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Athens is an amazing city that attracts curious travelers from all over the world. Tourists have an amazing opportunity to enjoy its magnificence. Don't know what to see in Athens? We have compiled a list of the most interesting places in this ancient city. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of seeing the sights of Athens, of which there are many.
What to see first in Athens
Carefully study the descriptions to make the best route. And remember – a visit to the ancient city in any case will be unforgettable, but guides in Athens will make it informative and well-organized, saving you from having to think about how to get to the next attraction.
1. Acropolis of Athens< /h3>
Acropolis in Athens
The Acropolis is rightly called the most ancient architectural monument of the city and one of the most recognizable sights of Greece. It has the appearance of a hill rising to 156 m. It has a gently sloping peak, on which various sights of historical importance are scattered.
For the first time, the arrangement of the hill was taken up in the 5th century BC. A few decades later, temples appeared on it. Most of the antiquities that have survived since then had to be transferred to the Louvre and the British Museum. However, there were exhibits that continue to be stored in the Acropolis. On the hill itself, there are now modern statues that closely observe the life of the city.
On the hill, tourists can see the Parthenon, Niki Apteros and the Erechtheion. Other equally famous temples have also become part of the Acropolis, where you should definitely go to those who do not know what to visit in Athens.
Official website: http://odysseus.culture
2. New Acropolis Museum
Acropolis Museum – Ancient statues – Athens
When traveling around Athens, you should definitely look into the New Acropolis Museum. It stores more than 14 thousand unique exhibits. This building was built on the site of important archaeological excavations. A view of them opens up to every visitor to this attraction of Athens, since the floors (as well as the ceilings) in the museum are completely made of durable glass.
All antiquities found are left in the New Museum. Its most interesting exposition is the Parthenon Hall. Here, visitors can see not only copies, but also original sculptures, which at one time were considered the main decorations of the Acropolis.
The only thing that can upset tourists who managed to get into the New Museum is the ban on photographing the exhibits. This opportunity is not provided even for money.
Official website: https://issuu.com/theacropolismuseum
3 Agora of Athens
Roman Agora in Athens
The ancient Agora is easy to find if you turn northwest from the Acropolis. Once this place played the role of a market square. It was also considered the political and cultural center of the city. More than 10 hectares of land were allocated for the arrangement of this landmark of Athens. Fairs are regularly held here today. Even if the traveler has already outlined a plan for what to see in Athens, it is worth including the Agora in it, where tourists can diversify their leisure time.
Little remains of the Agora. Only the foundations of the old buildings remained. Archaeologists often work in these parts in the hope of finding something interesting.
The remains of a colonnade that belonged to King Attalus have been preserved on the territory. Also here you can see another interesting memo, namely the Temple of Hephaestus. On the south side near the Agora is the Areopagus rock.
Official website: http://odysseus.culture.gr
4. Olympic Temple of Olympian Zeus
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Olympic Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens
Much attention is riveted to this landmark of Athens. The Temple of Olympian Zeus, although not preserved in its original form to this day, still continues to arouse admiration among residents and guests of the city. On a vast territory, the ruins that once were Olympion still lie majestically.
The temple was revered by the peoples who believed in Zeus as the supreme god. This place fell into decay after the active spread of Christianity. The building began to quickly collapse, many pulled it apart.
At the moment, 15 indestructible columns remained from the temple. The sixteenth lies nearby. She could not resist the strongest hurricane that covered the city in 1852.
5. Panathenaic Stadium
Panathenaic Stadium – multi-purpose stadium in Athens
Not all tourists know what to visit in Athens. Fortunately, there are so many interesting places in the city, thanks to which this problem is solved by itself. Among the main decorations of Athens, the Panathinaikos stadium can be distinguished. It is located in the heart of the capital of Greece next to the National Garden. This place is the oldest stadium in the world. The building is built of white marble. In 1896, the Olympic Games were held here for the first time, which became part of modern history.
In ancient times, the Panathenaic Games were held at the stadium. It was also a site for religious celebrations. It was decided to carry out a major reconstruction of the stadium immediately after its discovery during excavations. All works were carried out at the expense of Evangelis Zappas, a well-known philanthropist. With his support, Greek competitions were held at the stadium.
Panathinaikos is used not only for sports competitions. Also, various exhibitions dedicated to the culture of Greece are often held here.
Official website: http://www.panathenaicstadium
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Athens!
6. Byzantine Museum
Byzantine Museum in Athens
Tourists are asking questions about what to visit in Athens so that pleasant memories of the city remain for a long time. For these purposes, the Byzantine Museum is ideal. It is located in the territory of the villa of the Duchess de Plaisance. In the building itself there was a place for a unique museum collection. Its decoration are the icons of the Cretan school of icon painting. Most of the exhibits presented in the museum are in good condition.
In front of the building, which houses the Byzantine Museum, there are orange trees and many flowers. The courtyard of the villa is decorated with a fountain, which was recreated from a painting on a mosaic from the monastery of Daphnia.
Official website: http://www.byzantinemuseum
7. Temple of Hephaestus or Hephaestion
Temple of Hephaestus in Athens
Those who do not know what to see in Athens should definitely go to Hephaestion. It can be found in the northwest of the Ancient Agora. For many centuries the temple looked like an Orthodox church. After it was recognized as a national historical monument, and a museum was equipped in it. It was only in the last century that the sanctuary was restored to its original appearance.
The Temple of Hephaestus is the best preserved. It is built of durable marble. For a long time, archaeologists and historians were sure that the Hephaestion was built in honor of Theseus. This is because his images were on the walls of this landmark of Athens. But when the statues of Hephaestus and Athena were found inside the building, the experts changed their minds.
There is a souvenir shop near the temple where travelers can buy a funny little thing as a memento of visiting this majestic place.
8. National Archaeological Museum of Athens
National Archaeological Museum in Athens
The National Archaeological Museum is the largest in Greece. It was specially created to store valuable artifacts that were discovered by archaeologists during excavations two centuries ago. After a while, other equally important exhibits brought from different cities of Greece began to be stored in this attraction of Athens.
The museum has more than 11 thousand unique exhibits that belong to the prehistoric period to late antiquity. The building itself is divided into five main expositions, which differ from each other in the antiquity of the exhibits and themes. Each of them is available for viewing by all interested tourists.
Official website: http://www.namuseum.gr
9. Church of the Holy Apostles
Church of the Holy Apostles in Athens
In the Agora is the Church of the Holy Apostles of Solakis. It was built in the X century. This church is rightfully recognized as the oldest among the existing Christian churches in Athens.
This place has a special meaning for the locals. This is because it is the only monument in the Agora that has managed to survive in its original form to this day. So it can be considered, if we do not take into account the temple of Hephaestus.
The church has an original building. It looks like a cruciform structure with four massive columns supporting a huge dome. This landmark of Athens still has vestibules (pronaos). One of them had to be expanded over time to accommodate the sarcophagus in the building. There is an opinion that the tomb of the temple was built specifically for the patron who sponsored the construction.
10. Syntagma or Constitution Square
Constitution Square in Athens
Syntagma is often referred to as the Constitution Square. Tourists who have not figured out what to see in Athens go here first of all. All travelers come to this place, as it is located in the heart of the city.
The area has its own attraction. On its territory there is a unique monument dedicated to the unknown soldier. Here you can also see the guards of the National Guard, who act as guards. All of them are dressed in the national military uniform of Greece. Every hour there is a changing of the guard – this event is very popular with tourists, as it looks like a colorful performance.
The monument to the unknown soldier on Syntagma was opened in 1932. This event happened during the celebration of Greek Independence Day. On the monument, the masters applied winged words that were once said by Pericles.
Attractions of Athens: what else to visit while in Athens
For those who are not visiting the Greek capital for the first time, and for tourists who have more than a couple of days to explore the city, we offer options for where else to go. Excursions in Athens can be booked on the spot or in advance, focusing on your financial capabilities and requirements for a guide and route.
11. Nicholas P. Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art
Shadowgate Athens Museum of Cycladic Art
Among the largest buildings housing ancient artefacts is the Nicolas P. Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art. The museum was opened in 1986, thanks to the collection of ancient Greek art, which for a long time belonged to one of the most influential families in Greece.
The collection began to be collected in the 1960s. For this, Nicholas and Dolly, the owners of expensive exhibits, received permission from the Greek government. The collection included very rare relics, thanks to which it quickly attracted the attention of scientists. After the death of Nicholas, she was handed over to the government. Then it was decided to create a museum based on these exhibits.
The main collection of Athens attractions is divided into three parts, which differ from each other in their direction. The museum was created with the aim of familiarizing people with the ancient culture of Cyprus and the Aegean Sea. Today lectures and seminars are held within the walls of this building. People come here to take part in exciting projects and research.
Official website: https://www.cycladic.gr/en
12. National Garden in Athens
National Garden in Athens Sjaak Kempe
In the city center you can see a luxurious park, which is marked in the guidebooks as the National Garden. Many call it Royal. This is because the garden was planted in honor of Queen Amalia. This event took place in 1939. The attention of travelers in this park is attracted not only by the picturesque nature and dozens of amazing plants. Among them, ancient columns and mosaics are successfully located, which have slightly lost their original appearance. In the south of this landmark of Athens there are busts of talented poets who glorified Greece.
Luxurious trees and bushes of the garden surround the Parliament building from almost all sides. Guards are constantly on duty next to it.
The National Garden boasts that more than 15 thousand different plant species are planted in it. The park is constantly looked after, thanks to which it does not lose its attractive appearance. The garden even has a living corner. Visitors to this place can freely observe birds and animals through a mesh fence.
Official website: https://www.cityofathens.gr/en/
13. Kesariani Monastery
Kesariani Monastery in Athens RolandStuehmer
To the east of the city is the Kesariani Monastery, hidden from strangers by a high stone fence. This ancient Orthodox shrine is included in the list of places recommended for those who have not yet decided what to see in Athens.
No one knows the exact date of the foundation of the monastery. Archaeologists suggest that it could have been built in the 11th century. The shrine now remains the property of the Orthodox Church. For a long time the monastery was considered the most important cultural and religious center for the Greeks. In the modern world, it has also been awarded the title of the most interesting architectural monument belonging to the Middle Ages.
The structure looks like a cross temple, the dome of which rests on four Ionic columns. They were left from the sanctuary that existed in this place in antiquity.
Official website: http://odysseus.culture.gr
14. Library Adriana
Walls of Hadrian's Library in Athens
In 132 BC. Emperor Hadrian issued a decree to build a library, which today is an important historical monument of Greece. It is located in the north of the Acropolis.
After the library of Hadrian was completely built, it began to be called one of the most beautiful buildings in Athens. The building had a courtyard, which housed a luxurious swimming pool. The perimeter of the library was surrounded by a huge number of columns.
Thousands of valuable books were kept in this landmark of Athens. Also, special rooms were built in the library in advance, which served as reading rooms and auditoriums for reading educational lectures. During the heyday of the Ottoman Empire, there was a market square next to the library. On its territory there were several churches that have not survived to this day.
Official website: http://odysseus.culture.gr
15. Standing (Stoa) Attala
Stoa of Attalos in Athens
On the Athenian Agora there is another interesting attraction – the Stoa of Attalos. The structure was built and presented as an expensive gift to the people of Athens on behalf of King Attalom, who was educated here. This building was named after him.
The attraction differs significantly in its huge size from other buildings that are located on the territory of Athens. It occupies an area of 115×20 m. Limestone and marble were used as building materials.
When creating the monument, different orders of architecture were used. The outer colonnade is Doric, while the inner one is Ionic.
The Heruli tribe destroyed the building in 267. Its reconstruction began only in 1950. The Rockefeller family paid all the expenses for this work. Since that time, the building has served as the Agora Museum.
16. Parthenon
View of the Acropolis hill topped with the Parthenon in honor of the goddess Athena
The Parthenon is an ancient temple, which can be safely assigned the status of the main symbol of Athens and Greece as a whole. Together with other buildings that make up the Acropolis of Athens, this monument adds to the World Heritage List. Standing proudly on the very top of the Acropolis, the Parthenon is perfectly visible from anywhere in the city. The idea of building a sanctuary came about 2.5 thousand years ago to the Athenian reformer Pericles, who commissioned the famous masters of that time to design and build a monumental structure. For the construction of the Parthenon, only the best materials were brought from all over the country – snow-white marble, ivory, gold, cypress wood, and many thousands of slaves participated in the construction. Today, only the western wall remains of the original structure, but even these ruins today are the pride of the Athenians and testify to the former grandeur of the magnificent temple.
Official website: http://odysseus
17. Erechtheion
The famous portico of the Caryatids on the southern facade of the Erechtheion on the Acropolis in Athens
We can say that you have not seen Ancient Greece if you have not visited the ruins of at least one of the ancient monuments of Athens. A striking example of ancient Greek architecture is the Erechtheion, one of the main temples in ancient Athens. It was built in the 5th century BC. and is considered one of the most valuable architectural monuments of the Greek capital. But unlike other structures of antiquity, the Erechtheion has an unusual architecture for those times – it is relatively small in size and more like a residential building than a sanctuary. The asymmetry of its facade is associated primarily with the relief of the soil, as well as with the abundance of sanctuaries that were located here in the old days. The temple is made in the Ionic style, its eastern part is dedicated to the goddess Athena, the western – to the god Poseidon. During the Byzantine rule, a Christian chapel was located within these walls, but in the 17th century the temple was badly damaged by the attack of the Venetian troops. The remains of the wreckage can be seen today in the Acropolis Museum.
Official website: http://odysseus
18. Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Top view of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the southern slope of the Acropolis Carole Raddato
Another striking monument of antiquity in Athens is located on the southern slope of the Acropolis – this is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, which was built by a noble Athenian in the 2nd century AD. In fact, this is an ancient theater, and the most amazing thing is that this building is still used for its intended purpose – large-scale concerts, performances and other theatrical performances are regularly held on the open-air stage. The most famous artists take it as an honor to perform on the stage of the Odeon! Initially, the Odeon was dedicated to the deceased wife of Herod Atticus and was intended to hold events related to music. Its huge auditorium for almost 5 thousand people was carved right into the rock of the Acropolis, the building itself was large and luxurious, and sculptures of members of the royal court of Herod towered on both sides of the stage. Nowadays, the stage of the Odeon hosts an annual music festival, and in the evenings, magnificent lights are projected onto the walls and stage of the theater, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Official website: http://odysseus.< /p>
19. Theater of Dionysus
The current state of the theater of Dionysus of the 5th century BC in the southeastern part of the Acropolis
The ancient capital of Greece attracts lovers of antiquity with its archaeological sites and unique cultural sites. In order to get a complete picture of the national heritage of the country during the trip, you should choose the most famous cultural monuments of Athens, one of which is the theater of Dionysus – the oldest building that appeared in the 5th century BC. The entire world history of theatrical art was once born on these stages – it was here that the works of the greatest representatives of ancient Greek dramaturgy and literature – Sophocles, Aeschylus, Aristophanes and others – were presented to the audience. open air, since the size of the structure did not allow the construction of a roof. Excavations around the theater are still ongoing, and more and more details of ancient buildings are regularly discovered.
20. Tower of the Winds
The octagonal tower of the Winds made of Pendelian marble on the territory of the Roman Agora
At the very foot of the Acropolis, there is an elegant octagonal building from the 1st century BC. – an ancient weather station, or the Tower of the Winds. Its main purpose for many centuries was to determine the direction of the wind and time. The 12-meter marble tower is crowned with a conical ceramic roof, and at the top there was once a weather vane in the form of a triton – a mythical creature, in whose hand was a wand indicating the direction of the wind. All corners of the tower are oriented strictly to the cardinal points, and inside it used to be a clepsydra – a water clock, where time intervals were measured by drops flowing from a special vessel. For sunny days, another clock worked on the tower, which made it possible to find out the time by the position of the shadow falling on them. To this day, 8 tower bas-reliefs depicting allegories of winds have survived – looking at them, one could determine what kind of wind was blowing and what to expect from the weather.
21. Kerameikos
Archaeological excavations of the ancient city cemetery of Kerameikos in Athens
A week in Athens is long enough to move away from the center and go beyond the ancient city walls that surround old Athens. What to see in 7 days from ancient monuments? Right behind the Long Walls is the ancient area of Kerameikos, where the best masters of pottery once settled. There was also an ancient cemetery where burials were made up to the 16th century. Early burials were huge monuments and whole complexes of underground tombs, equipped under the hills. Over time, these mournful hills stretched out in a row, forming the Holy Path. And from the north side of Keramikos, the Dromos road led to the Plato Academy – local warriors, heroes and great statesmen were buried here. Excavations of the ancient cemetery and pottery settlement began in the 19th century, and most of the items found today can be viewed in the national archaeological museum.
22. Benaki Museum
The exhibition hall of the Benaki Museum in the Benakis family mansion in Athens Wolf Gang
Some lovers of tranquility prefer to go to Athens in the “low season”, free from the influx of tourists – for example, in early spring. What to see in Athens in March, when rainy and cool weather does not yet allow you to take a walk in the open air? One of the best solutions is to visit the Benaki Museum, which houses the richest collection of Antonis Benakis. The museum presents a huge number of unique, interesting things, most of which are archaeological finds dating back to the Paleolithic. Exhibitions are devoted not only to Greek but also to some other cultures – sculptures, icons, jewelry, paintings, dishes and other exhibits are exhibited here. The building of the complex itself can also be called a landmark – it is a luxurious house of the 19th century in the neoclassical style, which once belonged to the famous entrepreneur Benakis.
Official website: https://www. benaki.
23. Numismatic Museum
Numismatic Museum in the former mansion of the archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in Dimboukas, Athens
One of the most famous museums in the Greek capital is a numismatic one, which has a valuable collection of ancient medals, coins, scales, valuable stones found as a result of excavations. It houses more than half a million exhibits, dating back to the 14th century BC. and up to our days. The museum building is a beautiful mansion that once belonged to a German archaeologist named Schliemann. The collection, which in terms of the number of exhibits allows the museum to occupy the first lines in the world ranking, has been accumulating within these walls since 1834. The main hall of the museum bears the name of the former owner of the mansion – beautiful tapestries dedicated to the private life of the archaeologist are exhibited here. On the second floor there is an exposition dedicated to research in the field of numismatics – highlights how valuable coins are made and how they are forged. Coins, medals and other items of this kind are displayed directly in the rest of the halls.
24. Military Museum
A collection of weapons on display at the Military Museum in Athens Tilemahos Efthimiadis
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Aircraft – part of the Military Open Air Museum in Athens hdaniel
Greece is a great civilization with a rich military history. Therefore, a large museum in Athens is dedicated to military art, allowing you to personally get acquainted with weapons, uniforms and other attributes that have been used in military operations over the centuries, from antiquity to the present day. The very idea of creating such a museum appeared in the 60s of the last century, when it was decided to perpetuate the memory of all the brave warriors who gave their lives for the independence of their country. A site in the center of Athens was chosen to house the museum complex, ideally suited for these purposes – a former military camp was once located here. Within the walls of the museum, you can see the legendary weapons, study the places of the most important battles on maps, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of uniforms from different times. In a separate open-air exposition, you can see cannons, shells and military equipment.
Official website: http://www.warmuseum
25 Armored cruiser “Georgios Averof”
The cruiser-museum “Georgios Averof” at the eternal parking lot in the harbor of Palio Faliro in the suburbs of Athens
The armored cruiser “Georgios Averof”, which once glorified the history of the Greek fleet, today is a museum on the water, moored in one of the Athenian harbors. The construction of the ship in 1911 cost a cosmic sum, but a modern and most powerful ship for those times was born, armored, fast and well-equipped, reaching speeds of up to 23 knots. The ship took part in many military operations. During the First Balkan War, the cruiser went through the first battles with Turkey, and being the most equipped ship in her squadron, she played an important role in the battles at Cape Elli. During the First World War, Averof was part of an allied squadron and took part in hostilities against Germany. During World War II, he protected Allied convoys in the Indian Ocean. In 1952, he retired, and in the 80s was subject to restoration repairs, after which he was put on eternal parking as a museum.
26. Athens Academy of Sciences
Statues ancient Greek gods – Athena and Apollo in front of the Athenian Academy of Sciences Dimboukas
Contrary to popular belief, the best sights of Athens are not only the remains of the former grandeur of the most ancient buildings, but also modern institutions, which include the Athens Academy of Sciences, the largest scientific and research institution in the whole country. Its origin took place on the basis of the oldest academy, back in the 4th century BC. founded by Plato himself. The new institution was organized in 1926, and its charter divided the work of the Academy into several main areas: natural sciences, political sciences, art and morality. Dozens of research centers and research departments operate today under the leadership of the Academy, and in 2002, at the initiative of the Academy, a foundation for biomedical research was created. Every year, the Academy graduates specialists who have been creating and creating works within these walls for almost a hundred years.
Official website: http://www.academy
27. Guard of honor at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Guard of honor at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square in Athens Andy Hay
In the heart of Athens is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – a monument to all the soldiers who once fell in battles for their country. On one of the walls of the stele, the names of the states with which Greece fought for three millennia are inscribed. Today, this memorial is guarded day and night by Evzones – soldiers of the presidential guard, symbolizing the courage and courage of the Greek nation. I must say that high demands are made on the Evzones – they must have excellent physical shape, height of at least 1.87 m and, in general, an attractive appearance. Evzones are distinguished by a unique shape and a special step. Every hour there is a changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and on Sundays a special ceremony is held – the entire regiment of 120 guardsmen marching along the parade ground in full dress uniform to the sounds of the orchestra takes place to change the guard to the sounds of the orchestra.
28. Church of Panagia Kapnikareya< /h3>
Church of Panagia Kapnikareia on the most commercial and expensive Ermou street in the center of Athens Dimorsitanos
The Temple of Kapnikarei is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Athens. It is also one of the most colorful, especially against the backdrop of modern buildings surrounding it from different sides. It is located on Ermu, a busy city street where there is noise and bustle, but as soon as you get inside the church, you get the feeling of being in a completely different dimension – an atmosphere of silence and solitude reigns here. Despite its small size, Kapnikareya is one of the largest Byzantine sanctuaries in the capital. The church was built back in the 11th century on the foundation of another ancient temple dedicated to the goddess, but which one is unknown today. Architecturally, this is a cross-domed temple, consisting of 3 main parts. It is worth paying attention to the masonry of its walls, made in the “cloisonne” technique, when stones and bricks, interspersed, were laid out in the form of a cross.
29. Daphne Monastery
Byzantine monastery of Daphne in a picturesque laurel grove in Greece
11 kilometers northwest of Athens is another ancient temple that can be seen directly from the Elefsis highway. Daphni Monastery can be called the most impressive Byzantine monastery, a true gem of Byzantine creativity. Since ancient times, an altar to Daphnius Apollo has been located here, and the name itself once came from the abundantly growing laurels here – in Greek this plant sounds like “daphne”. The main temple of the monastery, dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is decorated with wonderful Byzantine mosaics of the 11th-12th centuries. In antiquity, the Holy Road from Athens to the ancient city of Elefsis also passed by the monastery, where spring and harvest festivals were regularly held. The monastery itself was built in the 6th century, and the stones of the ancient pagan sanctuary, which was once located on this site, were used in the construction.
Official website: http://odysseus< /p>
30. Lycabettus
A steep conical stony hill rises above the city blocks of Athens
The low 300-meter Lycabettus Hill in the northeastern part of Athens, although it does not differ in impressive height, is still the best observation platform from which a beautiful panorama of the whole city opens – here you can see the majestic Acropolis, the Parthenon and even the more distant port of Piraeus from a height . People come here to enjoy the sunset, to see the ceremony of lowering the national flag, to relax in local restaurants and cafes with excellent views. Lycabettus has not one, but two peaks – a temple rises on the upper peak, and a theater on the lower one. By the way, many outstanding world celebrities have performed on the stage of the theater for decades. And the temple is the chapel of St. George, built at the turn of the 11th and 12th centuries. The path to the hill is no less interesting – you can make it on the funicular, which transports passengers not above the ground, but through an underground tunnel.
31. Philopappa Hill
Philopappos Monument on the Hill of Muses (Philopappos Hill) in Athens by Wolfgang Moroder.
If the format of standard excursions to well-known places is already pretty tired, and the tourist crowd is not to your liking, then it's time to visit other, secret places in Athens – secluded corners of the city where you rarely meet visitors. One of these places is the observation deck on Philopappus Hill, from where you can see the Acropolis, the Argolis Mountains, the Saronic Gulf, Lycabettus Hill, the sea, urban areas and even the island of Salamis. This is a picturesque hill covered with coniferous vegetation, where the air itself is filled with the aromas of fragrant resin. There are no restaurants and no signs of civilization at all. At the foot of Philopappus there is a small cave, which in the popular mind has long been known as the prison of Socrates – it is believed that it was here that the famous philosopher spent the last days after the verdict. And the hill owes its name to the great benefactor Philopappus, whose monument crowns the top of the hill.
32. Plaka
Plaka area at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens Stephanie Costa
A walk through the central part of Athens near the Acropolis gives you the opportunity to see the Temple of Zeus, or rather the remains of the once snow-white colonnade of the temple, which have survived to this day. At the eastern slope of the Acropolis lies the oldest district of Plaka, most of whose streets are walking, closed to motor traffic, and most of the centuries-old buildings were built on the foundations of earlier, ancient buildings. A few decades ago, nightlife was in full swing here, discos and bars worked, and not so long ago, the Greek authorities decided to close entertainment venues and make Plaka a quiet, fashionable area, and today luxury jewelry stores, expensive boutiques and souvenir shops coexist here. The proximity to the Acropolis makes Plaka a real tourist Mecca, and walking along its narrow streets in the evening allows you to see the area transformed in the light of fascinating illumination.
33. Monastiraki Market
Monastiraki flea market streets are popular with tourists in Athens Brian Jeffery Beggerly
A place popular among shopping lovers is located next to Plaka and is called Monastiraki. Finding this market is not difficult – life is seething here at any time of the day or night, but Sunday is considered the best day, when the malls are filled with art and antiques from private collections, jewelry, medals and other valuable items. The rest of the time, small shops selling furs, board games, Byzantine icons, valuable figurines and various souvenir paraphernalia invariably work here. It is easy to guess that the very name of the market comes from the word “monastery” and somewhere nearby there must be sacred historical objects. There is indeed a temple in the vicinity, which was both a Catholic and an Orthodox church, and now a trading space is equipped within these walls.
34. Attica Zoo
Dolphin Show and sea lions at the Attica Zoo in Greece Dimitris Kamaras
The Athens Zoo Attica, located in the suburbs, has received public acclaim since its opening in 2000. Initially, it was a large poultry farm, where about 350 species of birds were kept. Later, the park began to expand, enclosures appeared with livestock – goats, pigs, sheep, horses, and a year later reptiles, African animals, primates and large representatives of the cat family were brought in. So the zoo has grown to a huge territory of 20 hectares, which is inhabited by about 2 thousand individuals of various animals. Today, in addition to the above living creatures, here you can find a rare species of wild donkeys – Somali, as well as camels, deer, zebras, anteaters, lemurs, macaques and gibbons. There are even marine mammals – seals and dolphins. Guests of the zoo can relax in the cafe located here, and buy a souvenir in the local shop.
Official website: https://www.atticapark
35 Flisvos Marina
Panorama of the famous Marina Flisvos with luxury yachts and sailing boats in Athens
The largest, well-equipped harbor Flisvos Marina has been the hallmark of the city for more than a year. Today it boasts 300 state-of-the-art berths, most of which are designed for large yachts over 30 meters in length. Located just 6 kilometers from the center, this place is very popular for leisurely walks along the coast and measured relaxation in local restaurants and entertainment complexes. There are also a number of shops, and walking alleys, and parking for hundreds of cars. Flisvos harbor also plays the role of a starting point for traveling to many historical places, cultural sites and events, because a variety of tourist transport starts from here. Above all, it is the starting point for travelers by sea to explore the nearest Greek islands – there are thousands of them here!