Athens is located in Attica and specifically in Eastern Central Greece. It has been the capital of the country since 1.834. It has often been described as a 'cradle of Western culture'. Words such as Democracy, culture, art, ancient tragedy, science, architecture, were 'born' within its walls and then became acquired with the universal human existence. It belongs to one of the oldest cities in the world and a visit to it can certainly take you to the sanctuaries of Ancient Greek Culture and give you something of the glory and splendor of the past.
Acropolis
Acropolis, also known as the ''Sacred Rock'', is the most famous monument in the city and not unjustifiably the most important archaeological site in Greece. Surely if you visit Athens it will be one of the first places you will be encouraged to discover. Basically it is a rocky hill that stands there despotic over the city’s center. The Acropolis hill was a natural fortress that protected the city as it was inaccessible on all sides except the west. There religious ceremonies took place, Olympian gods were worshiped but also democracy and culture developed. There are 3 temples in the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Apostle Nike. There is also the monumental entrance, the Propylaea. These monuments were built during the Golden Age of Pericles, the so-called classical period.
You can’t miss Parthenon if you visit Acropolis hill. The Temple of Parthenon is dedicated by the Athenians to the Protectorate of their city, the goddess Athena. Among the buildings of the sacred rock is the most excellent in its composition and execution and was built by the great architects Ictinus and Kallikratis under the supervision of the Athenian sculptor Phidias. It is a rosary of the Doric style and is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. Just opposite the Parthenon is the Erechtheion, a temple of which the six pillars are in the form of young girls, known as the Caryatids. Although much of the construction remains intact, the Parthenon has suffered significant damage over the centuries.
Museum of Acropolis
It is worth mentioning a special mention in the Acropolis Museum as it is one of the most modern and impressive museums in the country. Indeed, in 2013 the British Newspaper Sunday Times ranked the Museum 3 out of the 50 best in the world. If you are interested in learning more about the Acropolis and its history, a stroll through the Museum will surely justify you as it is focused on the findings of the Archaeological Site. The Acropolis Museum was inaugurated in the summer of 2009. This is a project by Architect Bernard Tschmi in collaboration with Michalis Fotiadis. The Museum presents its exhibits on 3 levels as well as the base where the archaeological excavation is located. In addition to viewing exhibits, you will be able to watch 3D views, participate in Family Games, and enjoy your food with the panoramic views of Acropolis.
Plaka
Our next stop in this Athenian wander will lead us to a quarter of the city flooded with gardenia perfume, picturesque taverns and narrow alleys brought from another era. Plaka is probably Europe's oldest district. It is the only area of Athens that is located in the center of the city and it cannot be accessed by car, probably because of all its authenticity. Every year a lot of tourists visit her and not unjustly. In Plaka can enjoy walks under the full moon, buy souvenirs from its many tourist shops and enjoy your drink in its quiet bars. And if you are a lover of painting, do not miss to visit the Frisira Museum where you will discover great works of Modern European Painters.
Lycabettus Hill
According to mythology, it was created by a rock carried by the goddess Athena from Penteli to the Acropolis, with the aim of slightly increasing the height of her Temple. The goddess was troubled, her rock fell out of her hands, thus forming what the Athenians now call Lycabettus Hill. If you want to see the sunset at the highest point of Athens (277 meters high), then Lycabettus is definitely a place to visit. To climb to the top you have the choice of cable car but if you like walking in the nature take a dare and the view will be compensated. In addition, at the top of the hill stands the Chapel of Agios Georgios under which you can find places to eat and coffee while enjoying the scenery.
National Garden
Who would have imagined that in the center of the bustling city would be a small 'Eden', a majestic garden filled with numerous plants, trees, small ponds and magnetizing attractions? It is the National Garden located between the districts of Kolonaki - Pagkrati and has been officially designated as a Historic Place. There it is said that Queen Amalia, wife of Otto, spent at least 3 hours a day caring for the garden and therefore was called also Amalia's royal garden. Today you can find not only Greek plants and trees but also from other parts of the world. A noteworthy sight is the famous sundial located at the central entrance and showing the time of day depending on the location of the sun. The garden still has a plant nursery, a children's library and a small coffee shop. If you even want to take a brief look at Modern Greek history, take a look at the Zappeion Mansion, which, though typically separated from the garden, but it is in fact its continuation. There you will be able to 'get to know' the great historical forms of the Greek political scene, master historians and kings.
By Elena Andr
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