Athens city of eternal beauty and freedom
Athens was known for its timeless beauty and freedom despite serving as the heart of an empire with variable policies. Even today it offers both features.
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Walk around Plaka, Thission and Psyri, three historic Greek neighborhoods, to witness firsthand how different eras coexist: mansions, tavernas and modern department stores all mix with ease in these charming communities. And don't miss the National Archaeological Museum to admire its impressive collection of black-figure pottery!
1. The Acropolis
The Acropolis of Athens should be one of the top priorities on any visitor's agenda when traveling through Greece. This renowned landmark boasts a wealth of ancient art and architecture from classical Greece - both featuring breathtaking displays.
Athena stands as a testament to her grandeur with an amazing temple known as the Parthenon at its pinnacle; but there's so much more to discover on Acropolis; including a sanctuary dedicated to goat-footed god Pan on one of its two summits.
The Acropolis is an amazing piece of history that has survived numerous struggles over its history - such as air pollution which had begun deteriorating its statues and caryatids. Thanks to Athens' Minister of Culture's efforts, Athens monuments can once more be appreciated without breathing in smog.
2. The Ancient Agora
Under Pericles' democratic reforms, citizens began to see themselves as part of a vibrant city community that could not only shoulder political responsibility but also participate in culture and public life. Great dramatic writers Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides produced works, while new genres of Greek music emerged.
At the center of it all is the Acropolis Museum, where thousands of sculptures are on display in an expansive space with floor-to-ceiling windows. Other museums worth seeing include National Archaeological Museum and Museum of Cycladic Art.
Plaka and Thission have also garnered considerable interest through their revival as restaurants, bars and shops. Athens offers something for every visitor; old meets new; grungy meets elegant; all rolled into one. It remains true to itself!
3. The National Garden
The National Garden is a lush oasis in Athens' bustling center, featuring an abundance of trees, plants, bushes and Australian pines as well as Chinese "Trees of the Heart", in addition to a zoological park featuring monkeys, hedgehogs, ducks and turtles.
Art and culture thrive side-by-side here - you'll be able to view some of the world's finest artistic masterpieces at the National Gallery while admiring ancient sites such as the Parthenon and Panathenean stadium (home to the inaugural modern Olympic Games in 1896). Strolling through Plaka, Thission and Psyri neighborhoods is like taking part in an immersive history or sociology lesson; ancient temples, statues, tavernas mansions dotted throughout!
At the National Museum, sculpture dominates its exhibits with works arranged roughly chronologically. Of special note are two works that stand out: Merenda's Kore (Maiden), from room 11, featuring elegant pleating on her belted chiton and fine remnants of original paint; and Kroisus' Kouros Statue from room 13.
4. The Museum of Cycladic Art
With floor to ceiling windows and an unbeatable view of the Acropolis, this museum specializes in Cycladic figurines. Additionally, it explores wine's role as ritual activity and socialization medium in ancient Greece, from ritual activities such as ritual harvesting of grapevines through prehistoric crushes all the way up to Dionysus-hosted symposiums.
Athens remains an oasis of renewal and creativity, making its mark across multiple fields. While its millennia old temples and treasures continue to draw visitors, new attractions include fantastic tavernas, markets, technicolor street art installations and chic design hotels competing with Athens' classic Grand Dames for attention.
At Athens, generosity has always been at the core of its culture. From Georgios Averoff's generosity that built Panathenaic Stadium to Onassis Cultural Centre's avant-garde approach, Athens values drive its evolution forward.
5. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Odeon of Herodes Atticus is an ancient theatre structure located on the southwest slope of Acropolis. The Odeon features a circular stage surrounded by orchestra and seating area; ancient civilizations took great interest in acoustics and built numerous theatres for various uses and purposes with distinct characteristics - numerous written accounts feature these models from antiquity.
Each year, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus plays host to many top concerts featuring country, rock, hip-hop and R&B music by some of the greatest musicians from around the globe. So don't hesitate - book tickets early as events held here often sell out quickly due to all of its incredible performers wanting to perform here.