Athens: Chasing Greek Gods, Exploring Greek History (Part 1)

   

     

     Those of you who know that I was away last week, I am sure that you've been looking forward to know about my experience in Athens. And now is the time. Actually, this is the first of three portions. My trip to Athens was a 4 day city break, to celebrate my I-forgot-the-number birthday. :P It was not my first time in Athens: that happened when I was in high school, on a school trip, and the second time was 4 years ago, but it lasted less than 24 hours, before I embraked on the bus to Patra. Therefore, this was the time when I was grown-up enough to know what to explore, and how to explore a city.

    First and foremost, keep in mind that Athens is indeed full of history, which goes back 5000 years. And, when we think about ancient history, Athens and Rome are the ultimate places to be. This time though, we are talking about the 1st of the two cities. Sometimes we joke that we go to Athens to see rocks, but we know that it's simply amazing how these antique sites have lasted for milleniums, and they represent precisely the main charm of the city. So, let me take you through the most famous 'rocks' of Athens! ;)

    

     

     1. Acropolis

     Its name in Greek means exactly 'the high city', and is surely the most famous landmark of the Greek capital. Situated on the top of a hill, the Acropolis dominates over the rest of the city, and consists of several archeological sites making up a small citadel. It was also declared UNESCO World Heritage in 1987. We were very lucky to visit it for free, as it was a special offer of the first Sunday in November. Otherwise, visiting the Acropolis costs 30 euro per person. So, saving a significant amount of money for seeing the symbol of Athens was one heck of a birthday present! ;) Also, the fact that we arrived there at the first hour of the morning surely helped, as we had time to see everything before the place became packed with tourists. 

                             

 As I said, the Acropolis comprises various parts, but seeing them will not take you more than 1-2 hours. Of all of the sites and temples, I will draw your attetion to the Parthenon, perhaps the most important landmark, although at the moment it's under reconstruction, so you won't see it in all its splendour. Afterwards, it is worth mentioning the Theatre of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena and the entry gate Propylaea. 

     2. The Ancient Agora

     Downhill from the Acropolis, you can find the Ancient Agora, what in ancient time used to be the main square of Athens, where the citizens used to gather for a wide variety of purposes. 

Also, this is an archelogical site which includes several components, of which the most important are the Odeon of Agrippa, the Temple of Hephaistos (which bears a striking resemblance to the Parthenon, so be careful not to confuse them), but also the Museum of Ancient Agora at the Stoa of Attalos, which is a picturesque setting in itself, and exibits several artworks and ancient remains. The Ancient Agora is like a park in which you can take a quiet stroll, and is not as full of tourists as the Acropolis. 

            

      3. Temple of Zeus and Adrian's Arch

      The last-but-not-least archeological setting, situated withing walking distance from Syntagma Square and right next to the National Gardens, Adrian's Arch was build in the 2nd century A.D., and it was meant to separate the old and new cities of Athens. Just as you cross it, you enter the site of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, where the entrance only costs 3 euros per person. This visit will be quick, but nevertheless worthy, as it is an ancient spot in the heart of this hectic city.

          

     In Part 2, we will be back with Syntagma Square and something which you should not miss about it, as well as two key museums encompassing the history of Greece, but also the perfect place for shopping in Athens.