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.
Among the most unusual forms of art around are the prehistoric idols found on the Cycladic Islands. These strange-looking statues dating back to the 4th and 3rd millennium BCE are of an almost extra-terrestrial beauty. Splendid samples of this art form can be found at the Nicholas P. Goulandris Foundation, Museum of Cycladic Art. The museum also includes a collection of ancient art dating from the 2nd millennium BCE to the 4th Century CE with sculptures, pottery, jewelery, coins and other items. Reproductions of Cycladic idols can be bought at the museum shop.
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.
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.
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.
Three splendid examples of 19th-century architecture can be found on Panepistimiou Street, a short walk from Omonia and Syntagma squares. The University of Athens, the Academy of Athens and the National Library form the so-called trilogy of neo-classical architecture which brought about a revival of this Ancient Greek building style. The university, constructed between 1839 and 1864, stands in the middle and features a facade with splendid wall paintings and an arcade modeled on the Propylaea of the Acropolis. The graceful academy was built between 1859 and 1885, and stands to the right of the University. It features beautiful statues and an entrance inspired by the Erechthion Temple of the Acropolis. The National Library (1887-1902) stands out for its monumental staircase.
The ideal place to cool down on a hot summer's day is the National Garden next to the Parliament building, created in 1839. The entrance at Amalias Avenue features a sun dial and a row of huge century-old palm trees. A small botanical museum featuring an interesting selection of plants and seeds can be found in the park as well as a library for children, a playground, a café and a duck pond. Bird-watchers will notice the numerous species populating the lush vegetation. Right next to the National Garden is a park surrounding the majestic Zappion Hall which dates back to 1888. This is the preferred place of many Athenians for a leisurely stroll in the evening. Basketball and volleyball courts can be found in the direction of Vassileos Konstantinou Avenue.
Brauron Archaeological Site in Vravrona is located on the east coast of the Attica Peninsula. Less than an hour away from central Athens, this site features the ancient sanctuary of the goddess Artemis, or Diana as she was later called by the Romans, dating back to the 2nd Century BCE. According to Greek mythology, this is the place where Iphigenia spent the last years of her life and was finally buried. Visitors can see the colonnade of the temple complex constructed in the 5th Century BCE as well as the ruins of other buildings. There is also a small museum near the sanctuary with sculptures, pottery and other finds from the period between the 12th and 4th century BCE.