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Home , Alexandras Avenue, Athens Concert Hall, Athens Prefecture, Benaki Museum, Epigraphical Museum, Erythres

TOUR OF , stage 10 FROM OMONIA SQUARE TO KYPSELI

Tour of Athens, Stage 10: Papadiamantis Square), former- umental staircases lead to the 107. Bell-shaped FROM MONIA QUARE ly a garden city (with villas, Ionian style four-column propy- idol with O S two-storey blocks of flats, laea of the ground floor, a copy movable legs TO K YPSELI densely vegetated) devel- of the northern hall of the from Thebes, oped in the 1920’s - the Erechteion ( page 13). (early 7th century suburban style has been B.C.), a model preserved notwithstanding 1.2 “Acropol Palace” of the mascot of subsequent development. Hotel (1925-1926) the Athens 2004 Olympic Games A five-story building (In the photo designed by the archi- THE SIGHTS: an exact copy tect I. Mayiasis, the of the idol. You may purchase 1.1 Polytechnic Acropol Palace is a dis- tinctive example of one at the shops School (National Athens Art Nouveau ar- of the Metsovio Polytechnic) Archaeological chitecture. Designed by the ar- Resources Fund – T.A.P.). chitect L. Kaftan - 1.3 tzoglou, the Tositsa Str Polytechnic was built A wide pedestrian zone, from 1861-1876. It is an flanked by the National archetype of the urban tra- Metsovio Polytechnic dition of Athens. It compris- and the garden of the 72 es of a central building and T- National Archaeological 73 shaped wings facing Patision Museum, with a row of trees in Str. It has two floors and the the middle, Tositsa Str is a development, entrance is elevated. Two mon- place to relax and stroll. it became clearly an ur- ban location, now one of the busiest streets of Athens. Among a multitude of new buildings, neoclassical, Art Nouveau and modernist build- ings are preserved. As you head from the crossroads of Patision Str and , to- wards , on your left is Victorias Square (at 3rd Septemvriou Str), on your right 1 PATISION STR is the stately Higher School of 106. The Economic and Scientific Studies, (28th OCTOVRIOU STR) National (1935), on your left the “Hara” Archaeological central road linking Patisia block of flats, an pioneering Museum and its to the centre, before the work built in the 1920’s at garden. In the A background , part early 20th century Patision Str Patission Str 337 and on your of the Exarhia was a rural area with small hous- right the Kypriadis neighbour- district. es and gardens! Following rapid hood (in the vicinity of TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 10 FROM OMONIA SQUARE TO KYPSELI

108. remains and the statue of prince Ayia Zoni (1927) and Ayios The (1792-1828), Georgios (at the square of the of the wholly who was closely connect ed to same name, 1931.) renovated the GreekRevolution of 1821. National THE SIGHTS: Archaeological 2.5 Ayios Haralambos Museum. The church was built in 1928, 3.1 Fokionos Negri Str in cruciform shape, at the site A wide, stately, densely vege- of an old church. In the church tated pedestrian zone linking are icons of the important Kypselis Square to Droso poulou Greek painter F. Kontologou. Str, Fokionos Negri Str is the centre of the neighbourhood. 2.6 1.4 The National geois character of the area, lo- Mavromateon Str Originally called the “green Archaeological Museum cated at the crossroads of Ale - An elegant road linking the boulevard”, Fokionos xandras Avenue, and Patision Str. Negri Str was built in 1937, A stately building constructed in Archaeological Museum with at the site of a stream. the late 19th century, the Natio - Kodringtonos Str. Facing 2 In the 1960’s it ac- nal Archaeological Museum was PEDION is a row of quired a reputation designed by L. Lange and Ern. TOU AREOS stately, luxury blocks of flats, most of them built in 1925- for nightlife, attracting politi- Ziller. The Ionian style propy- he largest park in Athens 110. The statue 1960, when the street was cians and artists. A busy street laea are adorned with clay stat- (230,000 m2), was laid out of T thought to be one of the most throughout the day, it is a pop- Promahos. ues, the copies of ancient in 1934. Named after the roman prestigious locations of the city. ular recreational area, with 74 works, while on either side is 75 campus martius, the park used dozens of cafes, restaurants and an oblong arcade. Athenians like to be a training ground for mili- small bars. On the pedestrian 111. The to stroll in the attractive garden 3 Kypseli tary units. Athenians like to go KΥPSELI passage between Sporadon and in front of the museum, espe- for a walk here all year round, neighbourhood distinctive bourgeois Zakynthou Str (42, Fokionos cially in summer (for museum or seek entertainment at cafes, has been largely neighbourhood of Athens, Negri Str) stands the preserved redeveloped. exhibits page 86). outdoor theatres, and other A Kypseli has preserved its aristo- building of the old Municipal However, venues. Market (1935), used now by the a multitude 1.5 Egyptou Square cratic character, although in the past few decades it has been residents of the area as a cultur- examples of the 2.4 Taxiarhon Church varied architect - An elegant square with neoclas- rebuilt and is now densely pop- al event centre and an organic sical and modernist buildings, Post-Byzantine church of the ure distinctive of ulated. In the 1990’s a multi- foods market. the neighbour - examples of the formerly bour- 16th or 17th century. In the court tude of immigrants settled in hood in the past there is a monument with the Kypseli, transforming it into a 3.2 Courts (former Army are preserved. Cadet School) 109. THE SIGHTS: charming multicultural neigh- The statue bourhood. Among the modern A complex of neo- of king 2.1 The statue of King Constantine: A bronze statue of king blocks of flats several examples classical buildings, Constantine Constantine (1868-1922) placed on a monumental marble pedestal, of stately neoclassical buildings the courts are located on horseback. erected in 1938. It is located at the central entrance of the park, and blocks of flats of the inter- south of Kypseli facing Egyptou Square. war period are preserved, (Evelpidon Str). The 2.2 Statue of Athena (Promahos): A monument which are worth seeing. They building was built dedicated to the British, Australian and New Zealand are located on distinctive roads from 1900-1904, (de- soldiers killed in the Second World War, it was sculpted in of the neighbourhood (among signed by Ern. Ziller), 1952 by sculptor V. Falireas. The marble lioness at the base others, (Drosopoulou Str, for the Army Cadet was sculpted by Ath. Limnaios. Eptanisou Str, Ithakis Str, Tinou School. In the early 2.3 Iroon Avenue: A wide, stately road in the park with Str, Tenedou Str, Spetson Str, 1980’s the Athens the busts of the freedom fighters of the Greek Revolution. Lefkadas Str). You will also find Courts were accom- You will find it at the Mavromateon Str entrance. in Kypseli the notable churches modated here. TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 11 HISTORICAL WALK

THE SIGHTS: Tour of Athens, Stage 11: (from to Ampelokipi): H ISTORICAL W ALK 1 THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS BUILDING (5, Vassilisis Sofias Avenue) The work of Ern. Ziller (1872- 1873), it belonged to the Syngros family before being bequeathed to the Greek state in 1921. The neoclassical man- sion housing the main services of the ministry, has been desig- nated a work of art. In 1985 it was linked to a later building, at Zalokosta Str. VASSILISIS SOFIAS AVENUE 2 THE FRENCH EMBASSY he most impressive road of (Psyhas Mansion) TAthens, linking Syntagma Square to Ampelokipi. A stately three-storey building Formerly called Kifissias at the crossroads of Akadimias 76 Avenue, it linked Athens to the Str). It was built in 1894 by An. 77 traditional suburb of . It Metaxas for the Psyhas family. It has notable modernist deco- f you don’t have much time, in the historical walk has in part lost the original character of a classic boulevard. rative elements connected to (approximately 3.5 kilometres) you can visit and see However, it is one the most the neoclassical style. the most important monuments and sights of Athens. charming roads of the city, I THE TALIAN It is a walk through history, from , with some of the most attrac- 3 Ι through all the historical periods, architectural styles, tive buildings, museums and EMBASSY and successive phases of the development of the city parks. The residence of prince Nicholas, before the expulsion to the 21st century (classical period, of the royal family in 1917, it roman period, , Turkish occupation, later accommodated a luxury neoclassicism, and 20th century). hotel (“Le Petit Palais”). Later it In fact it is a walk in history, which only Athens can offer. was bought by the Italian gov- ernment to accommodate the embassy. THE ΑCROPOLIS ( page 9) OTTOMAN MONUMENTS 4 THE NATIONAL THE ODEION OF IN ΑTHENS GARDEN ( page 54) HERODES ΑTTICUS ( page 27) ( page 8) 5 THE BENAKI SYNTAGMA MUSEUM 112. ( page 30) SQUARE (1, Koumpari Str) A detail of the PLΑΚΑ central building ( page 52) The most impressive neoclassi- of the Greek ΒYZANTINE MONUMENTS cal building of Athens, it was Ministry of IN ΑTHENS ( page 22) built in stages from 1910 to 1931 Foreign Affairs. TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 11 HISTORICAL WALK

7 THE STATHATOS MANSION A remarkable neoclassical man- sion (at the crossroads of Iro - dotou Str and Vassilisis Sofias Avenue), Stathatos Mansion was designed by Ern. Ziller in 1885. It accommodates the new wing of the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic and Ancient ( page 92). It is linked to the museum by a glass-covered passage. 115. A view of 9 THE WAR MUSEUM the embassy, it became the res- 8 THE ΒYZANTINE AND idence of the ambassador. Vassilisis Sofias A modern building (designed Avenue with the CHRISTIAN MUSEUM by Th. Valentis), inaugurated in War Museum The main building of the 1975, for the purposes of gath- 11 ΑYIOS NIKOLAOS and and a section Museum is “Villa Ilisia” ), a neo- ering, preserving and exhibit- ΑYIOS GEORGIOS of Rizari park. renaissance style building, con- ing military relics and other na- Small churches in cruciform structed at the bank of the then tional tokens demonstrating the (designed by An. Metaxas). For - four-column style, Ayios uncovered Ilissos river. It was history and struggles of the mer ly the residence of Ant. Be - Nikolaos and Ayios Georgios 78 the residence of S. de Marbois- Greek nation, (for the exhibits, 79 nakis, since 1931 it houses the are representative examples of Lebrun, known as the “Duchess page 96). the architectural trends of the Museum exhibits ( page 94). of Plaisance.” The building was late 19th century. Ayios designed by St. Kleanthis, (or 10 THE RESIDENCE Nikolaos (1876 neighbouring 113. The Benaki 6 THE SAROGLEIO according to some sources Chr. OF THE BRITISH the British embassy) is built in Museum MANSION Hansen). Following the death mansion. AMBASSADOR a distinctive neo-Byzantine (Officers Club) of the duchess (1854), the man- Located at the crossroads of style, while Ayios Georgios A stately building constructed sion was acquired by the Greek Vassilisis Avenue and Loukianou combines the Byzantine, classi- in the Beaux Arts style, it is lo- state. It hauses the museum Str, the building was construct- cist and roman styles. cated at Rigillis Square (P. Mella). since 1930. Two new wings ed from 1930-1932 It was designed by architect were built in 1952 and 1994 (designed by An. Al. Nikoloudis. (for the exhibits, page 95). Metaxas). Formerly the residence of the then Prime Minister , it was granted to the British state follow- ing his death. It ac- commodated the British embassy in Athens before 1960. Following the con- 114. struction in a neigh- The Stathatos bouring location of Mansion. the new building of 116. Rizari park. TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 11 HISTORICAL WALK

14 ELEFTHERIAS PARK cently it has lost some of its for- 119. The Tower mer charm as a result of the of Athens, A park with a statue of traffic on the surrounding streets. at the crossroads Eleftherios Venizelos (sculpted of Vassilisis by the sculptor G. Pappas). In Sofias Avenue 18 THE PPOKRATEIO the rear section are three stone Ι and Mesogeion OSPITAL built buildings, accommodating H Avenue. the Athens Municipality Arts A scheduled public building, Centre and the "Eleftherios constructed in the 1880’s in the Venizelos Museum." Facing the neoclassical style. It has accom- park is a row of three un- modated a hospital since 1912. adorned neoclassical buildings Adjacent to the hospital is the of the hospitals "Aeginitio," chapel of Ayios Andreas (17th glass. Facing the square is the 12 THE "Aretaeio," and "Alexandra." century). 117. “EVANGELISMOS” “Hilton” (1958-1963) hotel, The “Dromeas” HOSPITAL (old building) with elements of the interna- 19 at Megali tou 15 TOWER OF ATHENS tional modernist style (at the THE ATHENS Genous Scholi A neoclassical building (de- The first glass skyscraper of neighbouring streets, Ventiri CONCERT HALL Square signed by G. Metaxas) Evange - Athens (1971-1973) – one of Str, Mexi Str etc. are cafes, bars A monumental work (designed (Vassilisis Sofias lismos hospital was inaugurated a few skyscrapers constructed Avenue). and small restaurants). On the by M. Vourekas), the Athens in 1880 by then Queen Olga. in the greater urban area of the opposite side of the square (at Concert Hall was built in stages Later an English-style garden capital. A complex of respec- the crossroads of Vassilisis from 1973-1991. It is thought was laid out in the yard. tively two 25- and 12- storey Sofias Avenue and Gennadiou to be one of the best concert buildings, the tower of Athens 80 Str) are two remarkable Art halls in the world. It has, 81 accommodates mainly compa- 13 MEGALI TOU Deco blocks of flats of the in- among others, concert and ny offices. In front of the Tower GENOUS SCHOLI terwar period. Adjacent to the opera halls, a musical library, of Athens is a small villa with SQUARE “Hilton” hotel is the building of a conference centre, and halls a garden, a relic of the 1920’s A small square at the cross- the National Gallery - Museum for multiple uses. In the winter when the area (Ampelokipi) roads of Vassilisis Sofias Avenue Alexandros Soutzos ( page concerts, opera, theatre and was rural. and Vassileos Konstantinou Ave - 96), built in 1966-1975 in the dance performances, and other nue. In the centre is the im- brutalist architectural style of events, are held here. pressionist sculpture of K. Varo - Le Corbusier. Facing the Natio - tsos “Dromeas” (1988), sculpted nal Gallery is the Rizari park, 16 THE ΑMERICAN exclusively out of sheets of one of Athens’ oldest gardens. EMBASSY The most important example of modern architecture in Athens (1959-1961), designed by the famous architect W. Gropius.

17 MAVILI SQUARE Among the most “vibrant” squares of Athens, with a multi- tude of cafes, bars and restau- rants in the area, Mavili Square attracts visitors throughout the day. It is a prestigious residen- 118. tial area, near Lycabetus Hill and The “Hilton” the central Vassilisis Sofias Ave - hotel. nue and Alexandras Avenue. Re- SUBURBS SUBURBS

121. S UBURBS An impressive mansion of Kifissia.

uring your stay in Athens you may want to visit the suburbs. In the suburbs you may go Dfor a walk on vegetated roads, and relax at a confectionery, café or bar.

air cinemas and the Flower Show, which takes place every May in Kifissia Grove. Some of The main road linking Athens the best restaurants, confec- to the suburbs is Kifissias tioneries and cafes of Athens Avenue. You can reach are in Kifissia. Alsos Syngrou, Maroussi and Kifissia on line 1 2 (1,000,000 m ) adjacent to of the metro. 82 Kifissia and Maroussi, a wood- 83 ed area, is an ideal place to go for a walk and relax.

122. The Athens (see right, during the Opening Ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games), location of a multitude of athletic installations and recreation areas, linked to other areas of the capital by bus lines, the suburban railway and the metro THE NORTHERN (“Irini” station, see left). The roof was SUBURBS haps the most elegant suburb of designed by the well-known architect (Psihiko, , Maroussi, northern Athens. The luxury S. Calatrava. Kifissia) villas of Kifisia of the 19th cen- tury were raised by the oldest he suburbs of Psihiko, Athenian families. With attrac- and Filothei were devel- T tive villas and vibrant shopping oped in the late 1920’s on the streets, Kifissia is an attractive model of British garden cities. area. Worth seeing is the They are quiet residential areas, Goulandris Natural History with attractive villas, abundant Museum ( page 100), the sig- vegetation and broad streets. 120. Old eclectic nificant Archaeological building In Maroussi are the facilities Collection ( page 135), in Kifissia. of the Olympic Athletic Centre of The building which comprises Roman monu- houses Athens (Ο.Α.Κ.Α.), the central ments, grave stelae, terracotta a modern group of facilities for the 2004 and marble findings, statues shopping centre. Olympic Games. Kifissia is per- and busts from the area, open SUBURBS SUBURBS

The Golf 125. Club (tel. 210 8946820, lake has website: therapeutic water. www.athensgolf.net) The geological is open daily from attraction 08:00 am to sunset. is the popular Situated along the destination coast are hotels with of the residents a view of the sea. of . In the coastal area of the bay of Faliron, 123. The (from Neo Faliro to Paleo distinctive THE SOUTHERN Faliro) a huge recreational and circular building SUBURBS in the “Floisvos” (Faliro, Glyfada, Voula, cultural park is being planned, area of P. Faliro. Vouliagmeni) which will comprise the exist- ing sport facilities built for the he southern suburbs are lo- Olympic games, smaller venues Tcated on the coast of the for recreational and cultural , from purposes, an impressive aquari- to cape Vouliagmeni. Access um putting on display the sub- In Trocadero (P. Faliron) you from Athens is easy (the south- 84 marine species of the seas of may visit the Maritime Museum, 85 ern suburbs are just 20-30 min- and the Mediterranean, on one of the most famous In order to reach these sub- utes from the centre). The a birds garden, nautical facili- warships of recent Greek histo- urbs you may use the tram southern suburbs are an ideal ties, all of which will be con- ry, the battleship Averof, as well place to go for a walk by the nected by an esplanade. as an exemplary playground, which leaves from Syntagma seaside, and swim. open-air cinema and cycling Square and runs along two The best and most tracks. In Ayios Kosmas is a lines: line Γ1 towards Neo popular beaches of large seaside park. A metropol- Faliro (terminal at the Attica, with clean itan park with an area of 1,000 and Friendship Stadium) and water ( page acres will be constructed in the 132) are located area of the old airport line Γ2 towards Voula (termi- here. The areas (Helleniko). Vouliagmeni is nal at “Asclepeio Voulas”). each have a shop- an attractive suburb with abun- Moreover line Γ3 follows ping centre with su- dant vegetation, elegant villas, the itinary Voula - Neo perb shops. In the attractive beaches, the unique Faliro, offering you the southern suburbs Vouliagmeni Lake, and some opportunity to enjoy a you can walk on the of the best hotels in Attica. marinas, have lunch Athenians visit the coast and unique trip along the coastal or dinner by the have lunch at a restaurant or area. Also, you can reach the seaside, enjoy your a drink at a bar by the seaside. southern suburbs by using favourite water bus lines Β3 (Akadimias- sports, or play golf, in a court with in- Glyfada, via Vouliagmenis ternational stan- Avenue), Ε22 (Akadimias- 124. View dards (18 holes, par , express line), et al. of Glyfada 72 course), located from the sea. in Glyfada. MUSEUMS MUSEUMS

preserved statue from Elefsina Myrrine’s name. It is sculpted 127. The room M USEUMS was sculpted from around 440- on white marble and was dis- housing the 430 BC. It depicts Dimitra giv- covered in 1873. It is decorated “Jockeyboy of ing hay to the Triptolemos, the with a sculpture representing Artemission” in the National Cypriot (room 64 1st floor). In young king of Elefsina. To her Hermes driving with one hand a THE NATIONAL Archaeological right, her daughter young woman, Myrrini. Accord- ARCHAEOLOGICAL addition to the permanent ex- Museum. MUSEUM hibits, the Museum also holds gives her blessing. Notice that ing to the epigram located on temporary exhibitions and edu- the Triptolemos and Dimitra her head, the god's purpose was The completely renovated cational programs. We list some have different sizes. In that pe- to bring the woman to Pluto National Archaeological of the exhibits of the museum: riod artists made gods taller (god of Hades). Three men, rel- Museum ranks among the lead- when they were depicted with atives of Myrrine observe the • The golden mask of ing archaeological museums in mortals on a dedicatory col- spectacle. (430-420 BC). Agamemnon (Room 4). the world. You will be im- umn - a sign of respect of the Although it has been proven that • The stele of Hegeso pressed by the treasures of the gods. it is not the mask of Agamem - (Room 18). Don’t fail to see the museum and will want to come non, it is a noteworthy exhibit, • The (or Zeus) famous column (stele) of back for another visit. However, well worth seeing. Schliemann’s of Artemission (Room 15). Hegeso (5th century BC). It was if you come just once, be sure theory was mistaken – today it Is it perhaps a statue of Posei - discovered in ( to have enough time. The mu- is thought to be the mask of a don or of Zeus? Archaeo logists page 19-21). There is copy of seum contains approximately dead king, who died three cen- have not come up with an an- the column in Kerameikos. The 11,000 masterpieces dating turies before Agamemnon (16th swer. The bronze statue, a mas- sculpture depicts Hegeso seat- from the 7th millennium B.C to century BC). In the gallery of terpiece of the sculpture of the ed, taking a jewel from a box. the 5th century B.C which are 86 Mycenaean Antiquities, other classical period, is 2.09 metres A slave is holding the box. It is 87 classified in 7 collections: than the mask, you can high. It is one of the few pre- thought that the colours used see jewels, golden served original bronze statues. for the background of the works of art, sculpture and the jewel are blue swords etc, found in • Myrrine’s oil-flask and gold respectively. On the the royal graves of (Room 16). It is the main exhib- upper section of the column is Mycenae. it in the hall, which bears carved the name “Hegesou tou • The Harper of Keros (Room 6). It dates back to the early Bronze era (2700-2300 B.C) and is one of the most an- cient depictions of musicians of Early Cycladic idol sculpture. It represents a man seated on a throne holding a harp or lyre Prehistoric (Neolithic, Cycladic in his right hand, with a raised and Mycenaean antiquities, head and slightly open thighs. rooms 3-6 and 48 on the 1st • The Kouros of floor), Sculptures (rooms 7-35), (Room 8). It was a votive offer- 126. National Bronze (rooms 36-39), Egyptian ing of a sailor to Poseidon, dat- Archaeological Antiquities (rooms 40-41, of ing from 600 B.C. It bears a Museum: world-wide importance), a Black Figure height of 3m in frontal position, Stathatou (room 42 with 970 cup with with his left foot forward. a depiction works of art mainly minia- of runners tures), Vases and Miniatures • Dimitra and Persephone (circa 540 B.C.). (rooms 49-63 1st floor) and (Room 14). This attractive, well- MUSEUMS MUSEUMS

128. National Proxenou.” Notice the artful de- statue is thought to be a mas- • The exhibition of Thera 129. National Archaeological piction of her melancholy ex- terpiece. It is thought to be the (Room 48). The main exhibits of Archaeological Museum: pression and the folds of her work of , or his stu- the exhibition are the frescoes, Museum: “The Ephebe dress. dent (330BC). which are a valuable source of the marble of Antikythera.” funerary column information on life in the • The Horse rider of of a running • The Adolescent of Aegean in the Bronze Age. They Artemision (Room 21). The soldier (Athens, Antikythira (Room 28). were discovered at Akrotiri bronze statue of the 2nd centu- circa 500 B.C.). Archaeologists have varying (Cape) in Thera (Santorini). ry BC and a statue of Poseidon opinions regarding the signifi- They are the earliest examples of were discovered in the vicinity cance of the statue. The main large-scale painting in Europe. of Cape Artemission. The subject holds a spherical object horseman and his horse may in his hand. Some archaeolo- The fresco of spring: Depicts a have been smelted separately. gists claim that the statue de- rocky landscape with vivid red Notice the excellent depiction picts the god holding an lilies and swallows, some flying of the extended muscles of the apple, while others claim that it in pairs some on their own. horse and the expression of is the statue of Perseus holding The fresco of the fisherman: One agony on the horseman’s face. the head of Andromeda (340 • The statuette of Zeus of the best preserved frescoes, BC). It was found in a ship- • The Adolescent of (Bronze rooms). The statuette of it depicts a nude fisherman wreck in the vicinity of Anti - Marathon (Room 28). The the Zeus casting lightning from holding two strings of fish. in 1900. statue of a youth was named Dodoni. Notice the stance of The fresco of two children box- after the bay of Marathon, • The head of Hygeia the god as he prepares to cast ing: Two children boxing. The where it was discovered in (Sculpture rooms). Discovered lightning. It is the same as child standing to the left wears 88 1926. The inscription on the 89 in the temple of Alea Athena in Poseidon of Artemision. boxing gloves and earrings. No - pedestal states that he is a box- the head of Hygeia was tice their almond-shaped eyes. er. Excepting for the left hand, • Statuette of Pharaoh apparently part of a statue which is thought to be the pro- Savaka (Room 41). Dating • . (350-340 BC), attributed to duce of a posterior repair, the since 700 B.C, the Pharaoh is A section of the Archaeological sculptor Scopas. You will recog- represented kneeling down Museum, with a separate en- nise the head of Hygeia (the with extended arms. His name trance. (Tositsa 1) Displaying goddess of health), which has is engraved on his belt brooch 14,000 inscriptions from been reproduced in photo- and he is wearing the crown of Greece and Asia Minor, it is graphs. the Nubian Pharaoh. a leading epigraph museum. • Marble votive bas-relief (Sculpture rooms). Dimitra, Persephone and Asklepios. Persephone stands to the left, holding two torches on her right hand. In front of her sits Dimitra and to her right stands Asklepios. To the right are six supplicants who, according to the inscription, dedicated the sculpture to Asklepios 130. National and the two Elefsinian god- Archaeological desses. Their names are Museum: view of the room 4 carved on the pedestal en- with the compassed by crowns Mycenaean made of olive branches. collection. MUSEUMS MUSEUMS

Some of the most significant of works of art in the history 133. The exhibits are listed below: of all times. Among others, one backside of one would find sections of the of the Caryatids, • The Moschoforos. The ex- frieze depicting the situated ceptional statue of a beard- Panathenaean proces- on the 1st level ed youth (6th century of the sion, the Olympian B.C) is carrying a calf Museum. gods and certain on his shoulders, a sacri- metopes depicting scenes fice to goddess Athena. of the Centauromachy (battle • Alexander the of centaurs), the Great. The Head of Giantomachy (war of gi- ants), the Amazonomachy which was found near (battle of Amazons) and Erechtheion. It is spec- the . ulated that the statue • The Caryatids. The was made by sculptor statues of the beautiful Leocharis, after the vis- priestesses were used for it of the Macedonian supporting the roof of king to the city, follow- the southern balcony of ing the battle of the Erechtheion (420 THE new Chaeroneia (339 B.C). B.C). Apparently they It houses priceless finds from made glass floor, as well as sig- 90 • The daughter of were named after the 91 the Acropolis monuments that nificant finds deriving from the Antenor. The marble women of Caryes (an an- represent its history and func- slopes of Acropolis. On the first statue which dates back to cient city of in the tion as the most important reli- level there are finds from the 525 B.C is famous for its ), who are 131. Acropolis gious centre of ancient Athens. Acropolis during the Mycenaean Museum: monumental grandeur thought to have been On the main level , the visitors and Geometric era, exhibition The archaic (2m high), its expres- the models of certain gallery. can see extended remnants of of archaic items, architectural siveness and austere statues. During the the ancient city, revealed with structures and sculptures from facial expression. Turkish Domination the the excavations that are dis- Propylaea, from the temple of Caryatids were also referred 134. Acropolis played under the specially- Athena Nike and Erechtheion, • The Archaic Kores. The Museum: view to as Petrified Princesses or the of the as well as works dating from statues of the maidens who Maidens of the Castle. Gallery. the late ancient period to the were dedicated to goddess early Christian years. On the Athena for a long period second level you can find the of time. No two maidens restaurant, the Museum’s shop were alike, their varying and book store, balconies with hair styles and the drap- the view of the exhibits on the ery of their robes give the 132. main and first level as well as visitor the chance to ad- The portrait a digital media area. Finally on mire the development of of Alexander the sculpture in ancient the Great. It was the third level (the Parthenon Greece. found near room) are displayed the frieze, Erechtheion the metopes and the temple’s • Sculptures decorat- (1886). pediments. The museum also ing the Parthenon Attributed offers an area for occasional (444-432 B.C). to the sculptor Leochares exhibitions and cultural events, Creation of the sculptor or Lyssipos an amphitheatre, an internet Pheidias, the sculptures (c. 336 B.C.). hall and an information centre. are unique masterpieces MUSEUMS MUSEUMS

life in ancient times”, Cypriot art over a period 137. View where the visitor has the of 9,000 years (from the of the Museum opportunity to ‘visit” the Neolithic Era until the of Diachronic Art (“Athinais”).

public and private life in end of the Middle Ages), ancient Athens by means depicting the unique cha - of special films and racter of Cypriot civilisa- three-dimensional virtual tion. A significant num- reality representations, ber of the exhibits comes associated with the 142 from the archaeological objects belonging to the collection of the scientif- permanent collections of ic foundation founded by the museum. In 1992 a the Pierides family. new wing was added to the Museum, at the Stathatos Mansion ( THE ΑRCHAEO- page 78). In the New LOGICAL Wing you can see the COLLECTIONS Academy of Athens collec- IN THE METRO tion of art. The biggest excavation On the basement of the ever in Greece was dug at building at N. Douka Str the time of the construction of you can buy replicas of USEUM Μ the metropolitan railway of 92 museum exhibits. OF DIACHRONIC 93 ART Athens (1993-2000). Some of THE GOULANDRIS the approximately 50,000 finds 135. MUSEUM THE NUMISMATIC It is located in an old silk mill that were uncovered in these The entrance OF CYCLADIC MUSEUM which was converted into the excavations are exhibited in of Stathatos AND ANCIENT It is one of the five most impor- multicentre for cultural events specially designed spaces in the Mansion GREEK ART tant numismatic museums in the “Athinaïs” in the area metro stops “Panepistimio”, at Vassilisis (near Gazi). The objects exhib- “Syntagma,” Akropoli,” “Evange- Sofias Avenue. The well-organised museum world. It displays more than was founded with the purpose 600,000 coins, “treasures” ited present the evolution of lismos” and “.” of housing the “Goulandris” (closed coin collections), stan- private collection of Cycladic dard weights, metals and Art. It is one of the leading mu- 136. seums in Athens. The Numismatic Museum: Exhibits. On the 1st floor you Athenian four- will find various relics of drachma coin Cycladic civilisation, while on (440-430 B.C.). the 2nd floor are miniatures and other objects of the same period. On the 3rd floor there is a collection of antiquities of the Cypriot civilisation as well as other temporary exhibits, where 138. Part of the archaeological as the 4th floor houses the an- precious stones, from the an- finds which cient Greek art collection of cient Greek period, the Roman are displayed at K.Politis and the permanent ex- period, Byzantium, the western the “Acropoli” hibition “Scenes of everyday middle Ages, and modernity. metro station. MUSEUMS MUSEUMS

1931. It displays more than The Museum of Islamic Art. It is icons etc). At the same time, 140. The Benaki 45,000 exhibits of the collec- housed in a neoclassical build- the surrounding area of 17.5 Museum: tion of Ant. Benakis and other ing complex dating from the acres, serves as a park with an detail of the donors, organised in six collec- beginning of the 20th century, open-air amphitheatre, gift embroidery of a cushion tions. consisting of two residential shop, restaurant-café and recre- (19th century).

Greece at the . buildings and located ational facilities. This section comprises of - in the Presently, there are ous categories with over 33,000 Kerameikos plans in considera- works, representative of Greek area ( page tion so that the culture from antiquity to the 41). It is one above men- creation of the of the lead- tioned park state and 1922 (the Asia Minor ing would connect Disaster). Islamic to the adjacent Art collec- archaeological site of Hadjikyriakou-Ghika Gallery. tions in the “’s’ ” (that is Granted by the famous Greek world. It displays more than the school where the philoso- painter, the Hadjikyriakou- 8,000 exhibits from Europe, the pher taught since its establish- Ghika Gallery is an annex of Middle East, , ment in 335 B.C until 323 B.C). the museum. Housed in the Persia and , representative The Museum also organises sig- building where the artist lived of the development of Islamic nificant temporary exhibitions 40 years (at Kriezotou Str 3), art from the early Islamic age as well as educational pro- the gallery displays a represen- to the 19th century. grams. 94 tative example of his work. 95 Exhibitions. Sometimes the Toys and Childhood. Benaki Museum holds impor- 141. Byzantine and Christian Museum: THE ATIONAL Included are 15,000 old toys N tant exhibitions in the central icon of the 14th century, depicting ISTORICAL and children’s objects from H building or in its other build- the archangel Michael. USEUM Greece and the area of Greater M ings. Hellenism, from antiquity to Located at Kolokotroni Square 1970 – and Europe, America, ( page 39). The exhibits, Africa, and the countries of THE YZANTINE displayed in 16 galleries, cover Β the East. AND CHRISTIAN the period dating back to the USEUM last years prior to the fall of Coptic Art. M Constatinopolis (15th century) A large collection of fabrics, This Museum can rightfully take to the beginning of World War metalwork and woodwork, pride in possessing one of the II; where as the largest part representing the production leading collections of of the exhibition pertains to the of in the 5th and 6th Byzantine icons in the world. characters and historic events centuries. Its exhibits, that represent 1700 of the Greek revolution Chinese Art. years of Byzantine art and ar- of 1821. Displays more than 1,300 ex- chitecture (3rd to 20th cen- hibits (most of them were do- turies), include 25,000 ecclesi- nated by G. Eumorfo poulos), astical objects from Greece, the THE BENAKI representative of the Chinese USEUM Balkans, Cyprus, Constatino ple Μ civilisation from the 3rd and Russia, classified in 11 col- One of the leading museums in Millennium BC to the 19th lections: Sculptures, Mosaics, 139. National Athens, the Benaki Museum is century (among others, vases, Frescoes, Replicas and the Historical Museum: well worth a visit. It was found- funeral statuettes, porcelain, Loverdos’ Collection (includes the portrait ed by patrician Ant. Benakis miniatures and semi precious manuscripts, woodcarving of . (1873-1954) and inaugurated in stones). crafts, vestments, portable MUSEUMS MUSEUMS

characteristic types of ar- G. Iakovidis (1900), “The Concert tillery guns, as well as vari- of Angels,” by Domenico Theo - ous models of war air- tocopoulos and “Equestrian crafts, some of which you Greek Warrior,” by Eug. Dela - can enter. croix (1856), “Port of Kala ma - ta” by K. Parthenis (1911) etc. THE NATIONAL Exhibitions. The National GALLERY- Gallery mounts periodic exhibi- MUSEUM tions featuring important Greek ALEXANDROS and foreign artists, often held SOUTZOS in parallel with other events. It is the leading Gallery in Greece. The core of of Greece. The museum is the collection comprises housed in two renovated build- of 117 paintings, listed in ings (former royal stables) with factory (“Fix”), the Museum 144. The 1878. Later the Gallery was en- a beautiful surrounding area oc- opened in 2000. It displays National THE AR USEUM riched by private collections Gallery: W M cupying 6500 m2 in Alsos the works of Greek and foreign granted by Al. Soutsos, Eur. Iakovos Rizos On display are weapons from Stratou (district of ). One artists, and holds important Koutlidis, and other Greek “On the terrace the Stone Age and the Classical hundred and fifty Greek sculp- temporary exhibitions. The (Athenian painters and collectors. A num- Period to the World War II. tures dating to the 19th and complete renovation of the evening)” ber of important works of art, Amongst them there is a siege 20th century are exhibited in building and the installation (1897). such as the “Crucifixion” by 96 machine with a bridge and a the museum’s indoor and out- of its permanent collections 97 Lorenzo Veneziano and a collec- ram dating back to the door areas. Periodic plastic arts will be completed in 2011. tion of engravings of the 16th Hellenistic years, moreover, exhibitions featuring Greek and Note: Until the renovation of and 20th centuries were ac- maps, flags, military uniforms foreign artists are also held. the museum’s main building is 142. The War quired by the Gallery. and the models of warships completed, its temporary exhi- Museum: and aircraft that are displayed, Well worth seeing are: “The Kiss” bitions will be held in various a firearm NATIONAL MUSEUM of the first representing the entire spec- by N. Lytras (drawn before 1878), other exhibition halls. For this OF ONTEMPORARY 145. decades of the trum of Greek history. In the “The Engagement,” by N. Gyzis C reason it would be wise to con- The buildings 20th century. front yard you will also find (1877), “Children’s Concert” by ART tact the museum for specific in- of the National Accommodated in an old beer formation before visiting. Glyptotheque of Greece.

143. The National Gallery is one of the vibrant cultural attractions of Athens. MUSEUMS MUSEUMS

ΜUSEUM OF THE played on the exhibited instru- of modern technology. In or- CITY OF ATHENS ments. At the shop you will find der to fulfil this objective the (VOUROS-EUTAXIAS CDs, selected books and copies Center of Civilisation named FOUNDATION) of the musical instruments. “” was estab- lished. “Hellenic Cosmos”, The museum is accommodated presents among other things in a neoclassical building con- THE JEWISH Greek history on the Internet structed in 1833 (Vourou MUSEUM from the Stone Age until today, Mansion, at Klathmonos OF GREECE digitally reproducing ancient Square), which was used as Founded in 1977, its collection monuments and spaces, pro- King Otto’s temporary palace comprises of 8,000 authentic jecting historical and cultural from 1836-1842. You will find pieces, photographs, docments documentaries, organising ex- here paintings and engravings and archives that refer to the hibitions and educational pro- connected to the history of the history of 2,300 years of Jewish grammes and staging cultural Greek capital, mainly from the life in Greece. Moreover this tours by means of the Virtual early 18th century to the 20th permanent exhibition depicts Reality systems: “Tholos,” “Ark” century. Moreover, furniture be- themes such as the Synagogue, and “Magic Screen.” longing to the first King of worship utensils, the Synagogue Greece, Otto is displayed. THE FRISSIRAS calendar, traditional costumes, THE VORRES MUSEUM the Holocaust, the cycle of life, ΜUSEUM THE ΜUSEUM the history and tradition of The only Museum of Contemp- Six thousand exhibits, repre- 98 OF GREEK FOLK Greek Jews. 99 orary European Painting in ΜUSICAL senting 40 centuries of Greek Greece, the is INSTRUMENTS history, are displayed in the housed in two neoclassical THE GENNADIOS Museum. The area of the 146. The super- buildings in . The collec- Accommodated in an unadorned LIBRARY Museum is 4,500 square me- modern, tions include paintings, draw- mansion built in 1842, at Aerides COLLECTION tres. It is divided in two sec- impressive ings, sculpture, and engravings Square, the museum displays The collection includes valu- tions. In the first section you will “Tholos” of the of major European and Greek 1,200 folk musical instruments able manuscripts and books, find a collection of modern Civilisation of the F. Anogeian nakis collec- centre “Hellenic artists (among others, Hockney, documents, periodicals, maps Greek art comprising of paint- tion. Every showcase has audio. Cosmos” Auerbach, Blake, Rustin, Pat of the most important periods ings and sculptures of the late a hemispheric Andrea, Dado, Rego, Arroyo, You can hear excerpts of songs of Greek literature. Moreover, 20th century. The second section virtual reality Adami, Diamantopoulou, you will find here a Byzantine is housed in a complex of two theater where Moralis, Theofylaktopoulou, library, a reading room and an traditional village houses and a the spectator 148. The Vorres Botsoglou, Byzantiou). exhibition room. Well worth building, which was formerly is taken on Museum. a stereoscopic seeing is the collection of the tour of Ancient THE ΜUSEUM personal objects of Lord Byron Greece. OF GREEK (golden clock, laurel wreath, POPULAR ART seals, etc). The remarkable collections of this museum are dated from THE FOUNDATION 1650. The museum displays wo- OF THE HELLENIC ven items, embroidery, uni- WORLD forms, silver and puppet theatre. It was established in 1993, 147. Internal view of the Moreover, the works of Theofi- with the intention to inform Jewish Museum los Hadjimihalis, woodcuts and the public and preserve Greek of Greece. sculpted stones are displayed. history and culture by means MUSEUMS DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA

149. The Goulandris D AY T RIPS IN A TTICA Natural History Museum: an aerial photograph of the “Gaia” centre.

used as a winepress. You will THE GOULANDRIS find here household objects, NATURAL HISTORY such as carpets, furniture, mill- ΜUSEUM stones, and ceramic art works (“GAIA” CENTRE) from various areas of Greece. 100 Moreover, in the section are ex- In this important Museum you 101 hibited oil paintings and en- can learn about the interde- gravings connected to historical pendence of living organisms. events, and certain archaeologi- The museum displays rich col- cal finds. lections of insects, mammals, serpents, birds, and shells, and rocks and fossils from Greece. PLANETARIUM Moreover, it organises seminars The digital “planetarium” estab- and lectures and holds tempo- lished by the Eugenides rary exhibitions connected to Foundation has a dome of 25m environmental issues relating to in diameter and 950 sq.m sur- Greece and the world. face area. It is one of the “Gaia” Centre. Recently, the biggest and better equipped Museum opened the Centre of digital planetariums in the Environmental Research and reater Attica, an area of natural beauty, has been world. The ultra modern pro- Education “Gaia.” Visitors are since antiquity one of the most important jection room has a capacity of offered a glimpse of the work- 280 persons, with specially de- ings of nature. Educational pro- Gcultural centre of Greece. With important signed reclining; interactive grammes are also held at the historical and archaeological sites, unique Byzantine participation seats, thus taking building. The area of the build- monuments, , fertile plains and clean beaches the visitor to a unique virtual ing is 12,500 square metres. – all easily accessible from Athens – Attica is an reality journey to the universe. attractive destination for day trips, offering an escape It also has 1,800 sq.m. of avail- For information regarding from the busy streets of Athens. able exhibition space, modern museums congress center and a scientific pages134-136. library. DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA / PENTELI

1 MOUNT Greece). Walk on one of hun- named after the and material used for the construc- PΑRNITHA dreds of footpaths, take a God Pan which were wor- tion of all attic architectural bike ride on a desig- shiped in that area. 2,000 and sculptural marvels of the Parnitha was first inhabited dur- nated trail in the area of Ayios lanterns were found in the cave classical period. The unique ing the Mycenaean period; it al- Merkourios, explore dozens of and it consists of two halls dec- white colour of Pentelic marble ways constituted a key-point in small caves and visit a lot of orated with stalagmites and sta- was well known in antiquity. Attica’s defence, as it was the beautiful churches and monas- lactites while one can still see Pentelic marble was an impor- most fortified mountain in an- teries (Ayia Triada, Moni Kleiston, carved on the rocks since an- tant export product of ancient cient Greece. Moni Ayiou Kyprianou etc). At tiquity, the sockets for the vo- Athens. Later it was used in the Being the highest mountain in the location Bafi (alt. 1,160 m. tive offerings. construction of the tel. 210 2469050) and Panathenaean (Kallimarmaro) Attica (1.400 m) and one of the The “Mont Parnes” Casino. Flambouri (alt. 1,158 m. tel. Stadium, which was the loca- most beautiful mountains of The casino is open daily except 210 2464666), two mountain tion of the 1st modern Greece, it is located 30 kilome- Wednesdays. Visitors should resorts operate offering a ca- Olympics (1896), revived by tres northwest of Athens. Mount wear evening dress and carry pacity of 50 people each. The the French baron Pierre de Parnitha’s National Park has an a valid passport. Visitors under mountain attracts climbing fans Coubertin. The locations area of more than 300 square 23 years of age are not allowed (locations “Arma”,”Katebasma Daveli’s Cave and “Dytikos kilometres. It is a home to 30 into the casino. species of mammals (deer, Gouras”, “Flambouri”, toixos” (Western Wall) are ide- hares, foxes, etc) and 120 bird “Korakofolia” and “Megalo al for climbing. For information species (many of which are en- Armeni”). Moreover, one can GETTING THERE: contact the Greek Federation visit the luxury hotel “Mont for Hiking-Climbing tel. 210 demic); while more than 800 If you use your own , kinds of herbs and plants occur, Parnes” and challenge his luck 3645904) 102 follow the National Road 103 (including 17 % of the flora of in the casino. towards Lamia and take a left THE SIGHTS: THE turn at the Parnitha exit. SIGHTS: The road leading to the top The Penteli Monastery. The follows a picturesque route, wealthiest and biggest Frourio Filis. This with many turns. If you do not monastery in Greece, Penteli fortress is located on want to take your car to the Monastery was founded in 1578 the west slope of the by Archbishop Timotheos. It is top, park at the foot of the mountain. It was dedicated to the Dormition of mountain and take the built during the 4th the Virgin. A number of build- century B.C in a funicular (tel. 210 2421234). ings were added to the original strategic position Bus number 714 from Vathi structure. Sections of the origi- with an unobstructed Square (Athens) reaches the nal building were later recon- view, replacing an top of the mountain in about structed. Recently a multitude older one nearby. SE two hours. of new buildings were added of the fortress along for the monks staying at the the road leading to monastery. Visitors may see the Athens, there are still 2 MOUNT PΕΝΤΕLI original hospital, fountain and visible chariot wheel some of the cells. Penteli is a densely vegetated tracks. mountain with springs and at- Palace of the Duchess of Spileo Panos. (Cave tractive locations. From the top, Plaisance. Impressive 19th cen- of God Pan) is locat- you have a spectacular view of tury mansion which looks like ed near Frourio Filis, the city as well as the Euboean a gothic castle and was built for 150. Climbing it is accessible via a Bay. Penteli is a well known S. de Marbois-Lebrun, known the craggy rocks stream, by climbing source of marble, as the as the “Duchess of Plaisance”. of Parnitha. a rough slope. It was Pentelic Marble was the main The building which now hous- DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA HYMETTOS

es the Byzantine and Christian is the most popular destination plex, which has been pre- Museum was also built for her in the vicinity of Athens, com- served, includes a four-side ( page 95). From time to bining natural beauty with a fort-style court, two wings with time, artistic events take place multitude of archaeological buildings and a main church, in the courtyard of the palace. finds and important Byzantine built in cruciform style, with However, you may find the monasteries. interesting frescoes of the 16th building closed, due to repairs century. A domed cistern with that are currently under way THE SIGHTS: a fountain from the period of (tel. 210 8042575). Turkish occupation is pre- The Ayios Ioannis Kynigos served. The monastery has Monastery. Located at the been designated a historical GETTING THERE: northern peak of Hymettos, monument (open 08:00-15:00). Take trolley Νο 19 from with a view of Athens and the Mesogeia Plain, the monastery The Monastery. Built Athens (Vassileos Irakleiou was possibly built in the 12th in the 11nd century AD, the Str, in the vicinity of the century. Only the central monastery is located in an idyl- Archaeological Museum) to church (built of plinth), which lic location on the slopes of Halandri Square, and change has been modified, and the Mount Hymettos, nearby to local bus line 451 and get main entrance (13th century), Kaisariani suburb. According to off at bus stop “Monastiri”. remains of the old monastery. Greek mythology, the god Also, using metro line 1, get The monastery accommodates Hephaistos often came here. The riverbed of the river Ilisos, Monastery is an excellent start- off at “Maroussi”station and a women’s commune. Access to ing point for a hiking trip. 104 the monastery from Agia the sacred river of Aphrodite, is 105 from there take local bus line located on a hill above the 446 (Amaroussio Station – Paraskevi (open 8:00-12:00 pm Ayios Ioannis Kareas Monastery. monastery. The monastery was The monastery, founded in Penteli Hospital). and 16:00-19:00). built on the ruins of a roman 1550, is located a few hundred The Ayios Ioannis Theologos and late . metres from the Kareas area. Monastery. The monastery is lo- Four columns of the ancient The main church, a two-storey 3 MOUNT cated in the vicinity of the temple now support the dome wing of cells and a small one- HYMETTOS perimeter of the sub- of the church. In the late 12th floor building on the northern urb. You can get there via century and early 13th century side is all that remains of the Mount Hymettos is located Anastaseos Str. The monastery the monastery prospered and old complex. After the 1970’s south of the Athens basin. It is was built on the site of an an- became an influential cultural major reconstruction work was linked to the . cient building (you will find and spiritual centre. The church done on the old monastery and Sanctuaries have been built here, among others, ancient of the monastery, dedicated to a new two-floor wing of cells here since antiquity (among the presentation of the Virgin column capitals, pedestals). was built. It is a women’s others, the sanctuaries of Zeus Mary, is built in the Hellenic The main cruciform church, is monastery (opening hours and Pan). Moreover, in the cruciform style, and decorated dated to the late Byzantine pe- 08:00-12:00 and 16:00-20:00). western side were marble riod (13th- 15th century). The with frescoes of the 16th centu- mines. Marble was used for the monastery accommodates a ry. On the western wall of the Panos Cave (Nymfolyptou). construction of monuments in women’s commune. It is closed yard you will find a spring. The Located in the southeastern the Hellenistic and roman peri- at mid-day (12:00-16:00). water gushes from the mouth area of the mountain (3 kilo- ods. Hymettos has abundant of a marble goat. Formerly it metres north of the suburb of vegetation and a large variety The Asteriou Monastery. was thought that the water Vari). It was dedicated to Pan. of fauna and flora. In the past Located north of Ayios Ioannis cured infertility. It is thought The deity was worshiped there few decades, the state has in- Theologos, on a wooded slope, that they have “magic” qualities. from 600 BC to 150 AC. Worth troduced special measures to Asteriou Monastery is thought There is a spring at the stoup, a seeing are the unique sculp- protect the important ecology to have been founded in the sanctuary on the northwest wall tures and epigrams preserved 151. Kaisariani of Mount Hymettos. Hymettos 5th century. The building com- of the yard. Kaisariani on engravings in the rocks. The Monastery. DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA THE

Byzantine history. The . However, according to prophets of the Old Testament. Monastery is thought to be the another myth, the place was The Assumption of the Virgin. most important Byzantine named after the The mosaic is half destroyed. It monument in the Athens area, Daphne, who escaped to the is located on the western wall while the mosaics are thought location from the god of the Church. Notice the angel to be masterpieces of the gold- and was metamorphosed into a descending from the sky to re- en age of Byzantine art. laurel bush. ceive the soul of the Virgin. He Built on hallowed THE SIGHTS: is thoughtful. His hands are gra- ground. In the 2nd century ciously covered by fabric. AD, the geographer The mosaics. Daphni is famous Diomedes Botanical Garden . referred to the Temple of for its unique and beautiful mo- It’s located near the monastery. Daphnaios or Daphneios saics, created in the 11th centu- It’s the biggest of its kind in the Apollo, located in a sacred lau- ry AD. You will see them on Eastern Mediterranean, with a rel thicket, by the Iera Odos the walls, the dome, the arms total area of 465 acres. More most important is an epigram (Iera Odos in Greek means of the cross, the roof and the than 3,000 species of trees and by the sculptor Archedimos. Sacred Road), leading from altar. Seventy-six of the subjects flowers, originating from Archaeologists researching the Athens to Eleusina. The Goths of the mosaics refer to the life Greece and abroad, are planted multiple finds (among others, destroyed the temple in 395 of Christ and the Virgin Mary. in 50 acres, while the rest of it clay oil lamps, stone offerings) AD. Later, the Byzantine em- Moreover, you can see mosaics preserves to a great extent its deduced that the cave was used perors banned idolatry. The depicting saints and prophets. forestal character Christians acquired the location as a place of worship also in Christ Pantokrator. The central (free entrance from 401 Iera 106 the Christian period. and built a church, using the Odos, tel. 210 5811557). 107 materials of the old temple. figure on the dome is the Pan - The Botanical Garden. Some They selected this location be- to krator, encompassed by a cir- cle symbolising the sky, while 5 kilometres from the centre cause it was on the road to GETTING THERE: of Athens, you can enjoy a walk the golden font symbolises Eleusina, where the idolaters Bus number 812 to in an area with 3 million pine held the Paradise. Pantokrator’s face is departs from trees, cypress trees, fir trees, ( page 115). In 1100 AD austere. He looks at the people Koumoundourou Square. poplar trees, plane trees, and a new octagonal church was on earth and judges their ac- oak trees. Moreover, in the built. The monastery was modi- tions. He is surrounded by the Botanical Garden are thousands fied several times before the of birds and wild flora. It is the 19th century. In the Greek ideal scene for a long walk and Revolution it was refuge a picnic. You will find picnic ta- of Greek freedom fighters. bles and benches, after about 20 minutes of walking from The myths. According to Kaisariani Monastery. mythology, the location was named after the ancient temple and the laurel thicket. 4 THE DAPHNI ONASTERY According to another myth, Μ Daphni was named after Queen Well worth your visit is the Daphne, whose boat was ship- Daphni Monastery (11 kilome- wrecked near the port of tres from Athens, near the Eleusina. Queen Daphne was Haidari suburb, the Athens - saved, and as an expression of 153. Detail of the unique Highway), which is gratitude to the god Apollo, she mosaics 152. The slopes linked to ancient mythology, built the temple. The temple of the Daphni of Hymettos. the classical period, and was later destroyed by the Monastery. DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA PIRAEUS

5 PIRAEUS (PIREAS) completed the fortification, THE SIGHTS: building the , which Freatyda area parts of the an- Most people have heard at least protected both sides of the 1 The Central port. The an- cient Walls of Piraeus (the once the song “The youth road from Piraeus to Athens. cient name of the central port coastal section) are preserved. of Piraeus,” composed by In the Middle Ages, Piraeus was was Kantharos. At present it is M. Hadjidakis, with Melina named Porto Leone, after a gi- the centre of the city. You will 2 The Zea marina. In this ma- Mercouri singing in the film ant stone lion, guarding the en- find here ships to all the rina, some of the most impres- “Never on Sunday.” However, trance of the harbour. Today it of the Aegean (excepting for sive yachts and cruise ships an- many people don’t know the is the main port of Athens, the the Sporades) and . Walk chor. At the seafront are restau- place, which the film and the biggest port in Greece, one around and look at the passen- rants, tavernas, bars and shops, movie made famous – the city of the leading ports in the ger and freight ships, and the catering to the needs of passen- and port of Piraeus. Mediterranean, an important arrivals and departures of mer- gers. You will find Flying centre of the merchant marine, chandise and people from the Dolphins (hovercrafts) serving The history of Piraeus. industry and transportation. entire world. On Vasiliades lines to the Argosaronikos Gulf. Piraeus is encompassed almost The centres of Piraeus are its Coast the new modern building Adjacent to the Archaeological on all sides by sea. The pace of three ports: the central port, of the Ministry of Commercial Museum is the Ancient Theatre life of Piraeus is linked to the the Zea marina, and Shipping, is erected. In the of Zea (4th - 3rd century BC). sea. In antiquity it was an is- Mikrolimano. land. Travellers were ferried across to the mainland (in ancient Greek the word for ferried is 108 diepairounto). That per- 109 haps explains the origin of its name. The architect Hippodamus designed the urban planning of Piraeus in the mid 5th century BC. Hippodamus plans were used as the guidelines for the recon- struction of the city in 1834. was the first person to realise the importance of the role the city could play for Athens. He made Piraeus Athens’s leading port, relegating the Bay of Faliron, which the Athenians used before the 5th century BC. 154. The Zea Seeking to develop a for- harbour tified port for the city of (or Pasalimani) is one of the Athens, from 493 to 479 central locations BC he built the wall of of the city Piraeus. Later of Piraeus. DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA PIRAEUS

155. Piraeus: 156. Municipal The renovated Theatre. Pireas metro station.

of 2.35 m) , the bronze, ancient GETTING THERE: tragedy mask of the 4th centu- You can take the metro and ry BC (Rooms 3-4), the sanctu- ary of Cybele (room 5), the get off at the station “Pireas.” 3 Mikrolimano. The port was galleries and balconies) of total There are bus lines from capacity of 1,300 spectators. collection of tomb sculptures protected by the goddess Athens to Akti Xaveriou in Mounihia Artemis. At present it The outside area is one of the (room 6) and the monument Piraeus. One line has its is a popular location, attracting most frequented places, a meet- of bearing a height 110 terminus at Syntagma Square 111 people from all over Attica. It is ing place of residents of Piraeus. of 7m (rooms 7-8). (number 040) and another a beautiful little harbour with 8 6 The I.S.A.P. station (metro The Nautical Museum. fishing boats, small boats and line has its terminus at Athinas station “Pireas”). The stately The Nautical Museum is located luxury yachts. If you like fish and Str in the Omonia Square area eclectic building with the at Akti Moutsopoulou. Its exhi- seafood, have lunch or dinner at (number 049). arched dome (1929), replicates bits cover about 3,000 years one of its famous tavernas. the relevant European stations of Greek nautical history. 4 Kastella. An elegant and of the period. Recently the inte- popular neighbourhood of rior was completely renovated. Piraeus, built on a hill also On one of the walls are dis- known as Profitis Ilias. Walk to played the works of the students the top of the hill, and admire of the School of Fine Arts. the alleys with picturesque 7 The Archaeological Museum. houses. The view of the main It features mostly sculptures port, Zea and Mikrolimano is found in Piraeus at the coast of unique. In the area is the open- Attica. The exhibits, presented air theatre “Veakeio,” which in 10 halls, relate to the history, hosts important cultural events and the rise and fall of the an- in summer. cient city. Notice the bronze tri- 5 The Municipal Theatre. It dent-shaped piston of a trireme, dominates one of the central the metrological bas-relief squares (Korai Square). It was (room 1), the four rare bronze built in the 1890’s in the neo- statues discovered in Piraeus classical style by architect I. La - in 1959 (the Ancient Kouros za rimos and has a horseshoe Apollo, two statues of Artemis, shaped, Italian style hall (pit, Athena of Piraeus with a height DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA SOUNIO

157. The ruins The temple of goddess Athena. a multitude of traditional cafes of the temple Worth your visit is the temple and fish taverns, with delicious of Poseidon. of Athena Sounia, located at a snacks. Some 4 kilometres distance of 400 metres from north of Lavrio is the archaeo- the temple of Poseidon. You logical site of Thorikos, οne of will find here the substructures the oldest settlements of Attica. of two temples: a large temple Excavations have revealed the built at around 470 BC or dur- most ancient theatre within the ing the Hellenic territory, parts of the (431-404), and a small temple. settlement, metal work facilities, Archaeologists have diverging a 4th century B.C tower, ceme- opinions regarding the small teries and a sanctuary of god- temple: some believe it is the dess . In the area en- ruin of an old temple dedicated compassed by Lavrio and to Athena, and built in the peri- Sounio is the Sounio National od 600-550 BC, other believe Park, with natural archaeological the temple was dedicated to and cultural attractions. Artemis.

6.1 LΑVRΙΟ GETTING THERE: Located approximately 9 kilo- Two bus lines link Sounio to metres northeast of Sounio is Athens: one route via, the 112 113 coastal road of Varkiza and 6 SΟUΝΙΟ Lavrio, a small picturesque town with a multitude of neoclassical Legrena, and another via the The sanctuary of Sounio (the houses and mansions, which THE SIGHTS: inland of Attica, namely Agia famous temple of Poseidon is was famous in antiquity for its Paraskevi, Koropi and Lavrio. here) is the most important mines. The mines of Lavrio The Temple of Poseidon. At this The terminus of both bus lines sanctuary of Attica. Situated at a closed in the 1970’s. At the site the ancient Greeks wor- is located at Mavromataion Str unique site (cape Sounio) the perimeter of the city is the shipped the god of the sea, in the vicinity of Pedion tou sanctuary is one of the major Technological Cultural Park of Poseidon. Preserved are 15 sights of Greece. It is one Lavrio, including industrial units Areos in Athens (tel. Doric style columns (originally hour’s drive from the centre of of the period 1875-1940. Worth 210 8230179). Moreover, tra - there were 34). The temple was Athens (68 km). The route to a visit is the Mineralogical vel agents organise day trips built during the Golden Age of Sounio follows the coastline of Museum (Andr. Kordelas to the temple of Poseidon. Pericles on the ruins of a pre- the Saronic Gulf passing through Avenue). At the seafront are ceding temple. We do not know the tourist resorts of Varkiza, who the architect is. However, it Ayia Marina, Lagonissi, Saronida, is thought that it is the architect Anavissos, et al. Look out of the who designed the Theseion. window of your car or bus and you will enjoy the sparkling Its dimensions were 31.12 x blue sea. If you travel by car, 13.47m.; it had a frieze with a you can stop and go for a swim sculpted decoration above the in a organised beach or one of architrave of the vestibule. the beautiful little bays located Following an examination of the at many places on your way. finds unearthed in the area ar- 158. Blue sky You will also find here a multi- chaeologists have deduced that and blue sea tude of cafes, tavernas serving Poseidon was worshipped here are joined at fresh fish and ouzo restaurants. before the 5th century BC. Cape Sounion. DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA ELEUSINA

159. View she requested that a temple be THE SIGHTS: of the sanctuary built in her honour. She re- of Eleusina. mained in the temple, devastat- The Archaeological site. During ed by the loss of her daughter. your visit, bear in mind that the The following year, not a seed greater part of the area was ava- grew on the world. Zeus was ton – a place inaccessible to the worried. He sent Hermes to ap- uninitiated - many centuries. peal to Pluto. A compromise Worth seeing are the remains was reached: Persephone of the Telestirion (ceremonial would remain in the kingdom chamber), also known as the of Pluto 1/3 of the year, and the Iero ton Mystirion, located in remaining time she could stay the centre of the area, the Ieri with her mother. Overjoyed, Avli (Sacred Courtyard), the Demeter allowed the plants Great and Small Propylaea, and and flowers to grow, and the Ploutoneio. earth became fruitful. The Archaeological Museum. Displayed at the Museum of Eleusina are the finds of the The Mysteries of digs of the sanctuary and the Eleusina. The Eleusinian western cemetery. Worth see- mysteries were named mys- ing is the Early-Attic Amphora Demeter and Persephone. teries because the most im- 114 7 ΕLEUSINA of Eleusina (650 BC). The neck 115 The citizens of Eleusina wor- portant part of the event, () of the amphora is decorated shipped Demeter, the goddess involved intense mysticism. by a depiction of the blinding Located 23 kilometres west of of nature, spring and agricul- We don’t know much about of the Cyclops Polyphimos by Athens, it was founded in the ture. The myth of Demeter and the worship of Demeter by Ulysses. On the main body of 2nd millennium BC; the sanctu- her daughter Persephone is, thousands of people over the amphora, Perseus beheads ary became pan-Hellenic in the like most myths, allegorical. It 15 centuries. The Great Medousa. Also worth seeing is 8th century BC. Today, the city refers to the rebirth of plant Eleusinian Mysteries had the Kori from the pediment has mainly industrial character life, following its “death” in their starting point in of the Ieri Oikia - Sacred House with obvious however indica- winter, and the eternal longing Eleusina. The remarkable (490-480 BC). It is the statue of tions of its older attributes, for immortality. According to a procession moved on to a running maiden, her head such as the aristocratic houses hymn of the 7th century BC, Athens through the Sacred turned to the left. of the early 20th century one day the earth opened up in Way and headed by the (mainly on Pangalou Str and two, Pluto, the god of the un- priestess and the sacred West Cemetery. Located near Nicolaidou Str), as well as the derworld appeared, and seized symbols of the worship of the archaeological site, it was neighbourhoods with one- the young Persephone. He took Demeter. The Mysteries the most significant necropolis storey houses and the old in- her to his kingdom and made were concluded with cere- of the ancient city. A conglom- dustrial buildings. The district her his wife. Her mother monies in honour of the eration of prehistoric graves, around the harbour, where ru- looked for her in despair. She dead. After the ceremony, presumably belonging to the ins of the ancient breakwater looked for her nine days and Athenians returned to personage of the tragedy Hepta have been retrieved, is also of nights, without success. She ar- Athens. The Eleusinian mys- epi Thébas (Seven against interest. However, uninitiated rived despairing at the door - teries were abolished in the Thebes). visitors will not appreciate its step of the palace of Keleos, 4th century BC by the glorious past, the history and king of Eleusina. She became Byzantine emperor Roman Bridge. Located on the the mythology regarding the lo- the nurse of his son, not reveal- Theodosios. east entrance of the city (near cal gods, the deities and the ing that she is a goddess. When the highway Athens-Korinthos). worship thereof. her real identity was revealed, Dating to the 2nd century A.D DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA ATTICA ZOOLOGICAL PARK / MARATHON

160. The Attica it is made of stone 50 m. long rare animals of Greece (brown cation which has been declared Zoological Park and it was part of the Sacred GETTING THERE: bear, wolves, wild cats, Lynx a National Park), which has a is home to 27 Way. Also, in central parts of If you travel by car, take the pardinus, lutra-lutra, etc); the pine forest bordering on the reptile species, the city, sections of the Roman “African Savanna” (giraffes, ze- sandy shore. You can combine Athens-Corinth National 304 bird species Aqueduct (125 A.D) are pre- bras, antelopes, jaguars, snow a visit to Marathon with a visit and 50 mammal Road. The bus to Eleusina served. leopards, white lions, etc); the the archaeological area of species. (number A16 and B16) has section with the monkeys and Ramnounda. (12 kilometres 7.1 its terminus at Koumoun - apes and the “Forest of Monkeys” from Marathon). dourou Square in Athens. where visitors share the same The Archaeological Museum. The battle of Marathon. To reach Megara, you can use space with monkeys; the feline The main source of information 21 km. west of Eleusina is the section (tigers, servals, etc); the town of Megara. A significant the intercity bus service which regarding the battle of Mara - has its terminus at the section with the hippopotamus- thon is the ancient historian town in antiquity, it is the es, alligators, etc. The zoo is Thission metro station (tel. . According to birthplace of Euclides, open to the public daily from 210 32444448), or you can Herodotus, the Persian fleet Theognes and . Its 9:00 a.m. until sunset. decline started with the end of use the Suburban Railway (for disembarked 100,000 troops in the Peloponnesian War. Its in- more information, page Marathon in 490 BC. Facing teresting archaeological muse- this immense army were just 133). GETTING THERE: um houses terracotta and mar- 11,000 Greek troops (10,000 ble findings from the greater By bus (No 319 from the were from Athens and 1,000 from Plataiai). The Greeks, area, covering the chronologi- 8 ΑΤΤΙCA “Doukissis Plakentias” metro cal period from the 6th century station). By car via the Attiki thanks to the military genius of ZOOLOGICAL Miltiades, won the battle. 116 B.C. till the Roman era. Among Odos Motorway, exit 18 with 117 PΑRK (SPΑΤΑ) Following the victory, Feidippi - the most important exhibits are direction to (from the dis, an Athenian soldier, was the terracotta bust of Demeter One of the largest zoos in the airport) and exit 16P with Balkans spreading across sent to bring the good news to (5th century B.C.), a terracotta direction to (from female bust (5th cent. B.C.), a 128000 m2 in the area of the city. He ran all the way Eleusina). spout with the shape of a lion’s Yialou (Spata). A visit there is a from the field of battle to the head (around350 B.C.), a fe- unique experience especially Market of Athens. He said one male statue wearing a peplos - for children. It consists of: the word: Nenikikamen (we won), veil (325-300 B.C.), et al. “Ornithological Park” boasting 9 ΜΑRATHON collapsed and passed away. In the third largest collection of memory of the event, the mod- birds worldwide (1500 birds Well worth your visit is ern Marathon covers the dis- from 300 different species), Marathon, with an archaeologi- tance Feidippidis ran, and is farm animals and large cages- cal area and museum. Marathon symbolised in the opening cer- miniatures of three continents; the is one of the most beautiful lo- emony of the Olympic Games. “World of Reptiles” with cations in Attica. The way to pythons, boas, crocodiles, etc; Marathon is beautiful. On your THE SIGHTS: the “Greek Fauna” featuring way you will pass by fields, vineyards, olive groves, wild The Monument (Tomb) of vegetation, as well as man-made Marathon. Adjacent to the an- Lake Marathon with its impres- cient battle field, at a distance sive dam with marble coating, of one kilometre from built in 1929. All over this area Marathon’s beach, you will find you will find a multitude of a unique monument (Tomb), beautiful beaches where you 9m. tall and 50m. in diameter, can swim and sunbathe. The of the 192 Athenian soldiers most famous beach is Schinias who were killed in this famous (an exceptionally beautiful lo- battle. Nearby (at Mesospori - DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA AMPHIAREION

161. “Brexiza”. Next to the 10 ΑMPHIAREION and epigraphs. The temple is The Marathon museum, in a lodged located in the vicinity of a Archaeological area there is a Mid- Amphiaraos is one of the least spring, mentioned in the myth Museum: Hellenic cemetery well-known deities of ancient of Amphiaraos. It was built in clay vase of the (2000-1300BC) and in mythology. Nevertheless, he the Doric style in the 4th cen- Neolithic period was popular, and twelve tem- from the Cave proximity there is the tury BC. Most of the ruins in of Pan (). “Tymbos ton Plataeeon” ples and sanctuaries are known the area were dated to 6th cen- (tomb of Plataeeon) to have been dedicated to him. tury BC. which includes 11 His popularity was due to his graves of warriors magical and healing qualities. According to myth, he was not from Plataees who fell GETTING THERE: in the battlefield. born, but emerged from a spring, located near his temple, Amphiareion is located 48 9.1 RΑΜΝΟUS in the vicinity of . He kilometres from Athens. If you (Kato ) participated in the expedition have a car, take the Athens- of the Argonauts, and later in Lamia National road, and turn The name of the area the siege of Thebes by the is derived from the right on the road to Oropos. Argeans. In the latter Zeus in- word 'ramnos,' the name of a Two bus lines link Athens to tissa), the replica of the tervened, saving Amphiaraos’s variety of bushes which cover Oropos, both with a stop in tropaion (trophy) erected by life. The most important temple the area. In antiquity, Ramnous the vicinity of the the Athenians following the vic- dedicated to Amphiaraos is was known for its port and fort. Aphmiareion archaeological torious battle is found (frag- Amphiareion, located in a gorge In the archaeological area are area. Walk another 3 118 ments of the original are dis- on the border of Attica and 119 the ruins of two temples. The played at the Archaeological Boeotia. An ancient theatre kilometres from the bus stop Great temple was dedicated to Museum of Marathon). with a capacity of 3,000 domi- to the archaeological site. Nemesis, the goddess of Divine nates the area. Notice the five Two alternative bus lines link The Archaeological Museum Justice (it was the most impor- white marble seats around the Athens to Ayioi Apostoloi of Marathon. The museum is tant sanctuary of the goddess in

scene, with sculpted decoration small. It houses exhibits from ). The small nearby towns, as well as other temple was dedicated to periods and locations. Import - Themis, the goddess of Justice. ant finds of the Neolithic Age, Both temples were built in the such as the finds discovered at 5th century BC. The remains of Cave of the Pan in Oinoi, and a a fort, theatre, funerary monu- collection of columns, thought ments, among others, are pre- to have been built in the 2nd served. This archaeological site century BC, bas-relief portraits commands a unique view of and inscriptions coming from and the Euboean Gulf the Epavlis (mansion) of Herodes (Gulf of Evoikos). Aticcus (2nd century A.D) foung close by, are also on display. Also exhibited are finds from GETTING THERE: the Early Helladic (3000-2300 You can take the bus to B.C) cemetery found at the site of “Tsepi”, the Egyptian sanctu- Paralia Marathona, from ary of Isis (2nd century AD) Mavromataion Str (Aigyptou Square) near Paidio tou 162. Theatre and the Roman valaneion (cir- at Amphiareion cular bath, 2nd-4th Century Areos. Tel. 210 8210872. archaeological AD) found at the site of site. DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA VRAVRONA / NORTHWEST ATTICA

and brought their little girls to Koutouki Cave ranks among the 12 NORTHWEST 163. Vravrona: (get off at Oropos, at a the temple, where they spend most interesting and rich caves ATTICA at Arkton distance of 3.3 kilometres their childhood years serving in Greece. Located on the east- Collonade Resort area where many resided young from the archaeological site), her and participating in the fes- ern slope of Mount Hymettos, tivals organised there. The girls at an altitude of 540 metres, 4 Athenians have summer houses. girls dedicated and Oropos. You can get off to the goddess who went to the temple, were kilometres from in the It is an area of natural beauty the bus at the Markopoulo Artemis. called arktoi (bears). The festi- Mesogeia area, it has a total with large stretches of pine - cemetery, at a distance of 3 vals in honour of the goddess area of 3,800 square metres. woods and interesting moun- kilometres from the location. were called Vravronia. Musical tains (Kitheronas, , , You will find the terminus of performances, athletic competi- ) which are popular for the buses at Mavromataion Str tions and poetry readings were GETTING THERE: hiking and mountain activities. in Athens (Aigyptou Square) held, among other things, at Vravrona is located 38 With numerous beautiful tel 210 8230179. the festivals. kilometres from Athens. If you beaches ( page 132), tradi- tional villages (Alepohori, , have a car, take Mesogeion THE SIGHTS: Kriekouki or , etc.) and Avenue, and following the many hotels in all categories. 11 RAVRONA suburb of Ayia Paraskevi, take V Archaeological site. You will no- a turn right on the road Vravrona, with an interesting tice the co-existence of the ru- THE SIGHTS: archaeological site, is well ins of the ancient Greek temple to Markopoulo-. A bus line links the area worth a visit. On your way to of Artemis and a Christian Eleutheres. Ancient city of to Athens. It departs every Vravrona, you will travel church of the 15th century AD, Biotia, conquered by the hour from Mavromataeon Str through one of the most beauti- dedicated to Saint George. Athenians during the 6th centu- 120 121 ful areas of Attica, with green Unfortunately only the sanctu- (Pedio tou Areos, ry B.C. The archaeological site fields, vineyards, olive trees, ary of the ancient temple is tel. 210 8230179). (near the village Vilia) includes gentle mountainsides, and the preserved. Archaeologists have foundations of a 4th century coast of the blue Euboean Gulf. not determined the shape of In summer, if you don’t like the the original temple. Walk over heat, you can take a dip in the a bridge, built in the classical sea. Be sure to follow the sign- period, which leads, to the posts leading to Markopoulo temple, and visit the partially and Porto Rafti, then take a turn renovated colonnade. left at the sign for Vravrona. A The Museum. Small and inter- few kilometres inland is the ar- esting, the museum houses ex- chaeological site and the muse- hibit from the Vravron area and um on your left. , Perati and other ar- Artemis Vravronia. eas of Attica. These exhibits Vravrona was dedicated to cover the period from the Artemis, the goddess protector Bronze Age until the Roman of hunters, animals and the safe times. The most important birth of humans. Enraged by finds are the sculptures from the murder of two small female the sanctuary of Artemis. bears, Artemis caused an epi- demic in Athens. She requested that an oracle tell the Athenians 11.1 PAIANIA CAVE that all girls aged 5 to 10 living (Koutouki) in Attica were obliged to wor- With a large variety of rocks ship her. The Athenians obeyed and the multiformity of the sta- the command of the goddess lactites and stalagmites, DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA NIGHT LIFE

Ν IGHT L IFE

thens never your evening out at one of the 165. Asleeps. Some select restaurants or one of the The , people say that Athens distinctive Greek tavernas lo- an integral part is more vibrant at cated in every neighbourhood of Greek popular music. night. Ancient and mod- of the city. The atmosphere in ern Athens offers more Greek restaurants is relaxed opportunity for nightlife and friendly and the food is ex- than any other city. You cellent. You may go to a taver- have a lot of options: an- na with live bouzouki music, cient Greek in a the- or one of hundreds of atre dated to the period popular, modern the play was written, bars, clubs, disco- world famous orchestras bars and bars playing music ranging with live music, from Beethoven and jazz in featuring all vari- one of the most modern eties of music. concert halls of Europe, B.C temple, ruins of residences You can find bars in unique musical stages and clubs dating from until early GETTING THERE: all central areas, and all offering variety and creativity. the suburbs, (among others, 122 Christian years and ruins of two If you travel by car, take the 123 Kifisia, Faliro, Glyfada, early Christian Basilicas. Athens-Corinth National The capital of Athens offers Vouliagmeni, Voula, Varkiza). Situated on a rocky hill the Road and after Eleusina get off nightlife fans special nights out. fortress Gyftokastro (wall and follow the road to Mandra Whatever you choose to do, A night out at place with live perimeter 860 m.), dominates (approx. distances from you will discover that Athens bouzouki music is an unforget- the area. This fortress was inte- nightlife offers variety and table experience. During your Athens: Vilia 54 km, grated in the defense mecha- unique choice, making it possi- visit, you should go to a Alepohori 60 km, Erythres nism of Attica by the Athenians ble to enjoy throughout the bouzouki joint, listen to au- during the 4th century B.C. 61 km). You can also use the night. The only problem is that thentic Greek music, sing and intercity bus service. Buses to the following day you have to Aegosthenes Fortress. Located dance with the patrons in the Erythres, Porto Yermenό and see the sights… You can start near Porto Yermenό, it dates joint. Megara leave from the from the 4th - 3th century B.C. “Thission” metro station and is considered the best-pre- served ancient castle. Close to (tel. 210 3244448). the fortress are the foundations of a five-naved basilica (5th THE SARONIC cent. A.D.) with a mosaic floor, ISLANDS while on the castle’s acropolis one can see remnants of the Boats, ferries and flying dol- cells of a medieval cloister, as phins depart daily from the port well as a chapel from the same of Piraeus for the splendid is- 166. A classical period that is still being used. lands of the Saronic (Saroni ) music concert 164. , Gulf, Salamina, , Angistri, at the Odeion one of the most of Herodes Hydra, . beautiful islands and Atticus, below of the Saronic Moreover, tourist offices organ- the floodlit Gulf. ise daily cruises to the islands. Acropolis. SHOPPING IN ATHENS SHOPPING IN ATHENS

ets and fur hats, with classic S HOPPING IN A THENS and modern designs. You may also find bargain sou- venirs, hand made goods and The National Council of 167. Ermou bronze vases. Athens has been Social Welfare. Street is a very famous for its copper utensils, busy street most Here you will find valu- of the year. clay and ceramic goods since able hand made heavy It is the location the Archaic Age. The ideal carpets and rugs made on of a multitude place to find unique items of wooden looms, and a of well-known Greek ceramic art and pottery wide range of embroi- shops. is the suburb of Maroussi, dery, embroidered tapes- where most designers and ce- tries, hand made cushions ramicists have shops offering hand made goods. and bags, decorative wall embroideries and unique- You may also find bargain qual- ly charming, authentic de- ity woven wool and cotton signs of Greek popular art. jumpers with unique designs 14, Filellinon Str and leather goods and shoes Τel. 210 3250240-1, 197 made by Greek designers. You will find these items at Ermou ou will be surprised at the tions of ancient Greek jewels Str and Square. The Hellenic Organisation of 124 125 and traditional and modern de- Small Medium Sized Ybargains you will find in You will also find an abundance signs. Most of them are hand Enterprises and Handicrafts Athens. Golden and silver jew- of antiques in various shops in made by local craftsmen. (EOMMEX). ellery are popular, given the in- Kolonaki, Syntagma and ternational renown of Greek Moreover, at a multitude of Monastiraki. You may find vari- You will find here attrac- designers. A multitude of jew- Greek shops you can find silver 168. Modern ous kinds of antiques, such as tive, quality, and hand shopping centre ellers shops most of them lo- and turquoise filigrans, most of furniture, hand painted wood- made carpets. EOMMEX like this are them made in the city of cated in the Syntagma Square en trunks, attractive miniatures, found in most , in , with attrac- has established workshops and Kolonaki areas, have a and small decorative items. areas of Athens wide selection of reproduc- tive traditional motifs. in the country teaching and its suburbs. the art of traditional car- Worth a vitis is the Ilias pet making. You will be Lalaounis Jewellery Museum. impressed by the superb The Museum houses more than designs, the lively colours 3,000 designs of jewels. Some and quality of the materi- 45 collections representing the als used for EOMMEX car- history of Greek jewellery in- pets. In the shop at spired by the art and architec- Mitropoleos Str you will

ture of eleven civilisations, na- ture, technology and biology. find a large variety of de- signs and sizes. You are 169. At You may be interested in the sure to find a good bar- “Giousouroum, famous furs of , the gain. one of the most charming product of an craft that was 9, Mitropoleos Str perfected over the centuries. neighbourhoods Τel. 210 3252110 of Athens In the Syntagma Square area is you can find a multitude of fur shops offer- a multitude ing a wide range of coats, jack- of old objects. GREEK CUISINE AND WINE GREEK CUISINE AND WINE

seafood. The and fried octopus or any other GREEK CUISINE , are clean seas, abun- Greek dish, sitting in the shade dant in fish. Fresh fish fried on of a tree in a small taverna by AND WINE charcoal is a speciality. the seafront, on an Aegean is- land. Try to repeat the experi- The Greek attitude. Greeks reli- ence in your home country, reek cuisine has a unique The basic ingredients. Greek cui- giously preserved the custom of preparing the same dish, and flavour. During your stay in sine has four secrets. Good fresh gathering around the table to G helping yourself to the same Greece you will be pleasantly ingredients, the proper use of enjoy a meal or various appetis- drink. You may try it anywhere, surprised by culinary specialities. aromatic herbs and spices, the ers, (mezedes), with ouzo. but you will soon realise that “Mousaka,” “souvlaki,” “Greek famous Greek olive oil and sim- Having a meal with friends at the flavour is not the same. salad,” is all most people know plicity. Greek olive oil deserves home or at a restaurant or taver- Don’t try again. Your palate has of Greek cuisine. However, you a special mention. It accompa- na is a deeply rooted social not changed, nor is there some- will discover that Greek cuisine nies nearly all Greek dishes. It is habit. The Greek word sympo- thing lacking in your cooking comprises of a large variety of usually used in large measures. sium, recalling the ancient ori- skills. The Greek food-relishing dishes fully meeting the culinary Greece has high quality, healthy gins of Greece, translated word experience, in particular the appetites of meat-eaters and olive oil. The artificial cultivation for word means “drinking with combination of the food and vegetarians. of vegetables is not widespread company.” The atmosphere in in Greece because of the mild- the place where it is served, are This is not surprising consider- typical Greek restaurants and ness of the climate. Most unique, and cannot be exported ing that Greece is the tavernas is casual, relaxed and vegetables are cultivat- or imitated. It is simply some- country where sympo- informal. Food is prepared ac- ed in a natural way, thing you can find, taste and en- siums originated cording to fundamental rules. preserving their joy only in Greece. 126 and the homeland Good amateur cooks enjoy 127 aroma and taste. of the Epikureian great respect in their social cir- You will be de- philosophers. cle, while a good housewife in lighted by the Archestratos wrote Greece means a good cook. taste of Greek Greece, the country of the first cookbooks A good cook sometimes dedi- tomatoes, cab- Dionysos, the god of wine, in history in 330 BC cates days to the preparation of bage, carrots, is the home of the first Vins de reminding readers that a meal for his friends.. onions, parsley, and Qualite Produit Region cuisine is a mark of civili- garlic, not to mention fresh The general atmosphere. Try (VQPRD) wines in history. The sation. Greece has a gastronomic Greek fruit, such as, among oth- a glass of ouzo or wine with wines in question were from tradition of 4,000 years. ers, grapes, apricots, peaches, However, like most national cherries, melons, and water-mel- cuisines, Greek cuisine was in- ons. The aromatic herbs, which fluenced by neighbouring coun- most Greeks pick in the moun- tries, from the East and the West. tains or the country, have a unique flavour, aroma and thera- TRADITIONAL peutic qualities. You will be de- GREEK CUISINE lighted by the intoxicating aro- ma of oregano, thyme, mint, and Greek cuisine is unique because rosemary, in a large variety of it combines the following fea- dishes. Don’t forget to try Greek tures: unique ingredients, Greek cheeses, in particular, feta. Meat dietary habits, the custom of has unique flavour because 170. The making a meal a social event, sheep and goats graze on open enjoyment of a good meal with and the pleasant atmosphere of fields, and grazing meadows are friends is Greece. verdant. Mediterranean seafood adistinctive tastes much better than ocean Greek custom. GREEK CUISINE AND WINE INFORMATION

the islands of Hios and , are the appellations famous in antiquity. For a vari- Agialos and Rapsani. In the INFORMATION ety of historical and social rea- Athens area is the appellation of sons, and due to natural disas- Kantza. In the Peloponnese are GENERAL INFORMATION SEASONS ters, the art of wine-making de- the appellations of , clined from the mid-19th cen- Mantineia, and . In the Greece is located in south-eastern We recommend that you visit tury to the early 1960’s. Then is the appellations Europe. Greece has a population of Athens any season. The tourist sea- 11,262.000 people. Greece, a son is from April to October, peak- the traditional customs of wine- Rombola Cephalinias. In the is- Presidential, Parliamentary ing in August. making revived. Today you can lands of , Limnos, , , acceded to the find a multitude of excellent and Santorini are the appella- European Union in 1981. NATIONAL HOLIDAYS Greek wines from every region tions (Paros, Limnos, Rhodes Athens is located in the Attica pre- of the country. When you taste and Santorini). In Crete are the fecture, in particular in the Attica New Year’s Day: 1 January. Greek wine, bear in mind that appellations of origin, Arkanes, basin, which is encompassed by Epiphany: 6 January. Consecration it is the produce of excel- Peza, Siteia and Daphnes. Mount Aegaleo, Mount Parnitha, of the waters in the Piraeus area. Mount Penteli and Mount The Cross is cast in the sea and lent harvest, made from Finally the last two Hymettos. Athens, the suburbs and young men dive in to retrieve it. varieties of grape un- categories, i.e. the local the neighbouring town of Piraeus Shrove Monday: 41 days before known to Western and table wines, offer constitute an urban entity (greater Easter. The commencement of lovers of wine. wine lovers pleasant, urban complex of the capital) with Lenten fasting. On Shrove Monday Greek wines are classi- exhilarating flavours. a population of about 4 million res- Greeks fly kites, fast, and celebrate idents. fied in the following four the Shrove Monday feast. Athenians The Vineyard of Attica. gather mainly at Hill categories: CURRENCY: The national currency Attica is a traditional high of Greece since January 1, 2001, is and other high grounds. 128 1) Controlled Appellation of quality wine producing region. the euro. You can exchange cur- Independence Day and the 129 Origin The total area of Attica’s vine- rency at the airport, at private cur- Annunciation: 25 March. rency exchanges, and banks. 2) Superior Quality yards is 16,346 acres. The differ- Military Parade. Appellation of ent varieties of grapes cultivated DIALLING CODE: The internation- Easter: Good Friday to Easter Bank al dialling code of Greece is +30. Holiday. On Good Friday in the af- Origin are: Savvatiano, Athiri, Bilana, white Moshato, Roditis, : Athens time is seven ternoon churches decorate an epi- 3) Local wine taph. The procession of the Asurtiko, Robola, Alexadreias hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, two hours ahead of Epitaph is joined by people hold- 4) Table wine Moshato, Amvourgou Moshato, Greenwich Mean Time, and one ing candles and singing psalms on Controlled appellation of origin. Fileri, Malagouzia (Greek white hour ahead of Central European the streets of every town and vil- lage in the country. Listed in the category are only wines), Mandilaria, Agiorgitiko Time. Resurrection: sweet wines, such as the (Greek red wines), Chardonnay, CLIMATE: Athens has a mild cli- Celebrated with fire- Sauvignon blanc, Ugni blanc, mate, with sunshine more than 260 works and flares at midnight, on Mavrodaphne of Cephalonia the eve of Easter. and Patra, the Moshato of Semillon (Foreign white wines) days a year. and Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Easter Day: According to custom, on Patras, Limnos, Cephalonia and The average monthly temperature Easter Day, Greeks eat spited lamb. Rodos, and the Sweet wine of Carignan, Syrah, Tempranillo is: The festivities include music and (foreign red wines). Also the . Month Temperature in C dancing. area of Eastern Attica (Mesogeia) May Day: 1 May. A multitude of Listed in the category of superi- January 10.3 is well known for its Retsina, February 10.6 flower shows in Athens. or quality appellation of origin are a popular wine which accompa- March 12.3 The Dormition of the Virgin: some of the best wines of nies superbly the dishes of the April 15.9 On 15 August. Greece. Some 20 locations have Mediterranean cuisine. May 20.7 28 October: National holiday. been designated appellation of June 25.2 Military parade. origin. In Northern Greece are For more information please ad- July 28.0 Christmas: 25-26 December. August 27.8 the appellations Zitsa, dress the Assosiation of Attica’s September 24.2 OTHER TRADITIONAL Amyntaio, Goumenisa and vineyard wine producers. October 19.5 HOLIDAYS: Naousa. In Halkidiki is the ap- Tel. 210 6038019 November 15.4 Carnival: Carnival festivities of 3 pellation Playies Melitona. In website: www.enoaa.gr December 12.0 weeks duration, ending on Shrove INFORMATION INFORMATION

Monday. In Athens the main braries etc.). Also in most neigh- tel. 210 3536899 nesses. Tourist Police speak foreign Carnival festivities are held in bourhoods and outskirts , in E.L.P.A.: 395, Mesogeion Avenue languages. Officers wear the in- Plaka. Peiraias and other parts of Attica tel. 210 6068800 signia “Tourist Police” on the shoul- operate a lot of internet cafés. der. For tourist information dial 171 Wine Feast: Organised by a multi- E.L.P.A. Road Assistance: tel. 10400 tude of municipalities. any time and day, at any location in Nautical Week: Celebrated in THE POST OFFICE HEALTH CARE: the country. Phaliron. Emergency Number: tel. 166 Athens Tourist Police Station: : Celebrated 50 days after The signposts of post offices and Emergency hospitals, pharmacies, 43-45, Veikou Str, Easter. post office boxes are usually bright doctors: tel. 1434 (in Greek) tel. 210 9200724-26-27-29-30-32 yellow. Athens post offices are open Medical information in Greek and Piraeus Tourist Police Station: from Monday to Friday from 07:30 Xaveriou Str EMBASSIES - CONSULATES English: tel. 210 8983146 to 14:00. Three post offices listed tel. 210 4290664-5 below have longer opening hours. Medical emergency help line: For information regarding tel. 210 7460000 2, Mitropoleos Str, Syntagma Sq. Embassies and Consulates, enquire SOS Doctors: tel. 1016 at the Greek National Tourism tel. 210 3319501, 210 3226253 HOTELS National Blood donation centre: Organisation or: Open: weekdays from 07:30-20:00 In Athens and the greater Athens tel. 210 2410000 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Saturdays from 07:30-14:00 area (including the suburbs, Public Information Center 3, Sundays from 09:00-13:30 Poisoning centre: Piraeus, and Attica), are more than Akadimias Str (ground floor) 100, Aiolou Str (near Omonia tel. 210 7793777 700 lodgings of all categories, with tel. 210 3682048, fax 210 3682474 Sq.) tel. 210 3216024, 210 3247690 AIDS help line: a total capacity of about 63,000 email: [email protected] Open: weekdays from 07:30-20:00 tel. 210 7222222 beds. Most of the lodgings have website: www.mfa.gr Saturdays from 07:30-14:00 (Mon - Fri 09:00-21:00) been renovated and modernised opening hours 8 π.μ.-6 μ.μ. 60, Mitropoleos Square. Social and Psychological emergency recently and have high quality, tel. 210 3218143 help line: modern facilities. ABBREVIATIONS Open: weekdays from 07:30-20:00 tel. 197 (24-h service) The Hotel Chamber of Greece: Closed on Saturdays - Sundays. 24, Stadiou Str, 105 64 Athens 130 FIRE BRIGADE: tel. 199 131 You will come across a multitude of Hellenic Post Office (EL.TA): infor- tel. 210 3310022-6, 210 3237193 Greek abbreviations during your fax: 210 3225449 mation tel. 800 11 82000 TOURIST INFORMATION visit in Athens. website: www.elta-net.gr email: [email protected] ΕΟΤ: Greek National Tourism website: www.grhotels.gr Organisation Domestic-International Telegrams: GREEK NATIONAL TOURISM tel. 136 ORGANISATION (E.O.T.) The Hellenic Hoteliers Association ELPA: Automobile and Touring (P.O.X.): Post Office Phone Service (“Door to Central Office: 7, Tsoha Str Club of Greece 24, Stadiou Str, 105 64 Athens Door”): tel. 800 11 83000 (toll free) 115 21 Athens, tel. 210 8707000, ELTA: Hellenic Post Office tel. 210 3312535-6, 210 6073000 (only from mobile 210 8708088, 1572 KTEL: Inter-urban domestic buses fax: 210 3230636 phones) email: [email protected] OASA: Athens Urban Transport email: [email protected] website: www.visitgreece.gr Organisation Parcels: website: www.pox.gr tel. 210 5249359 “Eleftherios Venizelos” airport OSE: Hellenic Railways The Hellenic Union of Campsite information centre: Organisation Owners: OTE: Hellenic Telecommunications tel. 210 3530445-447 EMERGENCY NUMBERS 9, Mavromihali Str, 106 73 Athens Organisation fax: 210 3532334 tel. 210 3621560 POLICE: email: [email protected] General Police Headquarters of Attica: fax: 210 3621918 ELECTRIC CURRENT Greek National Tourism Organisation 173, Alexandras Avenue email: [email protected] Offices Abroad: For Greek National website: www.greececamping.org The standard electric current in tel. 210 6476000 Tourism Organisation Offices en- The Greek Youth Hostel Organisation: Greece is 220V (50Hz) alternating Emergency number: tel. 100 quire at the Organisation’s central 75, Damareos Str current. Drugs Squad: office or visit the web page tel. 210 7519530, 210 7510616 tel. 109, 210 6476215, 210 6447534 www.visitgreece.gr email: [email protected] INTERNET Athens Traffic Police: TOURIST POLICE: tel. 210 5284000 In many parts of central Athens A department of the Greek Police TOURIST ORGANISATIONS (Syntagma square, , Piraeus Police Headquarters: (EL.AS), manned by specially the area of Thisssio etc.) there is 37, Iroon Polytechneiou Str trained men and women, providing ORGANISED free wireless internet connection tel. 210 4174471 information and assistance to TOURS-EXCURSIONS: available (information: Piraeus Traffic Police: tourists. The Tourist Police are au- For organised tours of Athens, the www.athenswifi.gr), as well as in tel. 210 4139263-4 thorised to settle minor disputes Attica area, the islands of the other public areas (museums, li- Airport police: between tourists and tourist busi- Saronic Gulf, and other areas of INFORMATION INFORMATION

Greece (among others, , ronment. For the programme visit tel. 210 8960012-4 of (105 km west of Athens, Mykines, Epidavros, Meteora, the website: www.blueflag.org fax: 210 8960415 in Pelopon nese), with intermediate Northern Greece) contact the stops. At the stations you will find ORGANISED BEACHES (with en- Zeas Piraeus marina: Greek National Tourism timetables with detailed informa- try ticket): Grand Beach Lagonissi, tel. 210 4559000, fax: 210 4559031 Organisation or: tion. Asteria Seaside, Asteras Lavrion Olympic marina: Website: www..gr The Hellenic Tourist and Travel Agents Vouliagmenis Plage, Vouliagmenis tel. 22920 63700 Association: Lake, Attica Vouliagmenis Beach, For further information regarding ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIR- 11, Iosif Rogon Str, 117 42 Athens Voula Beach A´, Varkiza Beach, PORT “Eleftherios Venizelos”: tel. 210 9223522 marinas contact the Greek National Aghiou Kosma Beach, Voula Beach Tourism Organisation or 190 19 Spata, Greece fax: 210 9233307 ´ tel. 210 3530000 B , . Tourist Development Enterprises email: [email protected] fax: 210 3530001 (E.T.A.): website: www.hatta.gr OTHER BEACHES: 7, Voulis Str, 105 62 website: www.aia.gr. Athens CAR RENTAL: In the Athens area Southern Attica: Batis and Edem The Suburban Railway and the (Paleo Faliro), Vouliagmeni – tel. 210 3339516, metro links the airport to Athens. are many reliable car rental compa- fax: 210 3339507 nies, most of them located at Deftero Limanaki; Anavyssos – Moreover, bus lines linking the Eden and Thymari; Sounio (KAPE, email: [email protected], website: airport to the greater Athens urban Syngrou Avenue. For information www.tourism-development.gr regarding car rentals contact: Legraina, Temple of Poseidon, complex: Sounio-Poseidonia Coast), Hellenic Car Rental Association: number X95 (to Syntagma, Athens), Patroclos Island. 31, Viltanioti, Str. Kato Kifissia, PUBLIC TRANSPORT X96 (to Piraeus), X92 (to Kifissia), Eastern Attica: Kerateas beach X93 (to the inter-city bus terminal), 145 64 Athens URBAN BUS AND TROLLEY tel. 210 6264281 (Kakia Thalassa), Porto Rafti X94 (to metro stop “Ethniki Amyna”) (Avlaki-Aghia Marina, Erotospilia), LINES: For information on bus and and X97 (to metro stop “Dafni”). fax: 210 6264289 trolley lines call tel. 185 (in Greek); email: [email protected] Vravrona-Artemis ( Hamolia, Aghiou Olympic Air: Nikolaou Artemidos Beach); Rafina You can visit the 20 most signifi- website: www.steea.gr cant monuments of Athens by using Information - reservations (Marikes Plage, Kokkino Limanaki); tel. 210 3550500, 801 8010101 YACHT BROKERS: Nea Makri (Zoumberi, Mati, Paralia bus line 400, which every 30 min- utes makes a tour of the historical website: www.olympicair.com 132 For yacht rentals contact the follow- Neas Makris); Marathon (Schinias – 133 ing organisations: centre of the city, starting from the Aegean Airlines: Karavi, Dikastika, Ramnountas, Information - reservations Hellenic Yacht Brokers and Archaeological Museum. The total Sesi). tel. 801 11 20000 (from a landline) Consultants Association: duration of the tour is 80-90 min- Office A1 Northern Attica: Oropos (Ayioi 210 6261000 (from mobile phones in Zea Marina, 185 36, Piraeus utes, while taped information con- Apostoloi, Paralia Kalamou, cerning the various monuments is only) tel. 210 4533134 Oropos-Nea Palatia, Pigadakia website: www.aegeanair.com fax: 210 4599563 being provided (website Halkoutsiou). www.oasa.gr). email: [email protected] Western Attica: Porto Yermeno, HELLENIC RAILWAYS ORGANI- website: www.hyba.gr Psatha, Alepoxoti, , Strava, : SATION (O.S.E.): Hellenic Association of Leisure Craft Shinos. The Urban planning of the nation’s 1-3, Karolou Str, information on Owners: Ktirio Dioikisis Marina capital, provides one of the most domestic and international train Zeas Marina, 185 36 Piraeus sumptuous, cleanest subway sys- schedules: tel. 1110 tel. 210 4526335 MARINAS tems in Europe which is continu- website: www.ose.gr ously expanding. At every stop you fax: 210 4280465 In Attica are 6 marinas, with a total SEA TRANSPORT: website: www.hpyoa.gr can find a table with all the lines capacity of about 3,000 boats. Information on schedules: Alimos marina: and routes of the metro trains. Website: www.ametro.gr tel. 14944 (for Greek) BEACHES tel. 210 9.80000, fax: 210 9853151 tel. 14541 (for English) website: www.alimos-marina.gr In the southern suburbs of Athens, : Central Pireaus Harbour Police: along the Saronic Gulf (from the P. Floisvos marina: Connects the centre of Athens tel. 210 4226000 Phaliron area to Vouliagmeni), and tel. 210 9871000-2 (Syndagma square) to the city’s southern outskirts (towards Voula Rafina Harbour Police: other areas of Attica, are dozens of fax: 210 9871060 tel. 22940 22300 organised and other beaches, with website: www.flisvosmarina.com and New Faliro - Stadium of Peace and Friendship), meanwhile, its ex- Lavrion Harbour Police: clean waters and easy access. Glyfada marina: Headquarters: tel. 22920 25249 Several Attica beaches have been tel. 210 8912362, pansion is being planned in order awarded “Blue Flags of Europe,” fax: 210 8947284 to extend all the way to the centre INTERCITY BUS STATIONS: granted every year to beaches and 1st marina: tel. 210 8947353 and the harbour of Piraeus. Buses for all regions and Attica de- marines meeting strict criteria re- 2nd marina: tel. 210 8949374 Website: www.tramsa.gr part from three bus stations. garding clean waters and beaches, 3rd marina: tel. 210 8941389 SUBURBAN RAILWAY: (Information tel. 14944 good organisation and security and 4th marina: tel. 210 8947920 Connects Athens to “Eleftherios website: www.ktel.org) the protection of the coastal envi- Vouliagmenis marina: Venizelos” Airport and the city 1st Station: 100, Kifissou Str INFORMATION INFORMATION

tel. 210 5124910 tel. 210 3643774, 210 3612540 (metro station “Katehaki” ) “Megaro Moussikis”) 2nd Station: 260, Liosion Str website: www.nma.gr The National Museum of The Eleftherias Park Art Centre: tel. 210 8317153 (metro station “Syntagma”) Contemporary Art: Kallirois & 10, Evzonon Str Athens prefecture KTEL: The Goulandris Museum of Frantzi Str, FIX building tel. 210 7232603-4 tel. 210 8230179 (Sounio, Oropos, Cycladic and : - Offices: 14, Amv. Frantzi Str The Newer Ceramics Research Porto Rafti, Markopoulo) 4, Neofytou Douka Str tel. 210 9242111-2 Centre: tel. 210 8210872 (Marathon) tel. 210 7228321-3 website: www.emst.gr 4-5, Melidoni Str, Kerameikos website: www.cycladic-m.gr (metro station “Syggrou-Fix”) ΤΑXΙ: tel. 210 3318491-6 All taxis have a taxi counter, record- Museum of Timeless Art: The Athens Municipal Gallery: website: www.potterymuseum.gr ing charges. Drivers are obliged to Cultural Multicentre “Athinaïs”, 51, Piraeus Str, Koumoundourou (metro station “Thission”) set the counter at every fare. From 34-36, Str, Votanikos Square The Jewellery 05:00 – 24:00 hours tariff 1 is used tel. 210 3480000 tel. 210 3231841, 210 3240472 Museum: and from 24:00 – 05:00 tariff 2. website: www.athinais.com.gr The Frissiras Museum: 12, Kalisperi Str, Acropolis Taxis are supplied with a valid The National Historical Museum: 3, Monis Asteriou Str, Plaka tel. 210 9221044, website: price list, recording the fare and 13, Stadiou Str tel. 210 3234678 www.lalaounis-jewelrymusem.gr surplus charges not recorded by the tel. 210 3237617 website: www.frissirasmuseum.com (metro station “Akropolis”) taximeter. website: www.nhm.gr The Greek Folk Art Museum: The Maria Callas Museum (metro station “Syntagma”) 17, Kythathinaeon Str, Plaka (“”): MUSEUMS The Benaki Museum (central tel. 210 3229031, 210 3213018 100, Piraeus Str, Gazi In Athens, Piraeus, the suburbs, and building): 1, Koumbari Str & The Greek Folk Musical tel. 210 3460981 environs, are a multitude of impor- Vas. Sofias Avenue Instruments Museum: (metro station “Kerameikos”) tant museums and archaeological tel. 210 3671000 1-3, Diogenous Str, Plaka The : sites. The list below includes a se- website: www.benaki.gr tel. 210 3250198, 210 3254119-129 29, Nikis Str, tel. 210 3225582 lection of museums. For informa- - Piraeus Street building: website: www.instruments-muse- website: www.jewishmuseum.gr tion regarding museums, you can 138, Pireaus Str. (Gazi) um.gr The Foundation of the Hellenic 134 also visit the site tel. 210 3453111 World: 135 - The Museum of Islamic Art: The Kyriazopoulou Ceramics http://odysseus.culture.gr Collection: 18, Poulopoulou Str, Thissio 22, Ayion Assomaton & tel. 212 2543800, www.fhw.gr The National Archaeological 12, Dipylou Str. (Kerameikos) Tzistarakis Mosque, Monastiraki Museum: tel. 210 3251311-12 tel. 210 3242066 - Civilisation centre “Ellinikos Kosmos”: 144, Patision Str (metro station “Monastiraki”) 254, Piraeos Str, , Athens The Byzantine and Christian tel. 210 8217717, 210 8217724 The Hellenic Children’s tel. 212 2540000 (metro station “Victoria”) Museum: 22, Vas. Sofias Avenue website: www.hellenic-cosmos.gr tel. 210 7211027, 210 7232178 Museum: 14, Kythatinaeon Str The new Acropolis Museum: website: www.byzantinemuseum.gr tel. 210 3312995-6 “Planetarium” Eugenides 15, Dionyssiou Areopagitou Str (metro station “Evangelismos”) website: www.hcm.gr Foundation: 387, Syngrou Avenue, tel. 210 9000901, website: Paleo Faliro (entrance from The War Museum: 2, Rizari Str Museum of Greek Children’s Art: www.theacropolismuseum.gr 9, Kodrou Str (extension of Voulis Pendelis Str) (metro station “Acropolis”) tel. 210 7252974-6 tel. 210 9469600, 210 9469642, (metro station “Evangelismos”) Str.), Plaka The Athens Ancient tel. 210 3312621, 210 3312750 website: www.eugenfound.edu.gr Museum: The Museum of the City of fax: 210 3313734, website: The Archaeological Collection Stoa tou Attalou, Ancient Agora Athens (Vouros - Eutaxias www.childrensartmuseum.gr of Kifissia: 30, Georganta Str. & tel. 210 3210185 Foundation): 5-7, Paparrigopoulou Kassaveti Str, Kifissia Str (Klafthmonos Square) The Historical Museum (metro station “Monastiraki” or of the University of Athens: tel. 210 8012116 “Thission”) tel. 210 3231397, website: www.athenscitymuseum.gr 5, Tholou Str, Plaka The Goulandris Natural History The Kerameikos Museum: (metro station “Panepistimio”) tel. 210 3240861 Museum: 13, Levidou Str, Kifissia 148, Ermou Str tel. 210 8015870 The National Gallery - Museum The Kanellopoulos Museum: tel. 210 3463552 website: www.gnhm.gr Alexandros Soutzos: 12, Theorias Str & Panos Str, Plaka (metro station “Thission”) 50, Vas. Konstantinou Avenue tel. 210 3212313 - “Gaia” Centre: 100, Othonos Str The Epigraphical Museum: tel. 210 7235857 The Theatrical Museum: (Kifissia) 1, Tositsa Str website: www.nationalgallery.gr 50, Akadimias Str The Vorre Museum: tel. 210 8217637 (metro station “Evangelismos”) tel. 210 3629430 1, Parodos diadohou Konstantinou (metro station “Victoria”) - National Glyptotheque of Greece: (metro station “Panepistimio”) Str, 190 02 Paiania The Athens Numismatic Parko Stratou, Goudi, entrance The Eleftherios Venizelos tel. 210 6642520, 210 6644771 Museum: 12, Panepistimiou Str from Katehaki Ave. Museum: Eleftherias Park The Piraeus Archaeological (“Ilion Melathron”) tel. 210 7709855 tel. 210 7224238 (metro station Museum: 31, Harilaou Trikoupi Str INFORMATION INFORMATION

tel. 210 4521598 foreign language newspapers on music concerts are held in its two website: www.sportsnet.gr The Greek Nautical Museum: sale at central kiosks (among oth- auditoria, (“Olympia” and The Sports Federations: Coast of Themistocleous Str, ers, Syntagma Square, Omonia “Acropol” theatre). website: Piraeus Square), or website: (website: www.nationalopera.gr) www.sportsnet.gr/3/g31.html tel. 210 4286959, 210 4516264 www.culture.gr The “Olympia” Theatre: The Hellenic Olympic Committee The Archaeological site : The Athens 59, Akadimias Str, 106 79 Athens, (E.O.E.): 52, Dim Vikela Str (372, of Olympieion: Festival, established in 1955, is held information - reservations Kifissias Avenue), 152 33 Halandri, tel. 210 9226330 in summer (June - September) at 210 3612461, 210 3643725 Athens, tel. 210 6878888 the open air Roman Herodes fax: 210 3643577 fax: 210 6878940 The Archaeological site of the The “Acropol” Theatre: website: www.hoc.gr north and south slopes of the Atticus Odeion. It is one of Europe’s major festivals. Some of 9-11, Ippokratous Str, 106 79 The Athens Classic Marathon: organ- Acropolis: (Dionyssos Theatre, Athens; information - reservations The Arcade of Eumenous etc.) the best Greek and foreign groups ized from 1983, is being held every and artists perform classical and 210 3643700, 210 3608666 November on the authentic course, entrance from Dionyssiou fax: 210 3608268 Areopagitou Str modern music, opera, dance and from Marathon to the tel. 210 3224625 theatre. The Festival in summer HELLENIC GIRLS LYCEUM: Panathenaikon Stadium (Athens) holds important cultural events at Founded in 1910 by the first Greek and also includes power walking The Archaeological site the Lycabettus theatre, and other and two more road races (10km of Acropolis: tel. 210 3210219 feminist K. Paren, the Hellenic venues of the city. Girls Lyceum seeks to preserve and 5km). Information: SEGAS The Archaeological site of the Hellenic Festival S.A.: Makriyianni Greek folk custom, research and (Hellenic Amateur Athletics Ancient Agora: tel. 210 3210185 Str and 23, Hadjichristou Str, study different varieties of Greek Federation), 137, Syngrou Ave., The Archaeological site of the 117 42 Athens; information national dress, record Greek folk 171 21 Nea Smirni, Athens : tel. 210 3245220 and reservations 210 9282900 music, and study and perform tel. 210 9331113, 210 9315886 fax: 210 9292933 fax: 210 9331152, website: The Library of : Greek folk dances. The Lyceum’s email: [email protected] www.athensclassicmarathon.gr tel. 210 3249350 museum (on 14 Dimokritou Str – website: www.greekfestival.gr Kolonaki, tel 210 36.39.704) ex- The Archaeological site Central ticket office: hibits a valuable collection of gen- 136 of Kerameikos: tel. 210 3463552 39, Panepistimiou Str (in the arcade) uine Greek dresses from every part WEBSITES 137 The Archaeological site tel. 210 3221459, of the country. Members of the ATHENS MUNICIPALITY: of Sounio: tel. 22920 39363 opening hours: Lyceum’s folk dance groups wear www.cityofathens.gr The Archaeological site 08:30-16:00 (Monday to Friday), valuable dresses during perform- of Eleusina (Museum): 09:00-14:30 (Saturdays) ances in Greece and abroad. Official tourist portal of the tel. 210 5546019, 210 5543470 The Odeion of Herodes Atticus ticket Website: www.lykeionellinidon.gr Municipality of Athens: www.breathtakingathens.com The Megara Archaeological office: tel. 210 3232771, opening DORA STRATOU THEATRE: Museum: 22, Dimarchou Menidiati hours: 09:00-14:00 & 18:00-21:00 ( page 46) tel. 210 3244395, MINISTRY OF CULTURE Str, tel. 22960 22426 Lycabettus theatre ticket office: 210 9214650, fax: 210 3246921 AND TOURISM: tel. 210 7227233, 210 7227209 The Marathon Archaeological ATHENS MUNICIPALITY CUL- Information on archaeological sites Museum: 114, Plataion Str, THE : TURAL ORGANISATION: and historical monuments: Marathon, tel. 22940 55155 Vas. Sofias Str & Kokkali Str, 115 21 Stages cultural and sporting events. www.culture.gr - The Tomb of Marathon: Athens; information - reservations Information: tel. 210 3621601, MODERN ARCHITECTURE tel. 22940 55462 tel. 210 7282333 210 3630706, fax: 210 3614358 IN ATHENS-ATTICA: www.cul- email: [email protected] The Archaeological site website: www.cityofathens.gr ture2000.tee.gr website: www.megaron.gr of Ramnous: tel. 22940 63477 OPEN AIR CINEMAS: ATHENS ARCHAEOLOGICAL Central ticket office: opening hours: Rank among Greece’s attractions. The Archaeological site of Monday-Friday 10:00-18:00, SITES UNIFICATION COMPANY Amphiareion: tel. 22950 62144 Athenians in summer evenings like (Ε.Α.X.Α.): Saturday 10:00-14:00, On days of to see a movie in a garden with The Archaeological site www.astynet.gr performances: Monday-Friday trees and flowers, beneath a starlit of Vravrona: tel. 22990 27020 10:00-20:30, Saturday 10:00-14:00 sky. In Greece films are not ATHENS CONVENTION BUREAU Attica Zoological Park (Spata): & 18:00-20:30, Sunday 18:00-20:30 dubbed. Foreign films have Greek (ACB): Thesi Yialou, P.O. Box 38, 190 04 Ticket office in the city centre: subtitles. www.athensconventionbureau.gr Spata, tel. 210 6634724 8, Omirou Str, (near Syntagma website: www.atticapark.com Square), opening hours Monday- ATHENS NEWS AGENCY: Friday 10:00-16:00 SPORT www.ana-mpa.gr CULTURAL EVENTS THE NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE: The Culture Ministry - Sub-Ministry of SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD The oldest opera theatre in Greece. Sport: 7, Kifissias Avenue, 115 23 SUMMER GAMES - ATHENS For cultural events in Athens see Opera and ballet performances and Athens, tel. 210 6496000 2011: www.athens2011.org THE MAP OF ATHENS

USEFUL INFORMATION

1. Greek National Tourism Organisation C8 - Head office E4 2. Athens Festival, 39, Panepistimiou str. (In the arcade) D4 3. Hellenic Chamber of Hotels E4 4. Aliens Bureau B8 5. Areios Pagos (Supreme Civil and Criminal Court of Greece) B7 6. Court of Justice A6 7. The Stock Exchange House D3 8. Athens Traffic Police B2 9. Tourist Police C8 10. Automobile & Touring Club (E.L.P.A.) C8

138 139 THE MAP OF ATHENS

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PUBLIC BUILDINGS - SIGHTSEEING 11. The Acropolis F3 51. Academy of Arts D4 12. Ancient Agora E2 52. Panathenaikon Stadium (Kallimarmaro) F5 13. Kyristes’ Clock (Tower of winds) E3 53. Iliou Melathron (Schliemann Mansion) 14. Areios Pagos E2 Numismatic Museum D4 15. Dionysos Theatre F3 54. Lycabettus Hill C6 16. Philopappou Monument F2 55. National Garden E4 17. Hadrian’s Arch F4 56. National Library D4 18. Hadrian’s Library E3 57. Gennadios Library D6 19. Kerameikos D1 58. Observatory E1 20. Lysikrates Monument F3 59. Parliament Building E4 21. (Pnika) F1 60. Presidential Residence E5 22. Roman Forum E3 61. Technical University - School of Fine Arts B4 23. Prison Cell F2 62. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier E4 24. Temple of the Olympian Zeus F4 63. University D4 25. Theseion (Temple of Hephaistos) E2 64. Exhibition & Congress Hall F4

MUSEUMS ARTISTIC PERFORMANCES - THEATRES 26. The new Acropolis Museum F3 65. Athens Concert Hall D7 27. Acropolis Research Centre F3 66. Dora Stratou Theatre G1 28. Museum of the City of Athens D4 67. Odeion of Herodes Atticus F2,3 29. Benaki Museum E5 68. Lycabettus Theatre C6 30. Byzantine & Christian Museum E6 69. National Theatre C3 31. Centre of Folk Art & Tradition E3,4 70. Opera House C4 32. Eleftherios Venizelos Museum D7 71. “Gazi” Cultural Park D1 33. Epigraphical Museum B4 72. The “Melina Merkouri” Cultural Centre E1 140 34. Frissiras Museum - 141 Contemporary European Painting E4 BYZANTINE CHURCHES 35. Greek Popular Art Museum E4 73. Ayia Ekaterini F3 36. Greek Traditional Musical Instruments 74. Ayia Triada (Russian Orthodox) E4 Museum E3 75. Ayii Apostoli E2 37. Jewish Museum E4 76. Ayii Assomati D2 38. Kanelopoulos Museum E3 77. Ayii Theodori D3 39. Keramikos Museum D1 78. Ayios Eleftherios E3 40. Lalaounis Ilias Jewellery Museum F3 79. Ayios Ioannis Theologos E3 41. Museum of the History 80. Kapnikarea E3 of the Greek Costume D5 81. Metamorfossis E3 42. National Archaeological Museum B4 43. National Gallery - CHURCHES OF VARIOUS DENOMINATIONS Alexandros Soutzos Museum E6 82. Athens Cathedral () 44. National Historical Museum D4 Greek Orthodox E3 45. Goulandris Museum 83. Christus Kirche (German Evangelical) C5 of Cycladic & Ancient Greek Art E5 84. 1st Greek Evangelical Church F4 46. Old Mosque - Folk Ceramics Collection E3 85. St. Denis (Roman Catholic Cathedral) D4 47. Philatelic Museum F5 86. St. Gregory (Armenian) D2 48. Stoa of Attalus Museum E2 87. St. Paul’s Anglican Church E3 49. Theatre Museum D4 88. Synagogue D2 50. War Museum E6

TRANSPORTATION (information) 89. O.S.E. (Information - Reservations) C2 90. O.S.E. (Information - Reservations) D4 91. O.S.E. (Station for Northern Greece) A2 92. O.S.E. (Station for the Peloponnese) B2 METRO - TRAM - SUBURBAN RAILWAY OF ATHENS

142 143 CREDITS

MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND TOURISM PUBLICATION: GREEK NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION APRIL 2010 9th EDITION (SUPPLEMENTED) Overall supervision: SOFIA LAZARIDOU Director of the Market Research and Marketing Department Coordinator: LOUIZA STAVROPOULOU-BRIOLA Director of the Publications and Audio-visual Media Department Research - Concept - Texts: YANNIS RANGOS Translation: ALEXI PAPASOTIRIOU / INO BALTA / ATHENA ZAMBAZI Design: M & M ADVERTISING Photographs: GNTO ARCHIVE, A´ DEPARTMENT OF PRE-HISTORIC AND CLASSICAL ANTIQUITIES, C´ DEPARTMENT OF PRE-HISTORIC AND CLASSICAL ANTIQUITIES, ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES FUND (T.A.P.A.), BENA- KI MUSEUM ARCHIVE, K. VERGAS, Y. YIANNELOS, G. GRIGORIOU, N. DANIILIDIS, A. DROUGAS, N. KONTOS, M. MITZITHROPOULOS, D. ROZAKI, Y. SKOULAS, A. SMARAGDIS, P. STOLIS, K. TSIGANOS, PHOTOKINISI, Ch. CHRISTODOULIDIS, 144 E. HOLAN. We thank the General Director of the Ministry of Culture for the provision of photographic material. Design: A´ DEPARTMENT OF PRE-HISTORIC AND CLASSICAL ANTIQUITIES, Y. TRAVLOS, M. KORRES Maps: CHARTOGRAPHICA HELLENICA Printed by: D. KASTORIS S.A. ISBN: 960 - 534 - 036 - 4 Copyright: GREEK NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION

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GREEK NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION www.visitgreece.gr