The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance, the most famous being the Parthenon. The word acropolis is from the Greek words ἄκρον (akron, "highest point, extremity") and πόλις (polis, "city").The term acropolis is generic and there are many other acropoleis in Greece. During ancient times the Acropolis of Athens was known also more properly as Cecropia, after the legendary serpent-man, Cecrops, the supposed first Athenian king.
While there is evidence that the hill was inhabited as far back as the fourth millennium BC, it was Pericles (c. 495–429 BC) in the fifth century BC who coordinated the construction of the buildings whose present remains are the site's most important ones, including the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike.The Parthenon and the other buildings were seriously damaged during the 1687 siege by the Venetians during the Morean War when gunpowder being stored in the Parthenon was hit by a Venetian bombardment and exploded.
To keep safe and healthy whilst sight seeing: During the summer and due to the heat, we recommend visiting before 11.30am and after 5pm. Always take plenty of water with you and wear comfortable shoes (no flip flops/flimsy sandals) and a hat.
The Panathenaic Stadium is a classical cultural monument of Greece. Its history is directly connected to the Modern Olympic Games, from their revival in 1896 until the Athens Olympic Games in 2004. It is also the place from which the Olympic Flame is delivered to all the Olympic Games, Winter, Summer and Youth, as well as the Athens Authentic Marathon.
The goal of The Hellenic Olympic Committee is to make the Stadium a main attraction and to promote the athletic spirit to the youth by organising athletic and cultural events for the children.
The Panathenaic Stadium has a long and interesting history that spans throughout the centuries. It was constructed in the 4th century B.C. and was used to host events related to the celebration of the city of Athens, the “Great Panathenaia”. During its long history, the Stadium has seen major changes; in the late 19th century, the Stadium underwent major reconstructions and took its final form.
Standing 277 meters above sea level, Mount Lycabettus (sometimes spelt Lykavitos) is the highest point of Athens and boasts the most breathtaking and panoramic views of the city and its surrounds. Although a beautiful walk up via a circular path, it will be a test of endurance and a challenge in summer - perhaps May and September/October are the best months to experience this.
The hill is a tourist destination and can also be ascended by the Lycabettus Funicular, a funicular railway which climbs the hill from a lower terminus at Kolonaki (The railway station can be found at Aristippou street). At its two peaks are the 19th century Chapel of St. George, a theatre, and a restaurant.
The Plaka Steps is an area in Athens with many restaurants that have tables sitting along the steps. It is located in the Plaka neighborhood which hugs the base of the Acropolis.
The most photogenic bars and restaurants are to be found along the “Plaka Steps”, narrow lanes with steps that run up the hill towards the Acropolis. In summer tables and cushions are put outside each restaurant and people sit on the steps themselves with a drink or a meal, to see and be seen.
The perfect way to spend a 'Greek' afternoon, enjoying your coffee, chatting and soaking up the Plaka atmosphere!
The Changing of the guards takes place every hour by the military unit whose members stand proudly in perfect stillness in front of the Parliament building in Syntagma Square.
But every Sunday morning at 11 am, you can watch the official ceremony of the changing of the guards with the official costume.
The Evzones is a special unit of the Hellenic Army, also known as Tsoliades, who guard the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Hellenic Parliament and the Presidential Mansion. The monument is a cenotaph created between 1930 and 1932, dedicated to Greek soldiers who were killed during times of war. It depicts a dead soldier lying down while holding a shield and wearing an ancient Greek-style helmet.
Throughout the long history of Greece, the Evzones have become symbols of bravery and courage for the Greek people.
The Presidential Guard, as the unit is now called, was constituted in 1868 and has taken many names through centuries (Guard of the Flag, Royal Guard, etc).
The duties of the soldiers are part of a ceremonial nature. Every soldier guards for about an hour, 3 times in total every 48 hours.
Throughout these 60 minutes, they have to stand perfectly still until it is time to switch with another guard.
During the changing, they work in pairs so they can perfectly coordinate their moves.
Hadrian's Library was created by Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 132 on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens. The building followed a typical Roman forum architectural style, having only one entrance with a propylon of Corinthian order, a high surrounding wall with protruding niches at its long sides, an inner courtyard surrounded by columns and a decorative oblong pool in the middle. The library was on the eastern side where rolls of papyrus "books" were kept. Adjoining halls were used as reading rooms, and the corners served as lecture halls.
Hadrian's Library is north of the Roman Agora, right next to lively Monastiraki Square and Tzistarakis Mosque.
As the ruins are only a 2 minute walk from the Monastiraki metro station, you can easily reach them by public transport. Take metro line 1 or 3. Alternatively, you can also take the hop on hop off bus tour to station A 14 "Monastiraki/Thession" and walk the few meters to Hadrian's Library.
In the heart of Athens, north of Syntagma Square, stands an austere Neoclassical building that now houses the Parliament of Greece. The three-floor building of the Hellenic Parliament has two entrances, one on the west side used for the entrance of the Members of the Parliament, and another on the front side, facing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The National Gardens and Zappeion Megaron are situated adjacent to the Parliament.
The building was designed by the revered German architect Friedrich von Gärtner and its construction lasted from 1836 to 1842. Originally, it served as the palace of the King of Greece. It was inhabited by King Otto and his wife, Queen Amalia, and later by King George I and his family. However, in 1909, a fire caused extensive damage to the building and restoration works started. When the monarchy was abolished in 1924 after a referendum, the building was used as a museum and a hospital.
In November 1929, the government decided to move the Parliament House to this building. Until then, the Parliament was housed in a building on Stadiou Street, which now houses the Historical Museum. Although the monarchy was restored in Greece in the same year, the Parliament has been housed there ever since and the royal family moved to the current Presidential Palace.
Right in the heart of Athens, between Syntagma Square and the Panathenaic Stadium, lies the famous National Garden of Athens, a beautiful area to escape the noisy city center and relax in a lush environment. It is almost unbelievable that such an enticing garden is situated among the busiest avenues of the city yet remains so well-protected from noise.
The garden covers a vast area of about 16 hectares. It is situated on the north of Syntagma Square, right next to the Hellenic Parliament.
The National Garden was created between 1838 and 1840 by order of Queen Amalia, the wife of King Otto and the first queen of Greece. The German agronomist Frederick Schmidt was responsible for its planting. He imported more than 500 plant species from Greece and around the world, including many tropical plants. Unfortunately, with the passage of time, some of these plants didn't survive the Mediterranean climate, but those who have survived, create a lovely environment to relax.
The most impressive plants of the garden are the Washingtonias (the impressive palm trees named after the US President George Washington), the Chinese trees of heaven, the eucalyptus and casuarina trees originating from Australia, the pokeweeds originating from South America and the false peppers from Central America.
Built at the foothills of the Acropolis, the ancient amphitheatre of Herodium, also known as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, is one of the best places to experience a live classical theatre performance.
This ancient Theatre was built in the Roman Times, in about 161 AD by the philosopher, teacher and politician Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Regilla who died in 160 AD.
It was the third Theatre constructed in ancient Athens - the first was the Odeon of Pericles, built during the 5th century BC, and the second was the Odeon of Agrippa, built in 15 BC.
The Theatre used to be covered and had a seating capacity of 5,000 individuals. Like all ancient Theatres, it consisted of three main parts - the theatron, the orchestra and the skene.
The theatron is the area where the spectators used to sit, the orchestra (stage) is the area in front of the seats where the dance performed and the skene is the building located behind the orchestra.
In the Odeon of Herodus Atticus, the theatron is semi-circular, has a diameter of 76 meters and was divided into two sections by a corridor with a width of 1,2 meters. The sections had 32 rows of seats made of marble. The orchestra is also semi-circular, has a diameter of 19 meters and was paved with marble. Lastly, the skene was elevated and three-storied.
Apart from its stunning permanent collection, the Acropolis Museum offers more to discover. Beneath the main building, the Excavation Museum reveals an ancient Athenian neighbourhood, with well-preserved houses, workshops, and streets spanning from classical to Byzantine times. Visitors can walk on glass floors to observe the site from above.
The museum's recently inaugurated exhibition wing expands the experience further, featuring new collections and interactive displays that provide deeper insights into the Acropolis’ history. Entrance to the Excavation Museum is included with the general admission ticket to the Acropolis museum.
The National Archaeological Museum is one of the greatest museums in the world with the richest collection of Greek artefacts dating from prehistory to late antiquity.
With some 8,000 square metres of exhibition space, it’s hard to take in this panorama of Greek civilisation and achievement in a single visit. So it’s best to either stick to the most celebrated exhibits or focus on a single gallery or theme.
There is so much not to miss that this truly depends on your interests. The ‘Mask of Agamemnon’, the Santorini frescoes, the bronze Zeus or Poseidon and the ‘Jockey of Artemision’ are among the most popular exhibits.
The National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMST) began its operation in 2000. It is now permanently located at the former FIX brewery, the reconstruction of which was completed in February 2014.
EMST offers the public opportunities to interact with contemporary art through its exhibitions, activities, programs and publications. Its collection comprises the works of Greek and international artists based on different art mediums -painting, sculpture, video, installations, photography, engraving, industrial design, etc. – that deal with current and timeless issues. Aiming at the wider development and promotion of contemporary art, EMST invests in artistic production and the establishment of synergies and collaborative relationships.
EMST aspires to expand the domestic community of contemporary art by connecting it with the international scene. In a constantly changing world, EMST represents the exchange of ideas and perspectives through contemporary art, enriching the daily lives of the public and the experience of the visitors.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is located in Paleo Faliro, a civic and old-school neighborhood of Athens. Its grounds host three different projects; the National Library, the Greek National Opera and the Stavros Niarchos Park.
The idea behind the realization of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center was conceived in 1998 when the Stavros Niarchos Foundation decided to proceed with a donation that would create a multi-space that would enrich the cultural facade of Athens.
Initially, the donation was destined separately for the National Library and the Greek National Opera, but as the plans proceeded, it was decided that a new building should be constructed, one that would co-host both. In 2008, the prestigious task was undertaken by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, while the construction process began in 2012 and was completed in 2016.
The institution of the National Library was established in 1832, a few years after Greece was declared an independent state. Until recently, it was hosted at the marvelous neoclassical building of the National Library on Panepistimiou Avenue, designed by the eminent German architect, Ernst Ziller.
With great respect to its history and care for the extremely significant books, documents and writings hosted, the basis of the library was transferred gradually to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, to meet up with the demands of the new digital era. Aspiring to become a research center of global resonance, the new National Library offers ultra-modern facilities to assist the academic audience, researchers, students and well as readers.
The Greek National Opera is another impressive achievement, a venue that can host even the most demanding performances. With the latest technological equipment, impeccable acoustics, supreme design, and premium aesthetics, it can conduct major singing and dancing productions, providing a superior experience to artists and the audience alike.
Last but not least, Stavros Niarchos Park is a breath of fresh air to the populous city of Athens. Vast in size, the park is overgrown with classic Mediterranean flora such as olive trees, aromatic herbs, and flowers that are planted carefully, in order to bloom according to each season. The park is full of alleys and places suitable for gatherings, where families and friends can enjoy a picnic or a walk, while children can engage in hours of playing. Bicycles are permitted, and it is also a great place for athletic activities. Some of the most impressive features of the park are the grand sea-water canal with the picturesque esplanade, the Lighthouse, which is an ideal spot for reading and relaxing, as well as the photovoltaic canopy.