WHAT TO SEE
Archaeological sites in Athens
The Acropolis 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 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.
The Parthenon The Parthenon, dedicated by the Athenians to Athena Parthenos, the patron of their city, is the
most magnificent creation of Athenian democracy at the height of its power. It is also the finest monument on the
Acropolis in terms of both conception and execution. Built between 447 and 438 BC, as part of the greater Periklean
building project, this so-called Periklean Parthenon (Parthenon III) replaced an earlier marble temple (Parthenon II),
begun after the victory at the battle of Marathon at approximately 490 BC and destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC.
This temple had replaced the very first Parthenon (Parthenon I) of c. 570 BC. The Periklean Parthenon was designed
by architects Iktinos and Kallikrates, while the sculptor Pheidias supervised the entire building program
and conceived the temple's sculptural decoration and chryselephantine statue of Athena.
The Theatre of Dionysus is the most ancient theatre in the world. In this theatre, the most famous ancient Greek
poets, Aeschylus, Aristophanes, Euripides and Sophocles, saw premiere performances of their plays in the 5th century BC.
According to experts, theatre had a capacity of 17.000.
The Areios Pagos venerated in antiquity, is the most ancient law court of the world. It was the seat of the first
aristocratic assembly of ancient Athens.
The Monument of Philopappus was built by Athenians in the 2nd century BC in honour of the benefactor, ruler of
Syria, Gaius Julius Antiochus.
The Pnyx Hill (Pnika, close to Apostolou Pavlou Ave.). This was the meeting place of the Public Assembly (or
Ecclesia tou Dimou), the most important civic body of the Athenian State.
The Ancient Agora (market) on the foothills of the Acropolis it was not a solely commercial centre. It was also an
important political, cultural and religious centre. In the area of the agora were located administrative buildings,
temples, public service and courts.
The Temple of Hephaestus or Thesion The Thission was dedicated to Hephaistos and Athena, and not Theseus.
It is the best preserved temple of antiquity.
The Roman Agora (market) (in Plaka area) was an architectural complex, built between 19 and 11 BC,
consisting of a large rectangular court surrounded by colonnades.
The Clock of Andronikus Kyrristus This is an octagonal marble tower near the west gate of the Roman Market.
Its sides are adorned with relieves representing the Winds. (Thus Tower of Winds).
Hadrian’s Library situated north the Roman Agora and was built by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD. It formed
a colonnade with specific areas used for the storage of papyruses and books, lecture halls etc.
Hadrian’s Arch following the construction of the temple of Zeus, the Athenians in 131 AD, in honour of Emperor
Hadrian, built an arch on the northwestern perimeter of the temple.
The Temple of the Olympian Zeus (also at the junction of Vassilissis Olgas and Amalias Avenues).
It is the largest ancient temple in Greece in the Corinthian order.
The Kerameikos In the centre of the archaeological site are two best known arches of ancient Athens, the Dipylon
and Sacred Arch. In the vicinity of the arches was the most ancient and the biggest cemetery of Attica. It was the
place of burial of citizens who were honoured by the city of Athens.
Museums and Art Galleries in Athens, in its suburbs and Piraeus
The National Archaeological Museum, www.namuseum.gr (1, Tositsa St., tel.: 210 8217717)
The Acropolis Museum, www.theacropolismuseum.gr (15, Dionysiou Areopagitou Str., tel.: 210 9000900)
The Kerameikos Museum,www.akropol.net/kerameikos/kerameikos_museum_one.htm. (148, Ermou St., tel.: 210 3463552)
The Byzantine Museum www.byzantinemuseum.gr (22, Vassilissis Sofias Ave., tel.: 213 2139572)
The Benaki Museum, www.benaki.gr (1, Koubari & Vas. Sofias Ave. tel.: 210 3671000)
The Kanellopoulos Museum, www.pakanellopoulosfoundation.org (12, Theorias & Panos Str., tel.: 210 3244447)
The Greek Folk Art Museum, www.melt.gr (17, Kidathineon Str., tel.: 210 3229031)
The National Historical Museum, www.nhmuseum.gr (13, Stadiou Str., tel.: 210 3237617)
The War Museum, www.warmuseum.gr (2, Rizari Str. & Vas. Sofias Ave. tel.: 210 7252975)
The National Gallery and Alexander Soutzos museum, www.nationalgallery.gr (50, Vas. Konstantinou Ave., tel.: 210 7235937)
City Museum, www.athenscitymuseum.gr (5-7, Paparigopoulou Str., tel.: 210 3231397)
The Centre of Folk Art and Tradition, http://www.cityofathens.gr/en/centre-folk-art-and-tradition-0 (6, Ang. Hatzimichali Str., tel.: 210 3243987)
The Museum of Cycladic and Ancient Greek Art, www.cycladic.gr (4, Neophytou Douka Str., tel.: 210 7728321)
The Theatre Museum, www.theatremuseum.gr (50, Akadimias Str., tel.: 210 3637453)
The Train Museum (301, Liossion Str., tel.: 210 5126295)
The Goulandris National History Museum, www.gnhm.gr (13, Levidou Str., tel.: 210 8015870)
The Piraeus Maritime Museum, www.hmm.gr (Akti Thenistokleous, Freatida, tel.: 210 4516264)
The Piraeus Archaeological Museum (31, Harilaou Trikoupi Str., tel.: 210 4521598)
National Museum of Contemporary Art, www.emst.gr (17-19, Vas. Georgiou & Rigillis Str. tel. 210 9242111)
Pieridis Museum of Ancient Cypriot Art Athinais, www.pieridesfoundation.com.cy (34-36, Kastorias Str. Votanikos, tel.: 210 3480000)
Frissira’s Museum, www.frissirasmuseum.com (3&7, Monis Asteriou St.,Plaka, tel.: 210 3234678)
Foundation of the Hellenic World, www.ime.gr (254, Pireos Str., tel.: 212 2540000)
Museum of Sculpture and Figurines Loukia Georgandi, (20,Anapafseos Str.)
Archaeological Sites and Museums in Attica
Cape Sounion The most important sanctuary in Attica. The temple of Poseidon was built during the Golden Age of
Pericles. Preserved are 15 Doric style columns (tel.: 22920 39363)
Vravrona Temple of Artemis and the “stoa of Arktoi” (Bears), the little girls dedicated to the worship of the
goddess. The local museum contains interesting finds (tel.: 22990 27020)
Marathon (Marathonas). The burial mound was raised in honour of the Athenian Warriors who fell in the battle of
Marathon in 490 B.C. There is also a museum on the site (tel.: 22940 55155)
Rhamnous (Ramhounda). Temple of Nemesis (5th century B.C.) designed by the same architect who built
the temple of Hephaestus (Theseion) and that of Poseidon at Cape Sounion (tel.: 22940 63477)
Amphiareion (Amfiaraio). The sanctuary was dedicated to the healer god-soothsayer Amphiaraos
(tel.: 22950 62144)
Eleusis (Elefsina)/ This is one of the most important sanctuaries. Dedicated to the worship of Demeter and her
daughter Persephone, it is associated with the Eleusinan Mysteries cult. The museum houses finds from the site itself
and the surrounding countryside (tel.: 210 5546019)
Byzantine Monuments in Athens and its suburbs
The period form the 10th to the 12th centuries A.D. is marked by a resurgence of prosperity in the Byzantine empire
during which Athens acquired the elegantly designed small churches of Agii Apostoli, Kapnikarea, Panagia
Gorgoepikoos (or Agios Eleftherios) which stands next to the Athens Cathedral and Agii Theodori.
These are some of the most notable monuments of their time as well as the church of Agios Nikodemos (Soteira
Lycodemou, 11th century) and Omorfi Eklissia at the end of Patission St., one of the finest 12th century Byzantine monuments.
The Kaisariani (Kessariani_ Monastery (11th century), One of the most important monasteries, set amid beautiful
surroundings. The domed, cruciform church is adorned with frescoes of the Cretan Scholl, while in the narthex, built
later, there are frescoes painted by Ioannis Ypatios (17th century) (tel.: 210 7224167)
The Dafni Monastery. Built on the site of a shrine dedicated to Apollo Daphneios the monastery lies inside a
fortified enclosure. Its 11th century church with masonry of a high standard of workmanship is adorned with
some of the best mosaics to be seen anywhere in Greece (tel.: 210 5811558)
The modern city of Athens
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier built from 1929-1932, in front of Parliament, it is a sculpted depiction of a
slain soldier, bearing an inscription with excerpts of Pericle’s Epitaph. The monument is guarded around the clock by
two select troops, called Evzones, who wear the traditional uniform. The ceremony of the changing of the guard
which takes place every hour, is worth seeing, especially on Sunday (11am)
The Greek House of Parliaments Dominating Syntagma Square, the building was constructed was the residence
of the first king of Greece Otto. The building was constructed from 1836 to 1842. In 1924 the government decided to
situate Parliament in the building. In Parliament you will find national treasures, such as the first Greek Constitution
and a multitude of valuable printings.
The Lucabettus (Licavitos) Hill A forest in the heart of the city, it is considered by Athenians one of the most
favourite places for hiking, resting and relaxing. By the time Athens was liberated from the Turkish occupation,
Lycabettus hill had no tree at all. Reforestation started in 1880.
Syntagma Square is Athens’ central square. The name of the square is derived from an uprising on 3 September
1843, of the people and the guard of Athens before the Parliament (then Royal Palace building) demanding King Otto
grant a Constitution. Plaka, the Acropolis, the Cathedral, the National Garden, Ermou str. and Kolonaki, are located
in the vicinity of Syntagma Square. The Square is busy around the clock and you will find cafes and restaurants.
Plaka also known as the “neighbourhood of the gods” is the oldest neighbourhood of Athens. Walking on its paved
narrow streets you get the feeling that you are travelling back in time. The beautiful neoclassical style colour of the
houses, the architecture, the well-kept gardens and the beauty and atmosphere of the neighbourhood are
enchanting. In Plaka you can find small tavernas, shops selling traditional products, souvenirs, etc.
Monastiraki a distinctive “old” Athens area, with narrow, irregular criss-crossing streets and small buildings,
characteristic of Ottoman and to some extent Byzantine urban planning. On the outdoor stands of street sellers, or
the small shops on the central roads. You can find shoes, clothes, old furniture and books, jewellery, hats, new and
used records and CDs.
ATTICA
North of Athens
Northern suburbs
Psichiko, Filothei, Maroussi, Kifissia: Psichiko and Filothei suburbs were constructed at the end of 1920's.
Nowadays, they are very quiet residence areas with beautiful villas, rich vegetation and wide streets. Athens Olympic
Sports Center (OAKA) is situated in Maroussi, where the biggest part of Olympic Games 2004 sports activities took
place. Kiffisia on the other hand is probably the most beautiful suburb in northern Athens. The rich Kifissia villas of
the 19th century are residences of the oldest Athenian families. Nowadays, the beautiful local villas in combination
with the busy commercial streets have turned Kifissia into a very interesting area. Between Maroussi and Kifissia is
Siggrou grove (1.000 sq. m) a perfect place to walk and do different kinds of activities.
The central street that connects Athens with the aforementioned suburbs is Kifissias Avenue.
Mount Parnes (Parnitha), This is the highest mountain close to Athens.
A “teleferique” ropeway carries visitors from Metohi up to the Mont Parnès Hotel, which houses the Parnes Casino.
In mainland
Koropi, Markopoulo, Peania (or Liopessi), Spata, are villages strung out along the inland plain (Messogia) of
Attica. Their vineyards produce the amber coloured “retsina” wine which can be found everywhere and, of course,
especially in the numerous Messogia tavernas and barbecues.
Paiania Cave (Koutouki) It is a natural cave located at a short distance from the village of Peania. It consists of
one main cavity with several partitions and is filled with colourful stalactites and stalagmites. Open from 9.30-16.30
Southwest
Piraeus (Pireas) – the main port of Athens, lies at the innermost of the Saronic Gulf. Since antiquity its density
and function have been determined by its geographical situation. The major port of the ancient world, Piraeus is today
one of the principal ports of the Mediterranean, with a brisk commercial traffic and a wealth of industries. Modern
Piraeus in an attractive city with its own independent administration and life: night spots with popular singers,
picturesque tavernas overlooking the sea, theatrical performances and cultural events of a high standard. In summer,
plays are staged at the open-air theater of Kastella (Veakio), while in winter performances are held at the Piraeus
Municipal Theater.
The Apollo coast is one of the developed tourist areas, starting from Piraeus (Pireas) and stretching as far as
Sounion. The southern tip of the promontory. Marinas, well appointed swimming beaches. Attractive small bas,
modern hotel complexes, rented flats, numerous tavernas specializing in fish dishes, luxury restaurants and
nightclubs are amenities which, combined with scenic beauty can satisfy even the most sophisticated.
Paleo Faliro, Glifada, Voula, Kavouri, Vouliagmeni Lake a spa set in beautiful surroundings, Varkiza, Lagonissi,
Anavissos and Sounion dot the 70km. Shoreline.
From Cape Sounion up to Skala Oropou, Lavrio, Porto Rafti, Loutsa, Rafina, Mati, Agios Andreas, Nea
Makri, Skinias, Ramnous and Ag. Apostoli make a chain of resorts set amid pinewoods which stretch down
to the heavily indented shores.
West of Athens
Kineta, lies on the old Corinth road and has an extensive beach with a clear sea. There are restaurants and
tavernas. Porto Germeno, Psatha and Alepochori are all typical Attican villages in thick pinewoods, bothering on
the Gulf of Corinth. There is accommodation as well as numerous restaurants specializing in fish dishes.
