By Mark Johnson
Posted: 16th April 2012 11:01
Athens is a city with the most glorious history in the world. It was the ancient civilization which founded democracy, it was a city worshipped by the gods, and it remains to be an aesthetically pleasing spectacle to this very day.
Acropolis
The Holy Rock of Acropolis dates back to the 5th BC during the famous Golden Age of Periklis. It is considered by many to be amongst the great wonders of the world and it is here that the first democratic assembly can be found, along with the iconic archeological monument of Parthenon, and the marble gates of Propylaea.
The cornerstone of the Acropolis is the Parthenon. Construction began in 447 BC, replacing an older temple that was destroyed by the Persians, and was completed in 432 BC. During its long life span the Parthenon has served as a temple, fortress, a church, a mosque and even as a powder magazine and no trip to Athens would be complete without a visit.
Situated on the Hill of the Muses (Filopapou Hill) less than a kilometre west of the Acropolis is the Pnyx, making it an ideal attraction en route to The Parthenon. Visit the very first democratic legislature in the ancient remains of the Athenian Assembly. This is the very location that Pericles, Aristides and Alcibiades addressed the people around 500 BC and where Athenians were able to debate issues of social importance, run for office and vote in elections and referendums.
Delphi
The archaeological site of ancient Delphi is approximately two hours away from Athens but it is definitely worth the venture. Located in a modern town on the Mount Parnassus – Delphi plays host to a number of ancient landmarks such as The Temple of Apollo, the Delphi Theatre, The Pythia (Oracle of Delphi) and an aqueduct amongst many other attractions.
At Delphi you can dip your hands in the sacred waters, visit the circular tholos-style temples, learn about the steeped tradition and mythology surrounding Delphi in the on-site museum, and bear witness to the magnificence of the Treasuries buildings.
The pinnacle of Delphi is the Temple of Apollo and the Pythia Oracle. This is one of the most important religious sites in Ancient Greece and according to mythology the temple was built to worship the god Apollo after he slew Python, a dragon who lived there, in order to protect the Earth.
The ancient Delphi theatre was built on a hill allowing spectators a view of the entire sanctuary and the tremendous landscape below. The original site could seat 5,000 people and will provide the perfect photography opportunity, or just a nice location to sit back in awe and take it all in. While the ruins are not preserved to their original grandeur, they still remain as breathtaking as ever.
Museum and Gallery Visits
Greece is rightly proud of its flagship National Archaeological Museum showcasing a millennia of Greek culture, starting with the Cycladic Island civilisation and the Minoans and Mycenaeans, stretching towards the present day. The 1.93 metre tall Antikythera Ephebe bronze statue of a young man dating back to 60 BC is one of the many great works of art in this collection, along with a collection of nine Egyptian mummies from the era of the Pharaohs, and over 1000 objects including jewels, vases and pottery from the Middle Bronze ages through to post Byzantine era.
While a visit to the National Archaeological Museum will give you a sense of ancient Greece, a visit to the National Gallery will bring you up to speed on several centuries of Greek fashion, politics and history. Devoted to Greek and European art from the 14th to 20th century – this is a fine treat for all art lovers.
The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is without a doubt one of the most important museums in Greece and should definitely be considered during your stay. You will find a presentation of Athens long history of the most celebrated sanctuary of antiquity, the sanctuary of Zeus, father of both gods and men, and where the Olympic Games were born.
Syntagma Square
While we have showcased what ancient Athens has to offer, Syntagma Square is where the heart of the modern day life takes place. Also known as ‘Constitution Square’ it is a large, open square which brings everything you will need for your exquisite hassle free travel from luxury hotels, an intense public transportation hub, and a fine selection of eateries. It is a large, open square that often hosts holiday events. You will also find the Parliament Building running along one of its four sides.
Athens can transcend you to the magical history of the ancient civilisation and then bring you back with its rich array of modern lifestyle and culture. Enjoy the Greek dancing, eat the traditional meze, and then wrap up your trip with a night walk through the streets of Athens.
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