Athens Athens in 4 Days Packed Itinerary

Home , Benaki Museum, Evzones, History of Athens, Mount Lycabettus, Museum of Greek Folk Art, National Glyptotheque

© 2014-2015 visitacity.com All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Day 1 09:00 The Acropolis The UNESCO site topped by the Acropolis and other ancient structures

10:00 Parthenon The main structure on the Acropolis built in honor of Athena

11:10 Theater of Dionysos A well preserved amphitheatre, 174AD on the slopes of the Acropolis

12:15 Plaka Athens' old town, charming cobbled streets, cafes and neo-classical building

13:50 The Acropolis Museum This museum holds archaeological findings, statues and architecture from the Acropolis

15:55 Hadrian's Arch A 2nd century triumphal arch in honor of Emperor Hadrian

16:30 Temple of Olympian Zeus The remains of the largest temple in Greece, southeast of the Acropolis

17:30 Panathenaic Stadium Built in 330BC for the Panathenaic Games and adapted over time

Visit Duration: 1 hour

Athens' top must-see attraction and a UNESCO site is the Acropolis, High City or Sacred Rock, a hill overlooking the city and home to the most recognizable symbol of the city, the Parthenon. The Acropolis has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and has been used as both a religious cult site and a residential area. Most Greek cities were built around a central hill or mound as it made a good-look out point and place to retreat in the event of an attack. From the Acropolis you can look out to sea and down onto the city, the remains of the ancient Agora and the Plaka which hugs the foot of the hill.

TThe Parthenon was the central and largest of the Acropolis temples and was dedicated to Athena, it had rich decoration, statues, friezes and art work by the greatest artists of the time. In ancient times the Acropolis was the venue for the annual Athenian Festival of Panathenaia. When Athens was invaded by the Persians in 480BC the Acropolis and its monuments were destroyed. Under Pericles the Acropolis structures were rebuilt starting in 448BC. The 5 th century structures we see today were made from Pentelic marble.

The Acropolis and its ancient structures (particularly the Parthenon) represent the pinnacle of Greek civilization, philosophy and art. Among the complex of archaeological discoveries on the Acropolis four main structures stand out: the Parthenon; the Propylaea; the Erechtheum and the Temple of Athena Nike. Address: Athens 105 58 Phone Number: 210 321-4172 Visitors enter the site through the Beule Gate and then pass through the Propylaia. Propylaea (monumental gateways) stand at Admission: €12 general admission, concession the entrance to the site. €6. Ticket, valid for 1 week, includes admission to the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Theater of Dionysos, The Temple of Apteros Nike stood on the ramparts protecting the entrance to the inner sanctuary. The Temple of Athena Nike Karameikos Cemetery, Roman Forum, Tower of or Athena of Victory is an Ionic temple dating back to 424BC and is the oldest temple on the Acropolis. It is best known for the the Winds, and Temple of Olympian Zeus. frieze on the Nike Parapet. The temple has a four columned colonnaded portico at the back and front with closed walls on the Individual tickets may be bought at the other sites. sides. Last weekend Sept free. First Sunday of months The Erechtheion is the tomb of Erechtheus, one of the early kings of Athens. The Erechtheion has beautiful carvings and 1st Nov-31st March free. Under 18s free. Caryatids holding up the porch ceiling (the originals are on display in the Acropolis Museum). Caryatids are sculptured figures of Opening Hours: Daily 8am-5pm. Web: women used instead of columns. Note where Poseidon struck the ceiling and floor and made a spring flow out in his contest http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2384 with Athena to decide who the city would be named after. Next to the tomb stands an olive tree which Athena planted in Transportation: Metro: Acropolis Note: Ticket response. booth, small post office, and snack bar are located slightly below the Acropolis entrance The massive Parthenon (see separate post) has a total of 50 columns and is one of the most graceful and impressive in the Greek world. Originally the Parthenon had a roof which was destroyed in the 17 th century. Visitors can walk around the structure but just like in ancient Greece the general public cannot enter the structure. The Parthenon and other structures would have been brightly painted but over the course of time have lost their color and now appear in their natural marble state.

Visit Duration: 1 hour 0.1 KM, 2 minutes walking from The Acropolis

The Parthenon is the main ancient structure on the Acropolis, a hill in the center of Athens. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the symbol of Athens and the most famous of the surviving structures from the world of ancient Greece. The building was originally built in honor of the goddess Athena, the city's patron. The Temple of Athena the Virgin ( Parthenon is the Greek word for virgin) was built following the Persian Wars in thanks of the city's victory. It was built on the site of an earlier temple which the Persians had destroyed. As rulers and occupiers changed the temple was used for different purposes including as a church, a mosque and a fortress.

In the construction of the Parthenon the architect Entasis used optical illusions to create a light and elevated impression. The base of the columns, the stylobate , curves upward slightly and the columns swell slightly as they rise thus creating a more symmetrical impression as you look up at the edifice. The base of the Parthenon is 30.9 meters by 69.5 meters; the cella (inner chamber) was 29.8 meters by 19.2 meters; there Address: Acropolis, Athens were two colonnades of Doric columns supporting the roof. Originally the Parthenon would have been painted Phone Number: 210 3214172 with light blue ceilings and the statues in bright colors. Today we can only see the white marble. Admission: €12 general admission, €6 concession. Ticket includes Acropolis and 10 other The 5 th century sculptor Phidias took charge of the decoration and the center piece was a 12.19 meter high sites. Free last weekend Sept; free every first sculpture of Athena. By 438BC the building was complete but the decoration continued a further 5 years. Sunday of month 1st Nov-31st March, under 18s free. Unfortunately structural changes were made in different eras to accommodate the building's changing Opening Hours: Daily 8am-5pm functions. For example the internal columns were removed to turn the temple into a church and when Web: converted into a mosque a minaret was added. The structure suffered at the hands of vandals, natural http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh355.jsp?obj_id=2384 disasters and tourists who stole pieces of the temple to take home. In 1687 the roof of the Parthenon was Note: Metro: Acropolis, access via Dionysiou destroyed when the Venetians attacked the city and the defending Ottomans turned it into a gun powder Areopagitou St. storage. A shell exploded causing irreparable damage. Lord Elgin played a major role in the "rape" of the Parthenon when he carried off a hefty portion of the sculptures and architectural pieces. This collection, known as Elgin Marbles is now on display in the British Museum of London. Other sculptures ended up in Paris and Copenhagen. Many of the Parthenon sculptures can be seen in the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

Following the establishment of a Greek State in 1832 the more recent architectural additions were removed and much of the Acropolis and Parthenon restored. From April to October you can attend the Acropolis Sound and Light Show in English.

Visit Duration: 1 hour 0.6 KM, 9 minutes walking from Parthenon

On the southern slope of the Acropolis the pedestrian street of Dionysiou Areopagitou is the site of two ancient performance venues – the Dionysos Theatre and the Odeion Theatre of Herodes Atticas.

The Odeion of Herodes Atticus is named after the man who financed its construction around 160-174AD. The Piraeus limestone structure was covered with marble and had a cedar wood roof. The 81 meter wide semi-circle of audience seats (cavea) appears to have been cut out of the surrounding natural rock and could at one time seat 5,500. The audience looks onto the orchestra (the floor in front of the stage where the chorus would stand) and onto the stage. Behind the stage is a three storey high skene, a 28 meter high building with arched niches where statues once stood. The highest point of the surviving structure reaches the 2 nd floor. The only way of seeing the Odeion up close is by attending a performance or from the Acropolis.

The 4 th century BC Theatre of Dionysos was constructed on the site of an earlier theatre where the original Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou St., Athens, performances of famous classical Greek dramas were performed. Thus it is considered the birthplace of southern slope of Acropolis European theatre. Plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides had their premiers here. Festivals honoring Phone Number: 210 322-4625 the god Dionysus would have been held here. The theatre is not as well preserved as the Odeion but has Admission: For both sites - €2 general greater cultural significance. At one time the theatre could seat 17,000 spectators in an auditorium of 64 rows admission, €1 concession, under 18s free. Combo ticket including these sites, Acropolis and 10 of stone seats, of which 20 rows have survived. Unfortunately it has been covered over with earth through the others €12/€6 years. The theatre would have had a wooden roof which was probably destroyed by fire. Alterations to the Opening Hours: Theater of Dionysos: 1st theatre were made through the different eras including the addition of 67 thrones around the perimeter of the April-30th Sept - 8am-8pm;1st Oct-31st Oct orchestra for dignitaries in the Hellenistic period. During the Roman period a new stage was built and the 8am-6pm; 1st Nov-31st March - 8am-5pm. Web: orchestra was paved. http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh3530.jsp?obj_id=2409 Transportation: Metro: Acropolis Note: Odeion open during performances and sometimes on performance day only.

Visit Duration: 1 hour, 30 mins 0.3 KM, 5 minutes walking from Theater of Dionysos

The Plaka will be one of the most enchanting places you visit in Athens even though it is geared towards tourists it has retained a charm and picturesque quality. Plaka is a neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis constructed on the same site as ancient residential areas. Today it is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with beautiful neo-classical buildings. The Plaka is divided into the Upper Plaka (Ano Plaka) and the Lower Plaka (Kato Plaka) by the main street (Adrianou Street) which runs through the neighborhood. Many of the houses have red tile roofs and balconies dripping with flower boxes. It is a village within a city. Tourists come here for shopping and to enjoy the many good restaurants. There are outdoor cafes, many pedestrian streets, street musicians and public squares.

The Plaka was built on part of the ruins of the Ancient Agora and it became the Turkish Quarter under the Ottomans as the Turkish Governor resided here. Residents abandoned the Plaka during the Greek War of Independence (1821-1832) and returned once the new Greek State had been proclaimed under King Otto. In Address: Neighborhood northeastern side of the late 19 th century a large Arvanite (Albanian) community resided here and it was referred to as the Acropolis between Syntagma Square and Arvanite Quarter. Following a fire in 1884 excavations have led to the discovery of several ancient Roman Monastiraki Square Admission: Free structures. In the 1960s it was the birthplace of Greek new wave music and during the 70s it was known for Opening Hours: 24/7 its rowdy bars and nightclubs which have since been restricted.

Within the Plaka you can visit the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art, the Kanellopoulos Museum, Jewish Museum, the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments and the Museum of Greek Folk Art. You'll find the Roman Agora and the Tower of the Winds at the west end of the Plaka. Shopping in the Plaka includes both store shopping and market shopping. There is a second-hand flea market as well as the Sunday morning market where you can pick up antiques.

Visit Duration: 2 hours 0.5 KM, 5 minutes walking from Plaka

The Acropolis is a large hill in central Athens, the site is home to several priceless, UNESCO listed structures from ancient civilizations including the iconic Pantheon. Until the 17 th century visitors could see the beautiful temples, gates and tombs on the Acropolis relatively intact. However Since then the structures have been blown up, ravaged by natural disasters, damaged by pollution and dismantled for reuse as building materials. Two of the most significant losses were the 1687 bombing by the Venetian forces which blew off the roof of the Parthenon and the removal of artifacts by Lord Elgin.

During the 19 th century the British archaeologist Lord Elgin removed more than half of the sculptures and archaeological discoveries from the Parthenon to decorate his mansion. The mass of treasures are referred to as Elgin Marbles and are now in the British Museum in London. The return of these national treasures is an ongoing point of contention. Greece would like to see the pieces returned and displayed in the Acropolis Museum.

And so in order to protect and preserve the many archaeological finds and treasures from the Acropolis the Acropolis Museum was established. Today the museum covers 25,000m² and exhibits approximately 4,000 pieces. Address: Entrance from Dionisiou Areopagitou The museum is ultra modern, bright and state-of-the art. There are five main sections. The Gallery of the Slopes takes a look at 15, Makriyianni, Athens 117 42 structures on the slopes, sanctuaries, settlements and artifacts found during excavation there. Visitors can look down through a Phone Number: 210 900-0901 glass floor to see excavated areas. The Archaic Gallery (7 th century BC-479BC) covers the ancient temple; the Hekatompedon, Admission: €5 general admission, €3 concession the Acropolis' oldest structure and the votives, offerings made to the gods. You can see the female figures (Korai) and horse to non-EU students, EU seniors, under 18s, free riders (Hippeis) and other sculptures from all sides. In the Parthenon Gallery you can see a video presentation; marble admission to EU under 18s, EU students all under inscriptions recording the building costs of the temple and see the Panathenaic Procession which is depicted in friezes on 5yrs, disabled, blocks of marble. The Propylaia, Athena Nike and Erechtheion Gallery focuses on the other main structures on the Sacred Rock Opening Hours: 1st April-31st Oct - Mon (Acropolis). The final section is the 5 th Century BC to 5 th Century AD which covers the Sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia and the 8:00am-4:00pm, Tues-Sun 8:00am-8:00pm, Fri Votives of the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman Eras. 8:00am-10:00pm. 1st Nov-31st March Mon-Thurs 9:00am-5:00pm, Fri 9:00am-10:00pm, Sat, Sun Visitors are welcome to attend Friday Evening Gallery Talks . The A Day at the Acropolis Museum program offers the 9:00am-8:00pm opportunity to see restoration of the artifacts, visit the exhibitions and attend musical performances in the museum. There are Web: http://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en also family programs and a Friday Night at the Museum program where you can visit the museum until 22:00 and enjoy a meal Transportation: Metro: Acropolis in the museum restaurant with views of the Acropolis until midnight.

Visit Duration: 30 mins 0.5 KM, 7 minutes walking from The Acropolis Museum

This triumphal arch was erected in the 2 nd century AD in honor of the Roman emperor Hadrian. The arch stands within walking distance of Syntagma Square. It was probably constructed before Hadrian's visit to Athens on 131/132AD. The arch was constructed spanning an ancient road which led from the ancient city center where the Agra and Acropolis stand to the Olympieion and southeast Athens. The western side of the arch bears the inscription: "This is Athens, the ancient/old city of Theseus. " On the eastern side an inscription states: " This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus. " The inscriptions could signify that the arch was built on the line which divided old Athens to the west from Hadrian's new Athens (Hadrianoupolis) to the southeast. The inscriptions could also be interpreted as proclaiming Hadrian as the new hero of all of Athens, replacing Theseus.

The Pentelic marble arch stands 18 meters high, is 12.5 meters wide and 2.3 meters deep. On top of the arch opening are pilasters of Corinthian rhythm. The arch or gate way was not originally part of a wall but during Address: Amallias Ave, Athens (entrance to the the Turkish occupation in the 18 th century it was incorporated as one of the seven gates in the defensive site of Temple of Olympian Zeus, south of National Gardens) walls against Albanian invaders. Admission: Free admission Opening Hours: 24/7 Transportation: Metro: Acropolis

Visit Duration: 45 mins 0.2 KM, 3 minutes walking from Hadrian's Arch

The remains of this massive temple stand southeast of the Acropolis. The temple of Zeus Olympios was the largest in ancient Greece. Construction began in 515BC and it was completed in the 2 nd century during the Roman era. The building process had several stops and starts. It was begun during the reign of Peisistratus and the first five years went smoothly but when the tyrant's son, Hippias, was dethroned construction was put on hold. In 175BC, 335 years later work recommenced under the Hellenistic king Antiochus IV Epiphanies of Syria and according to the designs of Roman architect Cossutius. When Antiochus died in 164BC construction was again put on hold. It was only in the 2 nd century AD under Hadrian that the structure was completed and dedicated to Zeus Olympios. The temple is thought to have been damaged in an earthquake during the medieval period and later disassembled for building materials.

Visitors to the site can see this massive structure which was larger than the Parthenon. The original dimensions were 96 meters by 40 meters. Fifteen of the original 104 columns remain standing. The columns Address: Vassilisis Olgas Ave., Athens are 17.25 meters and with a diameter of 2 meters. One more column lies on the ground. Originally the Phone Number: 210 922-6330 Admission: 2€ general admission, €1 columns would have surrounded an inner chamber where massive statues would have stood. The marble concession. Free last weekend Sept. Free used to build the temple was brought from Mount Pentelus. Northwest of the temple stands the Arch of Sundays 1st Nov-31st March. Under 18s free. Hadrian, an 18 meter high arch erected in 131AD in honor of Hadrian. Other excavated structures in the Combo ticket available including temple of Zeus, vicinity include a Roman public bath (130AD) and a few Roman temples. Acropolis and 10 other archaeological sites €12/€6 Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 8:00am-8:00pm Web: http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2488 Transportation: Metro: Acropolis

Visit Duration: 1 hour 0.9 KM, 13 minutes walking from Temple of Olympian Zeus

This stadium was originally built in 330-321BC to host the Panathenaic Games. The festival was held every four years and was part of a huge festival in honor of the Goddess Athena. The spectators sat on the slopes surrounding the stadium while dignitaries had wooden seats. Under Roman rule Herodes Atticus had the stadium renovated in 140AD. The seats were covered with marble giving the stadium a new name "kallimarmaro" or beautifully marbled. The stadium was also enlarged during the Roman renovations and could seat about 50,000 spectators. The stadium dimensions were expanded to 204 meters by 83 meters. During the medieval era the stadium fell into disrepair and much of the marble was taken to be used on other buildings. It was only in the 19 th century when the stadium was restored and renovated to prepare it to host the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. The seats were covered with new marble, this time white marble from Mount Penteli. It is the only stadium n the world built entirely with marble. The renovations were funded by George Averoff whose statue now stands at the entrance to the stadium. In 1906 the Intercalated Games Address: Vasileos Konstantinou Sve., Athens were held in the stadium and in 1968 the FIBA European Cup Winner's Cup Final was held here in front of an 116 35 audience of 60,000. The stadium underwent another facelift in 2004 to host the Olympic Games archery Phone Number: 210 75 22 984/6 tournament and to be the finishing point of the Marathon. Admission: €3 adults, €1.5 students, seniors (65+), school children and under 6 go free Today the stadium is a multi-purpose sports venue; it retains the ancient hair-pin shape design of ancient Opening Hours: March-Oct 8am-7pm; Nov-Feb stadiums rather than the more circular shape of modern stadiums. At its peak the stadium could seat 80,000 8am-5pm in the audience but today it can accommodate 45,000 spectators. The stadium is used for music concerts, Web: sporting events and to welcome home victorious Greek sports teams. The stadium appears on the Greek http://www.panathenaicstadium.gr/HomePage/tabid/84/language/en-US/Default.aspx €100 collectors' coin and was featured on the Olympic Games medal for the Beijing and London Olympics.

© 2014-2015 visitacity.com All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Day 2 09:00 National Historical Museum Athens Former residence of King Otto now houses cultural artifacts and paintings

10:10 Monastiraki This is a neighborhood with stores and flea market at the foot of the Acropolis

11:45 Roman Agora Remains of the Roman market place, Roman Forum and 19-11BC city center

13:55 Ancient Agora Excavated city center of ancient Athens with temples, ancient store and houses

16:00 Temple of Hephaestus A marble temple 449BC on Kolonos Agoraios Hill overlooking the Agora

17:05 Herakleidon Museum Temporary exhibitions here highlight one artist at a time

18:10 Kerameikos An ancient cemetery and ruins of Athens city walls and gates

Visit Duration: 1 hour

The building which houses this museum has a long and eventful history. The site used to be the residence of King Otto of Greece in 1813. In 1844 King Otto established a constitution and the building was allocated for sessions of the Greek Parliament. However the building was burnt to the ground in 1854 and completely rebuilt by 1871. The Greek Parliament met here from 1875 to 1932, it then became the Ministry of Justice and in 1962 became the National Historical Museum displaying the collections of the Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece.

Because the building was purpose-built to be the House of Parliament it has a congress hall surrounded by smaller rooms where the museum displays its collections. The museum covers artifacts from 1453 (the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans) to 1940 including pieces from the Greek War of Independence in 1821. Among the highlights is the bed and sword of Lord Byron who fought and died in the war. Major historical figures are highlighted like the first Greek King, King Otto and King George as well as major historical events like the Balkan Wars, Greek Revolution and the Greek Italian War (1940). Among the artifacts on display are Address: Old Parliament Building, Kolokotronis traditional costumes, memorabilia, flags, furniture, medals and personal items which belonged to historical Square, 13 Stadiou St., Athens figures. There is an art collection of historical paintings created by both Greek and foreign artists. Phone Number: 210 323-7617 Admission: €3; free on Sun Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm Web: http://www.nhmuseum.gr/index.php?lang=1&lang=2 Transportation: Metro: Syntagma

Visit Duration: 1 hour, 30 mins 0.7 KM, 9 minutes walking from National Historical Museum Athens

The Monastiraki (little monastery) flea market is held in one of the oldest parts of the city at the foot of the Acropolis in the Monastiraki neighborhood on Avissynias Square. The neighborhood is known for its shops and open-bazaar type stores which line the streets but there is also the market which is not worth missing. Each of the narrow streets which leads off of Monastiraki Square is packed with interesting stores and the trick is to explore these smaller lanes. Monastiraki Square is surrounded by interesting buildings like the mosque built in 1759 which now houses a ceramics museum and the Church of the Pantanassa. Close by is Hadrian's Library and the Agora. The Sunday flea market has been held in Avissynias Square since 1910 and it is a jumbled collection of everything you can imagine. You can find anything for sale here from WWII memorabilia, chess sets, brass, copper pans and Mickey Mouse clocks to real antiques. Pick up a chandelier, clothing, kitchenware or souvenirs at the market. Feel free to bargain. The nice thing about the market is that you will not be surrounded by only tourists; the locals like to shop here as well. Wander through the many streets and see the small and unique stores and the larger more tourist oriented ones. Visit "The Poet" sandal Address: Avissynias (Abyssinia) Square, Athens 105 55 at the end of Hephaestou St. maker on Ag Theklas Street where you can have a pair of leather sandals handmade for you. Admission: Free Opening Hours: Neighborhood - 24/7; Flea Market daily 9:30am-3pm (varies from store to store). Main flea market on Sundays Transportation: Metro "Monastiraki"

Visit Duration: 2 hours 0.4 KM, 4 minutes walking from Monastiraki

Visitors to the Agora in Athens get to stroll between what remains of the Roman Forum or center of the city from 19 to 11BC. By the 1 st century BC when Athens had become part of the Roman Empire the old marketplace or Agora was no longer efficient enough and so the new Roman Agora was built. Julius Caesar and Emperor Augustus funded the construction of the forum and had several structures built as an extension of the old Greek Agora. The new Agora was surrounded on all sides by colonnades of Ionic columns and inside the surrounding colonnades were commercial establishments while the central area was left open. Access to the Agora was through the Gate of Athena Archegetis which led to the old Agora or through an entrance on the eastern side.

The Agora was the social and political center of the city. Among the buildings which stood here there were the law courts, public toilets which could seat 68 people at a time, stores and Temples. The Tower of Winds (Horologion) is a well preserved 1 st century BC time piece comprised of a water-powered clock, sundials, Address: North of Acropolis, east of Ancient compass and topped with a weather vane. It is an octagonal tower constructed in 48BC; it reaches 12 meters Agora. Main entrance from side street off Adrianou St. east of Stoa of Attalos. high and has a thick base with three steps. The tower bears relief sculptures depicting the eight gods of the Admission: €2 general admission, €1 winds. The remains of the Library of Emperor Hadrian (132AD) stand on the north side of the Acropolis. concession. free first Sunday of months 1st Nov-31st March, under 18s free.last weekend The remains of ancient structures which you can see here come from various eras Following the Romans Sept free. Combo ticket available €12/€6 entry to came the Byzantine and Turkish occupation where the Agora was the site of churches, houses, workshops 10 sites including Roman Agora and Acropolis. and even the Fethiye mosque (1453). Opening Hours: Daily 8am-6pm Web: http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2402 Transportation: Metro: Monastiraki

Visit Duration: 2 hours 0.6 KM, 9 minutes walking from Roman Agora

The Agora or "gathering place" was the heart of ancient Athens. People would come here to do business, shop, be entertained, hear philosophers expounding their views, attend court, go to school, socialize and conduct politics. Excavation of the ancient site began in the early 20 th century and archaeological findings include many ancient structures. The best preserved of the ancient structures are the Hephaisteion Temple and the Stoa of Attalos, an ancient shopping center. Today the Stoa houses a museum and the temple and Agora archaeological site can be explored in a large park.

The Temple of Hephaistos, Theseion or Hephaisteion dates back to the 5 th century and stands on an elevated piece of land overlooking the Agora. Although smaller it is reminiscent of the Parthenon. There are 34 Doric columns supporting a roof which has partially survived. Visitors can see friezes carved into the stone and reliefs depicting the heroic acts of Theseus and Heracles. This Greek National Monument is the best preserved temple in the country. Address: 24 Adrianou St. T.K., Athens 105 55 Phone Number: 210 321-0185 The Stoa of Attalos, Attalus or Stoa dates back to 150BC and was constructed under King Attalus II of Admission: (includes museum) €4 general Pergamon. The two storey building once held 21 stores on each floor and had a covered colonnade along the admission, €2 concession. Freelast weekend store front. The structure was partially destroyed in 267AD by German invaders. In the 1950s the building Sept. Free first Sunday of months 1st Nov-31st March. Free under 18. Combo ticket €12/€6 was reconstructed and during the excavations more artifacts and pieces of architecture were uncovered. The Acropolis, Ancient Agora and 10 other Stoa Museum houses a wide variety of items found during the site's excavation including toys, coins, tools archaeological sites and kitchen utensils. Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-5pm Web: Paths lead visitors through the ancient ruins. Among the ruins in the archaeological park are the remains of http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2485 an auditorium (Odeion of Agrippa); a council hall (Bouleuterion); bronze statues of the 10 Eponymous Transportation: Metro: Monastiraki Heroes; several temples and the Library of Pantainos c.100AD.

Visit Duration: 1 hour 0.2 KM, 3 minutes walking from Ancient Agora

This Greek temple on Kolonos Agoraios hill overlooks the Agora in Athens; it was constructed in 449BC predating the construction of the Parthenon by 2 years. The construction was funded by Athenian politician Pericles and was the first Athenian temple made of marble. It is unsure which god was worshipped here as it may have been a hero's shrine dedicated to Theseus who is depicted on the metopes. It could have been a temple in honor of Athena Ergane and Hephaestus as cult statues were found in the temple. Hephaestus was the lame Olympian god of volcanoes and metalwork who made Achilles' armor in The Iliad. Athena Ergane was one of the goddess Athena's many forms and was the goddess of pottery and crafts.

The temple was altered slightly in the 7 th century when it was converted into the Church of Saint George Akamas. At the time one end of the temple was given a semi-circular apse and the temple was walled in. In the 19 th century the temple was used as a burial site for Protestants who lost their lives in the Greek War of Independence (1821). The temple functioned as a church until 1834 when it became a museum and only Address: 24 Adrianou St., Athens recently has been restored to its original ancient Greek temple design. Phone Number: 210 3210185 Admission: €4 general admission, €2 The temple stands on an elevated platform and has a rectangular area (foretemple and cella or inner shrine) concession, free for under 18s, free first Sunday of enclosed on three sides. The fourth side is open allowing the sun to shine in on the shrine. The inner month 1st Nov-31st march, free last weekend Sept. Ticket covers Ancient Agora, Museum of enclosed area is surrounded by a colonnade of Doric columns on four sides. It has a wooden ceiling with Ancient Agora, Temple of Hephaestus. Combo terracotta roof tiles. Friezes can be seen on the east metopes, above the pronaos and on part of the ticket available €12/€6 for Acropolis, Temple of pediments. Hephaestus and 9 other sites. Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-3pm Web: http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/eh251.jsp?obj_id=6621

Visit Duration: 1 hour 0.5 KM, 6 minutes walking from Temple of Hephaestus

This private museum is in the shadow of the Acropolis in a neo-classic building dating back to 1898. The museum's goal is to introduce visitors to the world of fine arts by highlighting the work of specific artists who have made a major contribution to art. They take a renowned artist and highlight his work and the many periods his work has gone through. The museum strives to show visitors the artistic development and methods used in the artists work as well as the artist's private life. They do this by showing both the finished product and the drawings, photographs, personal items and sketches which preceded the work. The museum uses audiovisual aids to give an in-depth look at the artist's life and work. In addition the museum has a permanent collection of works including MC Escher, Victor Vasarely and others.

The museum hosts regular temporary exhibitions of Greek and international artists. There are also a number Address: Herakleidon 6, Thissio, 118 51 Athens of cultural events like concerts, seminars and book presentations held at the museum. There are 2 hour Phone Number: 210 346-1981 guided tour seminars in English. Note that the museum is closed in mid-August each year. Admission: Free admission Opening Hours: Daily 1-9:00pm; closed mid-Aug Web: http://www.herakleidon-art.gr/index.cfm?get=home Transportation: Metro: Thissio

Visit Duration: 1 hour 0.6 KM, 7 minutes walking from Herakleidon Museum

Kerameikos is an area which was once the ancient potters' quarter of Athens (hence the word "ceramics" from Kerameikos ). Visitors to Kerameikos can see an ancient cemetery, the ruins of the Athens city walls, ruins of two city wall gates and visit the Kerameikos Museum.

In the early 20 th century German archaeologists discovered an ancient burial ground in Kerameikos just outside the defensive walls which once surrounded Athens. This was also the site where two of the city's gates once stood, the Dipylon and the Sacred gate. The name of the cemetery comes from Keramos , the son of Dionysus and Ariadne, patron of the potters. People were buried in this cemetery as early as the 12 th century along the road which led to Plato's Academy. The tombs which lined the road were often elaborate and works of art. The tomb stone designers used columns, statues, reliefs, funeral stelae and sculptures. The originals now reside in the National Archaeological Museum and the Kerameikos Museum while the cemetery is home to replicas. Address: 148 Ermou St. Athens Phone Number: 210 346-3552 Among the grand tomb stones are those with statues of Greek Gods, animals like dogs and bulls, equestrian Admission: Genral admission €2, concession €1, statues of the deceased and many tomb sculptures show the dearly departed sitting with his friends and under 18s free, last weekend in Sept free, free family. Visitors to the cemetery can also visit the Kerameikos Museum which stands at the entrance to the Sundays 1st Nov-31st March. Combo ticket available to 10 sites including Acropolis and site. The museum holds many of the original tomb stones as well as funeral vases, painted ceramics and Kerameikos Cemetery €12/€6. sculptures. Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-8pm Web: The nearby gates can be seen on the same visit. The Dipylon Gate was the largest in the city walls which http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2392 were constructed in 478BC and it marked the start of the Panathenaic Way which led to the Acropolis. Four Transportation: Metro: Monastiraki or Thisio on towers stood at each corner of the enormous gate. The road which ran through the Sacred Gate led to line 1 Eleusis where the sanctuary of the goddess Demeter stood. Between the two gates stood the Pompeion (400BC) and today visitors can see the ruins of both this building and the two gates.

© 2014-2015 visitacity.com All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Day 3 09:00 Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art See ancient art from the Cyclades islands

10:30 Benaki Museum An impressive Islamic collection is housed in the Kerameikos building complex

12:05 Syntagma Square A historic square where the Greek Parliament Building is located

13:10 Athens City Museum A museum focused on the modern history of Athens

14:30 National Archaeological Museum This museum holds the largest collection of archaeological findings from Greece

Visit Duration: 1 hour, 30 mins

The Cyclades are a group of Greek isles in the Aegean Sea. The Cycladic culture flourished on the islands from 3200BC to 2000BC and the archaeological findings on display in this museum give us insight into the islands' ancient civilization. The collection includes about 200 artifacts from the Nicolas and Aikaterini Goulandris collection.

Primarily the collection holds stone figures, stone objects and pottery vessels from the 3 rd millennium BC. There are a number of elegant Greek vases many of which have black and red figure decoration. In addition to the Cycladic cultural artifacts the museum holds ancient Greek art and art from the Cypriot culture.

Highlights of the museum include marble spade-shaped objects dating back to 3200BC; cylindrical stone beads (3200BC); clay piriform jars from the 13 th century BC; seals; animal figurines; clay spoons and ladles; twin necked vessels from Cyprus (2500BC) and glass miniature amphora from 500BC. Address: Main Building - Neofitou Douka 4, The museum store sells books and reproductions of pieces from the museum and there is a courtyard café. Athens 106 74; Stathatos Mansion (temporary The courtyard takes you to the adjacent Stathatos Mansion which is a wing of the museum. The neo-classic exhibitions) - Vasilissis Sophias Ave. and 1 mansion was designed by famed architect Ernst Ziller and dates back to 1895. The Stathatos Mansion Irodotou St., Athens houses temporary exhibition and the museum offices. In addition the mansion is a work of art in itself. Note Phone Number: 210 722-8321 the museum is closed on Tuesdays but open on Mondays. Admission: Fees include both buildings. 5€ general admission (except for Mondays which are free); History Zero Exhibition €3.5; seniors (65+), students (19-26) €3.5; under 18s and disabled free Opening Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 10am-5pm; Thurs 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-5pm Web: http://www.cycladic.gr/frontoffice/portal.asp?cpage=NODE&cnode=1&clang=1 Transportation: Metro: Evangelismos

Visit Duration: 1 hour, 30 mins 0.1 KM, 2 minutes walking from Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art

The Islamic Collection is one of several branches of the Benaki Museum; it is housed in the Kerameikos building complex. The museum in the center of Athens comprises two neo-classical buildings which are both listed. The buildings have many ornamental features. While undergoing renovations part of the ancient city wall of Athens and an ancient tomb were discovered. They have been left in situ in the museum basement and are open to the public. The core of the collection came from Antonis Benaki's private collection. The collection is divided into four sections: 7 th to 12 th century; 12 th to 16 th century; a display of a marble interior from a 17 th century Egyptian mansion as well as treasured from Iran and Turkey and the final section contains weapons and jewels from Iran's Qajar period (1796-1925).

The Islamic art collection includes pieces from India, Mesopotamia, Israel, Persia, Asia Minor, Egypt, Sicily, Spain, Arabia and North Africa. Through the exhibits the museum shows the development of Islamic civilization from its beginnings, through the Ottoman era and into the 1800s. The works on display include Address: 1 Koumpari St. & Vas. Sofias Ave, gold, ceramics, textiles, bone objects, weapons, funeral steles, glass and works of art. There is part of the Athens 106 74 Phone Number: 210 367-1000 marble interior of 17 th century home in Cairo. Other outstanding pieces include the 8 th century carved Admission: Full admission €7, temporary th wooden door from Mesopotamia and 10 century reed wat brought from Tiberias, Israel. There is a brass exhibitions €5, concession ticket €5 and €3 for box bearing the name of ibn al-Ward al-Mausili from 1200; a velvet saddle from Bursa in the 1500s and a 14 temporary exhibitions. Free on Thursdays th century bronze astrolabe which belonged to Ahmed ibn al-Sarraj. Opening Hours: Wed, Fri - 9am-5pm; Thur, Sat - 9am-midnight; Sun 9am-3pm Web: http://www.benaki.gr/index.asp?lang=en Transportation: Metro: Syntagma or Evangelismos

Visit Duration: 1 hour 0.5 KM, 7 minutes walking from Benaki Museum

On Syntagma Square the most impressive building is the Greek Parliament Building which used to be the Royal Palace. Up until 1843 when Greece became a constitutional nation the square was called Palace Square and today it is called Constitution Square or Plateia Syntagmatos. The square has seen the major historical events of the city pass before it. It is here that the government was ousted in 1974; where leaders gave speeches and where demonstrations and rallies are held.

The most impressive structure on the square is the Parliament Building. The former Royal Palace was constructed in 1843 for the new King Otto from Bavaria. The building is geometrical and neoclassical although it lacks much adornment because they ran out of money for further embellishments. The Palace had 365 rooms and 1 bathroom until being remodeled in 1910. The Changing of the Guard is performed by Evzones (presidential guards) in traditional Greek costume as they watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Changing of the Guard takes place on the hour every hour but the best time to see it is at 11:00 Address: Square is bordered by Leoforos on a Sunday when the guards where more elaborate costumes and there is more pomp and ceremony. Vasilissis Amalias St. to the east; Othonos St. to the south; Vassileos Georgiou A St. to the north From Syntagma Square you can walk down the pedestrian-only Ermou Street which leads to Monastiraki and Filellinon St. to the west. Square. The large square has 100 trees including oleander, cypress and orange trees. At the center of the Admission: Free square is a marble fountain. The square recently underwent renovations to incorporate the new metro station Opening Hours: 24/7 Changing of the Evzones which is thought to be one of the most impressive in the world. During the renovations the benches and Guard Sundays 11am lampposts were renewed, ponds were added and the white marble was renewed.

Visit Duration: 1 hour 0.5 KM, 6 minutes walking from Syntagma Square

With so many of the city's sites devoted to the ancient civilizations of Athens it is refreshing to visit this museum which focuses on the modern history of the Greek capital. The museum is housed within two connected post-revolutionary buildings. A tour of the museum takes you through Athenian history and cultural life. Through the art and artifacts visitors gain a glimpse into the life of Athens during the 18 th to 20 th century.

The new Hellenic State was established in 1834 with Athens as its capital and King Otto and Queen Amalia at its helm. One of the museum buildings is the former residence of the royal couple and is called the Old Palace. On the 1 st floor Queen Amalia's reception room, Otto's reception room, the study, library and the throne room have been recreated using original furnishings and art work. You can see Amalia's piano and royal portraits on the walls. This gives us a look at a typical aristocratic home in 19 th century Athens.

The museum holds the art collection and collection of historic artifacts of Labros Eftaxias. The art collection Address: 5-7 Paparrigopoulou St. Athens 105 61 includes paintings and engravings made by artists who visited the city including an oil painting by artist Phone Number: 210 3246164 Jacques Carrey created in 1674. This painting has been a source of valuable information about Athens in the Admission: 3€ general admission. 2€ for pupils, 1800s. Another valuable painting is by Englishman Edward Lear (author of The Owl and the Pussycat ). students, seniors, groups over four persons. Disabled free entry Also on display is a scale model of 1872 Athens. The model was made possible using drawings, photographs Opening Hours: Mon, Wed-Fri 9am-7pm; and written sources from the 1800s. At the time the city was just establishing itself as a newly founded Sat-Sun 11am-7pm Web: http://www.athenscitymuseum.gr/en/ modern state capital and had only 25,000 residents. Fax: 210/322-0765Transportation: Metro: Panepistimio

Visit Duration: 2 hours 1.4 KM, 18 minutes walking from Athens City Museum

To see the largest collection of archaeological findings from Greece visit this centrally located museum. The huge neo-classical building was expanded in several stages to make room for the growing collection. The collection had several temporary homes since its initiation in 1829 before arriving at its present purpose-built location in 1880. During WWII the museum collection was boxed up and buried for safe keeping. The museum is split into a number of sections according to historic periods, origin of the artifacts and the type of art work. In all the museum holds over 11,000 exhibits which span the history of Greek civilization from prehistory to late antiquity.

There are five large permanent collections. The Prehistoric Collection covers the 6 th millennium BC to 1050BC, Neolithic, Cycladic and Mycenaean as well as pieces from a prehistoric settlement in Thera. Here you can see findings from excavations in Troy; Helladic ceramics from Boeotia, Phthiotis and Attica as well as gold funeral masks, stelae, crystal and alabaster. The Sculpture Collection covers the development of Greek Address: 44 Patission St. Athens, 10682 sculpture from the 7 th to 5 th centuries BC in chronological order. You can see the Artemision Bronze spear Phone Number: 213 214 4800 Admission: €7 general admission, €3 thrower and the Jockey of Artemision. The Vase and Minor Objects Collection covers pottery from the 11 th concession. Under 18s free, EU students free. century BC to the Roman period. It includes the Stathatos Collection comprised of 970 minor objects from the Last weekend in Sept free. First Sunday of months Middle Bronze Age to the post-Byzantine era. There is some gorgeous gold jewelry. The Metallurgy 1st Nov-31st March. Combo ticket €12/€6 covers Collection holds statues, figurines and small objects. The museum also has the only Egyptian and Near National Archaeological Museum, Antiquities Collection in the country. Byzantine&Christian Museum, Numismatic Museum and Peigraphic Museum. To name just a few of the many highlights there is the mask of Agamemnon; Pitsa panels; Poseidon of Cape Opening Hours: Mon 1pm-8pm; Tue-Sun Artemision; The Lutist from Keros, Kroisos Kouros, Mycenean Lady and Aritacata tomb. The museum is open 9am-4pm daily from 08:00 to 20:00 and entrance is free to those under 18 years old. Web: http://www.namuseum.gr/wellcome-en.html Transportation: Metro: Panepistimio or Victoria

© 2014-2015 visitacity.com All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Day 4 09:00 Mount Lycabettus A pointed mountain 278 meters high with forested slopes

11:30 National Gallery A museum displaying art from Greece and Western Europe 14th-20th century

13:05 Byzantine and Christian Museum Occupying Villa Illissia, displaying Byzantine and Christian art

14:55 Numismatic Museum Athens trace the country's history through this fine coin collection in a historic mansion

Visit Duration: 2 hours

Rising up out of the urban skyline of Athena is Mount Lycabettus, a distinctly pointed mountain with forested slopes and a rocky summit. The mountain is 278 meters high and is a popular hiking spot for those seeking a breathtaking view across the city and the Acropolis. Greek legend has it that the Goddess Athena was in the process of carrying a large rock to place on the Acropolis to make it even higher when she was distracted by two black birds bearing bad news. Athena accidently dropped the rock which became Mount Lycabettus. This is just one of the legends associated with the picturesque rock. One story tells of wolves inhabiting the mount and perhaps that is the source of its name which means " the one that is walked by wolves ."

Visitors to the mount can either climb the twisting paths to the top or take the Lycabettus Funicular from the entrance to Aristippou and Ploutarchou Streets. At the summit is a restaurant and observation deck. Also at the top of the mountain is the white washed 19 th century Chapel of George. In the summer rock concerts and theatrical performances are hosted on the mountain top. Address: Athens 11471; Funicular lower station at Aristippou St., Kolonaki; Accessable from Paliggenesias St. and Sarantapichou St. Phone Number: 210722 7209; Funicular information 210 721 0701 Admission: Funicular €7 round trip; walk up mountain for free Opening Hours: Funicular daily 9am-2:30am; mountain 24/7 Web: Funicular: http://www.etema.gr/english/funicular.htm

Visit Duration: 1 hour, 30 mins 1.8 KM, 28 minutes walking from Mount Lycabettus

The history of Greek and Western European art from the 14 th century (post-Byzantine) to the 20 th century is covered in this museum. The museum has been open to the public in its present form since 1976 although the history of the museum goes back to 1878. The museum is housed in two buildings. The main building holds artwork covering the history of Greek art in modern times and Western European works. The second building, the National Glyptotheque Museum is located in the Athens neighborhood of Goudi and holds works which trace the history of Modern Greek sculpture.

Alexandros Soutzos made major contributions to the museum from his private collection including an initial donation of 107 paintings. Today the museum holds over 16,000 works of art in a spectrum of mediums. The collections are split into paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, new media and decorative arts and photography. The art work is arranged in chronologically. Address: Michalakopoulou 1, Athens 115 28. Some of the highlights of the museum include Renaissance art by El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos), Entrance from Katechaki Ave. Tiepolo and Joachim Beuckelaer. There is 17 th to 20 th century art including pieces by Rembrandt, Auguste Phone Number: 210 723-5857 Rodin, Picasso and Eugene Delacroix. Greek artists featured include work by Lazaros Fytalis, Andreas Admission: 5€, children under 12 and disabled Pavias, Nikos Kessanlis, Theodoros Vrizakis, Gizis ( The Engagement of the Children ) and Kostas Tsoklis. free Opening Hours: Mon&Wed 10am-5pm, Thurs, You can see all the various genres of art from the historic periods covered including cubism (Nikos Fri, Sat, Sun 9am-4pm. Closed Tues and bank Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas) and expressionism (Giorgos Bouzianis). The most recent period covered follows WWII holidays th and includes work by Giannis Moralis, one of the best Greek 20 century artists. Web: http://www.nationalgallery.gr/site/content.php Transportation: Metro: Evangelismos or Katechaki

Visit Duration: 1 hour, 30 mins 0.5 KM, 7 minutes walking from National Gallery

The origins of the Byzantine and Christian Museum (BCM) are strongly linked with the Christian Archaeological Society founded in 1884. The collection was amassed before the establishment of the museum which found its first home in 1890. The museum became official in 1914 and was first presented to the public as a complete collection in 1924. In 1930 the museum settled into the building it occupies today, the Villa Illissia. The building stands on the banks of the Ilissos River and was constructed in 1848 as a private home. On the villa grounds are several ancient ruins. Visitors enter a courtyard with a marble fountain and early Christian mosaic. Around the courtyard are archaeological elements brought from various churches. On the northern side of the building are two levels of pillared arcades and on either side are two corner tower-staircases. The building has since been expanded and renovated while the collection is presented using the most contemporary methods of museology.

The collection includes 25,000 sculptures, wall paintings, icons, ceramics, textiles, manuscripts, printed Address: 22 Vas. Sofias Ave., 106 75 Athens books, paintings and mosaics. The museum is arranged chronologically and divided into several sections Phone Number: 213 213 9500 each focused on a specific theme taking visitors through the early Christian period and into post-Byzantine Admission: General admission €4, concession years. The Byzantine Empire covers the development from the ancient world and into the Byzantine world. " €2, under 18s free; Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-4pm The Intellectual and Artistic Activities in the 15 th Century " covers the period from the Byzantine into the Web: http://www.byzantinemuseum.gr/en/ modern era and the connection between Byzantine and modern art. The museum's collection of icons is the Transportation: Metro: Evangelismos largest in the world. Highlights include a marble templon, a late-Roman statuette of Orpheus, a double-sided icon of St. George, an icon of the Archangel Michael from the 14 th century and a 17 th century frescoed iconostasis from Evrytania.

Visit Duration: 1 hour, 30 mins 1.4 KM, 19 minutes walking from Byzantine and Christian Museum

You can trace Greece's history through its coins in this museum dedicated to the history of Greek money. The museum was established in 1834 and holds more than 500,000 coins although not all are on display at the same time.

The building which houses the Numismatic Museum is an attraction in itself and visitors to the museum can take a guided tour of the property including its beautiful gardens. The historic mansion was built in 1878 and once belonged to Heinrich Schliemann, the " Father of Mycenaean Archaeology ", an archaeologist known for his excavation of Troy (ancient Ilion). The house was designed by Ernst Ziller and named Palace of Ilion or Iliou Melathron . The impressive neo-classical structure has Ionic colonnades along the façade and inside the walls and ceilings are covered with murals by Yuri Subic. On the floors are Italian mosaics.

Among the artifacts on display are coins made of molten metal (molybdobulls); medals; precious stones and Address: Leoforos Eleftheriou Venizelou 12, coins. One of the museum rooms is dedicated to the house itself and its former owner, Schliemann. One Athens section covers Coinage in the Ancient Greek World – Iconography and Ideology. Another section displays Phone Number: 210 364-3774 international coins and one of the museum rooms highlights how the coins spread throughout the Greek Admission: €3 general admission, concession world. Other rooms in the museum include Coinage in the Roman World; the Byzantine World; the Western €2. Combo ticket available €12/€6 for National and Eastern Medieval World; the Modern and Contemporary World and the Modern Greek State. There is a Archaeological Museum, Byzantine&Christian collection of medals and a room where money's relationship to society is examined. There is a room which Museum, Epigraphic Museum and Numismatic Museum. examines Money in the Movies through scenes from famous films where we can learn about the relationship Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 8:30am-4pm between man and money. Web: http://www.nma.gr/index_en.htm Transportation: Metro: Syntagma