Attractions in Athens
Greece is the cradle of European civilization, and Athens has been its capital since 1834. There is never time to be bored or to be at a loss for an interesting activity in Athens. Visit the flea market and the bazaar area at Monastiraki, look inside some of the hundreds of tiny Byzantine churches, shop for a few hours in the fascinating boutiques of Pláka, have a leisurely lunch in a taverna, watch the people walk by, and maybe spend a little time writing in your travel diary.
Acropolis:
01 323 6665
Mon-Fri. 8-7; Sat., Sun. 8:30-3
Bus 1,5,9,230,231
The rock of the Acropolis rises up in the middle of the Athenian basin. This naturally de3fensible rock was the sacred focal point of ancient Athens. What is seen today dates mainly from the 5th century BC, an era of peace and prosperity. The summit is reached through the Propylaia, a magnificent stepped gateway, with the graceful temple of Athena Nike to the right. Ahead rises the great Doric temple of the Parthenon; built using no perpendicular lines. Its columns actually taper, giving the whole structure a feeling of superb lightness. It was decorated by the leading Athenian sculptors and dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos, whose statue by the sculptor Pheidas stood inside.
Agorá:
01321 48255
Tues-Sun. 8:30-2:45
Theseion or Monastiraki tram
The Agora was the most important part of every city-state in ancient Greece. It was the center of life, of economic, social, political and judicial activity, as well as the main commercial center. The Ancient Agora of Athens covers an area of about 10 acres. It lies below the Acropolis, south of the hill of the Areopagus. Today, the site is a jumble of tree shaded ruins, and it takes imagination to envision as it was in its glorious past. Dominating one end is the reconstructed fifth century BC Doric Temple known as the Thieío.
The National Archaeological Museum:
3-01-8217717
Patission Street 44, at the corner of Tositsa Street.
Tues-Fri 8-7 Sat, Sun 830-3
Tram: Omonia
Bus: 2,3,11,13,15,18
The National Archaeological Museum is an unrivalled treasure house of Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean, and Classical Greek art.
The Archaeological Museum of the Acropolis:
3-01-3210219
next to the Parthenon
Mon-Fri. 8-7 Sat.,Sun. 8:30-3
Tram: Theseion
Bus: 1,5,9,230,231
On the southeast side of the Parthenon is the modern Acropolis Museum. Built on a level just below that of the main monuments, the Acropolis Museum contains almost all of the portable objects removed from the site since 1834.
The Benaki Museum:
The main building is at the corner of Vas. Sofias and Koumbari Sts.
3-01-3611817
Hours to be scheduled. telephone for information.
Bus: 3, 7,8,13
The museum is undergoing a reorganization, but the contents of each floor will remain essentially the same. It contains many spectacular cycles from Greek art, in its course down through the centuries.
The Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos:
148 Ermou St
3-01- 3463552
Metro: Thissio
Tues-Sun 8:30-3
It is in the cemetery of ancient Athens, with unique exhibits of artistic and historical importance and brought to light by excavations in the area.