National Library
Athens Line (9): National Library The city’s University, Academy of Arts and National Library make up a trio of the most important Neo-Classical buildings in Athens. The city’s University, Academy of Arts and National Library make up a trio of the most important Neo-Classical buildings in Athens. The column bases and capitals of the university entrance are replicas of those in the Acropolis Propylaia, and the Academy entrance draws from the eastern side of the Erechtheion. The university’s frescoes depict personifications of the arts around the modern king, Otto. University of Athens: the...
Panathenaic Stadium
Athens Line (3): Panathenaic Stadium The Panathenaic Stadium is a classical cultural and touristic monument of Greece and one of the most significant monuments not only for Athens, but for the whole Greece. The Panathenaic Stadium is a classical cultural and touristic monument of Greece and one of the most significant monuments not only for Athens, but for the whole Greece. It is one of our city’s most popular touristic attractions and one of Athens’ landmarks. Its rich history is directly connected to the Modern Olympic Games as from their revival...
Benaki Museum
Athens Line (2): Benaki Museum BenakiMuseum ranks among the major institutions that have enriched the material assets of the Greek state. Left to the Parliament on Vassilissis Sofias avenue one can visit many of Athens’ finest museums. Behind Syntagma is posh Kolonaki, home to ambassadors, models, movie stars and the fabulous designer boutiques that cater to them. This is the prime spot for shopping, people–watching and glamorous but pricey café-sitting. BenakiMuseum ranks among the major institutions that have enriched the material assets of the Greek state. It is also the oldest museum...
Greek Parliament & National Gardens
Athens Line (8): Greek Parliament & National Gardens The imposing building was constructed in 1842 as a palace for Otto, Greece’s first king after independence. Over the next 70 years, it suffered neglect and in 1923, during a housing shortage, it acted as a homeless shelter. After the return of parliamentary government in 1926, the building was gutted, renovated and re-opened as a single chamber council for parliament. Today, it is the scene of debates that range from the hilariously surreal to the stultifying boring, viewable on state television via a...
Temple of Zeus
Athens Line (7): Temple of Zeus The majestic temple to the ruler of the pantheon was the largest on mainland Greece. The majestic temple to the ruler of the pantheon was the largest on mainland Greece. Inside stood two colossal gold and ivory statues: one of the God and one of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Though the temple’s construction began in 515 BC, political turmoil delayed its completion nearly 700 years. To thank Hadrian for finishing it, AD 131 the Athenians built a two-storey arch next to the temple, whose inscription announces...
Acropolis – Parthenon
Athens Line (6): Acropolis & Parthenon (interchange) The temples on the “Sacred Rock” of Athens are considered to be the most important monuments in the Western world, for they have exerted more influence on our architecture than anything since. The great marble masterpieces were constructed during the late 5th century BC reign of Pericles, the Golden Age of Athens. Most were temples built to honor Athena, the city’s patron goddess. Still breathtaking for their proportion and scale, both human and majestic, the temples were adorned with magnificent, dramatic sculptures of the gods....
Acropolis Museum
Athens Line (5): New Acropolis Museum The Acropolis Museum is an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. Officially opened in mid-2009, this beautifully designed museum has been built to give a fitting new home to the famed marble sculptures of the Acropolis.Glass walls allow a direct view of the Acropolis temples from within the museum, while the glass floor offers a view over the ruins of an early Christian settlement. The New Acropolis Museum, houses around 4.000 artifacts within a space almost 10...
Plaka – Melina Merkouri
Athens Line (4): Melina Merkouri-Plaka The winding medieval alleyways of Plaka, the old quarter below the Acropolis, are easily the most charming part of Athens. Naturally, they are also the most visited, and in midsummer some streets can be packed with touts and cheap gift shops. But Plaka is also very good at concealing places of untouched delight and famous for its traditional taverns. Anafiotika, part of the old historical Plaka is the loveliest and quirkiest tiny neighborhood in Athens and it lies in northern east side of the Acropolis hill. In the...
Syntagma Square
Athens Line (1): Syntagma Square (Terminal) Syntagma Square, the square where the constitution was voted, is the center of modern Athens, crowned by the large, Neo-Classical Parliament Building. If you are at Syntagma Square do not forget to walk down Ermou Street. Is a very long street beginning from Syntagma Square down to Monastiraki area, filled with modern fashion stores, cafés, pubs and restaurants and touristic shops. You can find anything you want. From times to times, under Syntagma square, down in the metro station, there are exhibitions of Greek art and...