The capital of Greece, Athens, is named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom. A vibrant city with sprawling boundaries, Athens is bordered by three imposing mountains that descend to two famous foothills – the Acropolis and Lykavittos, both of which now can be seen from most areas of the city. The Acropolis, with its two flowing springs, was the stopping site for some of Greece’s earliest settlers.
1. Acropolis: Perched on a rocky promontory high above the city and prominent from every direction is the Acropolis, a complex of ancient buildings dating from the 5th century B.C. The Acropolis is the number one attraction of Athens and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It houses the remains of some of the finest extant examples of classical architecture. Extensive restoration efforts have replaced or reinforced much of the original architecture, which was slowly being destroyed by acid rain. Within the grounds of the Acropolis are the following: the Acropolis Museum, which contains many of the treasures uncovered from archaeological digs of the Acropolis; including the Caryatids, statues of maidens.
2. Agora: Socrates spent much time espousing his philosophy in this square, which was the ancient city’s marketplace. Developed in the 6th century B.C. and demolished by the Persians in 480 B.C., it was rebuilt soon after. The former commercial center of Athens, the Agora was the marketplace of the ancient city-state and the heart of its social and civic life. Among the ruins are the Stoa of Atalus, a building dating from 200 B.C. that is now a museum housing finds from the site; an open-air mall comprising 134 Doric and Ionic columns; and the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus.
3. Benaki Museum: This interesting museum reflects the eclectic taste of its benefactor, Antonis Benakis. Among the items on display are ancient artifacts, Byzantine and Ottoman items, Chinese ceramics, and an array of Greek national costumes.
4. Byzantine Museum: One of the world’s largest collections of religious icons is on display at this museum housed in an 1840 mansion. The museum also offers other fine examples of Christian art dating from the 4th to 19th century.
5. Dafni Monastery: Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, this monastery is one of the most significant examples of Byzantine art and architecture. Seventy-six splendid mosaics are housed in this 11th-century monastery, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bonus Attractions:
Chapel of our Lady of the Cavern: A tiny chapel situated on the southeastern slope of the Acropolis, this church contains many old pictures and icons that decorate its walls.
Jewish Museum of Greece: Located in an elegant Neoclassical building near the Plaka, the museum tells the story of Jews living in Greece from the 6th century B.C. until the Holocaust.
These tips about Greece were taken from The Travel Institute’s Southern Europe course. Premium Access subscribers receive this online course, along with 12 other Specialist programs, as part of their benefits. Learn more!
