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.
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.
Translating into ‘marketplace’ in modern-day Greek, the Agora was just that – a vast expanse at the foothills of the Acropolis where bygone communities met, debated, and thrived in commerce for several millennia. Its yawning stretch reveals a rich heritage excavated since 1931 by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. Dotting the landscape like long-lost pieces of a jigsaw are ruins of numerous structures and buildings throughout Grecian history. Whether it is the 5th-century shrine to Aphrodite, the spectacular Altar of the Twelve Gods dedicated to Olympian deities, or the deeply ancient Stoa of Zeus, the Agora promises a stunning journey back in time. Few, however, can match the majestic form of the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the most gloriously preserved remnants of the Classical Era, located at the northwestern end of the Agora. Visitors can also find an array of archaeological finds dating back to the 7th Century BCE, proudly displayed at the Museum of the Ancient Agora within the Stoa of Attalos.
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.
Enjoy a small break from your regular schedule as you cisit Kallithea. Located in Greece, Kallithea is the fourth largest urban area and the 8th largest municipality in the country. Visit the scenic beach of Kallitheas or go to the Ammon Zeus temple, Kallithea has many things of your interest. This place is a popular tourist spot and is also known for housing one of the oldest technical educational institutions namely, Sivitanidios school. Witness the history by visiting the Kallithea monument or go to the Pontus monument, you are sure to enjoy here.
Athens by bike is one of the most relaxed tours in the city. You get to hire bikes and paddle all along the city, exploring every nook and corner, whether historical or mythological. The helpful guides, give you in depth information on the major and minor landmarks dotting the city, making the trip highly interesting and intellectually stimulating. If the camera is your companion and you are out there to make some great memories, do take the Athens by bike tour.
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.