Athens Travel Guide: Feel the Magic of Ancient History
Athens travel guide: Athens is often described as the historical capital of Europe. It is a city with a long and rich past, and it is filled with local attractions that draw visitors from around the world. The story of Athens begins in the Neolithic age, when the first settlements were formed. Since then, the city has been shaped by centuries of history and culture.
The most famous era of Athens is the 5th century BC. This time is known as the “Golden Age of Pericles.” During this period, Athens became the center of art, philosophy, and democracy. The values of the city were spread across the world, and its civilization gained universal importance. The achievements of this era are still admired today.
Over the years, Athens was occupied by many different conquerors. Each one left their mark on the city. As a result, Athens became a rare historical palimpsest, where layers of history are visible in its buildings and monuments. Unique and splendid structures were built, showcasing the diverse influences that shaped the city. These monuments are still standing today, attracting millions of visitors.
In 1834, Athens was declared the capital of the modern Greek state. Since then, the city has transformed into a modern metropolis. Over the past two centuries, it has grown into an attractive and vibrant city, while still preserving its historical identity. Today, Athens is known for its blend of ancient history and contemporary life. It is a city where the past and present coexist in harmony.
A large part of the historic center has been transformed into a 3-kilometre pedestrian zone. This is the largest pedestrian area in Europe. It leads to the main archaeological sites, which are often referred to as the “archaeological park.” The area has been designed to reconstruct the ancient landscape. This area has been designed to reconstruct the ancient landscape, including sacred sites of healing like the ancient Asklepieion. At Asklepieia, we draw inspiration from this timeless heritage to provide modern health services rooted in Greek hospitality.Visitors can walk through the streets and feel the history around them.
Athens is a city that can be explored on foot. It is a place where history is felt in every corner. The ancient monuments, the modern streets, and the lively atmosphere create a unique experience. Athens is not only a city of the past. It is a modern and dynamic capital, full of life and charm. Visitors are invited to discover its timeless beauty and experience the powerful history that has shaped Europe.
Around Acropolis
The tour starts at the temple of Olympian Zeus (6th c. B.C.), one of the largest in antiquity and close by Hadrian’s Arch (131 A.D.), which forms the symbolic entrance to the city. From there, walking along Dionysou Areopaghitou Street (on the south side of the Acropolis) you pass the ancient Theatre of Dionysos (5th c. B.C.) where most of the works by Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylos and Aristophanes were performed. Continuing, you will reach the ruins of the Asklepieion (5th c. B.C.) and the Stoa of Eumenes (2th c. B.C.) and from there the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, which was built in 161 A.D. and is nowadays the venue for the performances of the Athens Festival.
From there you climb up to the sacred rock of the Acropolis, the site of some of the most important masterpieces of worldwide architecture and art, the most renowned of which is the Parthenon temple. In addition, other impressive structures are the Propylaea, the temple of the Athene Nike and the Erechtheion, while you must not skip a visit to the Museum, located close to the Parthenon. Moreover, from the top of the rock you have an amazing view of the city.
Only 300m away from the sacred rock of Acropolis stands the impressive Acropolis Museum , one of the most important contemporary works of architecture in Athens. It is made of steel, glass and concrete and it houses 4,000 priceless finds from the Acropolis monuments that represent its history and function as the most important religious center of ancient Athens.
Walking farther along the pedestrian road you arrive at the Ancient Agora, which was the commercial, political and religious center of ancient Athens. A visit to the archaeological site will give you the opportunity to become acquainted with the workings of Classical Athenian democracy.
From there, via Ermou Street, you arrive at the Kerameikos, the largest cemetery of the ancient city, with impressive tomb sculptures and stelae. The Iridanos River, sacred during antiquity, runs through the archaeological site.
However, our tour of enchanting Athens does not restrict itself only to these unique archaeological sites.
Around neighborhoods of the historical centre
The “core” of the historic centre is the Plaka neighborhood (on the eastern side of the Acropolis), which has been inhabited without interruption since antiquity. When you walk through the narrow labyrinthine streets lined with houses and mansions from the time of the Turkish occupation and the neoclassical period (19th c.), you will have the impression of travelling in a “time machine”.
You will encounter ancient monuments, such as the Lysikrates Monument, erected by a wealthy donor of theatrical performances, theRoman Agora with the famed “Tower of the Winds” (1st c. B.C.) and Hadrian’s Library (132 A.D.), scores of bigger and smaller churches, true masterpieces of Byzantine art and architecture, as well as remnants of the Ottoman period (Fetihie Mosque, Tzistaraki Mosque, the Turkish Bath near the Tower of the Winds, the Muslim Seminary, et al.).
There are also some interesting museums (Folk Art, Greek Children’s Art, Popular Musical Instruments, Frysira Art Gallery, etc.), lots of picturesque taverns, cafés, bars, as well as shops selling souvenirs and traditional Greek products.
Continuing from Plaka you arrive at Monastiraki, a characteristic area of “old” Athens, with narrow streets and small buildings where the city’s traditional bazaar (Yousouroum) is held. Close to it is the Psyrri area, a traditional neighborhood which during the past few years has evolved into one of the most important “centers” of the town’s nightlife, with scores of bars, taverns, ouzeris, clubs, etc.
Downtown
Syntagma and Omonia are the main central squares of the town; they are linked by Stadiou Street and Panepistimiou Avenue, along which some of the town’s most beautiful Neoclassical buildings have been erected. Dominating Syntagma Square is the Greek Parliament building and in front of it the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the Evzones in traditional costume.
From this square starts the beautiful National Garden (40 acres), south of which stands the impressive Zappeion Mansion (1874-1888). From there you can continue towards the Presidential Mansion (1897) and thence to the Panathenaikon (Kallimarmaro) Stadium, where the first Olympic Games in modern history were held (1896).
From there, crossing the Mets neighborhood, the road leads you to the First Cemetery, the oldest one in Athens, basically an outdoor sculpture display with a wealth of wonderful monumental tombstones by some of the most important sculptors of the 19th and 20th centuries.
From Omonia Square starts Patission street, a busy street with interesting buildings, amongst which are the Neoclassical mansions of the Polytechnic School and the National Archaeological Museum, which ranks among the leading museums in the world and hosts rare art treasures from the Neolithic era up to the Roman period.
Breathtaking views over Athens
Thanks to its rich morphology Athens has plenty of places where you can admire stunning panoramic views of the city. Romantic or not, let yourself be captivated by the Athenian cityscape as seen from above.
Surrounding suburbs
The southern suburbs, located on the coast of the Saronic Gulf, a recreational and cultural park is being planned, comprising the existing sports facilities. They offer many opportunities to take a walk along the seaside, while you will also find many beautiful organized and free beaches, large shopping centers and nightclubs (especially during the summer).
In the Maroussi suburb (north of the center) are the facilities of the Olympic Athletic Center of Athens, where the majority of the athletic events were held during the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Kifissia (north of Maroussi) is also worth a visit, with its beautiful villas and impressive mansions.
Moreover, if you wish to leave the center behind you, you may visit, amongst others, the neighboring town of Piraeus, Greece’s main port (which nowadays forms one big conglomerate with Athens), the Daphni Monastery (11 km. west), one of the most significant Byzantine monuments of the country (12th c.) with unique mosaics, the Kaisariani Monastery (5 km. east), which was founded in the 2nd century, the Temple of Poseidon (5th c. B.C.) on Cape Sounion (58 km. south), following a wonderful route along the coast, the area of the battle of Marathon (490 B.C.) with the Tomb of Marathon, the archaeological sites of Eleusina (23 km. west), of Amphiareion (48 km. northeast), of Vravron (38 km. east) and Ramnous (close to Marathon), as well as the wonderful surrounding mountain massifs of Parnitha, Penteli and Hymettos, all suitable for hiking.
In Athens and the wider Attica area, you will find hotel accommodation of high standard, modern means of transportation, a wide choice of opportunities for shopping, dining and nightlife, good service but above all the hospitality and warmth of its inhabitants.
In a nutshell, Athens is a city that fascinates every visitor, during all seasons.
