George's Athens Guide
Αξιοθέατα
Plaka is one of the oldest, as well as one of the most alluring and lively districts in Athens. It is also known as the "Neighborhood of the Gods" since it is next to the Acropolis.
Located at the feet of the eastern side of the Acropolis, the picturesque district of Plaka is very near other scenic neighborhoods like Anafiotika and Monastiraki.
Although it is one of the most touristy parts of Athens, Plaka is extremely attractive with a charming decadent touch. It has narrow cobblestone wiring streets flanked by elegant neoclassical houses dating from the nineteenth century.
Plaka has little souvenir shops that are packed with typical gifts from Greece and traditional restaurants called “tavernas” that serve delicious traditional Greek food.
Plaka is also home to numerous historic monuments like the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, the Roman Agora and the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments.
1301 místní doporučují
Plaka
24 MnisikleousPlaka is one of the oldest, as well as one of the most alluring and lively districts in Athens. It is also known as the "Neighborhood of the Gods" since it is next to the Acropolis.
Located at the feet of the eastern side of the Acropolis, the picturesque district of Plaka is very near other scenic neighborhoods like Anafiotika and Monastiraki.
Although it is one of the most touristy parts of Athens, Plaka is extremely attractive with a charming decadent touch. It has narrow cobblestone wiring streets flanked by elegant neoclassical houses dating from the nineteenth century.
Plaka has little souvenir shops that are packed with typical gifts from Greece and traditional restaurants called “tavernas” that serve delicious traditional Greek food.
Plaka is also home to numerous historic monuments like the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, the Roman Agora and the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments.
Situated on the north side of the Acropolis, Monastiraki is one of the most popular shopping areas in Athens. There are all types of shops, including vintage and second-hand clothing stores.
In addition, one of the main attractions is Monastiraki’s Flea Market. This lively bazaar is overflowing with hundreds of stalls that sell from handmade jewelry, relics, carpets, typical souvenirs, clothes and accessories. Just like in Istanbul’s popular Grand Bazaar, tourists will have to bargain to get the best prices possible.
Monastiraki is also famous for its colorful terraces, where visitors can sit, relax and try some of the best national dishes.
The neighborhood also offers numerous cultural visits. Tzistarakis Mosque is an eighteenth century Ottoman Mosque, which currently houses a ceramic collection owned by the Museum of Greek Folk Art. Another landmark is Hadrian’s Library. This large bibliotheca, built in AD 132, once housed a pool and several reading rooms.
You might also enjoy visiting Monastiraki metro station, one of the oldest metro stations in Athens, as it displays several archaeological discoveries found on the Hadrian’s Library site.
The district’s main streets are Ermou Street, Pandrossou Street and Adrianou Street, although one of the best things to do in Monastiraki is to wander along its avenues and squares.
841 místní doporučují
Monastiraki
Situated on the north side of the Acropolis, Monastiraki is one of the most popular shopping areas in Athens. There are all types of shops, including vintage and second-hand clothing stores.
In addition, one of the main attractions is Monastiraki’s Flea Market. This lively bazaar is overflowing with hundreds of stalls that sell from handmade jewelry, relics, carpets, typical souvenirs, clothes and accessories. Just like in Istanbul’s popular Grand Bazaar, tourists will have to bargain to get the best prices possible.
Monastiraki is also famous for its colorful terraces, where visitors can sit, relax and try some of the best national dishes.
The neighborhood also offers numerous cultural visits. Tzistarakis Mosque is an eighteenth century Ottoman Mosque, which currently houses a ceramic collection owned by the Museum of Greek Folk Art. Another landmark is Hadrian’s Library. This large bibliotheca, built in AD 132, once housed a pool and several reading rooms.
You might also enjoy visiting Monastiraki metro station, one of the oldest metro stations in Athens, as it displays several archaeological discoveries found on the Hadrian’s Library site.
The district’s main streets are Ermou Street, Pandrossou Street and Adrianou Street, although one of the best things to do in Monastiraki is to wander along its avenues and squares.
Kolonaki is one of the most elegant and stately neighborhoods in central Athens, with neoclassical and modernist buildings and numerous trendy restaurants and boutiques.
Kolonaki, meaning “slight column” in Greek, is named after a small column that stands in the center of Kolonaki Square. The district stretches out from Syntagma Square to the foot of Lycabettus hill, the highest point of Athens.
Kolonaki is full of parks and gardens and is defined by its classical and modernist buildings, which make it one of the most exquisite neighborhoods in Athens.
This is a charming district to discover by foot and a great place to enjoy a beverage or a bite to eat in any of its modern terraces and restaurants. It is also renowned for its shopping streets packed with high-end boutiques, fashionable clothing stores and where the top Greek designers sell their products.
397 místní doporučují
Kolonaki
Kolonaki is one of the most elegant and stately neighborhoods in central Athens, with neoclassical and modernist buildings and numerous trendy restaurants and boutiques.
Kolonaki, meaning “slight column” in Greek, is named after a small column that stands in the center of Kolonaki Square. The district stretches out from Syntagma Square to the foot of Lycabettus hill, the highest point of Athens.
Kolonaki is full of parks and gardens and is defined by its classical and modernist buildings, which make it one of the most exquisite neighborhoods in Athens.
This is a charming district to discover by foot and a great place to enjoy a beverage or a bite to eat in any of its modern terraces and restaurants. It is also renowned for its shopping streets packed with high-end boutiques, fashionable clothing stores and where the top Greek designers sell their products.
Erected between 447 and 438 BCE on the Acropolis, the Parthenon represents the epitome of Ancient Greece and is the most famous landmark in the country.
Dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Parthenon is one of the most symbolic Doric style temples that remains standing in Greece. It is also one of the most imposing buildings commissioned by Pericles.
The Parthenon was raised on the remains of the sixth century temple Hekatompedon, which was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC.
After the Hekatompedon was demolished, the Athenians wished to build a larger temple to house a beautiful and enormous 12-meter gold and ivory sculpture of Athena, designed by the sculptor Phidias. So, the Parthenon was constructed in white marble from Mount Pentelicus.
The large temple is 70 meters long and 30 meters wide. When it was first built, it had a colonnade surrounding the whole edifice, with eight columns standing on its main façades and seventeen on each side.
It is believed that the procession to the Parthenon during the Panathenaic Games is sculpted on the inner frieze that runs along the whole temple and shows over 300 people, various gods and animals.
Throughout the centuries, the Parthenon has been severely damaged. It was transformed into a Byzantine church between 1208 and 1258 and then remodeled into a mosque in 1458.
During the Morean War in 1687 between the Venetians and Ottoman Turks, the center of the temple was destroyed when a compartment for the storage of explosives, owned by the Turks, went off.
Between 1801 and 1803, Thomas Bruce sold the remaining statues and other artefacts to the British Museum in London.
Less than a century later, the Parthenon was slightly damaged by the Atalanti earthquake in the Locris area, near Athens, with a magnitude of 6.4.
The Parthenon is currently being restored and thus, is surrounded by scaffoldings and cranes. The restoration works completed in 2020.
Although the capital of Greece is overflowing with landmarks and monuments, the Parthenon is the country’s most iconic sight.
Visiting the Parthenon while you explore the Acropolis overlooking Athens is a must and will not leave you indifferent.
421 místní doporučují
Partenon
Erected between 447 and 438 BCE on the Acropolis, the Parthenon represents the epitome of Ancient Greece and is the most famous landmark in the country.
Dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Parthenon is one of the most symbolic Doric style temples that remains standing in Greece. It is also one of the most imposing buildings commissioned by Pericles.
The Parthenon was raised on the remains of the sixth century temple Hekatompedon, which was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC.
After the Hekatompedon was demolished, the Athenians wished to build a larger temple to house a beautiful and enormous 12-meter gold and ivory sculpture of Athena, designed by the sculptor Phidias. So, the Parthenon was constructed in white marble from Mount Pentelicus.
The large temple is 70 meters long and 30 meters wide. When it was first built, it had a colonnade surrounding the whole edifice, with eight columns standing on its main façades and seventeen on each side.
It is believed that the procession to the Parthenon during the Panathenaic Games is sculpted on the inner frieze that runs along the whole temple and shows over 300 people, various gods and animals.
Throughout the centuries, the Parthenon has been severely damaged. It was transformed into a Byzantine church between 1208 and 1258 and then remodeled into a mosque in 1458.
During the Morean War in 1687 between the Venetians and Ottoman Turks, the center of the temple was destroyed when a compartment for the storage of explosives, owned by the Turks, went off.
Between 1801 and 1803, Thomas Bruce sold the remaining statues and other artefacts to the British Museum in London.
Less than a century later, the Parthenon was slightly damaged by the Atalanti earthquake in the Locris area, near Athens, with a magnitude of 6.4.
The Parthenon is currently being restored and thus, is surrounded by scaffoldings and cranes. The restoration works completed in 2020.
Although the capital of Greece is overflowing with landmarks and monuments, the Parthenon is the country’s most iconic sight.
Visiting the Parthenon while you explore the Acropolis overlooking Athens is a must and will not leave you indifferent.
The Panathenaic Stadium was made entirely of white marble in 144 AD. In the nineteenth century, it was dug up and rebuilt. It hosted the first contemporary Olympics in 1896.
The Panathenaic Stadium is one of the most visited attractions in Athens. It is currently a multi-function stadium that was initially built as a race track in 330 BC for the Panathenaic Games.
Dedicated to Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, the Panathenaic Games was a popular event that took place once every four years, in which the inhabitants of Athens organized a religious festival with a sports competition and other cultural events. The Athenians also celebrated the Lesser Panathenaic festival once a year which were shorter and included less games and ceremonies. The Games counted with equestrian, athletics, combat competitions, as well as chariot racing and music and dance contests.
In 144 AD, the Roman senator Herodes Atticus commissioned the stadium to be completely rebuilt in white marble.
During many centuries the Panathenaic Stadium was practically abandoned, until the remains of the venue were dug out during the nineteenth century and restored to host the Olympic Games in 1896.
The arena was completely rebuilt according to its original plan and now houses various competitions and is open to the public.
The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, is one of the most popular visits in the Greek capital. Visitors can walk along the marble stands where the Athenians once cheered the sportsmen on centuries ago. The running track is also open, and tourists can get a selfie up on the podium next to the Olympic rings.
The entrance fee includes an English audio guide, which gives interesting information about the legendary landmark.
870 místní doporučují
Panathénský stadion
Leoforos Vasileos KonstantinouThe Panathenaic Stadium was made entirely of white marble in 144 AD. In the nineteenth century, it was dug up and rebuilt. It hosted the first contemporary Olympics in 1896.
The Panathenaic Stadium is one of the most visited attractions in Athens. It is currently a multi-function stadium that was initially built as a race track in 330 BC for the Panathenaic Games.
Dedicated to Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, the Panathenaic Games was a popular event that took place once every four years, in which the inhabitants of Athens organized a religious festival with a sports competition and other cultural events. The Athenians also celebrated the Lesser Panathenaic festival once a year which were shorter and included less games and ceremonies. The Games counted with equestrian, athletics, combat competitions, as well as chariot racing and music and dance contests.
In 144 AD, the Roman senator Herodes Atticus commissioned the stadium to be completely rebuilt in white marble.
During many centuries the Panathenaic Stadium was practically abandoned, until the remains of the venue were dug out during the nineteenth century and restored to host the Olympic Games in 1896.
The arena was completely rebuilt according to its original plan and now houses various competitions and is open to the public.
The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, is one of the most popular visits in the Greek capital. Visitors can walk along the marble stands where the Athenians once cheered the sportsmen on centuries ago. The running track is also open, and tourists can get a selfie up on the podium next to the Olympic rings.
The entrance fee includes an English audio guide, which gives interesting information about the legendary landmark.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a breathtaking theatre originally built in 161 AD for music concerts. It was restored in 1950.
Situated next to the Theatre of Dionysus, at the foot of the Athenian Acropolis, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus was erected under the supervision of the Roman senator Herodes Atticus.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was first built with walls sheathed in marble with a seating capacity of over 5,000 spectators. The benches were also made of white marble and had mosaic floors. The ancient Roman style venue had a beautiful cedar roof, which was probably the most surprising aspect of the concert hall, now non-existing.
The theatre had a 35-meter-wide semi-circular orchestra and the stage façade had various windows to place statues in them. Behind the front view of the venue is a beautiful view of Athens.
The Odeon remained in use until 267 AD, when the Herules invaded the city.
he Odeon of Herodes Atticus was renovated in 1950. Since then, important events have been held here like the Miss Universe Pageant in 1973. The renowned Greek singer Nana Mouskouri also sang on this stage in 1984 and 2008. Presently, the building is still one of the most beautiful concert halls in Athens.
The historic landmark is not open to the public, except when it hosts a music concert. If you do not want to attend any of its planned concerts, you can get a good view of the whole venue from the Acropolis.
Since it was practically completely renovated, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus stands at it originally did in 161 AD. The only difference is that it is not covered by a wooden roof.
442 místní doporučují
Odeon Heroda Attika
Dionysiou AreopagitouThe Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a breathtaking theatre originally built in 161 AD for music concerts. It was restored in 1950.
Situated next to the Theatre of Dionysus, at the foot of the Athenian Acropolis, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus was erected under the supervision of the Roman senator Herodes Atticus.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was first built with walls sheathed in marble with a seating capacity of over 5,000 spectators. The benches were also made of white marble and had mosaic floors. The ancient Roman style venue had a beautiful cedar roof, which was probably the most surprising aspect of the concert hall, now non-existing.
The theatre had a 35-meter-wide semi-circular orchestra and the stage façade had various windows to place statues in them. Behind the front view of the venue is a beautiful view of Athens.
The Odeon remained in use until 267 AD, when the Herules invaded the city.
he Odeon of Herodes Atticus was renovated in 1950. Since then, important events have been held here like the Miss Universe Pageant in 1973. The renowned Greek singer Nana Mouskouri also sang on this stage in 1984 and 2008. Presently, the building is still one of the most beautiful concert halls in Athens.
The historic landmark is not open to the public, except when it hosts a music concert. If you do not want to attend any of its planned concerts, you can get a good view of the whole venue from the Acropolis.
Since it was practically completely renovated, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus stands at it originally did in 161 AD. The only difference is that it is not covered by a wooden roof.
A public space, where everyone has free access and can participate in a multitude of cultural, educational, athletic, environmental and recreational activities and events. It includes the Greek National Opera, the National Library of Greece as well as the Stavros Niarchos Park, one of the largest green areas in Athens, covering 21 hectares. The SNFCC was created thanks to an exclusive grant by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, which delivered it to the Greek State upon completion. SNFCC Single Member S.A. is a public-benefit nonprofit organization responsible for the operation, maintenance and management of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and the Stavros Niarchos Park while developing and organizing its own series of cultural, educational, environmental and sports activities.
National Library of Greece
With a history of over two centuries, containing more than one million books and magazines, and a host of handwritten codices dating from the 9th to the 19th centuries, the National Library of Greece is the custodian of the Greek literary heritage, bridging the past, the present and the future. On the occasion of relocation, the leading institution regroups its forces and enters the digital age. In its new facilities, it redefines its relationship with the public as a space for study, research and education, a crucible for ideas and an open place for learning. Finally, for the first time, the National Library of Greece creates a Public Section which offers a separate collection for children, teenagers and adults combined with a wide range of educational and interactive programs.
Starting in 2017, the National Library of Greece successfully completed in 2018 its relocation from the Vallianeio historic neoclassical building in downtown Athens to its new premises at the SNFCC. Moving 720,760 items of the Library’s collection was a painstakingly complex and demanding venture that lasted three months. It demanded the collaboration of more than 100 people on a daily basis, the adaptation of existing spaces and tools, and it took 235 truck drives to the SNFCC for its completion. To ensure a smooth operation for transferring the items as safely as possible, new, wheeled bookcases were custom-made in order to absorb rail vibrations and prevent the items from shifting.
The special collections, including several outstanding treasures of Greece’s printed heritage, were accompanied by the Greek Police, according to the legal procedures demanded for the protection and safe delivery of our national relics. The relocation cost was €489,800 and it was fully subsidized by a capital grant of €5,414,000 issued by the Greek Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs in order to support the NLG relocation venture to its new SNFCC home. This amount was added to the €5 million grant by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. The National Library of Greece is now getting ready to open its doors to everyone who wants to experience its new, state-of-the-art technology and facilities.
Greek National Opera
The Greek National Opera was established in 1939. From early on, its program included operetta and dance, in addition to the opera. Inaugurating a new period in its long history, the GNO is now settled in its new home at the SNFCC complex. Its new facilities enable it to further develop its wide range of activities as an organization for education and the arts, including opera, ballet, experimental projects, shows for children, educational programs, as well as training the next generation of dancers and developing public benefit projects. With its wonderful acoustics, fine ambiance, and advanced specifications, the Stavros Niarchos Hall and the Alternative Stage – a versatile space for experimentation and research – along with state-of-the-art auxiliary spaces, enable the GNO to play an ever more important role promoting the arts in Greece.
The year 2017 was a landmark for the Greek National Opera, which relocated from the small scale Olympia Theatre in the center of Athens to its new, state-of-the-art premises at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. It did not cease its full artistic operation during the transitional period: people living in the Athens metro area had the opportunity to watch Verdi’s Macbeth, and the dance triptych Landscapes by the GNO Ballet, at the Stavros Niarchos Hall (SNH). The Alternative Stage proved to be the highlight of the year: the first GNO musical commission, Erotokritos by Dimitris Maramis, premiered with great success.
The GNO opened officially at the SNFCC in October 2017 with the production of Elektra by Richard Strauss at the Stavros Niarchos Hall. An ambitious production with international impact, it was the first of several leads the GNO is proud of: it was the first time for the GNO to present this play, and it was the first time for internationally acclaimed Greek mezzo-soprano Agnes Baltsa to sing at the GNO.
For further information, you may visit the official website of the Greek National Opera at www.nationalopera.gr/en/
741 místní doporučují
Kulturní centrum Nadace Stavros Niarchos
364 Leof. Andrea SiggrouA public space, where everyone has free access and can participate in a multitude of cultural, educational, athletic, environmental and recreational activities and events. It includes the Greek National Opera, the National Library of Greece as well as the Stavros Niarchos Park, one of the largest green areas in Athens, covering 21 hectares. The SNFCC was created thanks to an exclusive grant by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, which delivered it to the Greek State upon completion. SNFCC Single Member S.A. is a public-benefit nonprofit organization responsible for the operation, maintenance and management of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and the Stavros Niarchos Park while developing and organizing its own series of cultural, educational, environmental and sports activities.
National Library of Greece
With a history of over two centuries, containing more than one million books and magazines, and a host of handwritten codices dating from the 9th to the 19th centuries, the National Library of Greece is the custodian of the Greek literary heritage, bridging the past, the present and the future. On the occasion of relocation, the leading institution regroups its forces and enters the digital age. In its new facilities, it redefines its relationship with the public as a space for study, research and education, a crucible for ideas and an open place for learning. Finally, for the first time, the National Library of Greece creates a Public Section which offers a separate collection for children, teenagers and adults combined with a wide range of educational and interactive programs.
Starting in 2017, the National Library of Greece successfully completed in 2018 its relocation from the Vallianeio historic neoclassical building in downtown Athens to its new premises at the SNFCC. Moving 720,760 items of the Library’s collection was a painstakingly complex and demanding venture that lasted three months. It demanded the collaboration of more than 100 people on a daily basis, the adaptation of existing spaces and tools, and it took 235 truck drives to the SNFCC for its completion. To ensure a smooth operation for transferring the items as safely as possible, new, wheeled bookcases were custom-made in order to absorb rail vibrations and prevent the items from shifting.
The special collections, including several outstanding treasures of Greece’s printed heritage, were accompanied by the Greek Police, according to the legal procedures demanded for the protection and safe delivery of our national relics. The relocation cost was €489,800 and it was fully subsidized by a capital grant of €5,414,000 issued by the Greek Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs in order to support the NLG relocation venture to its new SNFCC home. This amount was added to the €5 million grant by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. The National Library of Greece is now getting ready to open its doors to everyone who wants to experience its new, state-of-the-art technology and facilities.
Greek National Opera
The Greek National Opera was established in 1939. From early on, its program included operetta and dance, in addition to the opera. Inaugurating a new period in its long history, the GNO is now settled in its new home at the SNFCC complex. Its new facilities enable it to further develop its wide range of activities as an organization for education and the arts, including opera, ballet, experimental projects, shows for children, educational programs, as well as training the next generation of dancers and developing public benefit projects. With its wonderful acoustics, fine ambiance, and advanced specifications, the Stavros Niarchos Hall and the Alternative Stage – a versatile space for experimentation and research – along with state-of-the-art auxiliary spaces, enable the GNO to play an ever more important role promoting the arts in Greece.
The year 2017 was a landmark for the Greek National Opera, which relocated from the small scale Olympia Theatre in the center of Athens to its new, state-of-the-art premises at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. It did not cease its full artistic operation during the transitional period: people living in the Athens metro area had the opportunity to watch Verdi’s Macbeth, and the dance triptych Landscapes by the GNO Ballet, at the Stavros Niarchos Hall (SNH). The Alternative Stage proved to be the highlight of the year: the first GNO musical commission, Erotokritos by Dimitris Maramis, premiered with great success.
The GNO opened officially at the SNFCC in October 2017 with the production of Elektra by Richard Strauss at the Stavros Niarchos Hall. An ambitious production with international impact, it was the first of several leads the GNO is proud of: it was the first time for the GNO to present this play, and it was the first time for internationally acclaimed Greek mezzo-soprano Agnes Baltsa to sing at the GNO.
For further information, you may visit the official website of the Greek National Opera at www.nationalopera.gr/en/
Parks
Mount Lycabettus (or Lykavittos) stands 278 meters (over 900 ft) tall and is the highest peak in Athens with superb views of the capital. It is situated in the Kolonaki neighborhood.
The views of Athens, and particularly the Acropolis, are stunning from the very top of Lycabettus hill. The small Orthodox chapel of St. George, a charming white traditional Greek temple, sits at the top of the Lycabettus.
There are various ways to access this tourist attraction. You can either walk up a winding road surrounded by pine trees, by car (not to the top), or on the funicular.
We suggest walking up at sunset to gaze down at Athens and the beautifully lit sky. The views of the city at night are also worthwhile.
265 místní doporučují
Lycabettus Hill
LikavittouMount Lycabettus (or Lykavittos) stands 278 meters (over 900 ft) tall and is the highest peak in Athens with superb views of the capital. It is situated in the Kolonaki neighborhood.
The views of Athens, and particularly the Acropolis, are stunning from the very top of Lycabettus hill. The small Orthodox chapel of St. George, a charming white traditional Greek temple, sits at the top of the Lycabettus.
There are various ways to access this tourist attraction. You can either walk up a winding road surrounded by pine trees, by car (not to the top), or on the funicular.
We suggest walking up at sunset to gaze down at Athens and the beautifully lit sky. The views of the city at night are also worthwhile.
The National Garden of Athens, located behind the Parliament and Syntagma Square, is a green oasis in the heart of the city of over 160.000 square meters adorned with over 500 types of plants and trees from all over the world.
The gardens were designed in 1839 by order of Queen Amalia of the Greeks, but were not open to the public until 1923, when they were renamed “National Garden”.
The designer of the gardens, Friedrich Schimdt, traveled all over the world in search of the most beautiful, exotic and unique flora. This task was also granted to the Hellenic Navy.
The park is a picturesque green lung filled with flowers, shrubs, ancient trees and green meadows where to relax during the warm summer days. The National Garden’s most famous sights include a small pond, which is home to numerous water birds, a botanical garden, the remains of historical monuments and even a small zoo.
The National Garden is a must, especially if you are traveling with small children, as it is packed with things to see and do.
1171 místní doporučují
Národní zahrada
1 Leoforos Vasilisis AmaliasThe National Garden of Athens, located behind the Parliament and Syntagma Square, is a green oasis in the heart of the city of over 160.000 square meters adorned with over 500 types of plants and trees from all over the world.
The gardens were designed in 1839 by order of Queen Amalia of the Greeks, but were not open to the public until 1923, when they were renamed “National Garden”.
The designer of the gardens, Friedrich Schimdt, traveled all over the world in search of the most beautiful, exotic and unique flora. This task was also granted to the Hellenic Navy.
The park is a picturesque green lung filled with flowers, shrubs, ancient trees and green meadows where to relax during the warm summer days. The National Garden’s most famous sights include a small pond, which is home to numerous water birds, a botanical garden, the remains of historical monuments and even a small zoo.
The National Garden is a must, especially if you are traveling with small children, as it is packed with things to see and do.
Filopappou Hill, also known as Hill of the Muses, is southeast of Athens and offers tourists one of the most popular viewing platforms of the city.
Ascending Filopappou Hill is extremely agreeable, as the footpath is not very slanted, and it is flanked on both sides by abundant vegetation. You’ll enjoy the shade provided by the numerous pines, especially on the hot and dry summer days.
The views from Filopappou Hill are very dissimilar to those provided by Mount Lycabettus. The highest peak offers views of most of Athens, since it stands nearly 300 meters above sea level. The panoramic views from Filopappou, on the other hand, are less spectacular, but the hill offers postcard views of the Acropolis.
526 místní doporučují
Filopappou Hill
215 ΦυλήςFilopappou Hill, also known as Hill of the Muses, is southeast of Athens and offers tourists one of the most popular viewing platforms of the city.
Ascending Filopappou Hill is extremely agreeable, as the footpath is not very slanted, and it is flanked on both sides by abundant vegetation. You’ll enjoy the shade provided by the numerous pines, especially on the hot and dry summer days.
The views from Filopappou Hill are very dissimilar to those provided by Mount Lycabettus. The highest peak offers views of most of Athens, since it stands nearly 300 meters above sea level. The panoramic views from Filopappou, on the other hand, are less spectacular, but the hill offers postcard views of the Acropolis.
Museums
he New Acropolis Museum was erected just 300 meters from the Parthenon in the historical area of Makriyianni. The building designed by Bernard Tschumi is an extremely modern edifice and completely covers an archeological excavation.
The museum is made of steel, glass and cement, with a surface area of 14,000 square meters, the design uses the natural light as much as possible to highlight the 4,000 items exhibited.
The top floor of the museum is extremely special, since it was built with the same dimensions as the Parthenon and is shifted 23 degrees from the rest of the edifice. It is built in this way to look upon the Acropolis and visitors can contemplate it from above.
he Acropolis Museum houses a large collection of relics excavated from the archaeological site of the Acropolis. The remains of the Ancient City are located all along the bottom of the museum, underneath the glass floor. The exhibits also display numerous sculptures and classical period artefacts from the various temples on the Acropolis and fragments of the religious buildings, like the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike and Erechtheion.
The Parthenon room, on the top floor of the museum, visitors will find items of greater value, once belonging to the Parthenon. Some of the highlights of the museum include the Caryatids, beautifully sculpted columns in the shape of a female figure.
The Acropolis Museum is one of the city’s most-visited museums, featuring numerous treasures of the sacred mountain.
2190 místní doporučují
Muzeum Akropole
15 Dionysiou Areopagitouhe New Acropolis Museum was erected just 300 meters from the Parthenon in the historical area of Makriyianni. The building designed by Bernard Tschumi is an extremely modern edifice and completely covers an archeological excavation.
The museum is made of steel, glass and cement, with a surface area of 14,000 square meters, the design uses the natural light as much as possible to highlight the 4,000 items exhibited.
The top floor of the museum is extremely special, since it was built with the same dimensions as the Parthenon and is shifted 23 degrees from the rest of the edifice. It is built in this way to look upon the Acropolis and visitors can contemplate it from above.
he Acropolis Museum houses a large collection of relics excavated from the archaeological site of the Acropolis. The remains of the Ancient City are located all along the bottom of the museum, underneath the glass floor. The exhibits also display numerous sculptures and classical period artefacts from the various temples on the Acropolis and fragments of the religious buildings, like the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike and Erechtheion.
The Parthenon room, on the top floor of the museum, visitors will find items of greater value, once belonging to the Parthenon. Some of the highlights of the museum include the Caryatids, beautifully sculpted columns in the shape of a female figure.
The Acropolis Museum is one of the city’s most-visited museums, featuring numerous treasures of the sacred mountain.
The National Archaeological Museum, founded at the end of the 19th cent. is, not only the largest archaeological museum in Greece, but its collection of Ancient Greek art is considered one of the finest in the world.
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens, built between 1866 and 1889, was initially named the Central Museum. It was first established to display the numerous findings dating from the beginning of Prehistory to Late Antiquity excavated in Athens and its surroundings. In later years, it housed objects from all over the country.
During World War II, the imposing neoclassical building was closed, and its pieces were placed in wooden boxes and buried to avoid the German troops from looting them. Once the war was over, the museum was reopened in 1945.
The collection is displayed along the museum’s two floors and is divided into various exhibitions, including the Prehistory Collection, the Sculpture Collection, the Vase and Minor Objects Collection and the Metallurgy Collection. It also houses a varied art collection from Ancient Egypt.
Visitors will get a good idea of the Ancient Greek civilization by visiting this vast museum which includes pots carved out of stone, bronze objects, jewelry, mummies, small ceramic objects, ivory, marble and glass objects. There are also several gold funerary masks.
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens houses the most beautiful Greek antiquity gems and is one of the city’s most popular museums.
Although the museum is quite large, its visit is extremely entertaining since its exhibitions are very varied and unique.
1277 místní doporučují
National Archaeological Museum
44 28is OktovriouThe National Archaeological Museum, founded at the end of the 19th cent. is, not only the largest archaeological museum in Greece, but its collection of Ancient Greek art is considered one of the finest in the world.
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens, built between 1866 and 1889, was initially named the Central Museum. It was first established to display the numerous findings dating from the beginning of Prehistory to Late Antiquity excavated in Athens and its surroundings. In later years, it housed objects from all over the country.
During World War II, the imposing neoclassical building was closed, and its pieces were placed in wooden boxes and buried to avoid the German troops from looting them. Once the war was over, the museum was reopened in 1945.
The collection is displayed along the museum’s two floors and is divided into various exhibitions, including the Prehistory Collection, the Sculpture Collection, the Vase and Minor Objects Collection and the Metallurgy Collection. It also houses a varied art collection from Ancient Egypt.
Visitors will get a good idea of the Ancient Greek civilization by visiting this vast museum which includes pots carved out of stone, bronze objects, jewelry, mummies, small ceramic objects, ivory, marble and glass objects. There are also several gold funerary masks.
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens houses the most beautiful Greek antiquity gems and is one of the city’s most popular museums.
Although the museum is quite large, its visit is extremely entertaining since its exhibitions are very varied and unique.
The Benaki Museum, opened in 1930, has a large collection of relics from Greece and its ancient colonies demonstrating how the Greek culture has evolved from Ancient Greece to the present day.
During thirty-five years the art collector Antonis Benakis assembled a collection of over 45,000 historic items, which he then donated to the Greek state, founding the Benaki Museum in 1930.
The museum’s extensive collection features relics and objects from 3000 BC up until the beginning of the twentieth century. These are displayed in a chronological order throughout the four floors of the neoclassical mansion, in which the museum is located.
The Benaki Museum features Byzantine Art; Prehistoric, Ancient and Roman Art, Chinese Art; Post-Byzantine and Neo-Hellenic Art, and historic heirlooms, among several others.
The highlights that are not to be missed encompass the various works of art by the painter and sculptor El Greco, Lord Byron’s desk, the entrance hall of a seventeenth century Egyptian palace, a third century AD portrait by an unknown Egyptian artist. Visitors should also see examples of traditional Greek mansions from Kozani, Siatista and Hydra areas in Greece.
The Benaki Museum’s varied and unique collections represent the history of Greece and its development in a visual and interactive way, which makes it a very enjoyable museum to visit.
566 místní doporučují
Benaki Toy Museum
138 PireosThe Benaki Museum, opened in 1930, has a large collection of relics from Greece and its ancient colonies demonstrating how the Greek culture has evolved from Ancient Greece to the present day.
During thirty-five years the art collector Antonis Benakis assembled a collection of over 45,000 historic items, which he then donated to the Greek state, founding the Benaki Museum in 1930.
The museum’s extensive collection features relics and objects from 3000 BC up until the beginning of the twentieth century. These are displayed in a chronological order throughout the four floors of the neoclassical mansion, in which the museum is located.
The Benaki Museum features Byzantine Art; Prehistoric, Ancient and Roman Art, Chinese Art; Post-Byzantine and Neo-Hellenic Art, and historic heirlooms, among several others.
The highlights that are not to be missed encompass the various works of art by the painter and sculptor El Greco, Lord Byron’s desk, the entrance hall of a seventeenth century Egyptian palace, a third century AD portrait by an unknown Egyptian artist. Visitors should also see examples of traditional Greek mansions from Kozani, Siatista and Hydra areas in Greece.
The Benaki Museum’s varied and unique collections represent the history of Greece and its development in a visual and interactive way, which makes it a very enjoyable museum to visit.
With more than 20,000 artworks, the National Gallery in Athens was established in 1900 and is considered the most important art museum in Greece.
The National Gallery is also known as the Alexandros Soutzos Museum, after the gallery’s most prominent benefactor. It stands out particularly for its nineteenth and twentieth century Greek painting and sculpture collection.
The museum’s central building remains closed since 2013 for renovation work.
When it was first established, the art gallery had a collection of 117 paintings which grew year after years thanks to private donations. Nowadays, it displays approximately 20,000 works of art by Greek and European artists.
The numerous art forms are exposed chronologically, and include paintings, sculptures, engravings, drawings and many other varieties.
Although the museum is mostly devoted to Greek works of art, visitors will also admire pieces by Bruegel, Caravaggio, Delacroix, El Greco and Picasso.
122 místní doporučují
National Gallery
50 MichalakopoulouWith more than 20,000 artworks, the National Gallery in Athens was established in 1900 and is considered the most important art museum in Greece.
The National Gallery is also known as the Alexandros Soutzos Museum, after the gallery’s most prominent benefactor. It stands out particularly for its nineteenth and twentieth century Greek painting and sculpture collection.
The museum’s central building remains closed since 2013 for renovation work.
When it was first established, the art gallery had a collection of 117 paintings which grew year after years thanks to private donations. Nowadays, it displays approximately 20,000 works of art by Greek and European artists.
The numerous art forms are exposed chronologically, and include paintings, sculptures, engravings, drawings and many other varieties.
Although the museum is mostly devoted to Greek works of art, visitors will also admire pieces by Bruegel, Caravaggio, Delacroix, El Greco and Picasso.