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Hard to describe in a few words one of the most historic cities in the world. The modern city combines the profile of a contemporary Metropolitan Capital of music, arts, fine cuisine, Haute couture, along with the heavy historical heritage embedded for the last 3,000 years in Her brace.
WITHIN 60 MINUTES FROM THE RESORT
Glyfada (40 mn from the resort)
The cosmopolitan Athenian suburb is well known for the exclusive boutiques for clothes and leather goods, full of street cafes and bars for a never-ending nightlife. An international accredited 18-hole golf course is situated in the nearby area of Glyfada.
Acropolis
The Acropolis hill is the crown jewel of Athens and all of Greece. With the still standing Parthenon temple as its symbol, the Acropolis is truly a wonder of the world, containing four ancient buildings. The Parthenon was built between 447 and 432 B.C. and most of the artefacts from the temple are housed today in the Acropolis museum near the Parthenon.
The theatres of Dionysos and Odeon of Herod Atticus
Just below the Acropolis hill are two ancient theatres that must not be missed the Dionysos and Odeon of Herod Atticus. The oldest of the Greek theatres, built in the fourth century B.C., the Theater of Dionysos once hosted plays of Euripides, Aristophanes, Sophocles and Aesculus.
The Ancient Agora
At the foot of the Acropolis is the Ancient Agora, known as the commercial and public centre of ancient Athens. During the classical age, such notables as Sophocles and Aristotle taught there. Thesseion, one of the most intact of the ancient Greek temples, is located at one end of the Ancient Agora. It was firstbuilt in 450 B.C.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
- Philopappou hill
- Pnyx
- Roman Agora
- Keramikos Cemetery
- Hadrian’s Arch
- Tower of The Winds,
- Roman Agora,
- Plaka
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
MUSEUMS
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OTHER SIGHTS OF INTEREST
Plaka
Once the life of Athens earlier this century, the Plaka area of the city is located on the north slope of the Acropolis. Old timers will tell you stories about how the 19th century town was the centre of nightlife activity. Monastiraki If it’s a bargain you are after and if you still have not decided what souvenir to take back home, don’t forget to visit the Monastiraki Flea Market.
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square, now recognized as the centre of Athens and from where to orientate yourself to the city, is an acre-large plaza filled with expensive outdoor cafes, trees and a fountain in the centre. On Sundays at 11.00 A.M. the evzones, accompanied by a military band, march from the Parliament building in full regalia, well worth a picture by tourists.
The National Gardens, located behind the Parliament building, is where you will find Athenians running to during the heat of the summer. The park has dozens of walkways through all kinds of trees.
Zappio Hall
Inside the National Gardens is the Zappio Hall, which was built to be used during the holding of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. The hall hosts a large number of cultural and commercial exhibitions.
Olympic Stadium
The all-marble stadium on Vas. Konstantinou Avenue and across the street from the National Gardens, hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and was built the previous year.
Presidential Palace
Formerly the Royal Palace when monarchs ruled the country, the Presidential Palace is located on Herodes Atticus Street behind the National Gardens.
Lycabettus Hill
The highest hill inside Athens, Lycabettus, offers a visitor a panorama view of the city from all sides. On the summit of the 912-foot high hill is a tiny 19th century chapel of St. George. Not far is a restaurant and coffee shop. You can reach a summit of Mt. Lycabettus either by foot, by car or by a funicular, which operates from the Kolonaki side of the hill. |
