Athens, regarded as the historical capital of civilization, offers its visitors a 6000-year journey through history. Visiting it you are lucky enough to see renowned monuments of antiquity, masterpieces of Byzantine art and the remains of Ottoman buildings.
Main monuments
Acropolis
The main monument to visit is the Acropolis, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the most representative point of Greek civilization and culture. Situated on the top of a rock spur, it overlooks the Ilissos valley.
The architectural and artistic heritage links the fabulous ancient civilization with the modern city. A visit to the sacred rock it is a unique experience and a focal point from which to observe the city below.
Agora
At the foot of the Acropolis a rectangular-shaped area was discovered where all the political, administrative and cultural activity of Athens took place in ancient times: the Agora.
Athens was an important commercial, religious and meeting place for philosophers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle and poets like Sophocles and Euripides.
Parthenon
The Parthenon was classified as the best temple of classical Greek architecture and represents one of the most famous and important cultural monuments in the world.
Temple of Zeus
The temple of Zeus was dedicated to the king of Olympus and was built in white marble with 104 Corinthian columns, of which only 15 are left today.
Temple of Poseidon
The temple of Poseidon is located on a rocky promontory, Cape Sounion, overlooking the Aegean Sea and is an unmissable site.
Temple of Hephaestus
The temple of Hephaestus is one of the best preserved Doric temples in the world. It is located above the Agora and belongs to the XNUMXth century BC
Main places
Syntagma square
In the modern part of the city you can visit the Syntagma Square or the Constitution Square seat of the Greek parliament. At its base is the monument to the unknown soldier.
Here you can watch the changing of the presidential guard, the “Evzones”, guards with the characteristic Greek costume.
Plaka neighborhood
The Plaka district is one of the oldest neighborhoods. It was once a quiet area that attracted tourists with its quaint streets and flower-filled houses. Later it had transformed into an area where night clubs and loud music reigned.
Fortunately, the local administration has transformed it into an area of restaurants, cafes and tourist jewelry shops. Although highly commercialized, it is still (probably) the most beautiful neighborhood in the center of Athens.
Monastiraki district
The Monastiraki district is another part of Athens that is worth a visit. In the area it takes place a market full of colors and junk, from shoes to clothes to musical instruments, and it is always full of life.
Among its narrow streets and alleys it is not difficult to meet some beautiful churches and monuments. Definitely one of the must-see places in Athens.
Other places to see
Il Lycabettus (the hill of wolves) is a hill 272,7 m high above sea level and is the highest point in the city. On its top is the chapel of S. Giorgio and can be reached via a funicular.
Among other things to see and visit there are theOdeo of Herodes Atticus,Arch of Hadrian, Planetary. The list of monuments and museums to see in Athens is long, in every corner you can find something that can satisfy the curiosity and love for history and culture.
