Things to do in Athens
It is perhaps stating the obvious, but Athens is one of the most historically rich cities to visit. As the centre of ancient Greece the capital boasts over 5,000 years of history and therefore has numerous sites to keep all but the most demanding of history fanatics satiated.
A visit to Athens without time exploring the Acropolis would be incomplete. The city's most important site is home to the fifth century BC Parthenon, The Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion. Built between 447 and 438 BC, the Parthenon was dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, and provides tourists with friezes depicting battle and religious scenes from ancient Athens.
For those looking for a clear route through the many historical sites that the city has on offer, the Unification of Archaeological Sites of Athens is a good place to start. As well as providing views of the Parthenon, the route takes visitors from the Temple of Olympian Zeus to the southern slopes of the Acropolis and the Temple of Hephaestus in Theseum.
Another good basis for exploring the city is Syntagma Square. As well as housing the Greek parliament in the site of the former Royal Palace, the square consists of numerous 19th century buildings. Most of the city's ancient monuments are located within two km of Syntagma Square, while the more modern Kallimarmaro Stadium is also close by. The stadium is where the first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896 and is a replica of the ancient Athens stadium.
Fortunately for tourists, most of the city's monuments and museums were renovated in time for Athens to host the 2004 Olympics. Among the city's classical museums are the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, the Benaki Museum, the Byzantine Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art. A new Acropolis Museum is also being built in the Makriyanni district. Fans of the night sky should not miss the Athens Planetarium, which is considered to be among the world's best.
The 19th century 'Athens Trilogy' are some of the city's finest buildings, made up of the old campus of the University of Athens, the National Library and the Athens Academy. Fans of more modern architecture should head for the hugely upgraded Olympic Complex, which features landscaped gardens, fountains and futuristic passages.
As well as the numerous places to visit, the city offers a wealth of cultural holidays and highlights throughout the year. Those keen to soak up Greek culture should time their visit to coincide with Kathara Deftera, or the first day of Lent. The official start of Lent begins at the Philopappou Hill at the base of the Acropolis. Visitors eat traditional Greek Lenten foods such as octopus, shrimp, bread, olives and cod roe, and dancing to Greek music takes place under kite-filled skies. Easter and Christmas also provide traditional Greek religious festivities that provide tourists with meaningful activities, including church services and festivals of lights.
Although many people head to the islands and beaches when they go on holiday to Greece, with the wealth of things to do in its capital a visit to Athens should not go amiss.
|
Things to do
