Athens

The Acropolis Rock meaning on the edge overlooks the city of Athens. During the period of Pericles in the 5th century BC, the most important buildings such as the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike were built. The Parthenon had many uses over the centuries, and was badly damaged while it was being used as a gunpowder store during the Morean War in 1687. Other uses included a church, cathedral, a mosque, an army headquarters, bazaar each new use bringing new additions to the hill. After the Greek War of Independence the site was cleared of much of the additions and in subsequent years restored to how it may have been over 2000 years ago.

The Odeon built Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife was originally a steeply sloping amphitheatre with a three-story stone front wall and a wooden roof made of expensive, cedar of Lebanon timber. The Odeon could accommodate up to 5000 people and was used as music and concert venue. It was built in 161 AD.

The Theatre of Dionysus was built in the 4th century BC much earlier than the Odeon. The open air theatre could accommodate up to 17,000 people. Throught the pre AD centuries it was used for festivals and carnivals to celebrate the goddess Dionysus.

Acropolis Hill gives commanding views of all of Athens. The views of the city compliment one's visit to the archaeological sites on the hill.

The Parliament of Greece is located in Parliament House formerly the Royal Palace close to Syntagma Square. Members of parliament are elected every 4 years.

Syntagma Square or Constitution Square in the centre of Athens, was named after the constitution granted by King Otto after an uprising in 1843. Today it is a central point in Athens, facing Parliament House and above a Metro station which connects to the airport and port of Pireaus.

Panepistimiou Street is a main street running north from Parliament House. Along the street there area number of fine buildings.

Kotzia Square is a large plaza north of Parliament House. Some notable buildings such as City Hall of the Municipality of Athens and the National Bank of Greece Cultural Centre line the square. An ancient site has been found in recent times and is currently being excavated. Remains of an ancient grave yard and roadway are on displayed.

In ancient times, the Agora was the political and public centre of Athens. The square was large and open and lined by important buildings. Political and Administrative meetings were held four times per month to enact legislation and deal with defence of the city-state.The agora was further the location of a temporary theatre and of burial sites. Bodies are still being unearthed. The Tower of the Winds, an octagonal clock tower still stands in relatively good condition. The tower features a combination of sundials, a water clock, and a wind vane and was built about 50BC.

Monastriaki Metro is close to the Agora. The train line runs close to the ancient Agora, the Agora is split into two parts by modern development. The North West Agora has a number of important buildings such as the Stoa of Attalos a covered walkway built by and named after King Attalos II of Pergamon, who ruled between 159 BC and 138 BC.

The temple is dedicated to Zeus , the king of Olympian gods. Building of the temple started in the 6th century BC, but only after another 600 years was it completed by Roman Emperor Hadrian. After the temple was pillaged in 3rd century AD, it was left to fall into disrepair. Despite the neglect many of the temples columns still stand today. At the entrance to the site, Hadrian's Gate stands.

The Zappeion in the grounds of the Royal Gardens in preparation for the revival of the Olympic Games. It opened in 1888 and was built by the Zappas cousins. In 1896 it was used as the fencing hall. Over the next 100 years or so it hosted various meetings and events.

The National Gardens close to Parliament House the former Royal Palace and were originally the Royal Gardens. The gardens are cool and shaded in the summer heat and are popular with joggers and tourists. There are some ancient ruins within the gardens.

The National Archaeological Museum houses some of the finest artefacts from ancient Greece. Of particular note are the frescoes from the ancient town of Akrotiri on the island of Santorini. The entrance to the museum is on Patission Street and is only a short tram ride from Syntagma Square.

Lykavittós Hill or Mount Lycabettus dominates the Athens landscape and can be seen from most points in the city. The hill is about 280 metre high. On the summit there is a chapel to St. George, a theatre and a restaurant. A funicular railway makes the ascent of the hill very easy. Being the highest point in the city, there are great views from the hill top.

With it's clear blue skies, the sunsets over the city can be dramatic on most summer days.