Three hills located west of the Acropolis have played a major role in the history of Athens. Next to the entrance of the Acropolis stands Arios Pagos, the seat of the court of ancient Athens. This is where the apostle Paul preached to the Athenians. Further to the west is Pnyx, the birthplace of democracy. It served as the world's first assembly point during the 5th century BCE. It is now the site of a sound and light show running each night from April to October. Philopappou is the tallest of these three hills. On the hilltop stands the Philopappos Monument—a marble tower built in the 2nd century CE.
This educating tour around the historical city of Athens, is truly an enriching experience. The walkers meet at the Syntagma Metro Station and then the tour on foot, begins. You get to visit various iconical monuments and sites dotting the city. The 12 places that the tour takes you include the Zeus Temple and the Acropolis, depicting the ancient culture of Greece. If you plan to visit the city, do take Athens Walking Tours for a great experience.
Perched atop the crest of a rocky promontory, the Acropolis of Athens is a stunning spectacle of Greek Antiquity, and is counted among the most significant architectural complexes ever built. At the centerpiece of this ancient citadel is the abode of Goddess Athena – the remarkable Parthenon, which became the paragon of classical Greek architecture. Scattered across the rest of this legendary religious complex are several other monumental remnants of the world's first democracy, a sea of historic structures that were stupendously planned and constructed by statesman Pericles of Athens. The Propylaea forms an arresting gateway to the Acropolis of Athens, while the Temple of Erechtheion on the complex's north side pays ode to Poseidon and Athena. The Ionic Temple of Athena Nike rests on the southwest corner of the Acropolis and dates back to 420 BCE. A stoic symbol of victory, this temple stands as a treasured link to the ancient world.
A stunning vestige of the Classical period, the Temple of Hephaestus occupies a significant place in the vast lap of Athens’ ancient Agora. This doric-style temple is an exemplar of ancient Greek architecture, portraying an exquisite symphony of symmetrically arranged pillars and columns. Inaugurated around 415 BCE, this beautiful white marble structure is dedicated to the god of metalwork, Athena Ergane. Over the years, the temple was used an Orthodox church honouring Saint George, and as a burial site for philhellenes in the 19th Century. Despite the personalities it assumed over the ages, it remains today as an unwavering reminder of a civilization gone by.
A hit with the public as soon as it opened in 2009, the museum gives context to the Acropolis and displays its sculptures in a relaxed and visually stunning style. The building, designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, is worth a visit in its own right. Clear information panels, helpful films, strolling archaeologists to answer your questions, and plenty of space and light in which to walk among the statues, make this one of the great museums of Europe. There is also an excellent café-restaurant and shop on-site (don't miss the Parthenon fridge-magnets). The hours of operation vary depending on the season and the exhibition is open till much later as opposed to the underground excavation site. Do confirm timings before visiting.
Dedicated to Goddess Athena, the Parthenon is arguably one of the most recognized monuments of Greece. Located within the site of Acropolis, the marvelous and magnificent structure has a history that dates back to 447 BCE. Over the centuries, the Parthenon has witnessed many changes, destruction and reconstructions, along with a thoroughly mesmerizing history. It still stands tall, over 13.72 meters (45 feet) in height, representing the glorious Grecian history and all things classical. As such it is home to several Hellenic artifacts, invaluable artworks and sculptures.
The Museum of Greek Children's Art is hidden in the pedestrian zone of the old town of Plaka. Housed inside an old mansion, the museum exhibits works of art by Greek children. It is surprising to see how these young artists aged between 5 and 14 years express themselves through the paintings and constructions displayed here. The museum organizes workshops and educational programs for children as well as seminars for teachers on how to introduce their pupils to the arts.
Although the word contemporary elicits the notion of present day, this gallery happens to be the oldest contemporary art gallery in Athens when it was opened in the 60s. Various Greek artists are on display at this great landmark and fresh talent is always being added into the mix. The location and space of this gallery is also worth checking out regardless of the world renowned art adorning the walls.
British School at Athens is an archaeological Institute located in Athens, Greece. It is the fourth of the 17 foreign schools that was established in the year 1886. The prime focus of the institute is to support British research in archaeology, classical studies and Greek studies. The school houses a library consisting of over 60,000 volumes of material related to archaeology and classical studies. It also holds several seminars and lectures related to archaeological studies.
Gate of Athena Archegetis is located in the city of Athens. This spot is a popular tourist attraction and is the western gate of the Roman Agora. It is regarded as the second most important monument after the Tower of the Winds. Julius Caesar and his court member Augustus donated funds for the construction of the gate in 11 BCE. There were four Doric pillars supporting the gate and it had a base of Pentelic marble. This structure was built to commemorate the Athen patroness Athena Archegetis.
The charming church Omorfokklisia is located in the northeastern suburb of Galatsi in the city of Athens. This Greek Orthodox church was built in the late 12th Century, dedicated to Saint George. With regards to its wall paintings created in the latter half of the 13th Century, the church has been given the sobriquet “Museum of Hagiography.” Among the paintings on the wall are images picturing the life of Saint George and those of the Old Testament. A beautiful image of Jesus Christ covers the ceiling and other holy pictures grace the church walls.
G. Gounaropoulos Museum - G. Gounaropoulos Museum is an educational art museum that is located in the heart of Zografou. A great place for students and all those who love art. The museum is a home to several oil paintings of the famous painter called Giorgos Gounaropoulos. Besides the oil paintings, there are several exhibits of the painter. The museum conducts groups, private and school tours for kids. They also have several lectures, private events and exhibitions.