Elenies guidebok for Athens
Sightseeing
The greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess Athena, dominates the centre of the modern city from the rocky crag known as the Acropolis. The most celebrated myths of ancient Athens, its greatest religious festivals, earliest cults and several decisive events in the city's history are all connected to this sacred precinct. The monuments of the Acropolis stand in harmony with their natural setting. These unique masterpieces of ancient architecture combine different orders and styles of Classical art in a most innovative manner and have influenced art and culture for many centuries. The Acropolis of the fifth century BC is the most accurate reflection of the splendour, power and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak, the golden age of Perikles.
Pottery sherds of the Neolithic period (4000/3500-3000 BC) and, from near the Erechtheion, of the Early and Middle Bronze Age, show that the hill was inhabited from a very early period. A fortification wall was built around it in the thirteenth century BC and the citadel became the centre of a Mycenaean kingdom. This early fortification is partially preserved among the later monuments and its history can be traced fairly accurately. The Acropolis became a sacred precinct in the eighth century BC with the establishment of the cult of Athena Polias, whose temple stood at the northeast side of the hill. The sanctuary flourished under Peisistratos in the mid-sixth century BC, when the Panathinaia, the city's greatest religious festival, was established and the first monumental buildings of the Acropolis erected, among them the so-called “Old temple” and the Hekatompedos, the predecessor of the Parthenon, both dedicated to Athena. The shrine of Artemis Brauronia and the first monumental propylon also date to this period. Numerous opulent votive offerings, such as marble korai and horsemen, bronze and terracotta statuettes, were dedicated to the sanctuary. Several of these bear inscriptions that show the great importance of Athena's cult in the Archaic period. After the Athenians defeated the Persians at Marathon, in 490 BC, they began building a very large temple, the so-called Pre-Parthenon. This temple was still unfinished when the Persians invaded Attica in 480 BC, pillaged the Acropolis and set fire to its monuments. The Athenians buried the surviving sculptures and votive offerings inside natural cavities of the sacred rock, thus forming artificial terraces, and fortified the Acropolis with two new walls, the wall of Themistokles along the northern side and that of Kimon on the south. Several architectural elements of the ruined temples were incorporated in the northern wall and are still visible today.
In the mid-fifth century BC, when the Acropolis became the seat of the Athenian League and Athens was the greatest cultural centre of its time, Perikles initiated an ambitious building project which lasted the entire second half of the fifth century BC. Athenians and foreigners alike worked on this project, receiving a salary of one drachma a day. The most important buildings visible on the Acropolis today - that is, the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike, were erected during this period under the supervision of the greatest architects, sculptors and artists of their time. The temples on the north side of the Acropolis housed primarily the earlier Athenian cults and those of the Olympian gods, while the southern part of the Acropolis was dedicated to the cult of Athena in her many qualities: as Polias (patron of the city), Parthenos, Pallas, Promachos (goddess of war), Ergane (goddess of manual labour) and Nike (Victory). After the end of the Peloponnesian war in 404 BC and until the first century BC no other important buildings were erected on the Acropolis. In 27 BC a small temple dedicated to Augustus and Rome was built east of the Parthenon. In Roman times, although other Greek sanctuaries were pillaged and damaged, the Acropolis retained its prestige and continued to attract the opulent votive offerings of the faithful. After the invasion of the Herulians in the third century AD, a new fortification wall was built, with two gates on the west side. One of these, the so-called Beul? Gate, named after the nineteenth century French archaeologist who investigated it, is preserved to this day.
In subsequent centuries the monuments of the Acropolis suffered from both natural causes and human intervention. After the establishment of Christianity and especially in the sixth century AD the temples were converted into Christian churches. The Parthenon was dedicated to Parthenos Maria (the Virgin Mary), was later re-named Panagia Athiniotissa (Virgin of Athens) and served as the city's cathedral in the eleventh century. The Erechtheion was dedicated to the Sotiras (Saviour) or the Panagia, the temple of Athena Nike became a chapel and the Propylaia an episcopal residence. The Acropolis became the fortress of the medieval city. Under Frankish occupation (1204-1456) the Propylaia were converted into a residence for the Frankish ruler and in the Ottoman period (1456-1833) into the Turkish garrison headquarters. The Venetians under F. Morozini besieged the Acropolis in 1687 and on September 26th bombarded and destroyed the Parthenon, which then served as a munitions store. Lord Elgin caused further serious damage in 1801-1802 by looting the sculptural decoration of the Parthenon, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion. The Acropolis was handed over to the Greeks in 1822, during the Greek War of Independence, and Odysseas Androutsos became its first Greek garrison commander.
After the liberation of Greece, the monuments of the Acropolis came under the care of the newly founded Greek state. Limited investigation took place in 1835 and 1837, while in 1885-1890 the site was systematically excavated under P. Kavvadias. In the early twentieth century N. Balanos headed the first large-scale restoration project. A Committee for the Conservation of the Monuments on the Acropolis was created in 1975 with the aim to plan and undertake large-scale conservation and restoration on the Acropolis. The project, conducted by the Service of Restoration of the Monuments of the Acropolis in collaboration with the First Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, is still in progress.
280 místní doporučují
Akropolis
The greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess Athena, dominates the centre of the modern city from the rocky crag known as the Acropolis. The most celebrated myths of ancient Athens, its greatest religious festivals, earliest cults and several decisive events in the city's history are all connected to this sacred precinct. The monuments of the Acropolis stand in harmony with their natural setting. These unique masterpieces of ancient architecture combine different orders and styles of Classical art in a most innovative manner and have influenced art and culture for many centuries. The Acropolis of the fifth century BC is the most accurate reflection of the splendour, power and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak, the golden age of Perikles.
Pottery sherds of the Neolithic period (4000/3500-3000 BC) and, from near the Erechtheion, of the Early and Middle Bronze Age, show that the hill was inhabited from a very early period. A fortification wall was built around it in the thirteenth century BC and the citadel became the centre of a Mycenaean kingdom. This early fortification is partially preserved among the later monuments and its history can be traced fairly accurately. The Acropolis became a sacred precinct in the eighth century BC with the establishment of the cult of Athena Polias, whose temple stood at the northeast side of the hill. The sanctuary flourished under Peisistratos in the mid-sixth century BC, when the Panathinaia, the city's greatest religious festival, was established and the first monumental buildings of the Acropolis erected, among them the so-called “Old temple” and the Hekatompedos, the predecessor of the Parthenon, both dedicated to Athena. The shrine of Artemis Brauronia and the first monumental propylon also date to this period. Numerous opulent votive offerings, such as marble korai and horsemen, bronze and terracotta statuettes, were dedicated to the sanctuary. Several of these bear inscriptions that show the great importance of Athena's cult in the Archaic period. After the Athenians defeated the Persians at Marathon, in 490 BC, they began building a very large temple, the so-called Pre-Parthenon. This temple was still unfinished when the Persians invaded Attica in 480 BC, pillaged the Acropolis and set fire to its monuments. The Athenians buried the surviving sculptures and votive offerings inside natural cavities of the sacred rock, thus forming artificial terraces, and fortified the Acropolis with two new walls, the wall of Themistokles along the northern side and that of Kimon on the south. Several architectural elements of the ruined temples were incorporated in the northern wall and are still visible today.
In the mid-fifth century BC, when the Acropolis became the seat of the Athenian League and Athens was the greatest cultural centre of its time, Perikles initiated an ambitious building project which lasted the entire second half of the fifth century BC. Athenians and foreigners alike worked on this project, receiving a salary of one drachma a day. The most important buildings visible on the Acropolis today - that is, the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike, were erected during this period under the supervision of the greatest architects, sculptors and artists of their time. The temples on the north side of the Acropolis housed primarily the earlier Athenian cults and those of the Olympian gods, while the southern part of the Acropolis was dedicated to the cult of Athena in her many qualities: as Polias (patron of the city), Parthenos, Pallas, Promachos (goddess of war), Ergane (goddess of manual labour) and Nike (Victory). After the end of the Peloponnesian war in 404 BC and until the first century BC no other important buildings were erected on the Acropolis. In 27 BC a small temple dedicated to Augustus and Rome was built east of the Parthenon. In Roman times, although other Greek sanctuaries were pillaged and damaged, the Acropolis retained its prestige and continued to attract the opulent votive offerings of the faithful. After the invasion of the Herulians in the third century AD, a new fortification wall was built, with two gates on the west side. One of these, the so-called Beul? Gate, named after the nineteenth century French archaeologist who investigated it, is preserved to this day.
In subsequent centuries the monuments of the Acropolis suffered from both natural causes and human intervention. After the establishment of Christianity and especially in the sixth century AD the temples were converted into Christian churches. The Parthenon was dedicated to Parthenos Maria (the Virgin Mary), was later re-named Panagia Athiniotissa (Virgin of Athens) and served as the city's cathedral in the eleventh century. The Erechtheion was dedicated to the Sotiras (Saviour) or the Panagia, the temple of Athena Nike became a chapel and the Propylaia an episcopal residence. The Acropolis became the fortress of the medieval city. Under Frankish occupation (1204-1456) the Propylaia were converted into a residence for the Frankish ruler and in the Ottoman period (1456-1833) into the Turkish garrison headquarters. The Venetians under F. Morozini besieged the Acropolis in 1687 and on September 26th bombarded and destroyed the Parthenon, which then served as a munitions store. Lord Elgin caused further serious damage in 1801-1802 by looting the sculptural decoration of the Parthenon, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion. The Acropolis was handed over to the Greeks in 1822, during the Greek War of Independence, and Odysseas Androutsos became its first Greek garrison commander.
After the liberation of Greece, the monuments of the Acropolis came under the care of the newly founded Greek state. Limited investigation took place in 1835 and 1837, while in 1885-1890 the site was systematically excavated under P. Kavvadias. In the early twentieth century N. Balanos headed the first large-scale restoration project. A Committee for the Conservation of the Monuments on the Acropolis was created in 1975 with the aim to plan and undertake large-scale conservation and restoration on the Acropolis. The project, conducted by the Service of Restoration of the Monuments of the Acropolis in collaboration with the First Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, is still in progress.
The monuments of the Acropolis have withstood the ravages of past centuries, both of ancient times and those of the Middle Ages. Until the 17th century, foreign travellers visiting the monuments depicted the classical buildings as being intact. This remained the case until the middle of the same century, when the Propylaia was blown up while being used as a gunpowder store. Thirty years later, the Ottoman occupiers dismantled the neighbouring Temple of Athena Nike to use its materials to strengthen the fortification of the Acropolis. The most fatal year, however, for the Acropolis, was 1687, when many of the building’s architectural members were blown into the air and fell in heaps around the Hill of the Acropolis, caused by a bomb from the Venetian forces. Foreign visitors to the Acropolis would search through the rubble and take fragments of the fallen sculptures as their souvenirs. It was in the 19th century that Lord Elgin removed intact architectural sculptures from the frieze, the metopes and the pediments of the building.
In 1833, the Turkish garrison withdrew from the Acropolis. Immediately after the founding of the Greek State, discussions about the construction of an Acropolis Museum on the Hill of the Acropolis began. In 1863, it was decided that the Museum be constructed on a site to the southeast of the Parthenon and foundations were laid on 30 December 1865.
The building program for the Museum had provided that its height not surpasses the height of the stylobate of the Parthenon. With only 800 square meters of floor space, the building was rapidly shown to be inadequate to accommodate the findings from the large excavations on the Acropolis that began in 1886. A second museum was announced in 1888, the so-called Little Museum. Final changes occurred in 1946-1947 with the second Museum being demolished and the original being sizably extended.
By the 1970s, the Museum could not cope satisfactorily with the large numbers of visitors passing through its doors. The inadequacy of the space frequently caused problems and downgraded the sense that the exhibition of the masterpieces from the Rock sought to achieve.
The Acropolis Museum was firstly conceived by Constantinos Karamanlis in September 1976. He also selected the site, upon which the Museum was finally built, decades later. With his penetrating vision, C. Karamanlis defined the need and established the means for a new Museum equipped with all technical facilities for the conservation of the invaluable Greek artifacts, where eventually the Parthenon sculptures will be reunited.
For these reasons, architectural competitions were conducted in 1976 and 1979, but without success. In 1989, Melina Mercouri, who as Minister of Culture inextricably identified her policies with the claim for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum, initiated an international architectural competition. The results of this competition were annulled following the discovery of a large urban settlement on the Makriyianni site dating from Archaic to Early Christian Athens. This discovery now needed to be integrated into the New Museum that was to be built on this site.
In the year 2000, the Organization for the Construction of the New Acropolis Museum announced an invitation to a new tender, which was realized in accord with the Directives of the European Union. It is this Tender that has come to fruition with the awarding of the design tender to Bernard Tschumi with Michael Photiadis and their associates and the completion of construction in 2007.
Today, the new Acropolis Museum has a total area of 25,000 square meters, with exhibition space of over 14,000 square meters, ten times more than that of the old museum on the Hill of the Acropolis. The new Museum offers all the amenities expected in an international museum of the 21st century.
2190 místní doporučují
Muzeum Akropole
15 Dionysiou AreopagitouThe monuments of the Acropolis have withstood the ravages of past centuries, both of ancient times and those of the Middle Ages. Until the 17th century, foreign travellers visiting the monuments depicted the classical buildings as being intact. This remained the case until the middle of the same century, when the Propylaia was blown up while being used as a gunpowder store. Thirty years later, the Ottoman occupiers dismantled the neighbouring Temple of Athena Nike to use its materials to strengthen the fortification of the Acropolis. The most fatal year, however, for the Acropolis, was 1687, when many of the building’s architectural members were blown into the air and fell in heaps around the Hill of the Acropolis, caused by a bomb from the Venetian forces. Foreign visitors to the Acropolis would search through the rubble and take fragments of the fallen sculptures as their souvenirs. It was in the 19th century that Lord Elgin removed intact architectural sculptures from the frieze, the metopes and the pediments of the building.
In 1833, the Turkish garrison withdrew from the Acropolis. Immediately after the founding of the Greek State, discussions about the construction of an Acropolis Museum on the Hill of the Acropolis began. In 1863, it was decided that the Museum be constructed on a site to the southeast of the Parthenon and foundations were laid on 30 December 1865.
The building program for the Museum had provided that its height not surpasses the height of the stylobate of the Parthenon. With only 800 square meters of floor space, the building was rapidly shown to be inadequate to accommodate the findings from the large excavations on the Acropolis that began in 1886. A second museum was announced in 1888, the so-called Little Museum. Final changes occurred in 1946-1947 with the second Museum being demolished and the original being sizably extended.
By the 1970s, the Museum could not cope satisfactorily with the large numbers of visitors passing through its doors. The inadequacy of the space frequently caused problems and downgraded the sense that the exhibition of the masterpieces from the Rock sought to achieve.
The Acropolis Museum was firstly conceived by Constantinos Karamanlis in September 1976. He also selected the site, upon which the Museum was finally built, decades later. With his penetrating vision, C. Karamanlis defined the need and established the means for a new Museum equipped with all technical facilities for the conservation of the invaluable Greek artifacts, where eventually the Parthenon sculptures will be reunited.
For these reasons, architectural competitions were conducted in 1976 and 1979, but without success. In 1989, Melina Mercouri, who as Minister of Culture inextricably identified her policies with the claim for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum, initiated an international architectural competition. The results of this competition were annulled following the discovery of a large urban settlement on the Makriyianni site dating from Archaic to Early Christian Athens. This discovery now needed to be integrated into the New Museum that was to be built on this site.
In the year 2000, the Organization for the Construction of the New Acropolis Museum announced an invitation to a new tender, which was realized in accord with the Directives of the European Union. It is this Tender that has come to fruition with the awarding of the design tender to Bernard Tschumi with Michael Photiadis and their associates and the completion of construction in 2007.
Today, the new Acropolis Museum has a total area of 25,000 square meters, with exhibition space of over 14,000 square meters, ten times more than that of the old museum on the Hill of the Acropolis. The new Museum offers all the amenities expected in an international museum of the 21st century.
Also known as the Horologion of Andronicus of Cyrrhus, the Tower of the Winds is an octagonal monument at the site of the Roman Forum. Built by the Greek astronomer Andronicus in the 1st century BC, the building functioned as a weather vane and sundial.
The personifications of the eight winds are carved on its eight surfaces and weather vane. During the second phase of the Turkish occupation the monument was converted into a Dervish teke, a Muslim religious institution visited by members of the order from every corner of the Empire.
After the Revolution of 1821, the Dervish order abandoned the monument. Later, once Athens became the capital, the surrounding area was named Aerides, or 'The Winds', after this notable monument.
78 místní doporučují
Tower of the Winds
Also known as the Horologion of Andronicus of Cyrrhus, the Tower of the Winds is an octagonal monument at the site of the Roman Forum. Built by the Greek astronomer Andronicus in the 1st century BC, the building functioned as a weather vane and sundial.
The personifications of the eight winds are carved on its eight surfaces and weather vane. During the second phase of the Turkish occupation the monument was converted into a Dervish teke, a Muslim religious institution visited by members of the order from every corner of the Empire.
After the Revolution of 1821, the Dervish order abandoned the monument. Later, once Athens became the capital, the surrounding area was named Aerides, or 'The Winds', after this notable monument.
Standing 277 meters above sea level, Lycabettus Hill (sometimes spelt Lykavitos) is the highest point of Athens. Although a beautiful walk up via a circular path, it will be a test of endurance and a challenge in summer.
A funicular or cliff railway can take you to the top of the hill and proves to be a novelty for younger kids. The downside is it moves inside a closed tunnel, so there is no view on the way up or down.
The view from Lycabettus Hill is best enjoyed at sunset whilst waiting for the lights of the Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium and Ancient Agora to come on. You will also be reminded that Athens is surrounded by sea with spectacular views across the Aegean.
At the top of the hill you will find the Greek whitewashed church of Agios Georgios (St. George) and all are welcome to enter. The viewing platform in front of the church provides sprawling views of Athens, stretching out to the city’s coastline. A cafe is open for breakfast and lunch. Dinner reservations can be made at the very upscale Orizontes restaurant, that also has spectacular views across Athens.
Arrive in time for sunset
Lycabettus Hill is located in the suburb of Kolonaki and is a great area to explore before or after your visit here
If you decide to take a taxi, it can only take you so far up the hill. You will need to walk up a significant amount of stairs for the remainder of the way.
Getting there:
We recommend you get a taxi to Aristippou St in Kolonaki, a short ride from the centre and decide whether to walk or take the funicular.
The path starts at the end of Aristippou Street and winds upwards. The funicular leaves from the corner of Ploutarhiou and Aristippou Streets every 30 minutes.
Funicular operating hours:
Daily 9:30am – 2:30am
T. +30 210 7210 701
ADDRESS
Lycabettus Hill Funicular
Corner of Ploutarhiou & Aristippou Streets
For the taxi driver:
Tελεφερίκ_Λυκαβηττού
Πλουτάρχου και Αριστίππου
151 místní doporučují
Likavittos
Standing 277 meters above sea level, Lycabettus Hill (sometimes spelt Lykavitos) is the highest point of Athens. Although a beautiful walk up via a circular path, it will be a test of endurance and a challenge in summer.
A funicular or cliff railway can take you to the top of the hill and proves to be a novelty for younger kids. The downside is it moves inside a closed tunnel, so there is no view on the way up or down.
The view from Lycabettus Hill is best enjoyed at sunset whilst waiting for the lights of the Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium and Ancient Agora to come on. You will also be reminded that Athens is surrounded by sea with spectacular views across the Aegean.
At the top of the hill you will find the Greek whitewashed church of Agios Georgios (St. George) and all are welcome to enter. The viewing platform in front of the church provides sprawling views of Athens, stretching out to the city’s coastline. A cafe is open for breakfast and lunch. Dinner reservations can be made at the very upscale Orizontes restaurant, that also has spectacular views across Athens.
Arrive in time for sunset
Lycabettus Hill is located in the suburb of Kolonaki and is a great area to explore before or after your visit here
If you decide to take a taxi, it can only take you so far up the hill. You will need to walk up a significant amount of stairs for the remainder of the way.
Getting there:
We recommend you get a taxi to Aristippou St in Kolonaki, a short ride from the centre and decide whether to walk or take the funicular.
The path starts at the end of Aristippou Street and winds upwards. The funicular leaves from the corner of Ploutarhiou and Aristippou Streets every 30 minutes.
Funicular operating hours:
Daily 9:30am – 2:30am
T. +30 210 7210 701
ADDRESS
Lycabettus Hill Funicular
Corner of Ploutarhiou & Aristippou Streets
For the taxi driver:
Tελεφερίκ_Λυκαβηττού
Πλουτάρχου και Αριστίππου
Ancient times
Beginning in the late 5th century BC when the great orator Lycurgus sought to build Athens an appropriate venue to host sporting events as part of the Panathenaic Games, one of the city’s major celebrations. The stadium originally had a rectangular shape that was typical of ancient Greek stadiums (such as in ancient Olympia and ancient Epidaurus) and would be used for the first time in 330 BC.
Roman age
In the 2nd century AD, during the period of the Roman Empire and under the rule of Emperor Hadrian, Athens acquired many new and extravagant buildings as part of several public work projects. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Panathenaic stadium, were both largely funded by the wealthy Athenian aristocrat Herodes.
During this time, the stadium received a complete transformation, changing from its original rectangular shape to a horseshoe, which was typical of stadiums during Roman times. Its capacity was increased to 50,000 spectators and seats were covered with Pentelic marble from Mt Penteli, the same used to build the Acropolis. There was nothing quite like it in the world at the time, with its lavish décor and marble statues.
1830: An independent Greece
A few centuries later and after the site lay buried in soil and stripped of its valuable marble, the Panathenaic Stadium was set to start a new life as the idea of hosting the first modern Olympics in Athens took hold from the mid 1800’s.
When the French gathered a world congress in 1894 to discuss the concept of a modern Olympic Games, it was agreed that Paris would host it in 1900 to coincide with their World Fair of the same year. The Greek representative Dimitrios Vikelas saw an opportunity and suggested that Athens host the Olympics in 1896, but did so without the consent of the Greek government. The world congress agreed but the problem for Vikelas was that Greece had declared bankruptcy a year earlier and the government could not fund the Olympic Games on Greek soil.
Vikelas however was adamant that holding the first Olympic Games in Athens was an honour and something that Greece deserved. He gained support from Crown Prince Constantine and they devised a plan to privately fund the games by lobbying George Averoff, the wealthy merchant from Egypt and one of Greece’s largest benefactors. Averoff obliged and financed the construction of the Panathenaic Stadium, insisting it be built entirely of marble from Mt Penteli, as was used to construct the Acropolis.
The project moved ahead at a furious pace and although not without complication (bad weather delayed the excavation of all the marble required to complete the stadium) the new stadium was ready in time to host the first modern Olympic Games in March 1896. Greek athlete Spyridon Louis won the Marathon race, bringing a whole new level of joy to the country. Whilst Greece of the 1890’s was still trying to evolve following the aftermath of 400 years of Turkish occupation, Athens had taken a major step forward, re-introducing Greece back into the fold of Europe.
The glory of the Panathenaic Stadium today
By the 20th century, locals came to call the venue “Kallimarmaro” (made of fine marble) and continue to do so today. The word “stadium” comes from the ancient Greek measure of length, where one “stadion” was approximately 185 metres and equivalent to the length of the track.
The stadium has a capacity of 50,000 seats but played host to 80,000 spectators when the first Olympic Marathon was won by the Greek athlete Spyridon Louis in 1896. Spectators gather here for the finish of the Athens Marathon held each year in November.
The venue continues to hold significant cultural, sporting and ceremonial events. During an Olympic Games year, the Olympic flame travels from the ancient site of Olympia moving around Greece before finally arriving to the Panathenaic Stadium for an official hand-over ceremony to the new host country.
The stadium is also the finishing line to the annual Authentic Athens Marathon race held every November from the city of Marathon to Athens. The stadium hosts regular concerts in summer and is an experience not to be missed if you’re lucky enough to be visiting at this time.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is within walking distance from the Panathenaic Stadium. Be sure to climb up to the top row of the stadium and walk around each side for impressive views of Mt Lycabettus on one side and the Acropolis on the other.
If you want to feel like an elite athlete in training, you can join the daily run every morning from 7:30am – 9:00am!
870 místní doporučují
Panathénský stadion
Leoforos Vasileos KonstantinouAncient times
Beginning in the late 5th century BC when the great orator Lycurgus sought to build Athens an appropriate venue to host sporting events as part of the Panathenaic Games, one of the city’s major celebrations. The stadium originally had a rectangular shape that was typical of ancient Greek stadiums (such as in ancient Olympia and ancient Epidaurus) and would be used for the first time in 330 BC.
Roman age
In the 2nd century AD, during the period of the Roman Empire and under the rule of Emperor Hadrian, Athens acquired many new and extravagant buildings as part of several public work projects. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Panathenaic stadium, were both largely funded by the wealthy Athenian aristocrat Herodes.
During this time, the stadium received a complete transformation, changing from its original rectangular shape to a horseshoe, which was typical of stadiums during Roman times. Its capacity was increased to 50,000 spectators and seats were covered with Pentelic marble from Mt Penteli, the same used to build the Acropolis. There was nothing quite like it in the world at the time, with its lavish décor and marble statues.
1830: An independent Greece
A few centuries later and after the site lay buried in soil and stripped of its valuable marble, the Panathenaic Stadium was set to start a new life as the idea of hosting the first modern Olympics in Athens took hold from the mid 1800’s.
When the French gathered a world congress in 1894 to discuss the concept of a modern Olympic Games, it was agreed that Paris would host it in 1900 to coincide with their World Fair of the same year. The Greek representative Dimitrios Vikelas saw an opportunity and suggested that Athens host the Olympics in 1896, but did so without the consent of the Greek government. The world congress agreed but the problem for Vikelas was that Greece had declared bankruptcy a year earlier and the government could not fund the Olympic Games on Greek soil.
Vikelas however was adamant that holding the first Olympic Games in Athens was an honour and something that Greece deserved. He gained support from Crown Prince Constantine and they devised a plan to privately fund the games by lobbying George Averoff, the wealthy merchant from Egypt and one of Greece’s largest benefactors. Averoff obliged and financed the construction of the Panathenaic Stadium, insisting it be built entirely of marble from Mt Penteli, as was used to construct the Acropolis.
The project moved ahead at a furious pace and although not without complication (bad weather delayed the excavation of all the marble required to complete the stadium) the new stadium was ready in time to host the first modern Olympic Games in March 1896. Greek athlete Spyridon Louis won the Marathon race, bringing a whole new level of joy to the country. Whilst Greece of the 1890’s was still trying to evolve following the aftermath of 400 years of Turkish occupation, Athens had taken a major step forward, re-introducing Greece back into the fold of Europe.
The glory of the Panathenaic Stadium today
By the 20th century, locals came to call the venue “Kallimarmaro” (made of fine marble) and continue to do so today. The word “stadium” comes from the ancient Greek measure of length, where one “stadion” was approximately 185 metres and equivalent to the length of the track.
The stadium has a capacity of 50,000 seats but played host to 80,000 spectators when the first Olympic Marathon was won by the Greek athlete Spyridon Louis in 1896. Spectators gather here for the finish of the Athens Marathon held each year in November.
The venue continues to hold significant cultural, sporting and ceremonial events. During an Olympic Games year, the Olympic flame travels from the ancient site of Olympia moving around Greece before finally arriving to the Panathenaic Stadium for an official hand-over ceremony to the new host country.
The stadium is also the finishing line to the annual Authentic Athens Marathon race held every November from the city of Marathon to Athens. The stadium hosts regular concerts in summer and is an experience not to be missed if you’re lucky enough to be visiting at this time.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is within walking distance from the Panathenaic Stadium. Be sure to climb up to the top row of the stadium and walk around each side for impressive views of Mt Lycabettus on one side and the Acropolis on the other.
If you want to feel like an elite athlete in training, you can join the daily run every morning from 7:30am – 9:00am!
Changing of the Greek Guards
Greek guards or “Evzones” are members of the Presidential Guard found outside the Hellenic Parliament. They have become synonymous with the city of Athens and were originally founded in 1868 as a regiment of the Greek army. It is a high honour for a soldier to be selected to join the Evzones.
They guard the grave of the Unknown Soldier that represents the common memory of all unknown soldiers killed at war. The changing of the Greek guards occurs every day at the top of the hour.
From Monday to Saturday the Evzones will be dressed in their khaki summer service uniform or in their black winter uniform.
The Greek Presidential Guard or Evzones are a group of elite Greek soldiers who are trained to perform various ceremonial duties. They stand guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace and also raise and lower the flag at the Acropolis every Sunday. The Evzones uniform is handmade with intricate detail, taking many months to complete and is a symbol of the country’s nationalistic pride, representing the significant battles fought throughout Greece’s modern history. The formal version of the uniform is white and worn on Sundays and at official occasions, with a doulama or tunic worn at other times, khaki in summer and navy blue in winter.
The Farion cap is made from a soft red baize and features a long silk tassel. The uniform of the islands, often referred to as the Cretan uniform, features a shorter tassel. The tassels extreme length, can require untangling by the soldier on duty after a march or movement and skilled Evzones maintain an extreme upright posture to avoid the trouble. The front of the caps have the Greek coat of arms with the officers rank displayed underneath. When a salute is made, the Evzones point two fingers toward the coat of arms at the front of the Farion.
The Fermeli is the most intricate part of the Evzones uniform. Hand embroidered entirely from wool, the thousands of stitching holes are hidden on the reverse side of the waistcoat which can take a period months to complete and can last up to ten years.
The Fermeli also distinguishes the rank of the Evzone, although it will take a keen eye to identify the subtle stripes placed at the back right tail of the coat, one for a Corporal and two for a Sergeant, and none will be visible for Privates.
The Ypodetes is the extremely wide sleeved white shirt worn by the Evzones which flare as they march and thought to symbolise the purity of the national purpose. Underneath the wide sleeve, there is a button down long sleeve which reaches the wrist.
The Foustanella is made from over 30 metres of fabric and features 400 pleats to represent the liberation of Greece from the years of Ottoman occupation. The Krossia (braided fringes), are blue and white after the colours of the Greek Flag. The origins of the kilt like garment are widely contested by historians as other Balkan countries such as Albania and Bulgaria identify with their own version of the garment. However archaeological evidence painted on vases from the Byzantine period show the Foustanella was in use in Greek territories in the 12th century AD whilst kilt like garments were represented in sculptures found in the Attica region dating back to the 5th century BC.
The Tsarouchia shoes of the Evzones weigh over three kilograms and feature at least 60 nails on the base of the shoe which simulate the sound of battle during the movement of the Evzone. The toe of the Tsarouchia is pointed upwards and covered by a black silk pom pom which is hand cut to shape. The base of the shoe is made from cowhide and over 300 hand stitches are required to hold each shoe together. The Evzones wear two pairs of Periskelides (woollen stockings) on each leg which are held up by the Epiknemides (silk garters) with tassel.
Each Evzone carries the M1 Garand gun which weighs over five kilograms and puts enormous pressure on the body as it is slammed into the shoulder at the end of every movement. The gun however plays an important role beyond the ceremony. The soldier on duty, who is dressed in army fatigues, supports the Evzones during their time on duty by controlling crowds around them, adjusting their uniforms and ensuring their well being through the motionless hour in heat, cold and rain. By hitting the butt of the gun on the ground, the soldier is made aware that the Evzone requires assistance. The soldier will ask the Evzone questions and the answers are communicated by blinking, one blink is ‘yes’, two blinks is ‘no’, three blinks is ‘i don’t know’.
The non-ceremonial Evzones uniform is worn Monday through Saturday with the exception of special national days or the reception of dignitaries. The doulama (a form of tunic) is worn with the tsarouchia (shoes), the epiknemides (stockings), farion (cap) and Garand gun. The summer uniform is khaki in colour and made from cotton and the winter uniform is made from wool and navy blue in colour with its origins dating back to the Macedonian Struggle of 1904.
The uniform of the Islands is largely Cretan influenced and is worn on Sunday’s and special occasions to represent and honour the struggle of not only mainland Greece, but the islands. The wearer of the uniform is referred to as a Vrakoforos, as many of the island specific traditional uniforms are referred to. The uniform consists of the Cretan coat and vest, Cretan battle knife, distinctive blue breeches and white leather boots. On 19 May of each year, the Evzones also feature a black Pontic uniform to commemorate the Pontic genocide.
The Evzones officers uniform is distinct and colourful. The Foustanella is knee length with 400 pleats, and the Fermeli is royal purple in colour with gold embroidery. The Epiknemides (stockings) are red with red and gold knee high boots and blue silk garters. The officer also carries a traditional sabre from the 1821 war of independence and the Farion (cap) features their rank underneath the Greek coat of arms.
You can see the Evzones in their traditional ceremonial uniform at the Grand Changing of the Guard parade every Sunday at 11am at Greek Parliament in Syntagma Square.
Every Sunday at 11:00am guards will be in dressed in their traditional white kilts making it a much more ceremonious affair with great photo opportunities.
When:
Mon-Sun top of every hour for change-outs
Sundays at 11:00am the Grand Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Photography: Permitted
Closest train station: Syntagma
ADDRESS
Parliament Mansion, Megaro Voulis, Syntagma
For the taxi driver:
Βουλής των Ελλήνων
Μέγαρο Βουλής
Getting there: Opposite Syntagma Square
88 místní doporučují
Syntagma Square
Changing of the Greek Guards
Greek guards or “Evzones” are members of the Presidential Guard found outside the Hellenic Parliament. They have become synonymous with the city of Athens and were originally founded in 1868 as a regiment of the Greek army. It is a high honour for a soldier to be selected to join the Evzones.
They guard the grave of the Unknown Soldier that represents the common memory of all unknown soldiers killed at war. The changing of the Greek guards occurs every day at the top of the hour.
From Monday to Saturday the Evzones will be dressed in their khaki summer service uniform or in their black winter uniform.
The Greek Presidential Guard or Evzones are a group of elite Greek soldiers who are trained to perform various ceremonial duties. They stand guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace and also raise and lower the flag at the Acropolis every Sunday. The Evzones uniform is handmade with intricate detail, taking many months to complete and is a symbol of the country’s nationalistic pride, representing the significant battles fought throughout Greece’s modern history. The formal version of the uniform is white and worn on Sundays and at official occasions, with a doulama or tunic worn at other times, khaki in summer and navy blue in winter.
The Farion cap is made from a soft red baize and features a long silk tassel. The uniform of the islands, often referred to as the Cretan uniform, features a shorter tassel. The tassels extreme length, can require untangling by the soldier on duty after a march or movement and skilled Evzones maintain an extreme upright posture to avoid the trouble. The front of the caps have the Greek coat of arms with the officers rank displayed underneath. When a salute is made, the Evzones point two fingers toward the coat of arms at the front of the Farion.
The Fermeli is the most intricate part of the Evzones uniform. Hand embroidered entirely from wool, the thousands of stitching holes are hidden on the reverse side of the waistcoat which can take a period months to complete and can last up to ten years.
The Fermeli also distinguishes the rank of the Evzone, although it will take a keen eye to identify the subtle stripes placed at the back right tail of the coat, one for a Corporal and two for a Sergeant, and none will be visible for Privates.
The Ypodetes is the extremely wide sleeved white shirt worn by the Evzones which flare as they march and thought to symbolise the purity of the national purpose. Underneath the wide sleeve, there is a button down long sleeve which reaches the wrist.
The Foustanella is made from over 30 metres of fabric and features 400 pleats to represent the liberation of Greece from the years of Ottoman occupation. The Krossia (braided fringes), are blue and white after the colours of the Greek Flag. The origins of the kilt like garment are widely contested by historians as other Balkan countries such as Albania and Bulgaria identify with their own version of the garment. However archaeological evidence painted on vases from the Byzantine period show the Foustanella was in use in Greek territories in the 12th century AD whilst kilt like garments were represented in sculptures found in the Attica region dating back to the 5th century BC.
The Tsarouchia shoes of the Evzones weigh over three kilograms and feature at least 60 nails on the base of the shoe which simulate the sound of battle during the movement of the Evzone. The toe of the Tsarouchia is pointed upwards and covered by a black silk pom pom which is hand cut to shape. The base of the shoe is made from cowhide and over 300 hand stitches are required to hold each shoe together. The Evzones wear two pairs of Periskelides (woollen stockings) on each leg which are held up by the Epiknemides (silk garters) with tassel.
Each Evzone carries the M1 Garand gun which weighs over five kilograms and puts enormous pressure on the body as it is slammed into the shoulder at the end of every movement. The gun however plays an important role beyond the ceremony. The soldier on duty, who is dressed in army fatigues, supports the Evzones during their time on duty by controlling crowds around them, adjusting their uniforms and ensuring their well being through the motionless hour in heat, cold and rain. By hitting the butt of the gun on the ground, the soldier is made aware that the Evzone requires assistance. The soldier will ask the Evzone questions and the answers are communicated by blinking, one blink is ‘yes’, two blinks is ‘no’, three blinks is ‘i don’t know’.
The non-ceremonial Evzones uniform is worn Monday through Saturday with the exception of special national days or the reception of dignitaries. The doulama (a form of tunic) is worn with the tsarouchia (shoes), the epiknemides (stockings), farion (cap) and Garand gun. The summer uniform is khaki in colour and made from cotton and the winter uniform is made from wool and navy blue in colour with its origins dating back to the Macedonian Struggle of 1904.
The uniform of the Islands is largely Cretan influenced and is worn on Sunday’s and special occasions to represent and honour the struggle of not only mainland Greece, but the islands. The wearer of the uniform is referred to as a Vrakoforos, as many of the island specific traditional uniforms are referred to. The uniform consists of the Cretan coat and vest, Cretan battle knife, distinctive blue breeches and white leather boots. On 19 May of each year, the Evzones also feature a black Pontic uniform to commemorate the Pontic genocide.
The Evzones officers uniform is distinct and colourful. The Foustanella is knee length with 400 pleats, and the Fermeli is royal purple in colour with gold embroidery. The Epiknemides (stockings) are red with red and gold knee high boots and blue silk garters. The officer also carries a traditional sabre from the 1821 war of independence and the Farion (cap) features their rank underneath the Greek coat of arms.
You can see the Evzones in their traditional ceremonial uniform at the Grand Changing of the Guard parade every Sunday at 11am at Greek Parliament in Syntagma Square.
Every Sunday at 11:00am guards will be in dressed in their traditional white kilts making it a much more ceremonious affair with great photo opportunities.
When:
Mon-Sun top of every hour for change-outs
Sundays at 11:00am the Grand Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Photography: Permitted
Closest train station: Syntagma
ADDRESS
Parliament Mansion, Megaro Voulis, Syntagma
For the taxi driver:
Βουλής των Ελλήνων
Μέγαρο Βουλής
Getting there: Opposite Syntagma Square
Stadsdelsguiden
Plaka is without a doubt one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Athens, with its narrow streets, lovely neoclassical buildings, small cafes, traditional tavernas, souvenir shops and ancient ruins in almost every corner. Plaka is in the heart of the center of Athens, just under the Acropolis hill, yet has a totally different air than the rest of the city center, creating a feeling of nostalgia of the old Athens. Even though it is very commercial and popular with tourists, it is the ideal place to enjoy a nice walk, as there are plenty of things to do and see, while strolling around its small pedestrian streets.
Plaka is considered the area that developed around the ancient Agora of Athens and is the oldest district in Athens, as it has been continuously inhabited for around three thousand years. Thus, Plaka has a long history and has played an important part in Athenian life, with many famous people having walked along its streets, from Pericles and Alexander the Great to Lord Elgin and Lord Byron, while many well-known Greek writers, actors and artists have lived here, like Giorgos Seferis, Kostis Palamas and Melina Merkouri to name a few. When Athens was under the Ottoman rule, Plaka was the known as the "Turkish quarter of Athens" with many historical buildings dating back to this period like the Fethiye Mosque and the Madrasa Islamic school on Pelopida street. During 1884 a large part of Plaka burned down due to a fire, giving the opportunity for extensive archaeological work in the Roman Agora and Hadrian’s library, while excavations in the area have been conducted ever since.
How to Get to Plaka
Getting to Plaka is relatively easy, as Athens has a good metro system. The limits of Plaka can be roughly defined with Makrigianni area to the south, the Temple of Olympic Zeus and Hadrian’s Arc to the east, Syntagma and Ermou area to the north and Monastiraki to the West. It has two main streets, Kydathinaion and Andrianou, and many little labyrinth-like pedestrian streets around these two. If you are taking the metro, go to Syntagma Metro station and walk Voulis street straight ahead and you will reach Kydathinaion or stop at Monastiraki Station, where Adrianou street starts from the flea market. Alternative, you can go to Acropolis station and cross Dionisiou Aeropagitou entering Vyronos Street. Most streets in Plaka are pedestrian, hence without many cars, so it is quite easy to wonder around.
Between the 60's and 80's, Plaka was very different than what you will witness today. Instead of being a tourist destination, it was the heart of nightlife in Athens. During the 70's, many discos and bars were operating in the area, making it very lively, with Greek people filling the streets. Nowadays, Athenian nightlife has moved to other areas of the capital, like Psyrri and Gkazi, making Plaka more of a daytime neighborhood. What I personally appreciate about Plaka is how it combines neoclassical architecture with modern graffity and street art, as well as archaeology and traditional Greek of the 70's with touristy clichés, creating nonetheless a very picturesque scenery.
What to See in Plaka:
Museums and Archaeological Sites
In Plaka you will find many museums, which are worth visiting. The Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments has been operating since 1991 and is constituted by the collection of musicologist Foivos Anogiannakis. Another good option is the Frissiras Museum, opened in 2000, with contemporary European art. A few more interesting alternatives are the Jewish Museum, with an interesting collection of rare books, textiles, domestic and religious artifacts, the Athens University Museum, with many transcripts and old photos, the Museum of Pavlos and Alexandra Kanellopoulou, with archaeological finds and artworks from the prehistoric period up until nowadays, and the Venizelos Mansion, the oldest house in Athens which now operates as a museum. If you have children accompanying you on your trip, then maybe consider paying a visit to the Children’s Museum, with art created by children, and available activities like dress up, which kids will love.
Of course, another major part of your visit to Plaka will be archaeology, which will be visible to you as you stroll around. The Roman Agora, built between 19-11 BC as an expansion of the ancient Agora to the East, from donations of Julius Caesar and Augustus, cannot go unnoticeable. There are many interesting structures and buildings in the archaeological site, like the Fethiye Mosque, the Agoranomion and the Tower of the Winds, a 12-meter-tall clock tower designed by the astronomer Andronikos of Cyrrhos, considered the first ever meteorological station, and worked as a sundial, telling the time of the day by the position of the Sun in the sky, a water-clock (with water coming down from the Acropolis) and a wind vane (in antiquity a Triton-shaped weathervane topped the structure). Furthermore, opposite the church of Ayia Aikaterini in Plaka, you can stop by the Choragic Monument of Lysikrates, accessible and free to everyone. Lysikrates was a wealthy patron of theatrical plays performed in the theater of Dionysus. He built this monument to commemorate the first prize he won in 335/334 BC. In 1658 a French Capuchin monastery was built on this site, where Lord Byron also stayed during his second visit to Greece. In 1818 the first tomatoes ever in Greece were planted in the monastery’s garden!
You might also find of interest the 11/12th century church of Ayios Ioannis Theologos, the interior decorated by 13th century Byzantine wall paintings, as well as the beautiful 11th century church of Ayios Nikolaos Ragavas. Moreover, on Erechtheos 18 is located the church of Agioi Anargyroi - Holy Metohi Panagiou Tafou, constructed in 17th century as a convent and from the 18th century it functioned as an embassy church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Where and What to Shop in Plaka:
As far as shopping is concerned, Plaka is your souvenir shop paradise. Especially on Adrianou street you will find all kinds of souvenir shops, with Greek local products, jewellery stores, t-shirt shops, you name it. Even though there are also the typical tacky tourist items, you can also find some good quality Greek products and souvenirs, mentioned in our list. In Elaias Gi (Adrianou 122) and Evonon (Adrianou 124) you can find a big selection of good quality Greek olive oil. There is no better tasting extra virgin olive oil than the one produced in Greece, and I am not prejudiced because I am Greek. In these shops you will also find olive tree-based products, like soaps, kitchenware and other nice items. If you want to purchase ouzo, then on Adrianou 120 you will find the shop of Mr. Agelos, who has a huge variety of different brands of ouzo, some of them being difficult to find elsewhere. You will also find many jewellery shops, some of them being artist-owned with stunning handmade pieces, like Byzantino, where they make their own gold jewellery.
Where to Eat in Plaka:
Once you get a little bit tired and thirsty, you should head to the Filomouson Etairias Square, or just Platia. Here you will find many cafes, where you can enjoy coffee or a drink with a nice view. Around the square, you will also come across many restaurants, where the waiters will try to lure you in by introducing you to their menu. These are all touristy restaurants but the food is not too bad actually. They all serve traditional Greek cuisine, which is delicious!. For good quality food however I suggest you Saita Taverna (Kydathinaion 21), Vyzantino Restaurant (Kydathinaion 18), I Palia Taverna tou Psarra - The Old Tavern of Psaras (Erotokritou & Erechtheos 16), To Kafeneio (Epicharmou 1), which is really lovely also during the winter with a fireplace inside, or Scholarhio Ouzeri (Tripodon 14), also known to locals as Kouklis after its owner.
For your afternoon coffee, I strongly recommend Yiasemi (Mnisikleous 23), in my opinion one of the loveliest bistro-cafes in Athens, with tables placed outside on the stairsteps and a charming view of Plaka. You may also like Café Melina (Lysiou 22), dedicated to the legendary Greek actress and politician Melina Merkouri. For a little taste of homemade liquor, check out Brettos Bar (Kydathinaion 41), which used to be the oldest distillery in Athens. Nowadays, it also has a bar area to enjoy your liquor. The bottles containing liquors in different vivid colors are being displayed on the interior of the store, filling the walls up to the ceiling.
Plaka at Night:
Nightlife in Plaka is not really a thing anymore, so if you want to go bar hopping or clubbing you will need to head to Psyrri, Monastiraki or Gkazi. They are all nearby. However, what you can do in Plaka is head to Cine Paris, a lovely outdoors cinema, and see what movie is on. Outdoor cinemas are a Greek summer must-do and one of the most fun things to do in Athens. In Cine Paris the screen is on the roof with a stunning view to the Acropolis. There is also a bar available to purchase your drinks and snack supplies, so even if you are not necessarily up for a movie night, you might be pleasantly surprised by the whole experience.
Another interesting aspect of nightlife in Plaka used to be the traditional boîtes, meaning small live music venues, like cabarets. These started becoming popular in Plaka during the 60’s where many new wave artists of the period made their first appearances, inspired by the French nouvelle vague cinema movement. Even though most of them are now closed, like the legendary boîte Esperides, you can still find a few that try to stay true to the concept, like Apanemia and Vatraxoi. For traditional Greek live music, you can also visit the Perivoli tou Ouranou, one of the oldest venues for laika in Athens.
Anafiotika, the Greek Island Village of Athens!
A special mention needs to be made here to Anafiotika, the most unique neighborhood in Athens. To be completely honest, you may forget for a bit that you are in Athens and you might think that you either time traveled or teleported to a small village on a Cycladic island. The original settlers of the area where indeed from the Cyclades, from an island called Anafi, where the name Anafiotika derives from. The settlement was established in the 19th century by builders who were working in Athens for the construction of the palace of King Otto and the reconstruction of the capital. The story has it, that the settlers became so homesick of their island that they chose to build their houses under the Acropolis following the Cycladic architectural style in order to feel more at home. You can reach Anafiotika by going up the stairs next to the church of St. Nicholas Ragavas.
To conclude, Plaka is a must-see neighborhood during your visit to Athens and there is a reason why it has stayed popular throughout the years both to locals and tourists. No matter how you decide to spend your day, whether it is museums and archaeological sites, shopping, eating and drinking, just strolling and looking around or all of the above, Plaka is the perfect place to do so. Try not to only visit the touristy shops and restaurants as Plaka is much more than that, with a long history and a lot to offer. Away from the chaotic central Athens, Plaka offers an opportunity to genuinely enjoy your day outside.
1300 místní doporučují
Plaka
24 MnisikleousPlaka is without a doubt one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Athens, with its narrow streets, lovely neoclassical buildings, small cafes, traditional tavernas, souvenir shops and ancient ruins in almost every corner. Plaka is in the heart of the center of Athens, just under the Acropolis hill, yet has a totally different air than the rest of the city center, creating a feeling of nostalgia of the old Athens. Even though it is very commercial and popular with tourists, it is the ideal place to enjoy a nice walk, as there are plenty of things to do and see, while strolling around its small pedestrian streets.
Plaka is considered the area that developed around the ancient Agora of Athens and is the oldest district in Athens, as it has been continuously inhabited for around three thousand years. Thus, Plaka has a long history and has played an important part in Athenian life, with many famous people having walked along its streets, from Pericles and Alexander the Great to Lord Elgin and Lord Byron, while many well-known Greek writers, actors and artists have lived here, like Giorgos Seferis, Kostis Palamas and Melina Merkouri to name a few. When Athens was under the Ottoman rule, Plaka was the known as the "Turkish quarter of Athens" with many historical buildings dating back to this period like the Fethiye Mosque and the Madrasa Islamic school on Pelopida street. During 1884 a large part of Plaka burned down due to a fire, giving the opportunity for extensive archaeological work in the Roman Agora and Hadrian’s library, while excavations in the area have been conducted ever since.
How to Get to Plaka
Getting to Plaka is relatively easy, as Athens has a good metro system. The limits of Plaka can be roughly defined with Makrigianni area to the south, the Temple of Olympic Zeus and Hadrian’s Arc to the east, Syntagma and Ermou area to the north and Monastiraki to the West. It has two main streets, Kydathinaion and Andrianou, and many little labyrinth-like pedestrian streets around these two. If you are taking the metro, go to Syntagma Metro station and walk Voulis street straight ahead and you will reach Kydathinaion or stop at Monastiraki Station, where Adrianou street starts from the flea market. Alternative, you can go to Acropolis station and cross Dionisiou Aeropagitou entering Vyronos Street. Most streets in Plaka are pedestrian, hence without many cars, so it is quite easy to wonder around.
Between the 60's and 80's, Plaka was very different than what you will witness today. Instead of being a tourist destination, it was the heart of nightlife in Athens. During the 70's, many discos and bars were operating in the area, making it very lively, with Greek people filling the streets. Nowadays, Athenian nightlife has moved to other areas of the capital, like Psyrri and Gkazi, making Plaka more of a daytime neighborhood. What I personally appreciate about Plaka is how it combines neoclassical architecture with modern graffity and street art, as well as archaeology and traditional Greek of the 70's with touristy clichés, creating nonetheless a very picturesque scenery.
What to See in Plaka:
Museums and Archaeological Sites
In Plaka you will find many museums, which are worth visiting. The Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments has been operating since 1991 and is constituted by the collection of musicologist Foivos Anogiannakis. Another good option is the Frissiras Museum, opened in 2000, with contemporary European art. A few more interesting alternatives are the Jewish Museum, with an interesting collection of rare books, textiles, domestic and religious artifacts, the Athens University Museum, with many transcripts and old photos, the Museum of Pavlos and Alexandra Kanellopoulou, with archaeological finds and artworks from the prehistoric period up until nowadays, and the Venizelos Mansion, the oldest house in Athens which now operates as a museum. If you have children accompanying you on your trip, then maybe consider paying a visit to the Children’s Museum, with art created by children, and available activities like dress up, which kids will love.
Of course, another major part of your visit to Plaka will be archaeology, which will be visible to you as you stroll around. The Roman Agora, built between 19-11 BC as an expansion of the ancient Agora to the East, from donations of Julius Caesar and Augustus, cannot go unnoticeable. There are many interesting structures and buildings in the archaeological site, like the Fethiye Mosque, the Agoranomion and the Tower of the Winds, a 12-meter-tall clock tower designed by the astronomer Andronikos of Cyrrhos, considered the first ever meteorological station, and worked as a sundial, telling the time of the day by the position of the Sun in the sky, a water-clock (with water coming down from the Acropolis) and a wind vane (in antiquity a Triton-shaped weathervane topped the structure). Furthermore, opposite the church of Ayia Aikaterini in Plaka, you can stop by the Choragic Monument of Lysikrates, accessible and free to everyone. Lysikrates was a wealthy patron of theatrical plays performed in the theater of Dionysus. He built this monument to commemorate the first prize he won in 335/334 BC. In 1658 a French Capuchin monastery was built on this site, where Lord Byron also stayed during his second visit to Greece. In 1818 the first tomatoes ever in Greece were planted in the monastery’s garden!
You might also find of interest the 11/12th century church of Ayios Ioannis Theologos, the interior decorated by 13th century Byzantine wall paintings, as well as the beautiful 11th century church of Ayios Nikolaos Ragavas. Moreover, on Erechtheos 18 is located the church of Agioi Anargyroi - Holy Metohi Panagiou Tafou, constructed in 17th century as a convent and from the 18th century it functioned as an embassy church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Where and What to Shop in Plaka:
As far as shopping is concerned, Plaka is your souvenir shop paradise. Especially on Adrianou street you will find all kinds of souvenir shops, with Greek local products, jewellery stores, t-shirt shops, you name it. Even though there are also the typical tacky tourist items, you can also find some good quality Greek products and souvenirs, mentioned in our list. In Elaias Gi (Adrianou 122) and Evonon (Adrianou 124) you can find a big selection of good quality Greek olive oil. There is no better tasting extra virgin olive oil than the one produced in Greece, and I am not prejudiced because I am Greek. In these shops you will also find olive tree-based products, like soaps, kitchenware and other nice items. If you want to purchase ouzo, then on Adrianou 120 you will find the shop of Mr. Agelos, who has a huge variety of different brands of ouzo, some of them being difficult to find elsewhere. You will also find many jewellery shops, some of them being artist-owned with stunning handmade pieces, like Byzantino, where they make their own gold jewellery.
Where to Eat in Plaka:
Once you get a little bit tired and thirsty, you should head to the Filomouson Etairias Square, or just Platia. Here you will find many cafes, where you can enjoy coffee or a drink with a nice view. Around the square, you will also come across many restaurants, where the waiters will try to lure you in by introducing you to their menu. These are all touristy restaurants but the food is not too bad actually. They all serve traditional Greek cuisine, which is delicious!. For good quality food however I suggest you Saita Taverna (Kydathinaion 21), Vyzantino Restaurant (Kydathinaion 18), I Palia Taverna tou Psarra - The Old Tavern of Psaras (Erotokritou & Erechtheos 16), To Kafeneio (Epicharmou 1), which is really lovely also during the winter with a fireplace inside, or Scholarhio Ouzeri (Tripodon 14), also known to locals as Kouklis after its owner.
For your afternoon coffee, I strongly recommend Yiasemi (Mnisikleous 23), in my opinion one of the loveliest bistro-cafes in Athens, with tables placed outside on the stairsteps and a charming view of Plaka. You may also like Café Melina (Lysiou 22), dedicated to the legendary Greek actress and politician Melina Merkouri. For a little taste of homemade liquor, check out Brettos Bar (Kydathinaion 41), which used to be the oldest distillery in Athens. Nowadays, it also has a bar area to enjoy your liquor. The bottles containing liquors in different vivid colors are being displayed on the interior of the store, filling the walls up to the ceiling.
Plaka at Night:
Nightlife in Plaka is not really a thing anymore, so if you want to go bar hopping or clubbing you will need to head to Psyrri, Monastiraki or Gkazi. They are all nearby. However, what you can do in Plaka is head to Cine Paris, a lovely outdoors cinema, and see what movie is on. Outdoor cinemas are a Greek summer must-do and one of the most fun things to do in Athens. In Cine Paris the screen is on the roof with a stunning view to the Acropolis. There is also a bar available to purchase your drinks and snack supplies, so even if you are not necessarily up for a movie night, you might be pleasantly surprised by the whole experience.
Another interesting aspect of nightlife in Plaka used to be the traditional boîtes, meaning small live music venues, like cabarets. These started becoming popular in Plaka during the 60’s where many new wave artists of the period made their first appearances, inspired by the French nouvelle vague cinema movement. Even though most of them are now closed, like the legendary boîte Esperides, you can still find a few that try to stay true to the concept, like Apanemia and Vatraxoi. For traditional Greek live music, you can also visit the Perivoli tou Ouranou, one of the oldest venues for laika in Athens.
Anafiotika, the Greek Island Village of Athens!
A special mention needs to be made here to Anafiotika, the most unique neighborhood in Athens. To be completely honest, you may forget for a bit that you are in Athens and you might think that you either time traveled or teleported to a small village on a Cycladic island. The original settlers of the area where indeed from the Cyclades, from an island called Anafi, where the name Anafiotika derives from. The settlement was established in the 19th century by builders who were working in Athens for the construction of the palace of King Otto and the reconstruction of the capital. The story has it, that the settlers became so homesick of their island that they chose to build their houses under the Acropolis following the Cycladic architectural style in order to feel more at home. You can reach Anafiotika by going up the stairs next to the church of St. Nicholas Ragavas.
To conclude, Plaka is a must-see neighborhood during your visit to Athens and there is a reason why it has stayed popular throughout the years both to locals and tourists. No matter how you decide to spend your day, whether it is museums and archaeological sites, shopping, eating and drinking, just strolling and looking around or all of the above, Plaka is the perfect place to do so. Try not to only visit the touristy shops and restaurants as Plaka is much more than that, with a long history and a lot to offer. Away from the chaotic central Athens, Plaka offers an opportunity to genuinely enjoy your day outside.