Athens - Pre-tour
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Changing of the Guard video!
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The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Located at Symtagma Square, the Evzones provide a 24-hour honour guard, with an hourly sentry change. The performance is extraordinary as it is carried out in extreme slow motion! Definitely take some time to watch these stoic, well-trained soldiers! |
Hadrian's Gate
The Roman Emperor Hadrian built this enormous triumphal arch. The inscription on the Acropolis side reads: THIS IS ATHENS, THE ANCIENT CITY OF THESEUS. On the other side it reads: THIS IS THE CITY OF HADRIAN, NOT OF THESEUS. |
The Temple of Olympian Zeus
One of the largest temples in the ancient world. At 17 m high, it originally had 104 columns but only 16 have survived. This was our first experience with the incredible, massive monuments of Greece! |
Mars Hill
Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill, is a rocky outcrop close to the Acropolis Hill. According to Greek mythology, the twelve gods founded the first court in history up on a hill in Ancient Athens. In 51 AD, Apostle Paul preached a sermon on Mars Hill. The views from Mars Hill
are incredible! But, be wary as the well-worn, polished marble rock is very slippery. |
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There was a path......
We like to follow paths......
Sometimes we know where we are going.....
sometimes we don't.....
and sometimes we get rather lost.....
but paths are part of the adventure.....
We followed a trail near Mars Hill, became somewhat lost,
and unintentionally ended up in the beautiful Pnyx Hill archeological area.
We were so glad we stumbled upon this lovely area!
There was a path......
We like to follow paths......
Sometimes we know where we are going.....
sometimes we don't.....
and sometimes we get rather lost.....
but paths are part of the adventure.....
We followed a trail near Mars Hill, became somewhat lost,
and unintentionally ended up in the beautiful Pnyx Hill archeological area.
We were so glad we stumbled upon this lovely area!
The Agora of Athens
The word "agora" refers to an assembly of people. In modern Greek the term means "marketplace". A large area with ancient ruins, the Ancient Agora was the centre of Athens in ancient times - the place where political gatherings would take place. There is so much to see and explore in this ancient site! |
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Artifacts in the museum include: clay, bronze and glass objects, sculptures, coins, and pottery.
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Stoa of Attalos
Ancient Agora Museum The original stoa was a covered market in the heart of the bustling agora.
The ruins of the stoa were discovered in 1859 with reconstruction completed in 1956. Today, the stoa houses an excellent museum of archeological discoveries from the ancient agora site. It was not at all busy when we visited the agora or the museum so we had a delightful time wandering around the grounds and in the museum. |
Time for a snack and a cool drink or two!
Anafiotika
This tiny, charming neighbourhood is called Anafiotika, (“little Anafi”) after the original inhabitants' island.
Lots of little, charming pathways to explore here!
The neighbourhood was built to resemble the architecture of the Cyclades islands with stark white-washed houses,vand brightly painted shutters and doors.
We had a great time wandering through these lovely, narrow streets, running into numerous dead ends, and getting happily lost.
This tiny, charming neighbourhood is called Anafiotika, (“little Anafi”) after the original inhabitants' island.
Lots of little, charming pathways to explore here!
The neighbourhood was built to resemble the architecture of the Cyclades islands with stark white-washed houses,vand brightly painted shutters and doors.
We had a great time wandering through these lovely, narrow streets, running into numerous dead ends, and getting happily lost.
More Wonderful Sights to see in the
Plaka and Monasteriki
Plaka and Monasteriki
Panagia Kapnikarea
One of the oldest churches in Athens,
this little Byzantine church is found in the heart of Ermou Street.
Make sure to go inside too!
One of the oldest churches in Athens,
this little Byzantine church is found in the heart of Ermou Street.
Make sure to go inside too!
Library of Hadrian
The Library was built by Roman Emperor Hadrian as part of the re-construction of the city. The columns are massive and beautiful! The Tower of the Winds
This iconic Athens landmark is found in the Ancient Agora.
Most likely, it was originally constructed as a timepiece. Tts frieze depicts the eight wind deities according to their direction: Boreas (N), Kaikias (NE), Eurus (E), Apeliotes (SE), Notus (S), Livas (SW), Zephyrus (W) and Skiron (NW). |
Temple of Hephaestus
This ancient Greek temple is one of the few temples to be almost entirely preserved. This beautiful temple was dedicated to Hephaestus, god of fire (blacksmiths and all artisans). |
The Monument of Lysicrates
This is the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates. The monument was erected by Lysicrates to commemorate first prize in one of the drama performances that he had sponsored. |
The Metropolitan Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Annunciation is the cathedral church of the Archbishop of Athens and all Greece. This magnificent church is a major landmark in Athens and the site of important ceremonies. The inside is magnificent! |