What to See
Visitors of Athens can experience the exciting feeling of going to
the places where great historic events actually happened more than
20 centuries ago. They can see the Dionysos Theater, where
the great theatrical plays of Aischylos, Sophocles. Euripides and
Aristophanes were first performed, stroll in the Agora
as did Socrates, Plato and Aristotle took place, walk around the Pnyx
where the leaders of the time debated major political issues or climb
the Arios Pagos rock, the seat of the court and the Parliament
of Ancient Athens.
The most memorable moment of a visit to Athens will be the ascent
to the Acropolis, towering high above the city. On top of the
bill stands the magnificent Parthenon, one of the greatest
architectural masterpieces of all times that was built in the 5th
century BC. A unique archeological park surrounds the Acropolis, featuring
temples, theaters, cemeteries and the Agora, the ancient marketplace.
Famed monuments such as the Olympian Zeus Temple, the Keramikos
Cemetery, the Hephaistos Temple, the Attalos Arcade,
the Tower of the Winds and the Herodes Atticus Theater
can be visited today. |
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| Acropolis |
Parthenon |
Temple of Olympian Zeus |
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| Areopagus |
National Archeological Museum |
Theater of Dionysus |
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| Stoa of Attalus |
Stadium Olympia |
Plaka |
Very popular with visitors
is Plaka, the old town of Athens, with its narrow streets,
picturesque churches and old mansions. Few other places are so cramped
with historic sites as Plaka: ancient monuments, Byzantine churches,
mosques and stately 19th century houses stand side by side. Scattered
throughout these quarters are sidewalk cafes, taverns hidden in vine-covered
backyards and numerous shops. This lively neighborhood is an inviting
place for a leisurely stroll day and night.
Visitors interested in Byzantine art should visit the historic monasteries
of Kessariani and Dafni with precious frescos and mosaics.
Athens also features several more recent sights. A visit to stately
19th-century buildings such as the Panathenaikon
St. George Church |
Stadium, the University of Athens, the Academy of
Athens, the Zappion Hall and the Iliou Melathron Mansion
should be included in every itinerary.
The hills and mountains in and around Athens serve as vantage points
offering panoramic views of the city. The most spectacular view can
he found on top of the Lykavitos Hill in central Athens. The
hilltop with the picturesque St. George Church can be reached
either by car or by funicular. |
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Syntagma Square during Christmas 2001 |
