ATHENS GREECE
By Nadia Ali
In 2004 when Athens Greece hosted the Olympic games there
shined an international torch on this destination. Many people
immediately think of Greek mythology and the Acropolis, but the
historical sights and attractions don’t stop there. The capital city of
Athens is a sprawling city with ample things to do and see.
The Acropolis & Parthenon
Anyone who visits Greece just has to visit the renowned Acropolis
of Athens. It houses the Parthenon that sits majestically on the
hill and offers terrific views of the bustling capital below. The
Parthenon is the temple that was dedicated to Athena Parthenos,
the patron goddess of Athens. It is known as thus known as the
“Sacred Rock” as it was a place of worship to the goddess Athena
and during the Classical period, three important temples were
built: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Nike.
Admission is 24/7 from 8am to sunset.
http://www.culture.gr/2/21/211/21101a/e211aa01.html
The Parliament Building
In the middle of Syntagma Square is the neo-classic building
presently used as the the presidents mansion. While it doesn’t
have a royal about it, it was once a palace to King Otto. Guard’s
known as Evzone’s are always posted outside and there is a
changing of the guard every hour, on the hour with a larger
ceremonial display on Sundays. They wear a unique uniform of a
dark blue top with a kilt called a fustanella and white tights, which
makes for a good photo The Memorial of the Unknown Soldier is
in the courtyard
http://www.greece-athens.com/place.php?id=45
The Plaka
Located downhill from the Acropolis on Kydatheneon and Nikis St,
the Plaka is one of the oldest parts of modern Athens. It’s a place
where you can walk on traffic free stone-paved narrow streets
and alleyways. It’s crammed full of cafés where you can get a cup
of the local drink Ouzu and eat Greek cuisine such as mousaka,
pastitsio and souvlaki. There are lots of tourist’s shops full of
souvenirs and traditional Greek jewelery.
http://www.theplaka.com/
Monastiraki Flea Market
If you are in Athens on a Sunday, then the Monastiraki Flea Market
is the place to be. Located nearby to Monastiraki Square you can
find absolutely anything in this street market. Try and get there
before 11am as it gets very crowded and in the Summer months
the heat adds to the fluster.
http://www.athensguide.com/monastiraki.html
The National Archaeological Museum
This museum offers a huge display of archaeological collections
with artifacts from ancient Greek history and some from ancient
Egypt. There are some beautiful, white statues resembling Greek
Gods and a must see, is the 3,600 year old gold mask of
Agamemnon. Most days it is only open until 3.30pm and
throughout 2006 will be expanding it’s exhibits.
http://home.att.net/~dhagardorn/national_museum.htm
Ancient Olympia
This is where the first Olympic games were held back 776BC. It is
located in West Peloponnesus and has some of the most
important monuments including the temple of Zeus, The Temple
of Hera, the Stadium, the Bouleuterion where athletes were sworn
in, the Prytaneion (site of the eternal flame) the Treasuries, the
Gymnasium and the Leonidaion. Visitors can see relics at The
Archaeological Museum.
The Ruins of Delphi
On the northwest of Athens lies Delphi. It was known as the
“Navel of the Earth” where the she-dragon of Pytho was killed by
Apollo. The actual site is huge and has a museum, oracle-temple-
theater-arena, as well as various archeological sites. It is best to
go with a tour guide as there is a great deal of historical facts and
anecdotes to be heard. A trip to Delphi ruins can easily take up 3
hours and that’s just to cover the basics.
http://www.aroundgreece.com/ancient-sacred-greek-sites.html
The Zappo
On the southern side of the National Gardens and behind the
Parliament Building is the Zappio palace. It is a popular hang out
for Athenians and is used as a meeting place. Even though it has
a majestic look to it with Doric columns and steps leading to the
main entrance the main building itself is used to as a conference
center.
http://www.harrys-athens-greece-guide.com/mod-zappion.asp
National Gardens
Formerly known as the Kings Royal Gardens it is located behind
the tomb of the Unknown Soldier offers a peaceful break from the
crowds in Athens. You can feed the ducks and swans on the
pond or even visit the small zoo that has Bulgarian wolves. The
park itself has exotic fauna and statues of famous historical
Greek people. There are also several cafés hidden away!
http://www.harrys-athens-greece-guide.com/mod-gardens.asp
Ancient Agora
East of Monastiraki Square lies the remains of ancient Agora,
which means old market. This is where philosophers Socrates
and Plato once walked and talked. Here, stands the worlds oldest
theatre known as Dionysos Theatre. It was the heart of ancient
Athens as Greek society and public life was concentrated here
generating market places banking institutions. As you wander
around you will see many ornamental fountains statues and
temples, with shade provided by willow and planetrees.
http://www.thegreektravel.com/athens/athens-ancient-agora.html
By Nadia Ali
In 2004 when Athens Greece hosted the Olympic games there
shined an international torch on this destination. Many people
immediately think of Greek mythology and the Acropolis, but the
historical sights and attractions don’t stop there. The capital city of
Athens is a sprawling city with ample things to do and see.
The Acropolis & Parthenon
Anyone who visits Greece just has to visit the renowned Acropolis
of Athens. It houses the Parthenon that sits majestically on the
hill and offers terrific views of the bustling capital below. The
Parthenon is the temple that was dedicated to Athena Parthenos,
the patron goddess of Athens. It is known as thus known as the
“Sacred Rock” as it was a place of worship to the goddess Athena
and during the Classical period, three important temples were
built: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Nike.
Admission is 24/7 from 8am to sunset.
http://www.culture.gr/2/21/211/21101a/e211aa01.html
The Parliament Building
In the middle of Syntagma Square is the neo-classic building
presently used as the the presidents mansion. While it doesn’t
have a royal about it, it was once a palace to King Otto. Guard’s
known as Evzone’s are always posted outside and there is a
changing of the guard every hour, on the hour with a larger
ceremonial display on Sundays. They wear a unique uniform of a
dark blue top with a kilt called a fustanella and white tights, which
makes for a good photo The Memorial of the Unknown Soldier is
in the courtyard
http://www.greece-athens.com/place.php?id=45
The Plaka
Located downhill from the Acropolis on Kydatheneon and Nikis St,
the Plaka is one of the oldest parts of modern Athens. It’s a place
where you can walk on traffic free stone-paved narrow streets
and alleyways. It’s crammed full of cafés where you can get a cup
of the local drink Ouzu and eat Greek cuisine such as mousaka,
pastitsio and souvlaki. There are lots of tourist’s shops full of
souvenirs and traditional Greek jewelery.
http://www.theplaka.com/
Monastiraki Flea Market
If you are in Athens on a Sunday, then the Monastiraki Flea Market
is the place to be. Located nearby to Monastiraki Square you can
find absolutely anything in this street market. Try and get there
before 11am as it gets very crowded and in the Summer months
the heat adds to the fluster.
http://www.athensguide.com/monastiraki.html
The National Archaeological Museum
This museum offers a huge display of archaeological collections
with artifacts from ancient Greek history and some from ancient
Egypt. There are some beautiful, white statues resembling Greek
Gods and a must see, is the 3,600 year old gold mask of
Agamemnon. Most days it is only open until 3.30pm and
throughout 2006 will be expanding it’s exhibits.
http://home.att.net/~dhagardorn/national_museum.htm
Ancient Olympia
This is where the first Olympic games were held back 776BC. It is
located in West Peloponnesus and has some of the most
important monuments including the temple of Zeus, The Temple
of Hera, the Stadium, the Bouleuterion where athletes were sworn
in, the Prytaneion (site of the eternal flame) the Treasuries, the
Gymnasium and the Leonidaion. Visitors can see relics at The
Archaeological Museum.
The Ruins of Delphi
On the northwest of Athens lies Delphi. It was known as the
“Navel of the Earth” where the she-dragon of Pytho was killed by
Apollo. The actual site is huge and has a museum, oracle-temple-
theater-arena, as well as various archeological sites. It is best to
go with a tour guide as there is a great deal of historical facts and
anecdotes to be heard. A trip to Delphi ruins can easily take up 3
hours and that’s just to cover the basics.
http://www.aroundgreece.com/ancient-sacred-greek-sites.html
The Zappo
On the southern side of the National Gardens and behind the
Parliament Building is the Zappio palace. It is a popular hang out
for Athenians and is used as a meeting place. Even though it has
a majestic look to it with Doric columns and steps leading to the
main entrance the main building itself is used to as a conference
center.
http://www.harrys-athens-greece-guide.com/mod-zappion.asp
National Gardens
Formerly known as the Kings Royal Gardens it is located behind
the tomb of the Unknown Soldier offers a peaceful break from the
crowds in Athens. You can feed the ducks and swans on the
pond or even visit the small zoo that has Bulgarian wolves. The
park itself has exotic fauna and statues of famous historical
Greek people. There are also several cafés hidden away!
http://www.harrys-athens-greece-guide.com/mod-gardens.asp
Ancient Agora
East of Monastiraki Square lies the remains of ancient Agora,
which means old market. This is where philosophers Socrates
and Plato once walked and talked. Here, stands the worlds oldest
theatre known as Dionysos Theatre. It was the heart of ancient
Athens as Greek society and public life was concentrated here
generating market places banking institutions. As you wander
around you will see many ornamental fountains statues and
temples, with shade provided by willow and planetrees.
http://www.thegreektravel.com/athens/athens-ancient-agora.html
ATHENS GREECE HOTELS
HOTELS IN ATHENS GREECE
ATHENS GREECE HOTEL
ATHENS GREECE CHEAP HOTELS
HOTELS IN ATHENS GREECE
ATHENS GREECE HOTEL
ATHENS GREECE CHEAP HOTELS
 | |  | |  | |  |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |