Ancient in history, rich in culture and vibrant with life, the city of Athens, Greece is the founder of Western civilization. Athens is a proud city, and perhaps rightly so, for it fostered the beginnings of philosophy and democracy, promoted the sciences and turned mankind’s eyes to the stars. The ancient Gods and Goddesses of classical Athens are still prominent in their imagery today; their likeness adorn decorations, their name loaned to mascots and they have been used extensively in books, movies and other media. And, if Athens is not recognized for its historical Pantheon then it certainly is for its distinctive architecture.
A day in Athens will reveal a city that mixes the old with the new. Timeless Greco-Roman buildings intermingle with modern buildings throughout its boundaries with splashes of other influential architectural styles, such as Neo-Classical tossed in between. The Athens Academy, Greek Parliament and Zappeion hall are nineteenth century constructs that were designed to resemble ancient buildings that reflect Athen’s heritage. A shift towards modern infrastructure since the 1930s however, has interwoven new age designs with buildings of eras gone by. Visiting travelers will experience a modern city that is busting at the seems with a historical past.
As a testimony to its former glory, monuments built under the reign of classical Athens still remain standing. The Acropolis of Athens, perching upon a flat-topped rock that oversees Athens from nearly 500ft above sea-level served as an important epicenter for diplomatic and religious work. Located within the Acropolis is the famous Parthenon, which was once dedicated to the goddess Athena, of whom Athenians derived their namesake. Athena is the patron deity of Athens and was once considered its protector. Built between 447 BC and 438 BC, the Parthenon has survived over a millennium of conflict, conquest and revolution. Just south west of the Acropolis sits the Hill of Muses, also known as the Mouseion, which in ancient Greece served as the home of music and poetry. Other statues and ancient works dot the city, such as the Arch of Hadrian, an commemorative arch with a Roman triumphal arch design.
When exploring Athens, traditional attractions such as visiting the Acropolis, climb Lycabettus Hill for a view of the Parthenon, and touring the National Archaeological Museum are the standard. When trying to get a sense of the presence history in Athens, there were no better locations. However, there a few other less known, but equally fascinating places to visit. For example, travelers can spend an afternoon at Athen’s urban beaches, such as Agios Kosmas, or shop in Plaka, the old town district of Athena.
If you have 7 to 8 hours in Athens which is what you normally have while on a Mediterranean and or Greek Isles cruise, here is what we recommend visiting, which can all be done on a walking tour.
Visit the Acropolis and its timeless temples of Parthenon, Erectheion and Athena Nike. You descend to the hill of the Pnyx, the area used in Classical Athens as the meeting place for the democratic assembly. Then, a short climb up to the Hill of Philopappus brings you to the imposing Roman period funeral monument and extensive views of Athens and Piraeus. On the Acropolis walkway you will pass the Roman period Odeion of Herodes Atticus, which is still used as a summer venue for open-air concerts and theatrical performances, en route to the new Acropolis Museum where you will see the timeless sculptures and art work from the Acropolis. Following your museum visit, you enter the historical Plaka area from the Lysikratis monument side. You will have time for shopping and lunch and then proceed to see the Ancient Agora, Thission , Stoa of Attalus, Hadrian’s Library, and the picturesque Tower of the Winds. From the Monastiraki area of Plaka you will go by metro to the posh neighborhood of Kolonaki en route to Lycabettus Hill. A short funicular ride will transport you to the top of the hill where you will enjoy panoramic views of the city of Athens, the Acropolis and the blue sea. End your tour at Syntagma Square were you will enjoy the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
If you take a driving tour, then we suggest seeing the following:
- The Panathenaic stadium, where the first Olympics of Modern times took place in 1896
- The Presidential palace
- The majestic Temple of Zeus, and Hadrian’s Gate
- Syntagma (Constitution) square, the cosmopolitan centre of Athens,
- The three neoclassical buildings: The Academy of Fine arts and Sciences, the University of Athens, and the National Library.
- Then visit the Acropolis and New Acropolis Museum* (please note the museum is closed on Mondays)
