonderfully relaxing.

8 Tatoi Estate Garden

The former Tatoi royal estate is open to the public from east to west. It is full of lush green trees, including rare trees planted in the late 19th century to create a peaceful and impressive forest just a few kilometers from the city center. You will come across unexpected architecture: from the stables to a winery, and from a guard tower to a lodge, all sure to catch your attention. There are 40 buildings in total, 29 of which have already been preserved. The park's signature activity is cycling for couples, and you will also see many families having picnics.

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