Where to go in Athens

Monastiraki

2006-02-08T14:33:00.000-08:00

Monastiraki Square lies at the end of Pandorou St. According to one account it owes its name to the church of the Panagia (Vergin Mary) there which is a monastic estate of the Kaisariani Monastery whose medieval name was the Great Monastery. Next to is the electric train station that joins Piraeus to Kifissia.
Monastiraki counts as the most visited area of Athens, for both Greeks and tourists it is one of the most picturesque areas of Athens, neighboring and connected to Plaka it is the easiest way to go up to the Acropolis ,to visit the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora ,the Attalos stoa and the temple of Hephestus.From Dioscouron street you can go up the steps to the Acropolis ,the narrow streets of Plaka and the Anafiotika ,that amazing small area with tiny white houses Jasmine and pergolas ,which makes you feel you are in a small Greek island of the Cyclades. The name Anafiotika was taken from the builders that came from the island of Anafi in the 19 century to build the first Palace of King Otto.
Back in Monastiraki and its famous flea market ,a paradise for collectors , you can find anything from Greek souvenirs and Greek art shops ,antiques ,carpets,old books ,latest fashion clothes,jewellery any kind of gadgets, old stamps and old books ,you can even find clothing and helmets from the second world war!! .But the best thing a gora.
The best day to visit the area of Monastiraki is the weekend.Most of Athenians go there not only for a walk but also for shopping or enjoy their stay going to a café or tavern to the area of Monastiraki or Psiri.( From Monastiraki square, have the Ermou street on your left hand and turn right after 30 metres.Cross the road and you will find the area of Psiri.

by Tsiakoupi Elena

Pnyka

2006-02-08T14:31:00.000-08:00

If you want to walk, talk and discuss to the same place where Themistocles, Pericles, Alcebiades and Demosthenes used to address their public speeches, then you should visit Pnyx. Dedicated to the worship of Zeus Agoraios, protector of the constitution, Pnyx was also the meeting place for the Ecclesiae of the Demos - the Assembly of the Athenians. This is where democracy was conceived and realized for the first time.
The function of the large, theatre- like area on the hill west of Acropolis had, in the past, been explained by a number of different theories, before it was surely identified as the Pnyx, the place where the Assembly of the Athenians held its meetings.
The most important monuments of Pnyx are:
1) The two large “stoas” bordering the south side of the spacious terrace above the “vima” (tribune). Their purpose was to shelter the people in bad weather conditions.
2) The big rectangular cutting above the vima, for the altar of Zeus Agoraios.
3) The large cutting between the two stoas, which according to the excavators it was the foundation of the Propylaea for the whole architectural complex.
4) The sanctuary of Zeus Hypsistos

by Leda Tsene

Plaka

2006-02-08T14:29:00.000-08:00

Plaka is the oldest neighbourhood of Athens. A village within the city. Plaka is an area of restaurants, Jewelry stores, tourist shops, and cafes. Though it is quite commercialized it is still a neighbourhood and arguably the nicest neighbourhood in central Athens. The Plaka is full of street musicians, flower sellers and photographers. Most of the streets have been closed to traffic, though you should still keep an eye for a speeding motorbike or delivery truck.
Most of the restaurants are typical tourist places, although the quality of the food is not bad in many of them. You may notice that there are several restaurants with tables in the street. In fact it will be difficult not to notice because every time you pass one, the owner tries to pull you over to have a look at the menu. These restaurants are not bad. Typical selection: moussaka, pastitsio and souvlaki.
As for the tourist shops, they are crammed full of stuff, some of it might be junk, but there are plenty of interesting items if you feel compelled to bring back gifts to your friends. There are also lots of jewelry stores.
The cafes are generally a little bit pricey, especially if they are on the main streets (Kydatheneon, Adrianou) and around the squares, but they are definitely worth it for the view. If you sit in one of these cafes long enough you will see that everyone who comes to Greece walks down these two streets. From famous basketball players to rock stars and nobel prize winners, these streets below the Acropolis are a major crossroads of civilization.
You can also find a few galleries and several museums in the Plaka, like the Children's Museum, the Music Museum, the Greek Folk Art Museum and the Jewish Museum which is right at the entrance to the Plaka at Nikis and Kydatheneon streets.
Whether you like shopping, hanging out, eating, or wandering around, the Plaka is a great area to be in. From it you can walk to all the desirable parts of central Athens. The Plaka is like a small island in the middle of the city and it was not very long ago that the Plaka actually was the city of Athens. If you have time to kill get off the beaten paths and walk through the back streets. Admire the architecture of buildings that have stood for hundreds of years or climb the hill and see buildings that have lasted for thousands.

by Christos Paschalidis

The Roman Agora

2006-02-08T14:18:00.000-08:00

The origins of the name “Roman Agora” come from the period the building was constructed, during the Romans’ reign in Athens (10 B.C.). It is located behind Acropolis and connected the ancient temple to the Ancient Greek Agora. The Roman Agora combines Greek and Roman architectonic structures and this is the reason that this building is so different from the others. Julius Caesar donated an amount of money for the construction of the building.
The main gate was called “Gate of the Leading Athena” and the route to the Ancient Agora started from there. Greeks used this place for their everyday activities in the center of the town: buying and selling things or communicating with fellow citizens.
Apart from the main gate that still exists in the place, the visitors can see three more buildings inside the Agora. The first one is called “The Tower of the Winds” and demonstrated the direction of the wind. The next building is “The Vespasians”, which was used as a pool of water inside the agora: for relaxing after a long day… The last building was “The Agora Checking Place”, where all the problems inside the agora were solved. That last building along with the main gate was dedicated to the goddess Athena, the protector of the city.
Nowadays to enter the building the visitors have to check the second gate, since the “Gate of the Leading Athena” is closed.

by Dionisis Kokkaliaris

Hadrian’s Library

2006-02-08T14:17:00.000-08:00

Hadrian’s Library is a big complex of archaeological monuments that is spread over Areos, Aiolou and Pandrosou Street in Plaka. The rectangular building of the Library (122m×82m) is in the north part of the Roman Agora.
Emperor Hadrian built Herculius it in A.D. 132 destroyed by the Herulae in A.D. 267 and in A.D. 412 it was repaired by the Roman Eparchus. In the 5th century the quatrefoil building of the Early Christian church was constructed in the centre of the peristyle court. 2 centuries later, a three-aisled basilica was erected on its ruins. In the 11th century, a single-aisled basilica, the Church of Megale Panagia (Holy Mary) was built there. Considerable to say is that during the Turkish occupation, those archaeological monuments became the seat of Voevode, the Governor of the city.
The first excavation campaign was conducted in the central and eastern part of the monument, after the great fire of 1885, which damaged the Agora (Bazaar) and the church of Megale Panaghia. Between 1960 – 1970, restoration efforts were carried out at the west facade and the colonnade of the basilica of Megale Panaghia, and in 1975 -1976 the Propylon was consolidated. Nowadays, the archaeologists are preparing a study about the reconstruction of the Library.
The Most important monuments of that complex are: the Quatrefoil building, the Church of Megale Panagia (Holy Mary), and the ruins of the seven columns of the Library.
For more details, you can visit the website of the Ministry of Culture www.culture.gr/

by Alexandra Baka

The House of Parliament

2006-02-08T14:16:00.000-08:00

The most important building of Greek modern history lies in the very centre of Athens. The House of Parliament is placed across the Syntagma Square, easily accessible by the homonym metro station. In architectural terms it is a massive, square, neoclassical building planned by the Bavarian architect Gaertner, in 1836, to serve as a palace for king Otto and his government. An important number of major political events took place at this building during the late 19th and the 20th century. The transition of royal dynasty lead to the change of inhabitants for the palace.
With the arrival of the new king, George the 1st, in 1863, some operation took place but no major changes occurred. Two fires that broke out at 1884 and 1909 caused numerous problems so that part of the building was renovated. The building remained a palace until 1913 when the political circumstances, lead the new king, Constantine to move to Herodus Attikou mansion. However the old palace became the residence of Queen Mother Olga until 1922, when it was transformed to a hospital and house of additional services, due to the Asia Minor disaster. Since 1926 this building has been House of the Parliament of Greek Republic.
The House of Parliament is a registered trademark of the Greek Capital. In the forecourt stands The Unknown Soldier Monument were most national ceremonies take place. Also, soldiers with Greek traditional costumes patrol in frond of the Old Palace making a great theme for a photograph. Being set in the centre of Athens, the House of Parliament makes the ideal begin for a tour around the city, since most interesting sites are situated around this spot.

Relevant Links: Hellenic Parliament http://www.parliament.gr/

by Evita Lykou

The Odeon of Herod Atticus

2006-02-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

This building is located underneath the Hill of Acropolis, in the center of Athens. It was totally revealed in 1857, when the excavation works finished. Everybody who decides to have a nice walk on Dionisiou Areopaghitou Pedestrian Street is able to find this ancient Odeon on his right hand.
The Odeon was constructed in 160-170 B.C. by Herod the Atticus. When his wife, Rigilli, died, people accused him of on loving her. So, Herod decided to build the Odeon as a gift to his beloved wife’s memory. It had a wooden roof and its capacity reached round to 5000 people.
Nowadays, the Odeon of Herod the Atticus is considered as one of the most popular ancient monuments in Athens. During all the year visitors can enter the Odeon using the ticket of Acropolis, in order to walk inside and see the place where ancient Greek musicians and actors used to perform in front of the Athenian audience.
But, the Odeon has more surprises for the Greeks. From May to October, during the “Greek Summer Festival”, the Odeon opens the doors for a large variety of festivals. Actors and musicians from all over the world organize performances in that place, offering to the visitors a great experience. During that period, many people are gathered in front of the Odeon to watch famous actors or singers and bands performing. It works as an open Odeon, since there is no more a roof on the top.
In general, the Odeon of Herod the Atticus is the best choice for the Athenians during the summer nights. This kind of festival is held in the town every year and the spectacle is really wonderful. So, any visit to Athens during that time has to be accompanied with a visit to the Odeon…

by Dionisis Kokkaliaris

Academy of Plato

2006-02-08T14:13:00.000-08:00

The Academy of Plato is known for its famous school of Philosophy which Plato created in the area. The word Academy came from the name of the hero Academos. Its story begins in the 6th century where the ancient Greeks structures the three famous Gymnasiums of Athens and ends in 526 A.D. with Houstonian seizing its activity. Plato had begun teaching in 387 B.C.

Archaeologists started digging and researching the area in 1929 and continue to this day. The most important monuments of the area are:
-The Holy House of Geometrical Time. It is believed to be the house where rituals were performed.
-The Gymnasium. It contains a small room for training in wrestling
-The Peristyle building. Probably the wrestling area
-The Archway building. This is believed to be the house of the hero Academos.

by Alice Darzentas

Kolonaki

2006-02-08T14:07:00.000-08:00

Kolonaki is a location that can be found in the center of the Greek capital, right underneath Lecabettus Hill. This makes access to that point a bit difficult, but the many choices that are offered for eating, drinking or having fun can erase that feeling.
Kolonaki is a lively place all day and night. Citizens visit its many stores everyday in order to buy clothes, ornaments and things for the house. But, its most intriguing appeal can be considered only during the night. There are many bars in Kolonaki, most of which are small, but beautiful inside. These bars are an excellent choice for drinking and chatting with friends. If somebody feels that he doesn’t like one specific bar, he can always try another. There is a significant variety of bars that can satisfy everybody.
Apart from the bars there are some other places that are used as restaurants. So, if you feel like eating delicious food, then Kolonaki has to offer many choices. After dinner you may join a bar and have a nice drink.
This place is one of the most attractive in the center of the town… if you feel like walking for a while!

by Dionisis Kokkaliaris

Metropolis

2006-02-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

The Metropolis of Athens can be found at the Metropolis square, on the parallel road of Ermou and at the beginning of the area Plaka. One can reach it by the metro at the station Syntagma.
Next to the great church that resembles today’s Metropolis, there is a small church that has a great historical, symbolical, cultural and architectural meaning. It used to be the Metropolis of Athens due to the fact that it was part of the royal gardens and is therefore known as the old Metropolis.
It was built in the 12th century, but the material it was build from comes from the 6th century. It was manufactured by pieces of stone from ancient temples and is actually the first athenaeum calendar. On the stones different carvings and shapes are visible and to this day some remain a mystery.
Although the big church of today’s Metropolis casts a shadow on the little monument, passers by do not fail to look at it and always wonder how it was constructed and why were the stones but in that particular order. For it not only has subjects of ancient Greek Mythology, but also crosses and symbols that remind one of the crusades.
According to the archeologists and the analysts it used to be the temple to Eilithia, the goddess of birth, who was in charge of the delivery of the child. Today it is known as Saint Eleutherios, name which comes from the word “Eleutheria”, which means freedom. For in Greece when we see a pregnant woman we wish her “good freedom” or in other words, good birth. So, its meaning remains to this day. It also is dedicated to the Virgin Mary with the venerability of answering prayers at once.

by Alice Darzentas

Kerameikos

2006-02-08T14:04:00.000-08:00

Kerameikos is one of the biggest and most important archaeological sites of Athens. Some historians claim that it was named after the hero Keramos, whereas others believe that the name Kerameikos comes from the many ceramic shops that were in the area. At first Kerameikos was known as the potters district, located along the banks of the river Eridanos, and it was consisted of the inner and the outer Kerameikos. Actually the division of the area took place during the 5th century B.C., when the Great Walls of Athens were built. The gates of the walls were Dipylon, from which the road which led to Acropolis, the Panathenaic Way began, and Sacred Gate, from which began the Sacred Way, that led to the holy city of Eleusina. The outer part of Kerameikos, for a great period of time, from 9th century B.C. until the Roman era, served as the main cemetery of Athens.
In our days, the archaeological site of Kerameikos has many interesting monuments for someone to see, including the Pompeion, a building which according to Pausanias was the keeping place of sacred and valuable objects, the Sacred Gate, Dipylon, Attalus arcade, named after a prince from Pergamos, Pikili arcade, well known for its murals, that depict the history of Athens and the accomplices of its citizens, and of course there is also the museum of Kerameikos where the most fragile and valuable findings from the excavations are kept.
In general the experience of visiting this burial site can be interesting. For the citizens of ancient Athens, Kerameikos was a place of highly religious and political importance. It was a connection with their forefathers and their honorable past, but also it linked them to Eleusina and Acropolis, two holy and sacred places. It provides the visitor with useful information concerning the burial habits in ancient Greece.

by Zoe Tsalta

Philopapou

2006-02-08T13:59:00.000-08:00

The area of Philopappos is a great getaway for a pleasant walk, in the middle of Athens. Beside that you can visit the monument of Philopappos while admiring the magnificent view. The hill that is the site of the Filopappos Monument was known in the antiquity as the hill of the Muses and was the place where many poets of that era retreated to in order to get inspiration. The monument was built by the Athenians in 114-116 AD to honour the exiled leader of the city of Kommagene, in Asia Minor, Julius Antioch Filopappos, who fled to Athens and became a great benefactor of the city.

The monument included a death chamber and is built with white marble from Mount Penteli, on a 3 meter-high base. The north side, which is visible from the Acropolis, was the front of the monument and used to be adorned with rich marble decorations. At the south side of Philopappos hill is located “Dora Stratou” theatre, dedicated to Greek traditional dances and music.

by Leda Tsene

Kallimarmaron

2006-02-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

1896 was the year that the whole world celebrated the rebirth of the Modern Olympic Games, hosted at the Panathinaiko or Kallimarmaron Stadium.
Initially, in antiquity, the site was just a natural hollow part of the ground between Agra and Ardittos hills, over Ilissos river. Known also as the 'Kallimarmaron', which means 'beautiful marble', the Panathinaiko Stadium has a long history that dates back to the classical era. Historic records indicate that a stadium existed on the site as early as 329 BC during the time of Lykourgos in order to host the Panathenean Games, festival events that were held to honour the Greek goddess Athena (the Goddess of wisdom, skills and warfare and protector of the city of Athens in ancient Greece). Records also show that the Greek benefactor Herodus Attikos (139 to 194 AD) improved the stadium with marble upgrades. Historians considered it to be “a miracle above description that it had almost exhausted the marble quarries of mountain Penteli” During the middle ages, it was destroyed. In 1896 it was reconstructed for the first Modern Olympic Games thanks to the generous donation of George Averoff. During the Olympic Games of Athens 2004 the Kallimarmaron Stadium served once again as one of the competition venues for that great sporting event, hosting the Archery and the Marathon Finish.

by Leda Tsene