Athens. Church of St. Catherine

The history of Athens is the history of Western civilization, its origins and its very essence. Everything was invented here: democracy, theater, the foundations of law, philosophy and oratory. The city has stood on the fertile soil of Attica for 9 thousand years; no cataclysms or wars could shake its foundations.

In the ancient heart of Athens - the sacred Acropolis - there are still pagan temples dedicated to the mighty Zeus, wise Athena and mighty Hephaestus. The stone stages of ancient theaters still remember the first tragedies of Euripides. The marble steps of the Panathinaikos stadium are still ready to receive agile athletes today.

Over the course of thousands of years, Athens flourished, fell into decline, was destroyed, and was reborn again. But the city was able to maintain its status as the ancestor and source in which our entire culture originated.

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What to see and where to go in Athens?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

The Acropolis is the heart of Athens, the ancient city where, thousands of years ago, a civilization was born that gave rise to the entire modern Western world. The architectural ensemble of the Acropolis includes buildings from the pre-Hellenistic, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods in the history of Athens. Of greatest interest are the partially preserved walls and columns of ancient temples and theaters. The complex of the Athens Acropolis is one of the most valuable objects of cultural heritage of mankind.

A Greek temple dedicated to the patroness of the city, the goddess Athena. The majestic structure was built in the 5th century BC. during the highest prosperity of the city of Athens under the ruler Pericles. The names of the architects of the temple have survived to this day. It is believed that the masters Callicrates and Iktin worked on the construction, and the great Phidias worked on the sculptural design. The interior decoration of the Parthenon was lush and pompous, and the facade was painted in different colors.

Temple of the 5th century BC, belonging to the Classical era of Greek history. It was erected by the will of the Athenian ruler Pericles, an outstanding commander and talented politician. The roof of the building is supported by slender rows of marble Doric columns, the friezes are made in compliance with the canons of the Ionic style. It is interesting that from the 7th century AD. and until the beginning of the 19th century, the Orthodox Church of St. George was located in the Temple of Hephaestus.

According to ancient legend, the Erechtheion was built on the site of a dispute between Athena and Poseidon, during which the gods did not share power over Attica. The temple was erected at the end of the 5th century BC. in the Ionic style, the name of the architect was lost in the thickness of centuries. The portico of the Caryatids, which was added to the temple later, is well preserved. It consists of a series of female column sculptures supporting the roof. The authorship is attributed to the sculptor Callimachus (according to another version - Alkamen).

Stone theater located on the southern slopes of the Acropolis. The Odeon was built in the middle of the 2nd century BC. It was used to organize theatrical productions and musical performances. The Odeon is perfectly preserved and, moreover, it is still used for its intended purpose today. After reconstruction in the mid-20th century, the stage began to host the annual Athens Festival. Over the past years, the best voices on the world stage have performed there.

The grandiose construction of the temple began in the 6th century BC. under the tyrant Pisistratus, but after his overthrow the building remained unfinished for another six centuries. The work was completed under the Roman Emperor Hadrian. In the 3rd century AD. During the sack of Athens, the temple was seriously damaged, and in the 5th century it was completely closed by order of Theodosius II. The final destruction of the Temple of Olympian Zeus occurred with the decline of the Byzantine Empire. The remains of the building were discovered during excavations in the 19th century.

An octagonal building made of Pentelicon marble, located on the territory of the Roman agora. According to one version, it is believed that the tower was erected in the 1st century BC. astronomer Andronikos of Cyrrhus. The height of the structure reaches 12 meters, the width is about 8 meters. In ancient times, a weather vane was installed on the top, which indicated where the wind was blowing. The walls of the tower are decorated with images of eight Greek deities responsible for the direction of the wind.

The theater is located in the southeastern part of the Acropolis, it was built in the 5th century BC, and is the oldest theater in Athens. The works of Euripides, Aristophanes, Sophocles and Aeschylus were staged on the stage. In the 1st century BC. Under Emperor Nero, a large-scale reconstruction of the theater was carried out. The scene fell into disrepair by the 4th century AD. and was gradually abandoned. Nowadays, a large-scale restoration project of the theater is underway.

An ancient city cemetery where the most worthy representatives of Athens were buried until the 4th century. This place has been used as a necropolis since the Bronze Age. Famous military leaders, statesmen and philosophers are buried here, including Pericles, Cleisthenes, Solon, Chrysippus and Zeno. The cemetery contains many tombstones from the Ancient period, tombstone columns and sculptures.

Covered two-story colonnade, built in the 2nd century BC. The structure was built by order of the Pergamon king Atallus, who in his youth studied in Athens (this was a common practice for young descendants of the royal families of the Mediterranean at that time). In ancient times, standing served as a place for citizens to walk. From here it was possible to observe the square and streets of Athens, as well as various festive processions.

An ancient stadium made entirely of Pentelicon marble. The Panathenaic Games were held on its territory - a great sports and religious festival, where athletes performed, festive processions took place and ritual sacrifices were made. The revived Olympic Games were held at the Panathinaikos Stadium at the end of the 19th century.

The modern museum building was created in 2009 according to a joint project of Greek and Swiss specialists. The collection is made up of artifacts belonging to different periods in the history of Athens. Mainly, the funds were replenished through archaeological excavations on the territory of the Acropolis. The new Acropolis Museum became the heir to the old collection of antiquities, which had existed since the mid-19th century.

A private collection that was founded in 1930 by A. Benakis on the territory of his family mansion. The owner collected the collection for 35 years and handed it over to the state. Antonis himself served as the head of the museum until his death. The exhibition consists of works of Greek art. It displays ceramics, textiles, prints, sculptures, jewelry and church utensils. The museum also has several paintings by El Greco.

The museum represents the most extensive collection of objects of ancient Greek culture. The archaeological collection was founded at the beginning of the 19th century; in 1889, a separate building in the neoclassical style was erected for it. The museum exhibition is divided into several collections, which include collections of prehistory, Cycladic art, Mycenaean art, Egyptian art and many others.

The exhibition was founded in 1986 on the basis of the private collection of the influential Greek Goulandris family. Before the collection was transferred to the hands of the state, it visited many world exhibitions. The museum building was built according to the design of V. Ioannis. The collection is divided into three parts: Bronze Age, Ancient Greek art, and the art of ancient Cyprus. It should be noted that the museum houses the most complete collection of artifacts of Cypriot culture.

The museum displays a collection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art covering a time period of 15 centuries. An impressive collection of valuable icons is kept here. The museum was opened in 1914, in 1930 it moved to the former villa of the Duchess of Piacenza. In addition to icons, the museum collections contain statues, church vestments, ceramics, engravings, manuscripts, mosaics, dishes and much more.

A museum ship moored for eternity in the harbor of Palio Faliro. The ship was built at the beginning of the 20th century in Livorno for the needs of the Italian army, but due to economic difficulties it was sold to Greece. The cruiser took part in the First Balkan War, during the First and Second World Wars it was captured first by the French and then by the British. In the 50s the ship was put into reserve. In 1984, it was decided to turn the ship into a museum.

The Academy of Sciences is the main public research institution in Greece. The main building of the building in which it is located was built according to the design of F. von Hansen in 1887. The building is a true masterpiece of neoclassical architectural style. In front of the facade there are sculptures of the thinkers Plato and Socrates, as well as statues of the ancient Greek gods - Athena and Apollo.

The square is located in the modern center of Athens. The place gained importance in the 19th century, becoming the center of the city's commercial life. On the square is the Royal Palace of the mid-19th century, built according to the design of F. von Gaertner. The Greek Parliament now sits there. Syntagma Square constantly becomes the epicenter of social unrest. Protests, strikes and other mass actions of disobedience often take place here.

An honor guard is on duty at the walls of the Royal Palace on Syntagma Square. This is a rather unusual and even funny spectacle, unlike similar ceremonies in other countries. It's all about the unusual uniform of Greek soldiers, which consists of tunics, skirts, white tights and slippers with pom-poms, as well as non-standard marching during the changing of the guard. This spectacle always attracts a large number of tourists.

One of the oldest Orthodox churches in Athens. The temple was built on the ruins of a pagan sanctuary dedicated to a female deity. The first Christian churches began to appear in the city at the dawn of the Byzantine era, when the city fell into decay and the new faith almost completely replaced pagan cults. The Church of Panagia Kapnicarea is built in a typical Byzantine style, which is characterized by round domed towers.

The monastery is 11 km away. from Athens near the Daphnian grove. It was founded in the 6th century on the site of the destroyed Temple of Apollo and over time became one of the most revered shrines in Greece. The original appearance of the monastery has practically not been preserved; the structure of the 11th century, the heyday of the Byzantine Empire, has survived to this day. In the 13th century, Catholic monks settled in the monastery for a while, but in 1458 the entire complex of buildings was returned to the Orthodox Church.

A hill in the northeastern part of Athens that is the highest point in the city. It offers panoramic views of the Acropolis and the port of Piraeus. The hill has two peaks, on one of them there is a church, on the other there is a modern theater with an open stage. You can get to the top in three ways: climb along an equipped pedestrian road, use the funicular, or drive in by car.

The hill on which in ancient times the highest court of Athens, the Areopagus, met. The name apparently comes from the name of the god of war, Ares. Until the 5th century BC. The Areopagus served as a city council of elders, but from 462 BC. this body was deprived of political functions and empowered to administer civil and criminal justice. The Apostle Paul also preached a sermon on the hill.

A city hill with a monument on top erected in honor of the Roman Gaius Julius Philopappus, who more than once helped Athens with funds. Since the 2nd century, the place has been better known as the hill of Philopappos; previously it was named after the ancient Greek philosopher, poet and musician Mousaios (translated as “muses”). On the slopes of a hill there is a natural park without infrastructure.

The old district of Athens, built up mainly with houses of the 18th century. Almost all buildings stand on ancient foundations. On the territory of Plaka there is the oldest street in the city, which has retained its direction since the times of Ancient Greece. A large number of former residential buildings have been converted into museums, souvenir shops and cafes since residents moved en masse from Plaka in the 19th century.

The city market, located in the area of ​​the same name, is one of the most popular shopping areas in Athens. Monastiraki belongs to the category of flea markets. They sell a lot of unnecessary things, homemade shoes, antiques, coins, furniture and other collectible antiquities. At the market you can look at a unique exhibition of Greek life of past centuries.

A unique quarter in the ancient district of Plaka, which is adjacent to the Acropolis. The winding and slightly crooked streets of Anafiotiki are lined with typical white Mediterranean houses. The area was formed as a result of the resettlement of construction workers from the island of Anafi to Athens. They arrived in the capital at the call of the Greek king Otto in order to build a palace according to his special order.

A 16-hectare park located in the heart of Athens. Five hundred species of various plants grow on its territory. Every third tree is more than 100 years old. Within the National Garden, ancient Greek ruins have been preserved - the remains of walls, columns and fragments of mosaics. The garden was created in the 19th century by the will of Queen Amalia. At first, vegetables and fruits were grown there for the royal kitchen. Now the former vegetable garden has turned into a green oasis in the middle of a stone city.

A modern yacht berth designed for simultaneous mooring of 200 vessels. The marina embankment has an excellent infrastructure for tourists: luxury boutiques, restaurants, a picturesque promenade. On the piers you can admire luxury yachts flying the flags of different countries, and if you wish, take a refreshing boat trip along the coast.

The most important and popular attractions of Athens - photo reports and video reviews, descriptions and reviews, opening hours and prices.

Don't forget to determine the best time of year for sightseeing in Athens and get the most out of your viewing experience.

The capital of Greece boasts a large number of attractions for which tourists come here. First of all, it should be said about the Athenian Acropolis, which is located just outside the city and in ancient times served as the central fortified part of the polis.

A large number of ancient buildings, or rather their ruins, have been preserved on the territory of the Athens Acropolis. The Parthenon attracts the greatest attention - the central temple of the architectural ensemble, which in the era of Ancient Greece was the main spiritual place of the Acropolis.

Rituals and sacrifices were performed in another part, in the Erechtheion, the ruins of which can be seen next to the foundation of the most ancient building of the Acropolis - the Hekatompedon.

In addition to religious buildings, ancient amphitheaters have also survived to this day, and one of them is located on the territory of the Acropolis. At the moment it is in a dilapidated state, but there is still a chance to appreciate the local acoustics and appreciate the sculptural compositions.

And at the foot of the Acropolis is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, built in the 2nd century AD. and has survived perfectly to this day. It hosts concerts from June to October, and you can only get inside the Odeon during performances.

If the center of the spiritual life of ancient Athens was the Acropolis, then for public affairs the townspeople gathered on the Agora. The site of this city square has also been excavated; here stands the Temple of Hephaestus, which is the best preserved temple in Greece since antiquity.

In addition to architectural attractions, Athens has many interesting museums. For example, the National Archaeological Museum will introduce you to an extensive collection found during excavations not only in ancient Greece, but also in Ancient Egypt, Asia Minor, etc. The Archaeological Museum of Ceramics can boast a collection of sculptures and pottery, and if you are interested in the early Christian period in the history of these lands, it is worth getting acquainted with the exhibition of the Byzantine Museum.

Athens Acropolis

The Acropolis of Athens is the most important architectural and sculptural complex, located on a rocky hill with a flat top. Many buildings were built in the 5th-4th centuries. BC, and the oldest dates back to the mid-6th century BC. It is the Acropolis that attracts the main attention of tourists who come to Athens.

Parthenon

The Parthenon Temple, dedicated to the ancient Greek goddess Athena Parthenos, is the main building of the Athens Acropolis and majestically rises above the entire architectural ensemble. This is a rectangular building, the interior of which is surrounded by a colonnade. The Parthenon remains in a dilapidated state, many artistic elements have been removed or lost, but restoration work promises to correct this.

Theater of Dionysus

The Theater of Dionysus, located on the hill of the Athenian Acropolis, is an ancient amphitheater that at one time served as a stage for theatrical performances, sports competitions, sacrifices, and later for circus performances and gladiatorial fights. Even now, concerts are held in the restored building.

Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens

The largest religious building in the history of Ancient Greece, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, has reached us only in the form of ruins, which give only some idea of ​​its former greatness. It is located 500 m south of the Acropolis and offers picturesque views of the famous rocky hill.

Athens Agora

The Agora is the main city square in ancient Athens, which contains many interesting sights, in particular the Temple of Hephaestus - the best preserved ancient Greek temple to this day. Archaeological excavations were carried out on the territory of the Agora. It is located almost at the foot of the Acropolis.

National Archaeological Museum of Athens

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is the main museum of the Greek capital, including an extensive collection of objects found during excavations in different regions of Greece and dating back to different historical periods. In addition, there is an exhibition of Egyptian and Middle Eastern antiquities taken by the Greeks and Romans during the conquests.

Tower of the Winds in Athens

The Tower of the Winds is an ancient architectural monument that has a meteorological purpose: to show the time and direction of the wind. The building was built in the 1st century BC, and served its purpose for a long time; in the Byzantine period it was a bell tower, in the Ottoman period it was Mecca. Today it is one of the best-preserved landmarks of antiquity in Athens.

Athens Numismatic Museum

The Athens Numismatics Museum introduces visitors to a collection of coins found during excavations in the territories of Greece, Turkey, ancient Byzantium, the East, Asia Minor and Ancient Egypt. In addition to coins, there are also medals, jewelry, minting tools, and since the exhibition occupies the building of the mansion of the archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, there is a hall dedicated to his life and work.

Hadrian's Library in Athens

The Hadrian Library in Athens attracts the attention of those interested in ancient history: the building was of colossal scale and importance, built in the 2nd century AD. Roman Emperor Hadrian and has survived to this day in the form of ruins, among which the front colonnade is worth highlighting.

Hecatompedon

The Hekatompedon is the most ancient architectural monument on the territory of the Athenian Acropolis, of which only ruins remain today. During the excavations, parts of the frontal frieze were also discovered, which are now on display in the New Acropolis Museum. The Hecatompedon is located next to the Erechtheion.

Erechtheion

The Erechtheion is the most important ancient landmark located on the territory of the Acropolis of Athens. This is a temple that has an asymmetrical layout and is dedicated to three mythical characters at once: Athena, Poseidon and King Erechtheus, after whom it was named. The temple attracts not only its architecture, but also its sculptural design.

Prison of Socrates

Socrates' Prison is an ancient cave in which the Greeks believe the philosopher Socrates spent the last month of his life. There are three recesses in the cave, which are closed with gratings.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was founded for musical events in the 2nd century AD. and has survived to this day in excellent condition. It occupies a location at the foot of the Athens Acropolis on the southern slope of the Agora and can only be visited during the Athens Festival, which is organized annually between June and September.

Archaeological Museum of Ceramics

The Archaeological Museum of Ceramics offers an extensive collection of pottery art and sculpture excavated in the Athens region of Ceramica. A variety of vases, amphorae, dishes and utensils date back to different eras, including exhibits dating back to the 9th century BC.

Byzantine Museum in Athens

The Byzantine Museum offers an extensive collection from the Byzantine-Christian era. The exhibits were collected by various people around the world and include books and manuscripts, paintings and engravings, frescoes and icons, statues and much more. The museum is located in a 19th century building in the eastern district of Ilisia.

Military Museum of Athens

The Military Museum of Athens is one of the most interesting collections in the capital of Greece. There are exhibits here that tell about different periods of Greek history and the wars in which this country participated. There is a hall dedicated to Antiquity, Byzantium, Ottoman rule, revolution, the struggle for Macedonia, wars in the Balkans, world wars of the 20th century, etc.

Temple of Hephaestus

The Temple of Hephaestus is the best-preserved ancient structure in Athens. It is located on the Agora, is a classic example of Doric architecture and is attractive because it is not only columns, like the Parthenon, but also walls and a roof. Initially, the temple was dedicated to Hephaestus and Athena, for a long time it was used as an Orthodox church, and in the mid-19th century it was declared a cultural monument.

Plaka

Plaka is the oldest district of Athens with narrow streets, cozy taverns, souvenir shops and a calm atmosphere. Today it is very prestigious to live here, and in addition, there are many historical and cultural attractions in the area, thanks to which there are many tourists in Plaka.

Church of St. Catherine

The Temple of St. Catherine, located in the ancient district of Plaka, was built by the Byzantines in the 11th century on the site where the ancient Temple of Artemis previously stood, and later Roman baths were built. You can still see the ancient columns on the side. Initially, the temple had a cross-domed layout; over time, extensions appeared; it was restored several times throughout history and is still in use today.

Arch of Hadrian

Hadrian's Arch is an ancient triumphal gate, erected in 131 in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and leading from the ancient region of Plaka to the new part of Athens - Adrianople, rebuilt by the Romans. The monument is located near the Acropolis and is freely accessible to tourists.

Athens Academy of Sciences

The Athens Academy of Sciences is the main scientific research center in Greece, but tourists are more attracted by the building itself - a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. Construction dates back to the end of the 19th century, sculptures are important decorative elements, and the layout includes a traditional colonnade.

Athens City Museum

The Athens City Museum, housed in two beautiful buildings on Paparrigopoulou Street, takes visitors through the history of Athens since it became the capital of the Greek state. Particular attention is paid to the life of the city aristocracy of the 19th century; there is an exhibition of objects from King Otto, documents, photographs, art objects of that time and much more.

University of Athens

The University of Athens is the oldest institution of higher education in the Balkans, the second largest university in Greece. It is located in a beautiful building designed in neoclassical style by the famous Danish architect Theophilus von Hansen.

Museum of Cycladic Art

The Museum of Cycladic Art is one of the new museums of the city of Athens, which grew out of the private collection of the Goulandris family. There are exhibits brought from the Cyclades Islands, from the island of Crete, and there is also a section dedicated to Greek culture, from the Bronze Age to the era of the Roman conquests.

Benaki Museum

Perhaps the Benaki Museum is one of the most attractive museums in Athens, since there really is something to see here: these are archaeological finds from different times, starting from the Paleolithic, and paintings, and ancient clothing, and objects that give an idea of ​​Chinese and Islamic cultures, but the main part, of course, is dedicated to the culture, history and art of Greece.

Children's Museum in Athens

The Children's Museum in Athens is both a museum and an entertainment center. The exhibition includes drawings and other works made by children from all over the world, mainly from Greece. Interesting educational activities are held here in a playful way with the aim of developing creative abilities in children. The building has a playground and a lot of interesting things not only for children, but also for adults.

In October 2015, as part of our trip to Greece, I was able to spend two days in Athens. To be honest, I never even dreamed of visiting this ancient city, and when the opportunity arose to spend a couple of days in the capital of Greece, naturally, we could not miss this opportunity. Of course, it is impossible to embrace the immensity, but I wanted to see as much as possible in these days, so I studied all sorts of sources on the sights of Athens. Below I will give a rough plan for visiting Athens and describe what to see and how much it costs.

1. Parthenon Temple on the Acropolis of Athens.

What to see:

Of course, the main attraction of Athens and the symbol of Greece is the Parthenon, located on the Athenian Acropolis. The Parthenon is visible from anywhere in Athens and is also featured on most Athens postcards. Therefore, it is simply impossible not to visit it.

The Parthenon is the most famous landmark of Athens

The Parthenon is the main temple in ancient Athens, built in 447-438. BC e in honor of the patroness of all Attica, the goddess Athena. Throughout its existence, the purpose of the Parthenon constantly changed, and the building itself either fell into decay or was restored again. Thus, in the 5th century, the Parthenon was turned from an ancient temple into the Church of Our Lady, and after the conquest of Greece by the Turks in the 15th century, into a mosque. In 1687, the central part of the Parthenon was almost completely destroyed after being hit by a cannonball from a Venetian ship, and in 1827 during the defense against the Turks. It was only at the end of the 19th century that the external appearance of the temple was restored, but restoration work is still underway today.

Time does not spare even ancient Greek buildings

Despite the fact that scaffolding and cranes do not allow you to fully enjoy the beauty and majesty of the temple, this place is stunning. The Acropolis offers a stunning view of all of Athens, and, probably, it is from here that Athens is the most beautiful.

The Acropolis offers a wonderful view of Athens

How to get there: Getting to the Acropolis is not difficult. Directly next to the Acropolis there is a metro station of the same name (the cost of travel on Athens public transport, including the metro, as of October 2015 is 1.20 euros, the ticket is valid for 70 minutes). You can easily get from the center on foot following the signs or simply intuitively.

On the way to the Acropolis: Hadrian's Arch

Opening hours: from April 9, 2016, open daily from 8:00 to 20:00, tickets are sold until 19:30. Opening hours may vary on holidays.

What is the price: a visit to the Acropolis cost 12 euros (as of October 2015), now, according to some sources, the cost has been increased to 20 euros. In addition to the Acropolis, with a single ticket you can visit the Ancient Agora, the Theater of Dionysus, the Roman Agora, the Museum of Ceramics, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Library of Hadrian, the ticket is valid for 4 days.

A ticket to the Acropolis also covers other attractions in the archaeological area

What to see:

The New Acropolis Museum is a must-see attraction

Literally “next door” to the Acropolis, the New Acropolis Museum is located. If you have been interested in the history of Ancient Greece since your school years, and also if you have an extra couple of hours of time and 5 euros, then a visit to this place is a must.

The collection of the New Museum presents artifacts found on the Acropolis

The new Acropolis Museum opened its doors on June 20, 2009 after almost six years of construction. The museum's collection includes various statues and artifacts collected from the Parthenon and other parts of the ancient Greek Acropolis. The Museum's collections are housed on three levels, as well as at the base of the building, where the archaeological excavation site is located. You can pick up a guidebook in Russian with a map at the entrance to the museum.

In order not to miss the most interesting things, do not forget to take a museum card

How to get there: The museum is located right at the foot of the Acropolis, close to the ticket office and the entrance to the archaeological area.

Opening hours: it is better to check the opening hours on the official website of the museum http://www.theacropolismususeum.gr/en/content/hours-and-ticketing

The current schedule is as follows.

What is the price: Ticket price 5 euros per person. You can buy it at the museum or online

http://www.theacropolismususeum.gr/etickets/ticketing.php?la=2

1. Plaka and Monastiraki areas.

Greeks prefer to spend Saturday evenings in cafes

If you are in Athens for just a couple of days, then perhaps all you will have time to see on the day you arrive in Athens is the Acropolis and the New Museum. In the evening of the first day, I recommend that you simply take a walk through the most “traditional” areas of the city of Plaka and Monastiraki, go have dinner in a cafe or just have a snack in one of the many souvlaka (or souvlakish?).

Despite the crisis in Greece, if you order a dish for two, keep in mind that only three, or even four, can finish it

By the way, from anywhere in the city you will see the Parthenon, and in the evening, in the dark, it is very beautifully illuminated, do not miss this spectacle!

In the dark the Parthenon is illuminated very beautifully

1. Greek Parliament on Syntagma Square and changing of the guard.

What to see:

The central square of Athens looks very nondescript

Another significant place in Athens is the central square and the Greek Parliament. The Parliament itself does not represent anything interesting for us tourists, and it looks somehow, to put it mildly, nondescript and uninteresting. Nevertheless, there are always enough onlookers and tourists in the square.

The changing of the guard takes place every hour every day.

The fact is that every day, every hour, there is a ceremonial changing of the guard of the presidential guard (Evzone guard). This spectacle is extremely unusual, and for some (hello, tourists from Germany!) for some reason very funny. But in fact, personally, the Evzones have earned respect from me. Just imagine, their boots (tsarukhi), weighing 5 kg, are lined with 120 nails! They are also dressed in a fareon (a red hat with a long tassel), a fustanella (a red woolen(!) skirt with 400 pleats), a white shirt, white woolen(!) stockings, caltzodet (garters for leggings with tassels), and a vest. And in all this mass of clothing, you need to not only “accept” and “pass” the fast, but also stand in the unbearable Greek heat, without closing your eyes, even when the sun is blinding.

Evzone boots weigh no less than 5 kg!

By the way, we were very lucky, because... we were in the capital of Greece on Sunday. And on Sundays at 11 am there is a ceremonial changing of the guard, in which the entire composition of the Evzone company takes part, which is more than 150 people, and the national orchestra, which performs the national anthem. The spectacle is definitely worth seeing!

On Sunday at 11 a.m., all guard personnel take part in the changing of the guard.

During the ceremonial changing of the guard, a military band plays the national anthem

How to get there: to the city center by metro to the station. Syntagma, or on foot. There are also buses and trams. Read how to get to the center from the airport.

What is the price: for free.

1. Panathenaic Stadium Museum (Panathinaikos).

Panathenaic stadium made of white marble

What to see:

So, after watching the ceremonial changing of the guard, head through the National Garden to the Panathenaic Stadium. This is the only stadium in the world built of white marble. It was built in 329 BC, and in 140 AD. there was a significant expansion of the stadium (at that time the stadium accommodated 50 thousand people). The remains of the stadium were excavated and restored in the 19th century, and in 1870 the first Olympic Games of modern times were held there.

Going to the Stadium through the National Park, you will combine business with pleasure

At the entrance to the stadium you can take an audio guide (available in Russian), it is included in the ticket price, which is very convenient. In fact, the stadium is simply amazing in its size! Walk around the circle listening to the audio guide, and be sure to climb to the top rows! The activity may not be easy, especially at noon, but the view from above will not disappoint you.

The stadium is amazing in size

By the way, this stadium is also a museum! Be sure to walk along the corridor along which ancient Greek athletes walked hundreds of years ago, and you will find yourself in a museum where you will see reminders of all the Olympic Games of recent years (but for some reason we did not see the Sochi 2014 poster).

The Panathenaic Stadium is in some way also a museum.

How to get there: to Syntagma or Acropolis metro station, as well as by trams 2,4,10,11, bus 209, or on foot from the center.

Opening hours: March-October from 8:00 to 19:00 (tickets sold until 19:00), November-February from 8:00 to 17:00 (tickets sold until 17:00)

The ticket costs only 5 euros, this price includes an audio guide

What is the price: 5 euros, reduced ticket 2.5 euros, children under 6 years old free.

Detailed information on the official website of the stadium: http://www.panathenaicstadium.gr

1. Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympion)

What to see:

Literally a 10-minute walk from the Panathenaic Stadium, there is another historical landmark of Athens - the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Its visit is included in the price of the ticket to the Acropolis, so I sincerely recommend spending an hour to appreciate this place.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus, despite the fact that it has been destroyed for many centuries, makes an indelible impression

The construction of this temple began in the 6th century BC, it was built from marble quarried from Mount Pantelus. The number of columns of the Temple was 104, but unfortunately, only fifteen have survived to this day; another column has been lying on the ground since the storm of 1852. In the Middle Ages, the temple was destroyed, and today it is yet another ruin in the center of the ancient city of Athens.

How to get there: Art. m.Acropolis, or on foot from the center.

Opening hours: from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 to 15:00.

What is the price: free with a single ticket to the Acropolis.

1. Mount Lycabettos (or Lycabettos)

What to see:

If you still have some strength left after such a busy program in Athens, then I advise you to climb Mount Lycabettos (or Lycabettos), or translated as “wolf hill”. This is a hill in the center of Athens, its height is almost 300 meters above sea level and it is probably one of the few (if not the only) places in Athens higher than the Acropolis. On the hill is the Byzantine Church of St. George, built in the 11th-12th centuries. Previously, the Athenians called it the Church of St. Sidereus. The church acquired its appearance in 1931, when it was finally restored after the devastating fire of 1930.

The Church of St. George on Mount Lykabettos is always full of tourists

From Mount Lykabettos you can see a panoramic view of all of Athens: down there you can see the Panathenaic Stadium (the size of which is even more amazing when you look at it from above), and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and, of course, the Acropolis.

Even the Acropolis seems small from the top of Mount Lycabettos

How to get there: You can get to Lykabettos in three ways: by taxi, by funicular and on foot. The starting point of the funicular is at the corner of Aristippou and Plutarchou streets. It departs every 15 minutes, opening hours are from 8.45 to 0.45 in the summer and from 8.45 to 00.15 in the winter.

There are also many streets leading to the mountain, along which you can reach the mountain on foot. By the way, while looking for the funicular we got lost, and when we realized that we were going the wrong way, we were already halfway to the top. So, we climbed the mountain on foot, like many tourists (by the way, I never cease to be amazed at the Europeans who are not afraid to climb the mountain with small children and strollers!). Yes, it’s a little tiring, but the fatigue quickly goes away when the postcard views open up in front of you!

What is the price: free, cable car ticket 7 euros.

Well, these are the main attractions of Athens, which you will have time to visit in a couple of days in this incredible city with such an ancient and interesting history. Well, it’s time for us to discover new places, we’re going to a fabulous one!

Greece consistently ranks among the world's most popular tourist destinations. And the popularity of Greek cities and seaside resorts is growing from year to year. In particular, more than 25 million tourists visited the country in 2016. Naturally, first of all, travelers go to Athens to get acquainted with the history and architecture of the cradle of democracy and modern civilization - Ancient Greece.

Museum attractions of the city of Athens

The best place to start exploring Athens is with museums. Having expanded your knowledge of Ancient history, as well as seeing historical and cultural artifacts, you will perceive ancient temples as a living organism, and looking at the ruins of ancient cities, you will be able to more clearly imagine how life was in full swing here thousands of years ago.

National Archaeological Museum

This museum is considered one of the best historical museums in the world, whose exhibitions depict the development of ancient Greek and European civilization. The first archaeological museum was opened on the island of Aegina in 1829 year, but in 1866 it was decided to move the exhibits to Athens. In 1889, the construction of a spacious building in a neoclassical style was completed, which subsequently experienced several reconstructions and expansions of the area.

The exhibition of the National Archaeological Museum includes more than 20 thousand exhibits collected as a result of excavations in Athens, Sparta, Pylos, Mycenae, Thebes, on the islands of Delos and Santorini, as well as in other cities and former colonies. Here you can admire numerous products made of ceramics, stone, ivory, bronze and other materials traditional in ancient times. The most popular exhibits among visitors are Jewelry(in particular, the famous Mycenaean gold), coins, figurines and sculptures, elements of frescoes, as well as ancient Greek weapons.

Here you can see the famous golden Mask of Agamemnon, discovered in 1876 during excavations in the city of Mycenae. Archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann believed that this was the funeral mask of a Mycenaean king, but it later turned out that it was made much earlier than the historical era with which Agamemnon is associated. Also attracting the attention of tourists is the sculpture of Emperor Octavian, the statue of the boy from Marathon, the amphora of Nessus and the Antikythera mechanism, which was used in astronomy.

History buffs will be impressed by the museum's library, which numbers about 20 thousand volumes of various publications on history, philosophy, mythology, art, as well as ancient documents of the Epigraphic Museum, located in the southern wing of the building. And if you are lucky enough to get on one of the excursions, you will be told in more detail about the content diaries of the researcher of Ancient Greece Heinrich Schliemann and his archaeological research.

To get acquainted with the culture and history of Greece and its capital, we can recommend the following tourist program:

• admire the exhibits Archaeological Museum of Ceramics, where four spacious halls display unique works of pottery art and sculpture from different historical eras. Using the example of the famous marble statue of the Bull of Dionysius, one can appreciate the skill of ancient Greek craftsmen;
• see a unique collection of ancient coins and other valuable exhibits in the Athens Numismatic Museum. Here you can also learn about how coins were cast in Ancient Greece, as well as how the first counterfeiters worked;
• get acquainted with cultural and historical heritage of peoples, inhabited Cyprus and the Aegean coast in Cycladic Museum;
• A must see for lovers of Christian history exposition of the Byzantine Museum, which is one of the main attractions of Athens. In addition to rare Orthodox shrines and early Christian mosaics, tourists are attracted here by a beautiful courtyard with flower beds, orange trees and a wonderful fountain;
• V Benaki Museum learn interesting facts from the life and cultural life of Ancient Greece, as well as admire gold jewelry, paintings, icons, sculptures, textiles, dishes and other rare exhibits;
• get acquainted with the traditional culture of Greece in Museum of the History of Greek Costume;
• admire the masterpieces of El Greco and other Greek masters from different times in National Art Gallery of Athens;
• expand your knowledge of Greek history in Military Museum of Athens. Here, of course, the exhibits related to the great battles of the ancient Greek era primarily attract attention;
• learn interesting facts from the history of the Greek capital in Athens Museum.

Architectural landmarks

Acropolis

This architectural complex, whose name translates as “upper city,” was built on a hill and was a fortress difficult to reach for invaders. According to archaeologists, the 156-meter hill was inhabited back in the 4th millennium BC. In 480 BC. During the war with Persia, the Acropolis suffered large-scale destruction, but 33 years later the Athenians, under the leadership of the famous architect Phidias, began its reconstruction. Further destruction of the Acropolis was the result of numerous wars. With Greece gaining independence at the end of the 19th century, restorers did everything possible to restore the temples and streets of the Acropolis to their original appearance.

The Acropolis is home to one of the main attractions of ancient Athens - Propylaea. This is a covered gate made of white marble with dark flecks. At various times, the majestic colonnade was used as an art gallery, a venue for special events and even an ammunition depot. The latter, unfortunately, led to significant destruction of the Propylaea. However, part of these monumental gates, restored in 1975, and the nearby Temple of Nike Apteros, allow one to appreciate the scale and beauty of the architecture of the ancient Acropolis.

And of course, one cannot help but dwell separately on Parthenon, which is the main attraction of ancient Athens. The temple was erected in 447-438 BC. on the initiative of the outstanding ancient Greek statesman Pericles. Like the Propylaea, the Parthenon was built from Pentelic marble, and Phidias personally did the interior decoration.

Entire books are devoted to describing the rich architectural heritage of Athens. You will be told about the most interesting and popular creations of ancient Greek architecture among tourists in Athens museums.

Separately, we can highlight the following:

• Temple of Hephaestus;
• Temple of Olympian Zeus;
• Hadrian's Library;

• Agora;
• Tower of the Winds;
• theater "Lykabet";
• Eleusinian ruins.

Natural attractions of Athens and surrounding areas

Mount Lycabettos

This is a must-see item on the Athens tourist program. The height of the mountain located in the city center is 277 meters, so you are guaranteed beautiful photographs of Athens from above. According to ancient Greek legends, Athena wanted to place her sanctuary closer to the sky and decided, so to speak, to “build up” the Acropolis rock. To do this, she tore off a piece of Mount Pentelikon and placed it near the Acropolis, but did not have time to move her sanctuary there, having gone on urgent business.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the mountain forest was completely destroyed, but at the end of the century the Athenians decided to replant these places with trees. Now any tourist can wander the alleys of the park area among the majestic cypresses and pines, sit in their shade on a comfortable bench, listening to the birds singing.

• And also located here Church of St. George, erected in the Byzantine era in the 11th-12th centuries. If you are lucky enough to get here on Easter, you will be able to watch an amazingly beautiful spectacle: at night, believers go downstairs, holding candles in their hands. If you observe this move from the side, it seems that a fiery river flows through the alleys of Lycabettos.
• And in the summer, be sure to go to one of the performances open air theater, located on the top of the mountain.
• A visit to this place will also leave an unforgettable impression. restaurant "Horizontes"

You can also relax alone with nature in the following parks:

• Botanical Garden Diomedes. An excellent botanical garden in the center of Athens with a large variety of flowers, shrubs and trees;
• National Gardens. A small city park with water canals, a small menagerie and a children's playground;
• Alsos Ktimatos Siggrow. A calm and cozy park with an artificial pond. An excellent place to relax from city noise;
• Environmental Awareness Park Antonis Tritsis. Nice hotel park with equipped picnic areas.

Where to go and what to see in Athens

• Plaka. This is the oldest district of Athens, where you can walk along traditional Greek streets with houses in a neoclassical style, get acquainted with Greek cuisine in cozy home-made restaurants, visit wine cellars and buy souvenirs in numerous shops. You can also view exhibits here Children's Museum, Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments, Museum of Greek Folk Art. There are also several Orthodox churches in Plaka that can amaze any tourist with the richness of their interior decoration.

Did you know? When walking around Athens at lunchtime, be prepared that you may be refused service in home restaurants. During hot weather, the Greeks have a siesta.

• Syngma. The central square of Athens, where the Greek Parliament building and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier are located, near which the guard of honor changes every hour. There is also a beautiful fountain built here and many beautiful sculptures installed, which are copies of the statues of the Naples Museum. Synthagma Square is also a transport interchange of the city, from where you can go to any part of it.
• Kolonaki. This square can be called the center of bohemian life in Athens. There are several fashionable restaurants here, where local and world cultural, political and business elite gather. And lovers of expensive shopping will be impressed by the selection of branded items and jewelry in local boutiques.
• Flisvos Marina promenade. This is a wonderful place for family walks, where you can spend the whole day pleasantly. There are many different restaurants and cafes, beautiful sea views, the opportunity to take a walk on one of the yachts or boats or just walk along one of the pedestrian alleys. And the child can take a walk on one of the playgrounds.
• Dance Theater "Dora Stratu". Be sure to include this place in your list of things to see in Athens in one day. Greek folk dances and songs can be found in different places of the city, but only here you will see them in all their diversity and in such a masterful performance. The theater is located near the Acropolis, so you can perfectly combine a tour of ancient Greek architecture with an acquaintance with Greek traditional culture.

What to see in Athens in a week

To get acquainted with even the main architectural and historical sights of Athens, one day is clearly not enough. To have a complete and memorable vacation, you need to combine a tour of architecture with visits to museums, parks, beaches, theaters and other cultural sites. The most interesting and noteworthy of them can be separated into separate one-day routes.

What to see in Athens in 1 day

• Philopappos Hill;
• Acropolis Museum;
• Temple of Olympian Zeus;

• Theater of Dionysus;
• Acropolis.
• You can spend a pleasant evening at Flisvos Marina promenade.

What to see in Athens in 2 days

• Kolonaki Square;
• Athens Numismatic Museum;
• Garden of Iron park.

At the end of the day, you can go down to the embankment and sit in one of the restaurants.
If you decide that the cultural life is too rich and want to relax by the sea, there are many wonderful beaches at your disposal with all the amenities: bars, family cafes, playgrounds and other entertainment.

Sights of Athens - video

After watching this video you will be fascinated by the ancient sights of Athens. Enjoy watching!

What to see in the city with children

• Children's Museum in Athens. A very good museum dedicated to children's creativity. Here you can see original and colorful children's works from different parts of the world. Also, the Children's Museum constantly hosts interesting lectures and creative master classes, in which a child can take part even with basic English skills;
• Charidimos Puppet Museum and Shadow Theater. Here you can see more than 900 puppets and learn how performances with their participation are staged. Both children and adults will be interested in watching a shadow theater performance.
• Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Center. An interactive museum where they will tell about the history and culture of Greece in an interesting way using modern technologies. Performances are performed using virtual reality devices.
• Attica Zoo. A wonderful zoo in the vicinity of Athens, where there is always something to see. The zoo is relatively young. It was opened in 2000 as a Bird Park, but soon reptiles and wild animals from different parts of the world appeared here. A dolphinarium was opened in 2010, where exciting performances take place. Also here, like in any zoo, there are children's cafes and even picnic areas.
• Archelon Turtle Rescue Center. Children will be told about the life of sea turtles and the work to save them. A very useful point in the tourist program for those who strive to instill in their children a reverent attitude towards animals.
• Athens Planetarium. One of the best facilities of this kind in the world, famous primarily for its huge screen dome with an area of ​​950 square meters. The broadcast is in Greek, but an English translation can be heard using headphones. But even if the child does not speak English, the video sequence is so impressive that it will leave an unforgettable impression of visiting Athens.

Children's Museum in Athens

And of course, every tourist will be pleased with the dishes of traditional Greek cuisine, where the taste of lamb and seafood is skillfully complemented with vegetables, herbs and Mediterranean spices. In one of the many family restaurants You will be offered a variety of dishes to suit different tastes, complemented by cool wines and sweet desserts. This alone is worth returning to Athens and Greece year after year.

The Acropolis of Athens is an extremely valuable architectural monument. It is believed that the development of the hill on which it is located began a very long time ago: already in the archaic period (650 - 480 BC) in the History of Greece, ancient temples and buildings were located on the hill, and in the 3rd century BC. e. The Acropolis mainly served as a refuge for local residents from the attacks of foreigners.

Once upon a time, the Acropolis was decorated with many beautiful sculptures, but neither people, nor time, nor natural disasters spared the building itself and the sculptures. This extraordinary architectural monument suffered greatly from human hands: for example, in 1827, damage was caused by a Turkish shell, and the damage was increased by an earthquake in 1894. In addition, over time, both marble and other materials used in construction fade, lose their qualities, and collapse.

The Greek government has restored the buildings several times, which now allows you to see much of it as it was centuries and millennia ago. Copies of sculptures were also made, which filled the copies and recreated the beauty and majesty that was in the Acropolis in ancient times. The original statues, sculptures, as well as reliefs of the Acropolis, are kept in museums - including the British Museum, the Louvre and the Acropolis Museum.

Theater of Dionysus

The Theater of Dionysus is rightfully considered the birthplace of Greek tragedy. Stone ruins have survived to this day, but the theater was originally built of wood. For a long time, for each holiday dedicated to Dionysius, temporary rows for spectators and a stage were erected from wood. They were completely replaced with stone rows only in 330 BC.

After the renovation, the theater could accommodate from 14 to 17 thousand spectators. Even now, the remains of the last row, which was located almost at the base of the Acropolis, are visible. During the reign of the Romans, gladiator fights and circus performances were held here. In the 1st century, during the reign of Nero, the orchestra was lined with marble, and another hundred years later the near part of the stage was decorated with reliefs containing scenes from various myths about Dionysus.

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Temple of Hephaestus

Hephaestus is the ancient Greek god of fire and metalworking. Among the inhabitants of Olympus, he was the only god who had a physical disability - he was lame. In addition, Hephaestus was the only god who did heavy physical labor, he worked as a blacksmith and his duties included repairing Achilles' damaged armor. In addition, the temple was dedicated to the warrior goddess Athena, who was the symbol of the city and patronized pottery, as well as some others.

The construction of the temple was carried out in 449-415 BC. The name of the architect, unfortunately, is unknown, but many researchers believe that it was the same master who erected the Temple of Ares on the Agora and some other buildings.

Once upon a time, in the center of the temple there was a huge chrysoelephantine (covered with gold and ivory) statue of Zeus. She exactly copied the famous statue of Olympian Zeus, created by the great master Phidias.

Near the statue of Zeus stood a statue of Emperor Hadrian, made in the same technique, under whom the temple was consecrated. Near the temple in 130 AD. Greek architects erected Hadrian's Arch, which served as a gateway to the new city quarters built by the emperor.

It’s always a pleasure to be here, because the place was chosen with a very subtle artistic design: if you look towards the Acropolis from the Temple of Zeus, you will see another ancient Greek shrine - the Parthenon, which seems to be framed by this arch. And if you look at it from the side of the Acropolis, you will certainly be amazed by the powerful forms of the huge temple of Olympian Zeus.

Constitution Square

Constitution Square, or Syntagma Square, is perhaps the main square of the country. It is located in the center of Athens, near the Acropolis Hill. It's always very crowded here. Largely because there are many attractions in the vicinity of the square.

The main decoration of the most stately and impressive Constitution Square is the building of the Greek Parliament (built in the 19th-20th centuries). Opposite it is the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, near which two guardsmen in very original costumes constantly stand on guard of honor. By the way, the tradition of changing the guard of the National Guard soldiers came from the Bavarian king Aton (Otto) I. It was his residence that was once the building of the current parliament.

Another famous local building is the fashionable Grand Brittany Hotel, where celebrities and high-ranking guests stay.

During its existence, the square has seen a lot: the adoption of the Greek Constitution in 1843, the greetings of the king and the Danish Prince George I, here in 1864 Greece was proclaimed a “crowned republic”, and numerous rallies of activists of the present century are held here.

Parthenon Temple

The Parthenon Temple is the most famous monument of ancient Greek civilization, built in 432 BC. It is an international symbol of Greece and is located in Athens, on the Acropolis.

It was built in the Doric style under the direction of the architects Iktinos and Kallikrates in honor of the patroness of the city, Athena Parthenos.

In the center of the temple, surrounded by 50 columns, you can see a statue of Athena, made of gold and ivory by Phidias.

The frieze of the facade is decorated with images of centauromachy, Amazonomachy and Gigantomachy, and the cella is decorated with a bas-relief ribbon, which depicts the main holiday of ancient Athens - the Panathenaic procession. The pediments of the sanctuary are decorated with magnificent sculptural compositions.

Church of the Holy Trinity

The temple, which today is called the Russian Embassy Church, has a rich history. In ancient times, on the site of the temple there were Roman baths, which were destroyed over time. It was on the foundations of the former baths that the early Christian church arose, which was consecrated in honor of the Holy Trinity. Since 1202, the temple has been a convent. Subsequently, it became Benedictine, and then masculine.

The temple more than once became a victim of tragic circumstances - at different periods of history, the temple suffered from earthquakes and attacks by foreigners. The temple became Russian in 1847, when it was acquired by the government of the Russian Empire. After this, the temple was restored for a long time.

The consecration of the temple took place in 1855. It is still active today.

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Erechtheion Temple

The Erechtheion Temple, built in 421-406 BC, is the sacred center of Athens and is rightfully considered the pearl of ancient Greek architecture. It is located near the Parthenon Temple at the Acropolis.

The temple, which has no analogues in ancient Greek architecture, was built in the Ionic style on the initiative of Pericles on the site of a dispute between Athena and Poseidon for power over Attica. Due to the variety of sanctuaries combined in the temple and the unevenness of the ground, it has an asymmetrical layout.

On the south side you will see the famous portico Pandroseion, named after the daughter of King Kekrop Pandrosa. At the western façade is the Kekropion - the tomb and sanctuary of the legendary Kekropos, the first king of Attica. Above it rises the world-famous portico of the caryatids - six marble statues of girls that support the ceiling.

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