GREECE Athens
Athens is a city of more than 2,000 years
The capital of the country
Athens is the capital of Greece. It is named after the ancient Greek mythological goddess Athena. Athens was the most important city in Greece in the heyday of Greek civilization. During Byzantine rule, it gradually faded, so much so that by the time of the Crusades it had shown only the image of a medium-sized rural town. In 1458 the city came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. II. Mehmet was completely fascinated by the city. Ancient monuments dazzled him so much that he forbade all his subjects to damage the monuments under the burden of the death penalty. A mosque was operated in the Parthenon. Unfortunately, over time, the monuments were treated more and more carelessly by the Turks, so they suffered a lot of serious damage. During the Greek War of Independence, Greece regained Athens. The following decades were spent rebuilding the city. In 1896, Athens hosted the first modern Summer Olympics. Athens also suffered significant damage during World War II. After the war, however, it began to grow rapidly. Development has led to overcrowding, traffic congestion and air pollution.
The famous Acropolis
We traveled from Tolo to Athens as part of an optional program, so our main program was the discovery of the Acropolis and see the change of guard. Our tour guide let us know when and where the meeting would be if someone discovered the Acropolis themselves. We soon lost our group because of the huge crowd, but that way we were able to discover everything ourselves. We had 3 hours, which was scarce for us, but we still managed to see and take pictures of everything. After exploring the Acropolis, if you still have free time, it’s worth checking out Hadrian’s Gate. Take a walk through the narrow streets, eat a good ice cream and buy some souvenirs. We can watch the change of guard at Parliament, but while we wait for the start, we can go to the nearby National Garden. Palm trees and tropical plants provide a spectacle we will never forget.
Athens attractions
Acropolisz
It is one of the most famous ancient buildings in the world and a symbol of Greece. Although Greece has many similar buildings, it is in the first place in the public consciousness due to its size and construction. The church, known as the Parthenon, was built on the highest point in the city. The name Acropolis means citadel in Greek. It was built in Athens, approx. 600 years before the birth of Christ. There are several parts outside the Parthenon. The cult church of the citadel is the Erekhtheion, as well as the church of Nike, the sanctuary of Athensa Ergané, and then the Chalkothek, or "ore storehouse". Also here is the Theater of Dionysus, the Herde Atticus Odeon and the Pelagic Wall. In Athens, the Athensian Festival is held every summer, featuring ancient dramas and operas. The Odeon on the southern slope of the Acropolis has extremely good acoustics. Admission to the Acropolis is 20 euros. Let’s get ready to face ourselves with a huge crowd. We started touring the citadel with a tour guide, but due to the large crowd, our group soon disintegrated. At the beginning of the tour we got a map, we used it to find our way. We had 3 hours to explore the Acropolis and the surrounding area. The crowd is really a big challenge. It illustrates well that it was 40 minutes before we got into the ancient building. However, when we first enter we will have an unforgettable experience. It is important to mention that only water can be brought into the Acropolis area. We can quench our thirst in several places with the help of small drinking wells, from which we can refill our bottles for free.
Theater of Dionysus and Gate of Hadrian
Located just below the Acropolis, the theater was one of the most important entertainment venues in ancient Athens. The performances held in this building were the forerunners of the dramas. Sophocles, Euripides, and other famous ancient writers also played in the theater. The gate is a few minutes ’walk from the Acropolis. The Roman emperor Hadrian had a great influence on Athens. He left behind many monuments in the city. The gate was built in honor of the emperor in 132 at a then strategically important location on the border of old Athens and the newly rebuilt Roman district.
Program recommendation
Acropolis Museum Athens
The most interesting museum in Athens in terms of exhibition material is the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the citadel. Many objects exhibited here, well worth a look.
The ticket price is approx: 10 EUR/main
Military History Museum
The purpose of the Athens Military History Museum is to exhibit weapons and artifacts and to show the history of the war. The museum’s exhibition area is spread over a huge four levels and has plenty of attractions.
The ticket price is approx: 6 EUR/main
Benaki Museum Athens
In the Benaki Museum you can see Greek works of art from prehistoric times to modern times. The history of the museum began in 1931, it was opened that year.
The ticket price is approx: 12 EUR/main
Athens weather forecast