If you love art, myth,architecture and the mysteries of the ancient civilizations then Athens should be on top of your bucket list.
Athens, the city with the most glorious history in the world. a city of Gods and deities, a magical and mythical city.The enchanting capital of Greece has always been a birthplace for civilization.It is the city where democracy was born and most of the wise men of ancient times.The most important civilization of ancient world flourished in Athens and relives through some of the most formidable edifices.
Places worth visiting:
Acropolis:
The Acropolis hill, so called the "Sacred Rock" of Athens is the most important site of the city.It contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance.It is the most significant reference point of ancient Greek culture, as well as the symbol of the city of Athens as it represents the apogee of artistic development in the 5th century BC.
Archaeological remains on the Acropolis
Parthenon:
The Parthenon, is the most important and characteristic monument of the ancient Greek civilization and still remains its international symbol. It was dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the patron goddess of Athens.The Temple's main function was to shelter the monumental statue of Athena that was made by Phidias out of gold and ivory.The magnificently built temple by the famous architectures of that era is a site that you would remember as long as you live.
Erechtheum:
Erechtheum is an ancient Greek temple located in the north of the Acropolis, dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. The entire temple is on a slope, it was built from marble and black limestone.The Porch of the Caryatids or the famous "Porch of the Maidens" with six draped female figures as supporting columns giving the view of the mythical city of Athens is a site worth seeing.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus:
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone structure theater located on the south-west slope of the Acropolis. It was originally a steep sloped theater with a three story stone front wall and a wooden roof. it was used as a venue for music concerts, with a capacity of 5000. It has been reconstructed and now again is used as an open air theater.
Other Sites to be visited on the Acropolis
- Old temple of Athena
- Propylaea
- Temple of Athena Nike
- Eleusinion
- Sanctuary of Artimes Brauroniaor Brauronieon
- Chalkotheke
- Arrephorion
- Sanctuary of Pandion
- Stoa of eumenes
- Theater of Dionysus
- Odeon of Pericles
- Aglaureion
Plaka:
Plaka is the oldest district in Athens, built at the foothill of Acropolis, with picturesque neoclassical houses and mainly pedestrian streets. Plaka is also known as the "Neighborhood of Gods" due to its proximity to the Acropolis and its many archaeological sites. While taking a tour of Plaka you can shop, dine and visit the archaeological sites like Tower of the Winds or the Lysikrates monument. Distances are short so one day would be enough for you to experience Plaka.
Plaka's Best Historic Attractions
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| Lysicrates monument |
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| Metochion of the Holy Sepulcher |
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| Ancient Agora |
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| Saint Nicholas Ragavas |
Athens and Epidaurus Festival
Athens and Epidaurus festival is held every year from may to October and artists from all over the world gather in Athens to become a part of the magical summer nights, full of music,theater and dance. The festival's program involves open-air theater, opera, classical music and dance at various locations in Athens, However the festivals top venue is the 2nd century BC Odeon of Herodeon Atticus. Watch an ancient Greek tragedy, opera or ballet against the magical backdrop of the Acropolis.
Accommodation and Ticket fare:
If you are on a luxury vacation in Athens and want nothing but the best then Hotel Grande Bretagne is the place to stay. The prices of one room start from 290$ (29,870PKR) and onwards.
If you are on a budget holiday like i am most of the times and want a well furnished Hotel in a good vicinity then Adonis Hotel Athens is the place to crash. its costs around 50$(5098PKR) per night.
Ticket fare from Lahore,Pakistan to Athens,Greece starts from 77,300 to 97,041 PKR.
Recommanded websites:
http://www.greece-athens.com/
http://ancient-greece.org/architecture/parthenon.html
http://www.10best.com/destinations/greece/athens/plaka/
http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/culture/events/athens_epidaurus_festival
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g189400-d198715-Reviews-Hotel_Grande_Bretagne_A_Luxury_Collection_Hotel-Athens_Attica.html
