athens attica

71
GREECE

Upload: loneeagle110

Post on 28-Oct-2014

189 views

Category:

Documents


1 download

DESCRIPTION

Tourist guide for city of Athens and Attica. Athens, having been inhabited since the Neolithic age, is considered Europe’s historical capital. During its long, everlasting and fascinating history the city reached its zenith in the 5th century B.C (the “Golden Age of Pericles”), when its values and civilisation acquired a universal significance and glory. Political thought, theatre, the arts, philosophy, science, architecture, among other forms of intellectual thought, reached an epic acme, in a period of intellectual consummation unique in world history. Therefore, Athens constituted the cradle of western civilisation. A host of Greek words and ideas, such as democracy, harmony, music, mathematics, art, gastronomy, architecture, logic, Eros, euphoria and many others, enriched a multitude of languages, and inspired civilisations. Over the years, a multitude of conquerors occupied the city and erected splendid monuments of great significance, thus creating a rare historical palimpsest. Driven by the echo of its classical past, in 1834 the city became the capital of the modern Greek state. During the two centuries that elapsed however, it developed into an attractive, modern metropolis with unrivalled charm and great interest. Today, it offers visitors a unique experience. A “journey” in its 6,000-year history, including the chance to see renowned monuments and masterpieces of art of the antiquity and the Middle Ages, and the architectural heritage of the 19th and 20th centuries. You get an uplifting, embracing feeling in the brilliant light of the attic sky, surveying the charming landscape in the environs of the city (the indented coastline, beaches and mountains), and enjoying the modern infrastructure of the city and unique verve of the Athenians. Year-round visitors are fascinated by Athens, one of the most attractive and charming capitals of Europe.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Athens Attica

GREECE

Page 2: Athens Attica

Introduction / 3

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 1: Antiquities in Athens / 4-21

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 2: Byzantine Monuments in Athens / 22-26

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 3: Ottoman Monuments in Athens / 27

The Architecture of Modern Athens / 28-29

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 4: Historic Centre (1) / 30-39

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 5: Historic Centre (2) / 40-43

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 6: Historic Centre (3) / 44-47

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 7: Kolonaki, the Rigillis area, Mets / 48-57

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 8: From Lycavittos Hill

to Strefi Hill / 58-61

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 9: From Syntagma sq. to Omonia sq. / 62-69

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 10: From Omonia sq. to Kypseli / 70-73

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 11: Historical walk / 74-79

Suburbs / 80-83

ªuseums / 84-95

Day Trips in Attica / 96-115

Shopping in Athens / 116-117

Night Life / 118

Greek Cuisine and Wine / 119-121

Information / 122-129

Maps / 130-135

C O N T E N T S

∞THENSATTICA

MINISTRY OF TOURISMGREEK NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION

Page 3: Athens Attica

∞THENSATTICA

MINISTRY OF TOURISMGREEK NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION

Page 4: Athens Attica

Athens is the historical capital of Europe. Athens has a long

history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic

age. In the 5th Century BC (the “Golden Age of Pericles”)

– the culmination of Athens’ long, fascinating history – the city’s

values and civilisation acquired a universal significance. Political

thought, theatre, the arts, philosophy, science, architecture, among

other forms of intellectual thought, reached an epic zenith, in a

period of intellectual consummation unique in world history.

Athens was the womb of western civilisation. A host of Greek

words and ideas, such as democracy, harmony, music,

mathematics, art, gastronomy, architecture, logic, eros, euphoria,

among others, enriched a multitude of languages, and inspired

civilisations.

Over the years, a multitude of conquerors

occupied Athens, and erected unique,

splendid monuments - a rare historical

palimpsest.

In 1834 Athens became the capital

of the modern Greek state. The choice

was based on the symbolic significance of Athens’ classical history.

In two centuries since Athens has become an attractive modern

metropolis with unrivalled charm.

Athens offers visitors a unique experience. A “journey” in its

6,000-year history, including the chance to see renowned

monuments and masterpieces of art of the antiquity and the Middle

Ages, and the architectural inheritance of the 19th and 20th

centuries. You get an uplifting feeling of snugness in the brilliant

light of the attic sky, surveying the charming landscape in the

environs of the city (the indented coastline, beaches and

mountains), and enjoying the modern infrastructure of the city and

unique verve of the Athenians.

Year-round visitors are fascinated by Athens, one of the most

attractive and charming capitals of Europe.1. A section ofthe pediment of the AthensAcademybuilding.

Page 5: Athens Attica

5

TTHHEE TTEEMMPPLLEE OOFFOOLLYYMMPPIIAANN ZZEEUUSS

According to geographer,Pausanias, the temple of

Olympian Zeus was founded byDeukalionas, a mythicalancestor of the Greeks. In theage of tyrrany, circa 515 BC,Peisistratos the youngergrandson of the tyrantPeisistratos, attempted toreplace the old temple with anew, more impressive temple.The tyranny, however, wasabolished and constructionwork was terminated. Theconstruction of the new templewas later assigned to the Romanarchitect Decimus Cossutius bythe king of Syria Antiochos IVEpiphanes. Antiochos died in163 BC and the construction ofthe temple was once againabandoned. The structure didnot have a roof and pediment.The construction of the temple,which ranks among the biggestin antiquity, was completed in

131 AD by the RomanEmperor Hadrian.

� IIlliissssooss VVaalllleeyy.. Thesurviving section of the Ilissosriver valley (near the temple ofOlympian Zeus) is worth avisit. In antiquity the Ilissosriver was known as the sacredriver of the Muses. Scatteredremains of ancient sanctuariesare located in the valley. Youwill find nearby the rock of theKalliroi spring – which wasfamous in antiquity – and thechurch of Ayia Fotini, whichwas built in 1872 at the site ofan ancient temple, on thefoundation of the sacredsanctuary of Ekati. You willfind nearby, the preservedmonuments of the classical,Roman, and Byzantine age,among others, (the Temple ofApollo Delphinios, the Templeof Cronos and Rhea, aByzantine quarter with work-shops, and Leonidis Church).

2. Temple of OlympianZeus: 16 of a total of 104columns (witha height of 17metres) havebeen preserved.

ANTIQUITIES IN ATHENS

4

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 1

A3-kilometre pedestrian zone (the biggest inEurope) has been established in central roads(Vas. Olgas Str, D. Aeropaghitou Str,

Ap. Pavlou Str, Adrianou Str. and a sectionof Ermou Str.) leading to the major archaeological

sites of Athens (archaeological park).Visitors to the section from Dionysiou Aeropaghitou

(opposite Hadrian’s Arch)to the crossroads of Ermou Str and Piraeus Str

(in the Kerameikos area) may enjoythe ancient landscape in a tranquil setting city.

The archaeological touris an unforgettable experience.

1

➟Tour of Athens, stage 1:

ANTIQUITIESIN ATHENS

Page 6: Athens Attica

6 7

HHAADDRRIIAANN’’SSAARRCCHH

Following theconstruction of thetemple of Zeus, the

Athenians, in 131AD, in honour ofHadrian, built anarch on thenorthwestern

perimeter of thetemple. The arch, built

of Pentelic marble, bearstwo inscriptions on thearchitrave over the arch. One inscription, facing theAcropolis and the old town(facing west), says: “This isAthens, the city of Theseus.”The other inscription, facingthe sanctuary and an extensionof Athens constructed byHadrian, (facing east), says:“This is the city of Hadrian, notTheseus.

TTHHEE AANNCCIIEENNTTTTHHEEAATTRREEOOFF DDIIOONNYYSSOOSS

Directions: Enter thearchaeological area on the

southern slope of the Acropolis

DDIIOONNYYSSIIOOUUAAEERROOPPAAGGHHIITTOOUUSSTTRR..

Dionysiou AeropaghitouStr. is one of the most

impressive streets of Athens,offering a fantastic view of therock of the Acropolis and theParthenon. Most of thebuildings on one side of theroad facing south wereconstructed in the late 19thcentury and the early 20thcentury in the neoclassical ormodernist style, reflecting thebourgeois style of the street.

(entrance at DionysiouAeropaghitou Str.), anddescend. On the slope to yourright is the most ancient theatreof the world, the Theatre ofDionysos. In this theatre, themost famous ancient Greek

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 1

4. Famoussights ofAthens: the rock of the Acropolis,the Parthenon,the Erechtheion,the Temple ofAthena Victoryand thePropylaea. In the fore-ground, theRoman Odeionof HerodesAtticus and inthe backgroundLycavittos hill.

ANTIQUITIES IN ATHENS

5. View of thepedestrinizedDionysiouAeropaghitouStr., centerpieceof the “grandpromenade” in thearchaeologicalsites of Athens.

3 4

2

3. Hadrian’sarch, the

symbolic gateof the city of Athens.

Page 7: Athens Attica

9

Nowadays, the 5,000-seat theatre is avenue forfestivities of theAthens Festival(✒ page 128).You may enjoythe beauty andcharm of theOdeion in amorning stroll onthe way to theAcropolis.

TTHHEE AACCRROOPPOOLLIISS

The Acropolis is thesymbol of Athens,

the sacred rock,linking the fabulousancient civilisationwith the modern city.

The monumentson the Sacred Rock

date backto the prehisto-ric era and antiquity.

The grandeur and beauty

ANTIQUITIES IN ATHENS

8

poets, Aeschylos, Aristophanes,Euripides, and Sophocles sawpremiere performances of theirplays in the 5th century BC.The auditorium and theproscenium were made ofwood. In the 4th century BCthey were reconstructed usingmarble. Sections of the stoneauditorium survive. Accordingto experts, the theatre had acapacity of 17,000. On theslope overlooking the theatre,sculpted on the rock of theAcropolis, is the donatedMonument of Thasyllus (319BC) and two donatedCorinthian columns.

TTHHEE SSTTOOAAOOFF EEUUMMEENNEESS

Above the theatre is the Stoaof Eumenes, which was

built by the King of Pergamon,Eumenes II in the 2nd centuryBC. The arch provided shelterto theatregoers in case of badweather or shade from the sun.Above the Stoa are the ruins ofthe Asklepieion of Athens,which was built in 429 BC,following the plague, whichdecimated the population.

TTHHEE OODDEEIIOONNOOFF HHEERROODDEESSAATTTTIICCUUSS

The Odeion of HerodesAtticus was built in 161

AD by the wealthy HerodesTiberius Claudius Atticus, ateacher and philosopher, whoinherited a fortune from hisfather. Herodes Atticusconstructed the covered Odeionin memory of his wife Rigilla.Ancient Greeks organisedevents in the Odeion.

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 1

7. The RomanOdeion

of HerodesAtticus.

6. The Theatreof Dionysos.

6

9. Theperformance of a ballet on the stage at the Odeionof HerodesAtticus.

8. Fireworksover the Acropolisduring the millenniumfestivities.

5

7

Page 8: Athens Attica

11

TTHHEE TTEEMMPPLLEE OOFF TTHHEE AATTHHEENNAA NNIIKKEE((AApptteerrooss NNiikkee))

south of the Propylaea, wasbuilt was built circa 420 BC incommemoration of the victoryof the Greeks against thePersians. The temple was thework of the architect

Kallikrates. The sitewas the location of a sancturaryin the prehistoric era. To theleft of the temple you will findthe Erechtheion. Facing thetemple is the Parthenon.

TTHHEE PPAARRTTHHEENNOONN

is an architectural masterpieceof great renown. You willappreciate its splendour if you

visit, and learn aboutthe history and thesecrets of theconstruction of,the Parthenon.This uniquetemple,dedicated to thegoddess Athena,was built ofPentelic marble.The Parthenonof the classicalera was built onthe remains ofthe monumentalearlierParthenon, anarchaic templebuilt in the late6th century BC.

The architects of theclassical temple, which

was constructed anddecorated from 447-432BC (inthe Golden Age of Pericles), wereIktinos and Kallikrates. It is aDoric peripteral temple with 8columns on the front and theback and 17 columns on eachside. In the Parthenon stood thegolden-ivory statue of Athena,the work of the famous sculptorPheidias, who was also in charge

10

of the Sacred Rock attractGreek and foreign visitors. A visit to the Acropolis is a unique experience.

TTHHEE PPRROOPPYYLLAAEEAA

adorned with monuments,is the grand entrance ofthe Acropolis. ThePropylaea, built byPericles in 437-432 BC,were the work of thefamous Athenianarchitect, Mnesikles.

Before reaching the Propylaea,you will pass through the Beulégate, part of the Romanfortifications of the Acropolis.Right after that you willencounter a 13 m. highpedestal, known as the“monument of Agrippa”, onwhich the Athenians in 27 B.C.erected a statue of the RomanMarcus Agrippa, benefactor ofthe city.

10. TheParthenon,

the mostsplendid

architecturalachievement

of classicalGreece.

11. Thewestern sideof the tower

of the Templeof Athena

Victory.In the lower

section isa small

sanctuaryshaped as

a double niche.

ANTIQUITIES IN ATHENSTOUR OF ATHENS, stage 1

7

7.1

7.4

7.5

➣7.2

7.2

➣7.3

7.3☞ THE SIGHTS:

4

5

6

12. Thenorthern wingof thePropylaea,known asthe Gallery,was decoratedwith paintings.

Page 9: Athens Attica

12 13

of the overall construction. Thestatue was the destination ofthe great procession of theGreat Panathenaea, depicted inthe frieze of the temple.

TThhee ggoollddeenn--iivvoorryy ssttaattuuee ooff AAtthheennaa::According to mythology, thename of the city is connectedwith a rivalry betweenPoseidon and Athena for theguardianship of the city.Poseidon offered the Atheniansa horse, whileAthena, struckthe rock of theAcropolis withher spear, and an olive treesprouted. The Athenianspreferred the olive tree, whichsymbolised peace andprosperity. The city was namedafter Athena. The 12-metrehigh statue stood in theParthenon. The interior of thestatue was made of wood,while the nude parts were madeof ivory. The removable robe

Acropolis, where goddessAthena planted the olive tree,her sacred symbol. The tree waslater destroyed by Persianinvaders. According to mytho-logy, following the expulsion ofthe Persians, the treemiraculouslysprouted again.

CCaarryyaattiiddss:: Thefigures of themaidens supportingthe roof of thesouthern balcony ofthe temple are copies.Five of the sixMaidens that onceadorned the templeare displayed in theAcropolis Museum,while the sixth is

and the helmet were coatedwith gold plating. The statue,which represented the goddessAthena bearing arms, and onher right hand a 2-metre highivory statue of victory, was lostin the early Byzantine era.Ancient sources, and theanalytical descriptions ofPausanias (2nd century AD),testify to the existence of thestatue. Archaeologists havederived information about thestatue from copies. The mostfamous copy is the VarvakeiosAthena.

TTHHEEEERREECCHHTTHHEEIIOONN

was built from 420-406 BC atthe most holy site of the

displayed in the BritishMuseum.

TTHHEE AACCRROOPPOOLLIISSMMUUSSEEUUMM

displays thepriceless finds ofthe Acropolis, themost importantreligious centre ofthe city of Athens,and presents itshistory andfunction. Themost importantexhibits are:

TThheeMMoosscchhooffoorrooss:: The exceptionalstatue of a beardedyouth (6th century BC) carryinga calf on his shoulders forsacrifice to Athena.

TThhee AArrcchhaaiicc KKoorreess:: Thestatues of maidens sacrificed toAthena. No two Kores werealike. The varying styles of theirhair and the drapery of theirrobes are prime examples of thedevelopment of sculpture inancient Greece.

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 1

15. Thesouthernbalcony ofthe Erechtheionwiththe famousCaryatids.

14. VarvakeiosAthena, a copyof Pheidias’sgolden-ivorystatue(NationalArchaeologicalMuseum).

13. TheErechtheion,

on the northernside of the rock

of the Acropolis.

ANTIQUITIES IN ATHENS

TTaakkee nnoottee ooff tthheeffooll lloowwiinngg::

Please be patient when youascend the holy rock. You willbe rewarded by the spectacularview at the top.

ñ You will pass through thePropylaea before you arriveat the Parthenon.

ñ The view from the temple ofthe Athena Nike is specta-cular.

ñ The slight bulge of thecolumns of theParthenon givesthe impression thatthey are bendingunder the weightof the roof.

ñ The secret of theharmony of the Parthenon isthat there is not a straight line

in the design. Don’t bedeceived by the optical illusionof the columns, which appearto bulge.

ñ The Erechtheion is a uniquetemple constructed accordingto the style of ancient Athens.It is constructed on two levels.It is asymmetrical and hastwo balconies, which are notthematically connected toeach other. The small balconyon the south side is betterknown, mainly due to the sixCaryatids that support theroof. The differences betweenthe sections of the temple maybe due to the fact that thevarious parts are dedicated tovarious gods. The easternsection was dedicated toAthena Poliada, and thewestern section to PoseidonErechtheus.

➣7.4

➣7.5

Page 10: Athens Attica

14 15

SSccuullppttuurreess ddeeccoorraattiinngg tthhee PPaarrtthheennoonn ((444444--443322BBCC)):: The sculptures are theremnants of an all-timemasterpiece by thesculptor Pheidias.Among others, you willfind sections of the friezedepicting the Olympiangods, and certain metopesdepicting a scene of theBattle of the Centaurs(Centauromachia).

TThhee CCaarryyaattiiddss:: Thestatues of the beautifulpriestesses supported theroof of the southern balcony ofthe Erechtheion (420 BC).Apparently they were namedafter the women of Caryes (anancient city of Arcadia in thePeloponnese), who are thoughtto have been the models ofcertain statues. In the Ottomanera the Caryatids were alsocalled Petrified Princesses or theGirls of the Castle.

PPHHIILLOOPPAAPPPPOOUUHHIILLLL

Well worth a visit any timeof the year. A walk at

Philopappou hill is a fascinatingexperience: you will find here aunique copse, importantmonuments such as the thoughtto have been “Prisons ofSocrates,” the “Tombs ofKimon,”, the ancient Koilisstreet, the “Iroo Mousaiou,” thePhilopappou Monument andthe spectacular view of theParthenon and the Acropolis.

TTHHEE AARREEIIOOSSPPAAGGOOSS

The Areios Pagos,venerated in

antiquity, is the mostancient law court ofthe world. It was the

seat of the firstaristocratic assembly ofancient Athens. Theassembly gradually lostpolitical influence and

in the latter half of the5th century, it retainedsolely its function as acourt, mostly hearingmurder cases. The

Oresteia describes the trialat this court of Orestes for

the murder of his motherClytemnaestra, and her lover

Aegisthus. Apostle Paul spoketo the Athenians at the AreiosPagos in 51 AD. A bronzeplaque on the base of the rockcommemorates his sermons.

TTHHEE PPNNYYXX

The Pnyx is situated betweenthe Hill of the Muses (the

location of PhilopappouMonument) and the Hill of theNymphs, (the location of theSanctuary of the Nymphs and the National Observatory,

✒ page 47). The semicircularsquare was after 6th centuryBC the location of the assemblyof the people of Athens. Theygathered here to hear oratorsspeak from a rock platform inthe centre of the Pnyx, andparticipate in the democraticpolity. The assembly is thoughtto have a capacity of 10,000.

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 1

20. Pnyx: the speaker’spodium, facingthe rock of the Acropolis.

17. PhilopappouHill: the cobbled

footpathsof D. Pikionis.

16. TheAcropolisMuseum:

The “child ofKritias” (circa

480 B.C.),found in the

mid-19thcentury in

the vicinity ofthe Parthenon.

ANTIQUITIES IN ATHENS

� PPhhiillooppaappppoouu MMoonnuummeennttwas built by Athenians in the2nd century BC in honour ofthe benefactor, ruler of Syria,Gaius Julius Antiochus. GaiusJulius was also known asPhilopappos, which roughlytranslated means “belovedgrandchild.” His grandfatherwas the last King ofKommagene Antiochus IV.

� CCoobbbblleedd rrooaadd.. In the1950’s the Greek architect D. Pikionis developed the designof the area encompassing theProlylaea of the Acropolis and

☞ THE SIGHTS:

Philopappou Hill. Take noteof the hand made cobbledroads leading to the monu-ments, the church of AyiosDemetrios Loumbardiaris(✒ page 25) and therefreshment room.

The area has been designateda Scheduled and ProtectedMonument of the GlobalCultural Heritage.

8

10

9

18. The funerary monument of Philopappou (with a height of 12 metres), decorated with sculpteddepictions of Philopappou and his family.

19. The rock of Areios Pagoscommandingan impressiveview of the

Acropolismonumentsand the present-daycity.

Page 11: Athens Attica

17

TTHHEE AANNCCIIEENNTTAAGGOORRAA

The archaeological area ofthe ancient Agora is located

on the foothills of the Acropo-lis, near metro stop “Theseion.”In antiquity, the Agora was notsolely a commercial centre. It was also an important politi-cal, cultural and religiouscentre. In the area of the agorawere located administrativebuildings, temples, publicservices and courts. The Athe-nians gathered here every dayto buy and sell their goods,learn the current news, criticisethe government, exchangeideas, or engage in discussion.The area was settled in the

22. AttalosColonnade was

fully restoredfrom

1953-1956.It houses the

Ancient AgoraMuseum.

16

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 1

24. A model ofthe monumentof theEponymousHeroes.

ANTIQUITIES IN ATHENS

TThheesseeiioonn –– TTeemmppllee ooff HHeepphhaaiissttooss.. The Theseion wasdedicated to Hephaistos and Athena, and not Theseus. It is located in the western perimeter of the Agora. It is the best-preserved temple of antiquity. It was built in 460-415 BC. In the temple were statues ofHephaistos and Athena, thought to have been sculpted by Alkamenes.

TThhee mmoonnuummeenntt ooff tthhee EEppoonnyymmoouuss HHeerrooeess.. Here stood the statues of the ten heroes of Attica (4th century BC). The ten tribes of Attica were named after the heroes. Public announcements weredisplayed on the pedestal of these statues.

PPooiikkiillee SSttooaa.. It is thought that the Poikile Stoa derived its name from the variety of the colours and themes of its frescoes. The name “Poikile” (in greek poikile means diverse) leads us to thesupposition that the frescoes here were painted in a variety of coloursand themes. Here Zenon taught Stoic philosophy, which was namedafter the Poikile Stoa (460 BC).

TThhee SSttooaa ooffAAttttaallooss.. The Stoa of Attalos,a two-floor building, wasdonated by the King ofPergamon Attalos II (159-138 BC) to the city of Athens. It is thought to have been a kind ofancient commercial centre with 21 shops on each floor. The collection

of the Museum displays everyday objects, which wereunearthed in excavations in the ancient Agora. Visitors mayget an idea of everyday life ancient Athens.

TThhee BBaassiilleeiiooss SSttooaa.. The Basileios Stoa, construc-ted crica 500 BC, is located on the foothills of the Theseion. It was the seat of the Archon Vasileus and the council of theAreios Pagos.

OOddeeiioonn ooff AAggrriippppaa.. Built by Agrippa in 15 B.C.. It could seat 1,000 spectators and had a two-storeyed portico.It was destroyed in 267 A.D. by the Herulians and in 400 A.D.the Gymnasium was built in its place. On the north side fourlarge statues of Giants and Tritons, salvaged from the Odeion,were placed on pedestals. Three of these statues still exist.

21. Panoramicview of the

archaeologicalsite of AncientAgora. Among

others, the Stoaof Attalus,

the Odeionof Agrippa

and the Templeof Ares (Mars)

(440 BC)can be seen.

➣11.1

➣11.2

➣11.3

➣11.4

➣11.5

➣11.6

23. The Templeof Hephaistos(“Theseion”),on the westernside of theAncient Agora(AgoraeiosKolonos hill).

Neolithic age. The monumentslocated there that were built invarious historical periods: fromthe classical age to the 11thcentury AD. The church ofAyioi Apostoloi was built in the11th century AD (✒ page 24).

☞ THE SIGHTS:

11

Page 12: Athens Attica

enclosed by, andpart beyond, thewalls that dividethe area of the

excavation. In the centre of thearchaeological area are the twobest known arches of ancientAthens, the DDiippyylloonn and theSSaaccrreedd AArrcchh. In the vicinity ofthe arches was the most ancientand the biggest cemetery ofAttica. Moreover it was theplace of burial of citizens whowere honoured by the city ofAthens. According to the geo-grapher Pausanias, the locationwas named after Keramos.However, the place was mostlikely named after the neigh-bourhood of the kerameoi(potters). (The definition of Kerameikos is somethingrelated to ceramics of potters).The neighbourhood of thekerameoi was established onthe banks of the rriivveerr IIrriiddaannooss.You can see the riverbed in thearchaeological area. The ancientDemos of Kerameikos covereda large area. Only part of it hasbeen unearthed in excavations.It is thought that the area of the

12

11.1

11.2

11.4

11.6

11.3

11.5

19

� VVeessppaassiiaanneess ((ppuubblliiccllaavvaattoorriieess)).. Rectangularbuilding with anteroom andsquare room with benches withholes in them on all four sidesand a sewage canal underneath(1st cent. A.D.).

TTHHEEKKEERRAAMMEEIIKKOOSS

The ancient Kerameikos waslocated in the northwestern

outskirts of Athens. It was part

18

TTHHEE RROOMMAANNAAGGOORRAA

The Roman Agora (in thePlaka area) was an architec-

tural complex built between 19and 11 B.C. and consisting of alarge rectangular courtsurrounded by colonnades(stoa), while various shopswere located inside these stoas.Behind the stoas were variousshops. North of the complexwas a library (a rectangularbuilding; the dimensions of thebuilding are 122x82 m), whichwas built by Hadrian in 132 AD.

� KKyyrriissttuuss’’ CClloocckk -- TToowweerr oofftthhee WWiinnddss.. On the eastern sideof the Roman Agora stands anoctagonal monument. The

Clock of Andronicus Kyrristus,constructed in the 1st centuryBC, was a hydraulic clock. Oneach face of the clock can be seenbas-reliefs of the eight winds.The monument has taken itsname ‘Winds’ from thedepictions.

� GGaattee ooff AAtthheennaa AArrcchheeggeettiiss..Located at the west side of thearea. A monumental gatewaywith four doric columns and a pediment of Pentelic marble,which is in excellent condition.

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 1

13

ANTIQUITIES IN ATHENS

☞ THE SIGHTS:

25. A drawingrepresenting the

Ancient andRoman Agora.

12

26. The centralyard of the

Roman Agoraand in the

backgroundKyristus’ Clock(“The tower of

the winds”).

27. Detail of the KyrristusClock, withbas-reliefs of the windsand theirsymbols.

Page 13: Athens Attica

21

TTHHEE AAKKAADDEEMMIIAAPPLLAATTOONNOOSS((PPLLAATTOO’’SS AACCAADDEEMMYY))

The area was settled in theprehistoric age (in the 6th

century BC one of the threefamous Gymnasia of Athenswas founded here). It is namedafter the hero Akademos, orEkademos. However, it is knownafter the famous philosophicalschool founded byPlato (neigh-bourhoodAkademiaPlatonos) in 387BC. The schoolwas a focal pointof the prestigiousNeoplatonistphilosophers.

20

Kerameikos was bounded bythe northwestern perimeter of the Agora on one side andthe copse that was named afterthe hero Akademos.

� TToommbbss aannddsstteellaaee ((ccoolluummnnss))..The Kerameikos is mainly knownfor its tombs andcolumns. The copyof the marble bullin the enclosure of the tomb of Dionysos fromKollytos, and the copy of thefamous stele of Dexileos and Hegeso (late5th century BC). If you wantto see the original sculptures,and other finds of theexcavation, you may visit theMuseum, at the archaeologicalsite.

� TThhee KKeerraammeeiikkoossMMuusseeuumm.. The museumdisplays the finds of theexcavation of Kerameikos,including funeral gifts found

in tombs andscrulpturesadorning tombsof the archaicand classicalperiods.

� TThhee PPuubblliiccMMeemmoorriiaall.. A section of theancient cemetery,including thetombs of publicfigures and amultitude of thegraves of soldiersfallen in battle,

was recently excavated near thearchaeological area of Kera-meikos (at Salaminas Str 35).

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 1

29. Theprocession

of the greatPanathenea,

depictedon a part

of thePathenon frieze(circa 440 BC).

ANTIQUITIES IN ATHENS

☞ THE SIGHTS:

� TThhee SSaaccrreedd RReessiiddeennccee oofftthhee ggeeoommeettrriicc yyeeaarrss consists of seven rectangular spaces. It has the same features as thesacred residence of Eleusina.Remnants of sacrifices found at the residence seem to indicatethat intensive worship tookplace here.

� TThhee GGyymmnnaassiiuumm.. TheGymnasium is a large rectan-gular building (1st century BC -1 century AD), with an internalperistyle and rooms on thenorthern side. In the Gymnasiumis a small area that served as anarena.

� TThhee PPeerriissttyyllee bbuuiillddiinngg..A large rectangular building(4th century BC) with aninterior peristyle. It is thoughtto be an arena or an annex ofthe Gymnasium.

� TThhee EEaarrllyy GGrreeeekk AArrcchheeddRReessiiddeennccee.. It consists of a hall,a chamber and a storage room.It is thought to be the prehistoricresidence of Akademos.

TThhee ffeessttiivvaall ooff tthheePPaannaatthheennaaeeaa..

Every year the ancientAthenians celebrated theMikra (lesser) Panathenaea,and every four years theycelebrated the Megala (great) Panathenaea, which weregrander and included horse racing, athletic contests,competitions in music and other arts. On the last day of thefestival, a procession began at Kerameikos, passed the Agoraand ascended the Acropolis, where a robe named afterAthena was offered to the goddess. According to custom,during the festival statues were covered with real clothes.The robe of the gods was basically a woollen tunic, selectedby a priestess and young virgins assisting her. It was placedon the mast of a large wooden boat as its sail and carried to the Acropolis. The procession followed the boat. The procession is depicted on the frieze of Acropolis.

14

28. The steleof Hegeso.

30. Dexileos’sfunerarymonument.Dexileos waskilled in 394B.C. in a battlenear Corinth.

31. Plato’sAcademy.

☞ THE SIGHTS:

Page 14: Athens Attica

23

The church was theofficial Episcopal Sea of Athens following theexpulsion of the bishopsfrom the Parthenon by the Franks and later theTurks. From 1839 to 1842 it was used as a library. The newMetropolis nearby wasbuilt from 1842 and 1862

as the cathedralof Athens. It is

a domed churchbuilt in the

neobyzantineand neoclas-

sical style.

KKAAPPNNIIKKAARREEAA(Ermou Str.)

The Kapnikarea is a cruciform,domed Byzantine church with adome dedicated to the Presenta-tion of the Virgin Mary. Theoriginal building was construc-ted in the 11th century. Con-struction was completed in the13th century. It has had variousnames: Camoucharea,Chryssocamouchariotissa,Panayia tis Vasilopoulas (Virginof the King’s daughter). In1834, the year of the construc-tion of Ermou Str, the authori-ties considered plans to relocatethe church, or demolish it, sinceit was located in the middle of

Ermou Str, and was a hindranceto traffic. However, thanks tothe intervention of Ludwig ofBavaria, father of King Otto,and Neofytos Metaxas, Bishopof Talantio and Vicar of Athens,the church was preserved at thepresent location.

AAYYIIOOSS NNIIKKOOLLAAOOSSRRAANNGGAAVVAASS (Plaka)

is located near the Anafiotikaarea of Plaka. The church wasbuilt in the 11th century. It waspart of the Palace of theRangavas family. Michael I,Emperor of Byzantium, wasdescended from this family. The

32. Kapnikarea.

33. AyiosEleftherios.

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 2

Tour of Athens, stage 2:

BYZANTINEMONUMENTS IN ATHENS

The 11th and the 12th centuries are thought tobe the Golden Age of Athens’ Byzantine art.Most of the better known and more

important Byzantine churches of Athens were built inthese two centuries as part of a Christian

reconstruction following the campaigns of EmperorBasil II in the Balkans. Some of the better-knownmonasteries were also founded in the same

period in the suburbs of Athens.

TTHHEE OOLLDDMMEETTRROOPPOOLLIISS((TTHHEE OOLLDD CCAATTHHEEDDRRAALL))(Mitropoleos Square)

This charming church is located

near the new Cathedral.It was built in the late

12th century. It is dedicated to Gorgoepikoos Panayia (the Virgin Mary) and AyiosEleftherios. Ancient and Byzan-tine bas-reliefs were used for theconstruction of the church. In the façade is an ancient frieze,taken from a monument of the 4th century B.C. depictingofficial attic festivals.

1

2

3

BYZANTINE MONUMENTS IN ATHENS

☞ THE SIGHTS:

22

Page 15: Athens Attica

25

It is one of the oldest churchesof Athens (1000-1025 AD). It was constructed on the ruinsof a Roman nympheum of the2nd century. In the 1950’s,following a renovation, it wasrestored to its original form.Many post-Byzantine frescoesof church of Ayios Spyridonas,which has been demolished,were transported to AyioiApostoloi.

PPAANNTTAANNAASSSSAA(Monastiraki Square)

Built in the 10th century, thechurch belonged to themonastery of the Koimesi tisTheotokou. The neighbour-hood was named after themonastery. Formerly it was amonastery dependency of theKaisariani Monastery.

AAYYIIOOSS DDEEMMEETTRRIIOOSSLLOOUUMMBBAARRDDIIAARRIISS(Philopappou hill)

is a beautiful church of the 16thcentury, with remarkable

frescoes. According to popularbelief, the name (Loumbardiarisof Bombardiaris) was derivedfrom an incident that occurredin the 17th century. AyiosDemetrios protected believersfrom a great cannon(Loumbarda).

AAYYIIOOII AASSOOMMAATTOOII(Thission)

A cruciform church built in the11th century, with carved stoneblocks, framed by bricks, whilein places subsequent Islamicinfluence is obvious.

AAYYIIOOSS IIOOAANNNNIISSSSTTIINN KKOOLLOONNAA(Euripidou Str.)

A small chapel built in the 12thcentury, it was named after aRoman column, preserved inthe interior. Ayios Ioannis oVaptistis was thought to be ahealer of all sicknesses of thehead. Visitors may see on thecolumn offerings to the Saint

35. AyiosDemetriosLoumbardiaris,on Philopappushill.

24

area around the church wasformerly called Rangavas.

AAYYIIAA EEKKAATTEERRIINNII(Plaka)

is located near the LysikratesMonument (✒ page 32), inthe square bearing the samename. Shading the church is apalm tree. It was constructedfrom 11th-12th century. In thecorner of the square are theruins of a roman monument.

AAYYIIOOSS IIOOAANNNNIISSTTHHEEOOLLOOGGOOSS(Plaka)

is a very beautiful cruciformchurch of the 11th-12thcentury. It is located at thecrossroads of Erotokritou Str.and Erechtheos Str. It has beenrenovated several times.

SSOOTTIIRRAATTOOUU KKOOTTAAKKII(Plaka)

is better known as Ayia Sotira.It is located at Kydathenaeon

Str, opposite the Museum ofGreek Folk art, in the Plakaarea. It was built in the 11th-12th century. It has beenrenovated several times.

MMEETTOOCCHHII PPAANNAA--YYIIOOUU TTAAFFOOUU(Anafiotika)

It is located at Erechtheos Str. It is a small monastery belong-ing to the Holy Sepulchre ofJerusalem. The church of themonastery, Ayioi Anarghyroiwas built in the 17th century.

PPAANNAAYYIIAA CCHHRRYYSS--SSOOKKAASSTTRRIIOOTTIISSSSAA(Anafiotika)

One of several churches inAnafiotika. According topopular belief, the miraculousicon of the church protectsbelievers in difficult circum-stances.

SSOOTTIIRRAALLYYKKOODDIIMMOOUU --RRuussssiiaann CChhuurrcchh(Filellinon Str.)

is the biggest medieval buildingof Athens. Built in 1031, it waspart of a Roman Catholicmonastery that closed in 1701.In the 1850’s the building wasrenovated by Tsar Alexander IIwho donated a bell-tower.Sotiras Lykodimos is theRussian Orthodox Church ofAthens.

AAYYIIOOII AAPPOOSSTTOOLLOOIITTOOUU SSOOLLAAKKII(Ancient Agora)

is located in the compound ofthe Ancient Agora excavation.

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 2

34. TheByzantine

church of AyioiApostoloi,

on the easternside of the

Ancient Agora.

4

5

6

9

10

11

12

13

14

BYZANTINE MONUMENTS IN ATHENS

8

7

Page 16: Athens Attica

27

MMOOSSQQUUEESSThe TTzziissttaarraakkiiss MMoossqquuee (orKato Sintrivaniou), located inMonastiraki Square, was builtin 1759 by the Turkish voivodMoustafa Agas (or Tzistarakis).Seeking lime for the construc-tion of the Mosque, Tzistarakisremoved the 17th column of theTemple of Olympian Zeus (✒page 5). The Mosque has a log-gia with four columns and tworows of four windows on eachside. Since 1981 it has housedthe Museum of TraditionalCeramics. In Athens, there isonly one mosque open to thepublic, the Tzistarakis Mosque.Near the Roman Agora (✒page 18), is the remarkableFFeettiihhiiee MMoossqquuee, built in 1458 in honour of Mohamed II theConqueror, on the occasion ofhis visit to Athens.

TTUURRKKIISSHH BBAATTHHThe Old Bath (Hamam AbitEfendi), in Plaka (at 8,

KyrristouStr.), built inthe 17thcentury, wasa popular meeting place in theOttoman era. The Old Bath hasbeen renovated. It houses thePersonal Hygiene and ToiletMuseum.

MMUUSSLLIIMMSSEEMMIINNAARRYY

The gate of the Muslimseminary, at the crossroads ofAeolou Str. and Pelopida Str, isthe remains of the building,which was destroyed in a fire in1911. According to an inscriptionabove theentrance, theseminary was builtin 1721 andconsisted of a mainbuilding, whichwas a school andmosque, buildingshousing thestudents andteachers (hodjia),kitchen andhygiene areas, anda central court.

39. The gate of the Muslimseminary(mendreses).

38. TheTzistarakisMosque, on thepicturesqueMonastirakiSquare.

26

offered by the faithful expres-sing gratitude for his help.

AAYYIIOOIITTHHEEOODDOORROOII(Klafthmonos Square)

The church wasreconstructed in thelate 11th centuryon the foundationof a church thatwas built in the9th century. It was built by N. Kalomaos, who was aSpatharocandidatos (a rank of the ByzantineCourt).

TTAAXXIIAARRCCHHEESS(the church of the PetrakiMonastery, at 14,Gennadiou Str.)

built in the 12th century, itbelongs to the PetrakiMonastery (18th century). Inthe cross-domed church visitorsmay see frescoes dating back to1719.

AAYYIIOOII IISSIIDDOORROOII(Lycavittos hill)

is a small church located in alarge cave in Lycavittos hill. Itwas formerly called AyiosSidereas church. It was burned

in 1930 and reconstructed in1931.

AAYYIIOOSSGGEEOORRGGIIOOSS(Lycavittos hill)

is a whitewashedchurch at the top of

Lycavittos hill. You canreach the church on foot,

or by funicular. It is thoughtthat in antiquity the temple ofAkraios Zeus was located here.In the period of Frankish rule,the small chapel of Profitis Iliaswas built here. Later AyiosGeorgios the Rider was builthere. The exact date of theconstruction of the church isnot known. The church bellwas donated by Queen Olgawho put the ruined churchunder her protection.

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 2 BYZANTINE MONUMENTS IN ATHENS

37. AyiosGeorgios,

on the top ofLycavittos hill.

In thebackground

is its distinctivebell tower.

36. Byzantinemosaic of the

Virgin.Constantinople,

10th century(Benaki

Museum).

Athens was conquered by theOttomans in 1456 andliberated in 1833.

Remarkable buildings of theperiod havebeenpreserved.

15

16

17

18

☞ THE SIGHTS:

1

2

3

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 3 OTTOMAN MONUMENTS IN ATHENS

Tour of Athens, stage 3:

OTTOMAN MONUMENTSIN ATHENS

Page 17: Athens Attica

28

NNeeooccllaassssiicciissmmwas from 1834 to the 1920’sthe predominant architecturalstyle of the small city – whichwas situated in what is todaythe historical centre. The styleof neoclassicism, which was invogue in Western Europe, wasa product of the romanticfascination with antiquity. It was introduced by Germanarchitects who came to Greecein the early 1830’s to planAthens. In the interwar eraand especially after 1955, a number of Athens’neoclassical buildings weretorn down. However, in manyareas of the historical centre,the charming, neoclassicalstyle has been preserved.

EEcclleeccttiicciissmmIn the late 19th century thetradition of neoclassicism wasenriched by the romanticaesthetic, usually following theFrench style. AlthoughAthenian classicism remainedthe predominant architecturalstyle, public and privatebuildings were constructed inthis period in a breezy style,influenced by the decorativestyle in vogue in WesternEurope.

AArrtt NNoouuvveeaauuThis radical movement wasnot established as a majorarchitectural trend in Athens.However, after 1920, Greekbourgeois from Smyrna,Egypt, and Constantinopleconstructed residencesfollowing the art nouveaustyle. The few, impressive artnouveau buildings contrastedwith the uniform neoclassicaland eclectic architectureprevailing in Athens.

40. Universityof Athens:

a superbexample

of neo-classicalarchitecture.

41. Distinctiveart nouveaumansions at

VassilisisSofias Avenue.

THE ARCHITECTURE of MODERN ATHENS

29

TThhee mmooddeerrnniissttmmoovveemmeennttIn the early 1930’s, buildingswith more than two or threefloors – the usual number offloors of buildings at the time -

were constructed. These smallblocks of flats, whichsometimes had six floors,introduced a Greek variety ofthe international modernistarchitectural style (Bauhaus,Art Deco). The maincharacteristic of buildingsconstructed in this period, (aswell as the preceding period),are the semicircular ledges,and the facades. A multitudeof these buildings are thoughtto be important monumentsexemplifying the global historyof the modernist style.

TThhee ppoosstt--wwaarr eerraa((11995500 -- 22000000)) In the post-war era, thepopulation of Athens anddemand for housing rapidlyincreased. In the 1950’s andthe early 1960’s, buildingswith marble facades, parapets,and imposing entrances werein vogue. From 1960-1975(the development era) the massconstruction of dull modernbuildings was in vogue,altering the physiognomy of the new neighbourhoods.Quality buildings were alsoconstructed in this era. In thepast few decades, following a period of stagnation, Athenshas acquired important new(predominantly public)buildings, giving the city a newsplendour, and upgradingdepressed areas.

43. Thebuilding of theHeadquartersof the NationalBank ofGreece, one of the mostmodernbuildings inAthens (2002).▼

42. In the period from 1930-1960 a multitude of buildings reflectingarchitectural trends from modernismto more recent styles were builtin Athens.

Page 18: Athens Attica

31

and the beauty and atmosphereof the neighbourhood areenchanting. In Plaka the airyou breathe is different; it islighter, cleaner, andfragrant, like a gift ofthe gods. Whenyou visit Plakayou should bringa map, because youmight get lost in thelabyrinth of narrowstreets and alleys. InAdrianou Street, the centralstreet of the neighbourhood, asin other streets in the area, youwill find shops sellingtraditional products, souvenirs,Greek folk art and handicrafts,etc.

PPHHIILLOOMMOOUUSSOOUUEETTAAIIRREEIIAASS SSQQUUAARREE

The central square of theneighbourhood, was namedafter the Philomousos Etaireia(The Society of the Friends ofthe Muses, in other words, thenine gods of the Arts), whichwas founded in 1813. The pur-pose of the Society was thepromotion of Greek studies andthe preservation of the archaeo-logical treasures of Athens. Atthe square, located at thecrossroads of KydathenaeonStr, Farmaki Str, OlympiouDios Str. and Angelou GerondaStr, are a multitude of cafes,restaurants, clubs with livemusic and souvenir shops.

TTHHEE CCHHIILLDDRREENN’’SSMMUUSSEEUUMM

located at Kidathenaeon Str. isa wonderful place for children.

In the attic is a reconstructedroom with old furniture, a ra-dio, and theatre in the style of

old Athenian homes, named“granddad andgrandmother’s room,”

where children maydress with perioddresses. TheMuseum housesamong others, anexhibition of

paintings by children,old toys, a fairground and alibrary. If you have children, besure to visit the Children’sMuseum. Its, also, worth seeingthe neighbouring MMuusseeuumm ooffGGrreeeekk CChhiillddrreenn’’ss AArrtt(9, Kodrou str.), which, amongother things, exhibits in itspremises paintings and threedimentional artworks bychildren up to 14 years oldfrom all over Greece, which arerenewed on a regular basis.

46. LysikratesMonument.

45. Handmadewooden toyrepresentinga bridegroomon horseback.The design isderived froman embroideryof the 18thcentury.(BenakiMuseum).

30

PPLLAAKKAA

Plaka, also known as the“neighbourhood of the

gods,” is the oldestneighbourhood of Athens.Walking on its paved narrowstreets you get the feeling thatyou are travelling back in time.The origin of the name of theneighbourhood is unknown,although theories abound.According to popular belief,Plaka was named after a slab ofstone that was found near thechurch of Ayios GeorgiosAlexandrias, in the vicinity ofthe theatre of Dionysos. Thebeautiful neoclassical stylecolour of the houses, the archi-tecture, the well-kept gardens,

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 4

44. Traditionaltaverna in thePlaka. There

are a multitudeof tavernas in

the district.

1

➣1.1

➣1.2

☞ THE SIGHTS:

HISTORIC CENTRE (1)

Tour of Athens,stage 4:

HISTORICCENTRE (1)

Page 19: Athens Attica

33

� TThhee KKaanneellllooppoouulloossMMuusseeuumm Was founded in 1976, followingthe donation of the privatecollection of Pavlos andAlexandra Kanellopoulos to theGreek state. It is housed in theneoclassical mansion of theMihalea family. The Kanello-poulos collection consists ofarchaeological finds and worksof art from theprehistoric era to thepresent.

TTHHEE RROOMMAANNAAGGOORRAA (✒ page 18)

BBYYZZAANNTTIINNEECCHHUURRCCHHEESS (✒ pages 22-24)

OOTTTTOOMMAANNMMOONNUUMMEENNTTSS(✒ page 27)

ªª√√¡¡∞∞SSTTIIRRAAKKII

Adistinctive “old”Athens area, with

narrow, irregularlycriss-crossing streets, and smallbuildings, characteristic ofOttoman and to some extentByzantine urban planning. Onthe outdoor stands of streetsellers, or the small shops on thecentral roads (Adrianou Str,Pandrosou Str, Ifaistou Str,Thiseiou Str, Ayiou Filippou Str,Astigos Str, and Ermou Str.) youcan find anything, such as shoes,clothes, old and new furniture,old books and magazines,souvenirs, jewellery, hats,

bronze objects, new and usedrecords and CDs andtraditional Greek instruments(bouzoukis, touberleki).Shopping or walking inMonastiraki is an unforgettableexperience. You will be stunnedby the variety and quality ofthings you can buy in themarket.

MMOONNAASSTTIIRRAAKKIISSQQUUAARREE

At the historic square you willfind the TTzziissttaarraakkiiss mmoossqquuee(✒ page 27), HHaaddrriiaann’’sslliibbrraarryy (✒ page 18), theByzantine cchhuurrcchh ooff PPaannttaannaassssaa(✒ page 25). Of particularinterest also is the completelyrenovated nneeooccllaassssiiccaall mmeettrroossttaattiioonn - one of the oldest of the

49. The facadesof neo-classicalhouses inMonastiraki.

32

LLYYSSIIKKRRAATTEESSMMOONNUUMMEENNTT

In ancient Athens, theatricalperformances held at thetheatre of Dionysoswere funded bywealthy citizens, thedonors (choregoi).The city gave a prizeto the donor of thewinning performance.When the wealthyLysikrates won theprize in 334 BC, heconstructed amonument to house it. Themonument is preserved (ancientTripodon Str. - pavement of theroad is preserved in a specialspace in a renovated building atnumber 28). The monumenthas had a long and variedhistory. In 1658, a Capuchinmonastery was founded here. In 1669, Capuchins bought themonument. Lord Byron stayed

at the monastery in his secondvisit to Greece. In the gardensthe cultivation of the tomato,

hitherto unknown inGreece, wasintroduced.

AANNAAFFIIOOTTIIKKAA

On the foothills of theAcropolis, has thecharm of a beautifulisland village. It wasbuilt in the mid 19th

century by therenowned builders of theAegean island of Anafi, whowere invited to construct thepalace of the first king of theHellenes, Otto (✒ page 51).Feeling nostalgic for theirbirthplace in their long stay inAthens they recreated it in theupper area of Plaka. They builtsmall, whitewashed houses,reproducing the architectural

style of their village.We recommend thatyou visit Anafiotika,the neighbourhood ofthe Anafiotes, aunique, charming area.

� TThhee MMuusseeuumm oofftthhee UUnniivveerrssiittyy ooffAAtthheennssThe building housingthe Museum of Athens,located at Tholou Str,was formerly theresidence of thearchitect Kleanthes(1832-1833).Subsequently it housedthe first University ofAthens (1837-1842).

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 4

48. Amultitude of

thelabyrinthinealleys of the

Plaka lead tothe Anafiotika

and theperipheral

footpath of theAcropolis.

47. Woodenwindow

decorated withflowerpots in

the “neighbour-hood of the

gods.”

2

☞ THE SIGHTS:

➣1.4

➣2.1

HISTORIC CENTRE (1)

➣1.3

Page 20: Athens Attica

35

square are a several cafes. In the colourful DimopratiriouSquare nearby you will findtavernas with traditional Greekfood.

EERRMMOOUU SSTTRR..

The street is named after thegod Hermes – the protector oftrade. Ermou Str. was one ofthe first streets paved byKleanthes and Schaubert. Morethan 60 years, from the late19th century to the 1960’s, itwas a centre of women’sfashion. It is one of the bestareas for shopping in thecapital. You will find a varietyof silver, among others, candleholders, bowls, vases andjewellery, often hand-madegoods produced in Greece, inshops at Lekka Str, whichconnects Perikleous Str. andKolokotroni Str, and thenearby arcades. Also, in thepicturesque Evangelistrias andAyiou Markou Streets, there

are many shops selling clothingand shoes at very reasonableprices.In the section of ErmouStr. closest to Syntagma Square,(up to Athinas Str.) you willfind the KKaappnniikkaarreeaa cchhuurrcchh(✒ page 23). In the section ofErmou Str. closest to PireausStr. (from Thission to PireausStr.) you will find thearchaeological area ofKKeerraammeeiikkooss (✒ page 19).

AATTHHIINNAASS SSTTRR..

A centralcommercial roadconnecting OmoniaSquare (✒ page67) with Monasti-raki Square (✒page 33), it was oneof the first mainroads constructedin modern Athens.Athinas Str. is busymost times of theday. Most of theshops sell groceries.The fragrance offoods, fruits, herbsand nuts pervadesthe air. The street

51. ErmouStreet and inthe backgroundParliament.

52. TheMetropolis(AthensCathedral) at MetropoleosSquare. On the right is AyiosEleftherioschapel.

34

metro network (1895), wherenext to its platforms theencased bed of ancient Iridanosriver is on display in a speciallyarranged area (300 m2).

AAVVIISSSSIINNIIAASSSSQQUUAARREE ((GGiioouussoouurroouumm))

Is the central square ofMonastiraki. Here you will finda wide range of rare furniture,antiques and the copies ofantiques, and a variety of useditems. Moreover, you will findold wardrobes, bookcases,frames, mirrors, antique officetables, tables, gramophonerecords and musical instru-ments. Come early if you wantto shop. Noon is the best timeto come if you want to take alook around. You can have aglass of Greek wine or ouzowith Greek snacks - calledmezedes - in one of the smallshops of the square, andobserve the bustle of thebazaar.

AADDRRIIAANNOOUU SSTTRR..

A distinctive Athens street,connects Hadrian’s library withthe “Theseio” metro stop. In theneoclassical one-floor or two-floor buildings are shops withtraditional items, and antiqueshops. Street-sellers sell theirware here Sundays. You willfind here cafes and smallfashionable restaurants with a unique view of the archaeo-logical area of the AncientAgora (✒ page 16).

TTHHEE OOLLDDCCOOMMMMEERRCCEECC∂∂¡¡ΔΔRREE

The area encompassed byMetropoleos Str, Athinas

Str. and Stadiou Str. is the“heart” of the historic centre ofAthens, and the old commercialarea. In the area, with thesmaller or larger labyrinthinestreets, are more than 2,500shops selling a wide range ofproducts. Pedestrian zones havebeen established. The historiccommercial centre is a ratherquiet area, with a multitude ofcafes, small bars and modernrestaurants.

MMIITTRROOPPOOLLEEOOSS SSTTRR..

Connects Syntagma Square (✒ page 51) with MonastirakiSquare (✒ page 33). Thebuildings on the street are builtin the neoclassical style. TThhee OOllddMMeettrrooppoolliiss (The Old Cathedral)(✒ page 22) dominates Mitropoleos Square. On the

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 4

50. You canenjoy a cafe or

a meal atAdrianou

Street with aview of the

Ancient Agoraand the

Acropolis.

3

☞ THE SIGHTS:

➣2.2

➣2.3

➣3.1

➣3.2

➣3.3

HISTORIC CENTRE (1)

Page 21: Athens Attica

37

Greece. A section of theAcharnic Gate of the Themi-stocleian walls was uncoveredand is exhibited in the north-eastern section of the square.

VVaarrvvaakkeeiioossMMuunniicciippaall ((CCeennttrraall))MMaarrkkeett Is a rectangularbuilding (1886)with a large coveredcourt. There are atotal of 73 foodstalls (meat market,fish market,vegetable marketand groceries) in the interiorand exterior sections. The mar-ket is covered with a glass andmetal roof and has symmetricalwindows. You will find heresmall restaurants (eating-houses) with fresh food,attracting Athenians especiallyafter midnight. There is a smallgrove on the square (Varva-keios Square) across the street.

EEVVRRIIPPIIDDOOUU SSTTRR..

a charming street with anoriental atmosphere, connectsKoumoundourou Square (✒page 69) with KlafthmonosSquare (✒ page 38). You willfind here a multitude of shopsselling spices, sweets, nuts,coffee, and traditional orientalproducts.

AAIIOOLLOOUU SSTTRR..

A pedestrian zone has beenestablished in a large section ofthe Aiolou Str, which connectsPanepistimiou Str. with theRoman Market (Plaka). At thecrossroads of Aiolou Str. and

Sophocleous Str. is the newlyconstructed AdministrationBuilding of the National Bankof Greece (2002), one of themost important modernarchitectural sights of Athens.

The building was designedby Greek architects, with

the collaboration of thefamous architect M.Botta. On theground floor youwill find a restoredsection of theancient Acharnairoad. At 10Sophocleous Str. is the mansion of

the Athens Stock Exchange,with a classical style façade andten Doric style columns. As youhead towards Plaka you will seetwo marvellous churches,which are well worth a visit:The Panagia Chrysospiliotissa(1863 – at the crossroads ofAiolou Str. and PanagiaChrysospiliotissa Str) and AyiasEirinis Str. (1847- AthinaidosStr.) both built by the architectL. Kaftantzoglou. Ayia Eirini,which was the first Cathedral

54. A detail of the centralentrance of the G. Stavroumansion(KotziaSquare).

55. The newbuilding of theNational Bankof Greece(Aiolou Street).

36

has the charm of the bazaars ofthe East. It faces the Acropolis.A multitude of importantbuildings of the 19th centuryand the early 20th century islocated here. Recently the streethas become a centre for FineArts with more than ten artgalleries in the area.

AAtthheennss TToowwnn HHaallll (63, Athinas Str.)

was constructed in 1874 in astrictly neoclassical style.Originally a two-floor building,in 1937 a floor was added andthe building was modified dueto the increased space require-ments of the Municipality. Inthe interior you will find thepaintings of known Greekpainters of the 19th century,and frescoes of F. Kontoglouwith representations of mytho-logical and historic themes(1937-1940). You will find alarge oil painting depicting theApostle Paul teaching theAthenians Christian religion(1877) in the Municipal

Council hall. In the receptionroom (1st floor), you will findin special glass-showcases,small terra cotta figuresrepresenting all the mayors ofAthens. In the vicinity of themunicipality is an attractive,small square, Theatrou Square.

KKoottzziiaa SSqquuaarree ((EEtthhnniikkiiss AAnnttiissttaassssiiss SSqquuaarree))

formerly called Laou Square,and Loudovikou Square, facesthe Town Hall. The eclecticstyle Melas Mansion (Ern.Ziller 1887), with an impres-sive façade, and two smalltowers at the sides, dominatesthe south side of the square.The central hall is covered witha glass roof. In the perimeterare Doric and Ionian stylecolonnades. The building, for-merly the residence of V. Melas,houses the Cultural Centre ofthe National Bank of Greece. Inthe eastern side of the square isa renaissance style building, theG. Stavrou Mansion, housingservices of the National Bank of

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 4

53. The AthensTown Hall.

➣3.4➣3.5

➣3.6

➣3.7

➣3.8

HISTORIC CENTRE (1)

Page 22: Athens Attica

39

HHeelllleenniiccTTeelleeccoommmmuunniiccaattiioonnssOOrrggaanniissaattiioonn ((OOTTEE))MMaannssiioonnan exceptional exampleof Atheniansmodernism, withelements of olderarchitecturalstyles, it is thework of theknown Greekarchitect An.Metaxas(1931).

KKoollookkoottrroonniiSSqquuaarreea small square, with theNational Historical Museum

and the impressive statue of thehero of the Greek Revolution Th. Kolokotronis on horseback

(L. Sohos, 1904) at itscentre. Opposite the

square (8, StadiouStr.) is the

dilapidatedDouilaResidence,one of theoldestbuildings ofthe moderncity, the workof Chr.

Hansen.

TThhee NNaattiioonnaallHHiissttoorriiccaall MMuusseeuumm

(✒ page 89).

59. The statue of Th. Kolokotronisbefore the building of the NationalHistorical Museum.

58. The AthensStockExchangemansion(1930).

38

of Athens, is located at acolourful square, with flowershops and cafes.

SSTTAADDIIOOUU SSTTRR..

Is a central street – one of thefirst paved roads of modernAthens. It was built on a riverbed. It was formerly calledPheidiou Str. and Akakiou Str.There was a plan to extend thestreet to the PanathenaeanStadium – which was never putinto action – hence the nameStadiou.

NNaattiioonnaall PPrriinntteerrssBBuuiillddiinngg Connects Santaroza Str, andArsaki Str. One of the firstpublic mansions raised in themodern city (1834), it is built inthe neoclassical style. Before1905, it housed the “NationalPrinters.”

KKllaafftthhmmoonnoossSSqquuaarree Is a spacious square withinteresting buildings (amongothers, The Museum of the Cityof Athens ✒ page 93, the

former Ministry of MerchantMarine, the Ministry ofInternal Affairs, the Byzantinechurch of Ayioi Theodoroi,

✒ page 26) and a multitudeof cafes. An impressionistbronze statue representing the“National Reconciliation”(Doropoulos 1988) stands inthe centre of the square.

““AAttttiikkoonn--AAppoolllloonn”” bbuuiillddiinngg Is an eclectic style mansion. It houses two cinemas, amongthe oldest of Athens, whichhave recently been renovated.

KKaarryyttssii SSqquuaarree Square is a small square, namedafter the church at its centre.The elegant church (built by L. Kaftantzoglou) was built atthe site of an older churchwhere the Athenians in January1833 selected a deputation towelcome the new king Otto inNauplion. Opposite the squareis the neoclassical style“Parnassos” building.

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 4

57. Thebuilding

housing thecinema halls

“Attikon” andApollon”

(1916-1920).

56. The“National

Reconciliation”monument

on KlafthmonosSquare. ➣3.9

➣3.15

➣3.14

➣3.13

➣3.11

➣3.10

➣3.16

HISTORIC CENTRE (1)

➣3.12

Page 23: Athens Attica

41

(1833), veteranfreedom fighters andimmigrants from theprovinces settled in theneighbourhood. Theyopened cottageindustries and work-shops, which havegiven the neighbour-hood a distinctive cha-racter. In the early1990s, following aseries of constructionworks, the neighbour-hood became a popularnightlife and residentialarea. The churches inthe area are also quiteinteresting, such asAyioi Anargyroi, AyiosDemetrios, AyiosGregorios (Armenian),et al. Iroon square, the centralsquare, is good place for you tostart your walk.

KKEERRAAMMEEIIKKOOSS

Near the archaeological area(✒ page 19) is the

historic neighbourhood ofKerameikos. Worth seeing areAyion Assomaton Str (with the

“Museum of Islamic Art”, ✒page 90), Melidoni Str (youwill find here the Jewishsynagogue Beth-Shalom andthe “Museum of ModernCeramics”) and Salaminas Str.In recent years, the area hasbecome one of Athens’s popularnightlife hubs with many smallrestaurants, bars and live-musicnightclubs.

61. Two-storeyneo-classicalbuilding atIroon Square(Psyri).

62. TheKerameikosneighbourhoodlies around thearchaeologicalsite.

40

PPSSYYRRRRII

Acolourful neoclassicalAthens neighbourhood,

encompassed by Athinas Str,Ermou Str, and Evripidou Str.It is a busy neighbourhood,especially in the night. You willfind on its narrow alleys amultitude of cafes, small bars,clubs, restaurants, ouzo-

restaurants, andtaverns with liveGreek music,theatres, galleries,art galleries, andantique shops. Following theliberation of

Greece

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 5

60. Distinctivedecorative

motif on an oldbuilding

of the historicalcentre

of Athens.

Tour of Athens, stage 5:

HISTORIC CENTRE (2)

1

2

HISTORIC CENTRE (2)

Page 24: Athens Attica

43

MMaarrbbllee ffoouunnttaaiinnThe marble fountain, located atMetaxourgeio Square, wasbuilt in the 19th century. It wastransported here fromDimopratiriou Square.

IIaassoonnooss SSttrr.. aannddYYiiaattrraakkoouu SSttrr.. Starting atKaraiskaki Square,take Achileos Str,turn at IasonosStr, and proceedto Agisilaou Str.You will findhere smalltheatres inhistoric buildings.Take a right turn atAkadimou-Yiatrakou Str, andproceed to Achilleos Str.Take note of the small,neoclassical (one-storey andtwo-story) houses withbalconies, balusters, and ornatefront doors. At the crossroadsof Yiatrakou Str. andGermanikou Str, you will find asmall colourful square (AvdisSquare), with cafes, bars and aplayground.

TThhee PPeellooppoonnnneesseeRRaaiillwwaayy SSttaattiioonn Starting at Karaiskani Square,take a turn at Diliyianni Str,and you will arrive at thiscolourful building, built in1912-1913, with anarchitectural design combiningthe neoclassical, centralEuropean and Art Nouveaustyles. The railway station

(serving railway lines to thePeloponnese) is a copy in areduced scale of theConstantinople railway station,reflecting the Europeanarchitectural trends of the 19thcentury. Opposite thePeloponnese Railway Station isthe Larissis Railway Station(serving railway lines to central

and northern Greece),built in 1908, in the

neoclassical style,and laterreconstructed.

KKOOLLOONNOOSS

If you want togo for a walk,

you can visitKolonos, a working-

class neighbourhood ofAthens, near the historic

centre. Although the area hasbeen rebuilt, the neighbour-hood maintains its distinct,historic character. Starting atPeloponnese Railway Stationtake Ioanninon Str, to IppiouKolonou hill and (take a turn atEvripou Str.) proceed to Skouzehill. Around these smallwooded hills, you will find anarea of detached houses withgardens and small, elegantblocks of flats, preserving theatmosphere of the old Athensneighbourhood (the nearestmetro stop is “Sepolia”).

64. The marblefountain atMetaxourgeioSquare.

42

Str.). On the one side of Achil-leos Str. (facing Piraeus Str.) isthe old section, and on the otherside (facing Lenorman Str.), isthe new section. The newsection, which has been recon-structed, has not maintained thehistoric character of theneighbourhood, while in the oldsection a number of buildingsconstructed in the traditionalstyle have been preserved. In thearea are a multitude of smallcafes and restaurants servingtraditional oriental drinks,sweets, and food.

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 5

63. A view ofthe industrialpark at Gazi

(“Technopolis”),the venue

of cultural andother events.

HISTORIC CENTRE (2)

➣4.1

➣4.2

➣4.3

☞ THE SIGHTS:

TTHHEE GGAASS WWOORRKKSS

was founded in 1857 and closedin 1983. It produced lighting gasfor the city. Formerly in the areawere, among others, woodworkshops, foundries, machine-works, garages, restaurants,barbers shops, medical centre.The Gas works, a scheduledbuilding, is the only one of itskind in Europe. The buildingshave unadorned, neoclassicalmasonry, a varnished, woodenroof with skylights, coveredwith Byzantine or French styletiles and sheet-iron. It is anindustrial zone, housing acultural centre of the AthensMunicipality (“Technopolis.”)

MMEETTAAXXOOUURRGGEEIIOO

The historic neighbourhoodin the centre of Athens was

planned by architect, Chr.Hansen. The name is derivedfrom a silk fabric manufacturefactory, which closed in 1875(the building, which ispreserved, is located at Meg.Alexandrou Str, betweenMylerou Str. and Giatrakou

GGAAZZII

The former Gas works is atthe centre of the

neighbourhood, which wasformerly called “Gazohori”(Gas village). Located inwestern Athens, it is the thirdsquare of the city, inaccordance with the Kleanthes-Schaubert urban plan. It has toa large extent maintained thecolour of a historic Athensneighbourhood. You will findcafes, bars and luxuryrestaurants, popular amongAthenians, in a multitude ofold, picturesque buildings.

➣3.1

3

☞ THE SIGHTS:

4

5

Page 25: Athens Attica

45

MMAAKKRRIIYYIIAANNNNII

Aresidential area, enclosedby the Dionysiou

Aeropaghitou Str. to thefoothills of Philopappou hill.The neoclassical houses, andthe newer buildings, (especiallybuildings built in the interwarera), are charming.Makriyianni is one of the mostelegant neighbourhoods of thecity. Worth a visit are, amongothers, Mitsaion Str,Parthenonos Str, Webster Str,Cavalloti Str, Kallisperi Str.,R. Gali Str, Mouson Str.

AAccrrooppoolliiss RReesseeaarrcchhCCeennttrree (2-4, Makriyianni Str.)

is a stately building. The buil-ding is adorned with Byzantinestyle masonry with neoclassicaldecorative motifs. It was builtin 1834 by German architect,W. von Weiller. Formerly amilitary hospital and a base of

police units, it has housed the“Acropolis Research Centre”since 1987. The New AcropolisMuseum is being constructed ina nearby space (✒ page 13).

KKOOYYKKAAKKII

Neighbouring Makriyanniis Koukaki, a colourful

neighbourhood, especially the area near Philopappou hill(Panaitoliou Str, ArakinthouStr.).

AANNOO PPEETTRRAALLOONNAA

Acharming, colourfulneighbourhood, exuding

the atmosphere of 1950’sAthens. Several examples ofworking-class urbanarchitecture are preserved,among others, one-storey andtwo storey houses.

DDoorraa SSttrraattoouuTThheeaattrree is located west of the hill(ancient Amphitheatre). Youcan see performances of Greek

66. A detail of the plaque of the northernfrieze of the Parthenon(AcropolisMuseum).

44

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 6

65. A scene ofa performance

of the “DoraStratou”

theatre. Thedance group

comprises of 75dancers,

musicians andsingers.

Tour of Athens, stage 6:

HISTORIC CENTRE (3)the Philopappou Hill Area

HISTORIC CENTRE (3)

1

2

3

☞ THE SIGHTS:

☞ THE SIGHTS:

➣3.1

➣1.1

Page 26: Athens Attica

AAyyiiaa MMaarriinnaa SSqquuaarree Is a colourful, quiet square,with Ayia Marina church (19thcentury) at it centre. In thenorthwestern side, sculpted intothe rock, is the original chapel,with a posterior dome andfrescoes of the 13th century.

TThhiissssiioonn PPaarrkk is the northwestern section ofthe Ancient Agora archaeo-logical area. It was planted withtrees in 1862 and ornamentalplants in 1931. Formerly it wasthe area where Athenianscelebrated Easter.

PPoouullooppoouullooss HHaatt--ffaaccttoorryy (66, Iraklidon Str.)

is a noteworthy industrialbuilding with interesting ma-sonry and a tiled roof. The building, an importantlandmark that housed a hat-factory many years, is a sche-duled building. The space is usedfor various purposes (“MelinaMercouri” Cultural Centre).

47

multitude of cafes and bars,open all day. Moreover, in thenearby pedestrian zone atEptahalkou Str. you will findtraditional tavernas withMediterranean cuisine.

DD.. AAiiggiinniittoouu SSttrr.. Connects Apostolou Pavlou Strwith the National Observatory.It has a unique view of theAcropolis, Lycabettus Hill, theAncient Agora and the newcity.

NNaattiioonnaallOObbsseerrvvaattoorryyThe oldest research institutionof Greece and the Balkans, wasfounded in 1842. The buildingof the Observatory atNymphon hill (which took itsname from the sanctuary withthe same name that stood therein antiquity), opposite theAcropolis and the AncientAgora, was designed by Th. Hansen. It is an attractiveneoclassical building. The buil-ding is cruciform, facing thefour compass points.

69. Thepopular cafesof ThissionSquare offer anunobstructedview of theAncient Agoraand the rock ofthe Acropolis.

70. Therenovatedplatforms of the Thissionmetro station,one of theoldest stationsof the network.

46

folk dances by the Dora Stratoudance group. Dora Stratoudedicated her life to theresearch and preservation ofGreek folkart. Thegroup, whichhas partici-pated in amultitude offestivalsworldwide,is known inGreece andabroad. Thedancers wear traditional Greekcostumes of various regions ofthe country, and perform songsand dances of all periods ofGreece’s history.

MMeerrccoouurrii SSqquuaarree is a colourful square, with smallcafes, and traditional tavernas,in the nearby streets.

SSttoonnee--bbuuiilltt hhoouusseessAn attractive, smallneighbourhood - in the area ofAginoros Str. and Troon Str. -

with stone-built houses, (of thepostwar period), exuding theatmosphere of a mountainvillage, is being redeveloped.

TTHHIISSSSIIOONN((TTHHEESSEEIIOONN))

The area was named afterthe nearby ancient temple

(✒ page 17). A traditionalneighbourhood with a multi-tude of charming neoclassicalhouses and public mansions.Have a drink at one of theoutdoor cafes at ThissionSquare (at Apostolou PavlouStr.), and enjoy a unique viewof the Acropolis and theAncient Agora area.

IIrraakklleeiiddoonn SSttrr.. is the centralpedestrian zoneof the area, withattractiveneoclassicalbuildings. Here,and atAkamantos Str,which is parallelto Irakleidon Str,you will find a

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 6

68. The domeof the National

Observatory,the highest

point ofNymphon hill.

67. Ap. PavlouStreet in the

vicinity of theThission.

HISTORIC CENTRE (3)

➣3.2

➣3.3

4

➣4.1

➣4.2

➣4.3

➣4.4

➣4.5

➣4.6

☞ THE SIGHTS:

Page 27: Athens Attica

49

KKOOLLOONNAAKKII

Kolonaki is situated at anexclusive location, encom-

passed bySyntagmaSquare,VassilisisSofiasAvenue, andthe slopes ofLycabettusHill. It wasnamed afterthe oldcolumn (theGreek forsmallcolumn iskolonaki),in the centreof KolonakiSquare. The area was notdeveloped before the 1880’s. In Kolonaki you will find parksand attractive buildings, builtpredominantly in the neoclas-sical and modernist architec-tural style, lending the area adistinguished character. It isconsidered the “aristocratic”neighbourhood of Athens. Youwill find here the mostexpensive commercial shops,popular cafes and modern bars,and luxury restaurants. If youseek diversion and relaxationand go for a stroll at Patri-archou Ioakim Str, TsakalouStr, Anagnostopoulou Str,Milioni Str, Fokylidou Str,Karneadou Str, Loukianou Str,Ploutarchou Str, Haritos Str,Spefsipou Str. and theLykabettos circular.

KKoolloonnaakkii SSqquuaarree((PPhhiilliikkiiss EEttaaiirriiaass SSqquuaarree))

When you visit Athens youshould have a coffee at one ofthe cafes at Kolonaki Square.Modern Athenians and foreignvisitors enjoy a break at one ofthe cafes, eating, drinking coffeeand chatting.

DDeexxaammeenniiss SSqquuaarree is a small square, which serves asa local recreation ground. Thetraditional café on the squareattracts Athenians and visitors.It was the meeting place of in-tellectuals in the 20th century.You will find here an old aque-duct and an outdoor cinema.

SSkkoouuffaa SSttrr..is the central street of Kolonaki,with interesting neoclassical andart deco style buildings. In thesection from Kolonaki Square toDelfon Str are a multitude ofshops and modern café-restaurants.

72. TsakalofStreet, one ofthe centralroads ofKolonaki, witha multitude of cafes andcommercialshops, is a busystreet.

48

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 7

71. Located atKolonaki are some of

the best-knownfashion companies.

Tour of Athens, stage 7:

KOLONAKITHE RIGILLIS AREA-

METS

☞ THE SIGHTS:

KOLONAKI - THE RIGILLIS AREA - METS

1

➣1.1

➣1.2

➣1.3

Page 28: Athens Attica

51

American School of ClassicalStudies at Athens. In 1960 thebuilding was expanded. It issurrounded by a large gardenwith lush vegetation (for thelibrary’s collections and books,✒ page 94).

SSYYNNTTAAGGMMAASSQQUUAARREE

Syntagma Square is Athens’central square. The name of

the square is derived from anuprising on 3 September 1843,of the people and the guard ofAthens before the then Palacebuilding, (what is now theParliament), demanding thatKing Otto grant a Constitution(Syntagma means Constitution).Syntagma Square and OmoniaSquare are the two central

locations of the city. You should not be surprisedwhen you ask directions ifpeople refer to Syntagmasquare. Plaka, the Acropolis, theCathedral, the National Garden,Ermou Str, and Kolonaki, arelocated in the vicinity ofSyntagma Square. You will findfashionable cafes and smallrestaurants located here. Thesquare is busy around the clock.At the kiosks you will findmiscellaneous items, amongothers, souvenirs, newspapers,and foreign magazines.

TTHHEE PPAARRLLIIAAMMEENNTT

Dominating Syntagma Square,the building was the residence of

75. The GreekParliamentdominating the east side of SyntagmaSquare.

50

AAyyiiooss DDiioonnyyssiiooss (Skoufa Str.)

a stately church, was built inthe early 1930’s at the site of anearlier church. The façade isbuilt in a neo-renaissancestyle, and the interior isdecorated in theByzantine style. AyiosDionysios Areopagitis,one of Athens’ earlyChristians, is thepatron saint of Athens.

LLyyccaavviittttoossSSqquuaarreeis located near AyiosDionysios (at the crossroads ofLycavittou Str. andAnagnostopoulou Str.).Dominating the square is theDragoumis Mansion (1925), aprivate residence, whichformerly accommodated theBrazilian Embassy.

MMaarraasslleeiiooThe “Marasleio College ofEducation of State Education,”

an attractive neoclassicalbuilding (at the crossroads ofMarasli Str. and Spefsipou Str.),it is the work of architect D. Kallias (1905).

VVoouukkoouurreessttiioouu SSttrr..distinctive Athens road, itconnects the foot of Lycavittoshill with Syntagma Square. Inthe pedestrian zone (linkingAcademias Str. to PanepistimiouStr.), you will find a multitude ofattractive cafes and bars.

TTaaxxiiaarrcchheessthe church of the PetrakiMonastery in Kolonaki, ✒page 26).

GGeennnnaaddiiooss LLiibbrraarryyImpressive building in theclassicistic style, which wasinaugurated in 1926 to housethe book collection (a total of26,000 volumes) donated in

1922 by scholar I.Gennadios to the

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 7

74.A traditional

silver bracelet(19th century),

from theEastern Thraceregion (Benaki

Museum).

73. A view ofKolonaki from

the foot ofLycavittos hill.

A series of stepslead to the top.

SShhooppppiinngg iinnKKoolloonnaakkii::In Kolonaki you willfind the mostfashionable boutiques,

with high couture items producedby Greek and internationaldesigners, among others, shoes, andleather goods, toys, old furniture,jewellery, house ware. AtVoukourestiou Str. and thesurrounding area - in the vicinity ofSyntagma Square - you will findworld-famous Greek jewellers,bookshops specialising in foreignlanguage editions, and majorgalleries exhibiting the works ofGreek painters and sculptors.

KOLONAKI - THE RIGILLIS AREA - METS

➣1.4

➣1.5

➣1.6

➣1.7

➣1.8

➣1.9

2

☞ THE SIGHTS:

➣2.1

Page 29: Athens Attica

53

and luxury restaurant, exudinga unique atmosphere.

AAnncciieenntt aaqquueedduuccttA section of the ancient ceme-tery and Peisitstratos aqueduct,unearthed in the northeasternsection of the square, is dis-played in an outdoor, coveredarea.

PPhhiilleelllliinnoonn SSttrr.. is a prolongation of Stadiou Str.You will find here attractiveneoclassical buildings and, at the crossroads of Philellinon Str.Xenophontos Str. and Souri Str.the Sotira Lykodimou church(✒ page 24) and the Anglicanchurch of Saint Paul (1843), the work of Ch. Hansen, withelements of Gothic style andcruciform shape.

AAmmaalliiaass AAvveennuueeis a broad avenue connectingHadrian’s Arch (✒ page 6)with Syntagma Square. An

elegant street with statelyneoclassical and modernistbuildings, it is located in thevicinity of the NationalGardens. As you ascend towardsSyntagma Square, you will havea view of Parliament and, in thedistance, Lycavittos hill.

NNAATTIIOONNAALLGGAARRDDEENN

The National Garden, openfrom dawn to sunset, is an

oasis in the centre of the city. It has a total area of 160,000m2. Some five hundred differentkinds of plants, bushes and treesfrom various locations aroundthe world are grown here. TheNational Garden – which wasformerly the palace garden - waslaid out from 1838-1860. Thereare four entrances: at VassilisisSophias Avenue, HerodouAttikou Str, Vassilisis AmaliasAvenue, and an entranceconnecting the National Gardento the Zappeion. It is a good

78. One of amultitude ofrefreshmentstands at theverdantNationalGarden.

52

the first king of Greece Otto.The building was constructedfrom 1836 to 1842. George A’,who succeeded Otto on thethrone, also resided in thepalace. During his reign, twosuccessive fires destroyed thebuilding, making it unsuitablefor use as a royal residence. In1924 the government decidedto situate Parliament in thebuilding. Reconstruction workwas completed in 1934. The interior was redesigned byarchitect A. Kriezis. In Parlia-ment you will find nationaltreasures, such as the firstGreek Constitution, and amultitude of valuable paintings.The library is worth a visit.

MMoonnuummeenntt ooff tthheeUUnnkknnoowwnn SSoollddiieerrBuilt from 1929-1932, in frontof Parliament, it is asculpted depiction of aslain soldier (the workof sculptor K. Dimitri-ades), bearing aninscription withexcerpts of Pericle’sEpitaph.Commemorated onthe marble wallsurrounding themonument are the

greatest battles of the Greekarmy posterior to 1821. Greekand visiting officials lay awreath at the monument onnational holidays. Themonument is guarded aroundthe clock by two select troops,called Evzones who wear thetraditional uniform. Theceremony of the changing ofthe guard, which takes placeevery hour, is worth seeing,especially on Sunday morning(11 a.m.), when it isaccompanied by a militaryband and a large regiment ofEvzones.

““GGrraannddee BBrreettaaggnnee””HHootteella luxury hotel, built in 1842.The building, designed as aprivate residence, was the workof Th. Hansen. Renovated in1874, it accommodated a hotel.In 1958 the hotel was recon-structed to meet increasingdemand, and several floorswere added to the structure. In 2003 the building was com-pletely renovated. The hotel isconnected to major events ofGreek history. A multitude ofnotables and celebrities visitingAthens stayed here. Worth avisit is the interior, with a café

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 7

77. The hotel“Grande

Bretagne”dominating the

north-easternside of

SyntagmaSquare.

76. Themonumentalspace of the“Unknown

Soldier”.

KOLONAKI - THE RIGILLIS AREA - METS

➣2.2

➣2.3

➣2.4

➣2.5

➣2.6

3

Page 30: Athens Attica

55

eclectic style(1890-1897) bythe architect Ern.Ziller. Formerlyit was used as theresidence ofprinces-crownprinces, later as apalace, and in1974 as theofficial residenceof the Presidentof the HellenicRepublic. It hasan attractivegarden. The mansion isguarded by Evzones, wearing adistinctive uniform.

MMaaxxiimmoouu MMaannssiioonn (Herodou Attikou Str.)

the official residence of therespective Greek primeminister, it was designed in1924 by Ant. Helmes. Themansion was constructedfollowing the death of Helmes,by his wife, and her new

husband D.Maximos. Ithas a smallgarden.

TThhee ssttaattuueessThesculptures atthe junctionof HerodouAttikou Str.(facingKallimar-

maro Stadium) are among themost attractive in Athens: theDiscus thrower, a bronze statueby K. Dimitriades (1927), themarble Wood-chopper by D.Filippotis, 1872-1875) –gymnast V. Yiannoulis posedfor the work – and the Statue ofG. Karaiskakis, a bronzemonumental sculpture (4.40metres high), by M. Tombros(1963-1966), depicting a heroof the Greek revolution onhorseback.

82. ThePresidentialMansion, atHerodouAttikou Street.

81. The“Xylothrafstis”(“wood-chopper”) oneof thedistinctivestatues of Athens.

54

place to go for a walk, sit on abench, listen to the singing of thebirds and relax. You will alsofind here a lake with ducks, asmall zoo, the BotanicalMuseum, a small traditionalcafé, a children’s library, a play-ground, various monuments ofantiquity, and the busts ofimportant personalities ofmodern Greece (among others,politicians and authors)

ZZAAPPPPEEIIOONNMMAANNSSIIOONN

An attractivebuildingdesigned by Th. Hansen, itwas constructedfrom 1874-1888. Inthe past few years some ofthe most significant events in thehistory of the country have takenplace in the “Conferences andExhibitions Mansion,” such asEuropean summits, the announ-cement of election results, andsignificant political announce-ments. Moreover, art exhibitionsand occasionally concerts are

held here. In the vicinity of themansion are the statues of theZappa brothers, who funded theconstruction of the building,and an attractive park, whereAthenians go for a walk,especially on Sundays. Near theZappeion Mansion is a luxurycafé and an outdoor cinema.

TTHHEE RRIIGGIILLLLIISSAARREEAA

Aprestigious area with luxuryresidential buildings, villas

and abundant vegetation. It isencompassed by

Vassilisis SofiasAvenue, RigillisStr, VassileosKonstantinouAvenue and

Irodou AttikouStr. The area is

located in the vicinity of theold palace (now the PresidentialMansion).

PPrreessiiddeennttiiaall MMaannssiioonn (Herodou Attikou Str.)

The former loyal palace wasbuilt in the neoclassical and

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 7

80. The domeof the atriumat Zappeion

Mansion, withthe two-storey

stoa.

79. ZappeionMansion. Eight

pairsof Corinthiancolumns can

be seen on itsforefront.

KOLONAKI - THE RIGILLIS AREA - METS

4

➣4.1

➣4.2

➣4.3

➣3.1

☞ THE SIGHTS:

☞ THE SIGHTS:

Page 31: Athens Attica

☞ THE SIGHTS:

57

Str, Balanou Str.). If you takeKleitomachou Str, ArchimidouStr. and Embedokleous Str, youwill reach Varnava square.You will find here cafes,traditional tavernas and luxuryrestaurants. You can return tothe Panathenaikon Stadium viaAgras Str.

11sstt CCEEMMEETTEERRYY

It is the oldest and biggestcemetery of Athens.

Several importantpersonalities of modernGreece have been laid to resthere (among others,politicians, scientists andartists). The foundation ofthe cemetery coincided withthe foundation of the

modern Greek state. The designrecalls the major cemeteries ofWestern Europe in the early1900’s. It is basically anoutdoor sculpture display, witha stately and serene garden,excellent monumentaltombstones, built by some ofthe most important Greeksculptors of the past twocenturies.

85. The famous“Koimomeni”by Y. Halepas(1st Cemetery).

56

PPAANNAATTHHEENNAAIIKKOONN((KKAALLLLIIMMAARRMMAARROO)) SSTTAADDIIUUMM

The Panathenaikon stadium,a remarkable construction,

was made of white marble. The petal shaped stadium islocated facing the NationalGarden. In 330 BC a stadiummade of wood was built atthis location.HerodesAtticus cons-tructed amarble cons-truction, whichwas the modelfor the construc-tion of the stadiumthat standstoday. It wasused as a space for athletic com-petitions, which took placeduring the Panathenaean festi-val. The stadium that standstoday has a capacity of approx.60,000 spectators. It was builtin 1869-1870 and it was thevenue of the first OlympicGames in modern history (1896).Surrounding the stadium is the

wooded Ardittos hill, wherelocal residents go for a walk.

MMEETTSS

One of the most fashionableneighbourhood of Athens,

was developed in the 1870’s. It was named after the Metsbrewery that was located in thearea, and decades it was a

popularrecreational

area. In the1950’s the

riverbed of theIlissos river (at

Ardittou Str.)passed throughit. Today it is aquietresidential

area, encompassed by theArdittou hill and the 1st Ceme-tery (along the Loginou Str.pedestrian zone). In the centralroad of the area, M. Mousou-rou Str, are cafes. Worth seeingare other distinctive roads ofthe neighbourhood (amongothers, Nik. Theotokis Str,Trivonianou Str, Dikaiarchou

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 7

84. One of thedistinctive“Hermes”

statues facingthe track of thePanathenaikon

Stadium.One faces the

grandstandand the other

faces the track.

83. ThePanathenaikon(Kallimarmaro)

Stadium.

TThhee SSlleeeeppiinngg MMaaiiddeenn ((““KKooiimmoommeennii””)):: The most famoussculpture of modern Greek art, made by Y. Halepas in 1878,for the grave of S. Afentakis.

GG.. AAvveerrooff MMoonnuummeenntt:: The grandest monument of thecemetery, built by the sculptors G. Vitalis, and D. Filippotis.The remains of the national benefactor are here.

EErr.. SScchhlliieemmaann MMoonnuummeenntt:: The tomb monument of theGerman archaeologist who discovered ancient Troy, madeby Ern. Ziller (1892). It is shaped like a church. On thegroundwork are sculpted depictions of the Trojan Cycle.

CChhrr.. ZZooggrraaffoouu MMoonnuummeenntt:: Built in the renaissance style, it recalls the Mausoleum of Lavrenti Medici in Florence.

NNuuddee AAnnggeell:: A remarkable tombstone sculpture by G. Vitsaris, (1872), on the tomb of N. Koumelis.

KOLONAKI - THE RIGILLIS AREA - METS

5

6

7

Page 32: Athens Attica

59

immediately. In her rage andhaste, the rock fell in the centreof Athens. The rock, which is278 metres high, is located in thecentre of Athens. In ancienttimes the hill was covered bylush vegetation and on its topstood a temple dedicated toZeus. By the time Athens wasliberated from the Turkishoccupation, Lycavittos hill hadno trees at all. Reforestationstarted in 1880 and wascompleted in 1915.

TThhee vviieeww ooff tthhee cciittyy:: Don’tmiss the view of theAcropolis, the whole city andbeyond that the sea.Lycavittos is the favouriteplace of incurable romantics.You will not only enjoy theview, but also climbing alongnarrow paths all the way tothe top.

87. The view ofthe city and theAcropolis fromthe top ofLycavittos hillis unique!

58

LLYYCCAAVVIITTTTOOSS((LLYYCCAABBEETTTTUUSS))HHIILLLL

A wood in the middleof the city. Accordingto mythology, thegoddess Athenawanted her temple inAcropolis to be nearerthe heavens. Onestormy night she wentto Mount Penteli (✒page 98), and took alarge rock with thepurpose of placing iton the existing rock.As she transported therock, two black birdsapproached her,bringing her bad newsregarding somethingshe had to take care of

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 8

86. Walking onthe footpaths of

Lycavittos hillis a pleasure.

Tour of Athens, stage 8:

FROM LYCAVITTOS HILLTO STREFI HILL

1

FROM LYCAVITTOS HILL TO STREFI HILL

☞ THE SIGHTS:

Page 33: Athens Attica

61

EEXXAARRHHIIAA

An old Athensneighbourhood, with a

special charm. It is known as aresidential neighbourhood ofstudents and artists, with aBohemian character,contrasting with the “worldly”Kolonaki Square. In the past

few decades, a series of recon-struction works have consider-ably upgraded the area. Amultitude of important neoclas-sical, eclectic and modernistbuildings are preserved.Following the renovationworks, the neighbourhoodattracted a new generation ofresidents. Go for a walk in thepedestrian zone of Themisto-cleous Str. (from ExarhiaSquare to Kallidromiou Str.)and other pedestrian zones ofthe area (among others,Valetsiou Str, Methonis Str,Eresou Str), a quiet area, andrest in a café, bar or traditionaltaverna.

EExxaarrhhiiaa SSqquuaarree is the central square of theneighbourhood. It is a busysquare, especially in the

evening. You will find here amultitude of cafes and small,fashionable bars and twooutdoor cinemas, offeringunique entertainment in thesummer.

SSTTRREEFFII HHIILLLL

Strefi hill islocated in

the vicinity ofExarhiaSquare. Thesmall hill is awooded oasisin the denselybuilt city.Here you willfind sportsfacilities, a

summer theatre made of stone,and at the top you may enjoy apanoramic view of the city. To get there, you takeKallidromiou Str, a beautifulstreet, with neoclassicalmansions and small popularcafes and bars, (from Emm.Benaki Str. to Deliyianni Str.).

90. ExarhiaSquare.

89. A detail ofthe balcony ofa neo-classicalhouse inExarhia.

60

LLyyccaavviittttooss TThheeaattrreeAn open-air theatre built from1964-1965 by the architect T. Zenetos at the site of an oldmine following the recommen-dation of the Greek actress A.Synodinou, for performances ofancient drama. It has a capacity

of 3,000. In summer culturalevents are staged here,attracting music and theatrefans.

AAyyiiooss GGeeoorrggiiooss (✒ page 26)

AAyyiiooii IIssiiddoorrooii (✒ page 26)

DIRECTIONS: If you want to goby car, there is only one roadleading to the top of the hill. If you want to walk there are amultitude of footpaths. Youmay also use the funicular,which operates daily from thecrossroads of Aristippou Str.and Ploutarchou Str.(Kolonaki).

NNEEAAPPOOLLII

Neapoli is encompassed byLycavittos hill and

Mavromihali Str. It is, afterPlaka, the oldest neighbourhoodof Athens (Neapoli means NewTown). Neapoli and Exarhiawere developed in 1860. The

first residentswere mostlystudents. Thearea is situatednear theUniversity andthe Polytechnic.Later it became afavouriteresidential neigh-bourhood ofartists. At Askli-piou is theremarkableneoclassicalchurch of AyiosNikolaos

Pefkakion (1895). FacingLycavittos hill, is an area on asteep incline, with pedestrianzone, lined with trees and stepsleading to the central roads(among others, Solonos Str,Asklipiou Str, Ippokratous Str,Sina Str, Massalias Str, andDelfon Str.) where you will find,among others, a multitude ofcafes, small bookshops, antiqueshops.

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 8

88. LycavittosTheatre.

➣1.1

➣1.2

➣1.3

2 3

4

➣3.1

FROM LYCAVITTOS HILL TO STREFI HILL

☞ THE SIGHTS:

Page 34: Athens Attica

63

Er. Schliemann. It has a doublestairway in the northern side,while in the façade and the othertwo floors, are colonnades withionic columns. The interior isdecorated with “Pompeian”frescoes and depictions of thelandscapes and finds of Troy. In1927 it became the seat of theSupreme Court (the highestpenal court of the country). It isnow the Numismatic Museum(✒ page 87).

AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaallSSoocciieettyy MMaannssiioonnA five-storey building, it is anexceptional example of lateclassicism. The entrance isdecorated with ionic columns.

Located at the crossroads ofOmirou Str. and PanepistimiouAvenue, it houses the Archaeo-logical Society of Athens.

CCaatthhoolliicc CChhuurrcchh ooff SSttDDiioonnyyssooss ((11885533--11886655))..(Panepistimiou Avenue andOmirou Str.)

The three columned, cross-in-square style church was designedby the architects L. von Klenzeand L. Kaftantzoglou. Theportico in the western side hasfive cylindrical arches.

AAtthheennss EEyyee--CClliinniicc (Panepistimiou Avenue and SinaStr.)

A stately building (1854) withelements of Byzantine andneoclassical architecture, it wasdesigned by Ch. Hansen andmodified by L. Kaftantzoglou.Formerly a one-storey building,in the mid-1860’s a second floorwas added to the structure.

92. Thecatholic churchof AyiosDionysios(PanepistimiouStreet).

93. A detail ofthe centralentrance of theAthens Eye-Clinic.

62 One of the oldest roads ofAthens, it was originally

designed to be a Boulevard(formerly called Boulevard Str).Today it is one of the busiestroads, linking Syntagma Squarewith Omonia Square. On thisbroad avenue, a number of themost important, representativepublic buildings of Athens werebuilt, unique landmarks of thecity.

AArrmmyy PPeennssiioonn FFuunnddssBBuuiillddiinnggA stately building occupying theblock encompassed by Panepi-stimiou Str, Voukourestiou Str,Amerikis Str. and Stadiou Str, itwas built from 1927-1938. Theroyal stables were formerlylocated here. The façade wasbuilt in the art deco style. In thecentre is an arcade with shops.Recently reconstructed, thebuilding is now a shoppingcentre and an office building,while it incorporates threetheatres (the “Pallas”, the“Small Pallas” and the “Aliki”Theatre), cafes and restaurants.

IIlliioouu MMeellaatthhrroonn (12, Panepistimiou Str.)is one of the most attractiveneoclassical buildings ofAthens. It was reconstructed in1879 by Ern. Ziller in the neo-rennaissance style. It was theresidence of the Germanarchaeologist and philhelene

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 9

91. IliouMelathron,

also known as“Schliemann

Mansion”.

Tour of Athens, stage 9:

FROM SYNTAGMA SQUARETO OMONIA SQUARE

FROM SYNTAGMA SQUARE TO OMONIA SQUARE

☞ THE SIGHTS:

1

2

➣2.1

➣2.2

➣2.3

➣2.4

➣2.5

SSYYNNTTAAGGMMAASSQQUUAARREE(✒ page 51)

PPAANNEEPPIISSTTIIMMIIOOUUAAVVEENNUUEE((EELL.. VVEENNIIZZEELLOOUU))

Page 35: Athens Attica

65

UUnniivveerrssiittyy ((11883399--11886644)):: The Athens Universitywas designed by Ch. Hansen theelder of the brothers Hansen.Worth seeing are the fountain inthe court, the circular stairwayand the multicoloured frescoeswith classical themes (designedby the Bavarian K. Rahl), deco-rating the walls, located behindthe columns on the balcony.

NNaattiioonnaall LLiibbrraarryy((11888877--11990022)):: A remarkablebuilding, planned by Th. Han-sen. It is the largest library in thecountry, housing a unique rangeof thousands of books in alllanguages. On the façade is astately six-column portico in theDoric style, based on the designof the Theseion. The interior,designed by Ern. Ziller, islighted by a skylight on the roof

and encompassed by an Ionianstyle colonnade.

CCuullttuurraall CCeennttrree oofftthhee AAtthheennss MMuunniicciippaalliittyyLocated in the vicinity of the“trilogy” (at 50, Akademias Str.),

64

BBaannkk ooff GGrreeeecceeMMaannssiioonn (21 Panepistimiou Str.)

A stately building occupying awhole block. The foundationswere laid in 1933 and thebuilding was opened in 1938.The transactions halls recall theunadorned, stately atmosphereof the interwar period.

TThhee tthhrreeee tteemmpplleess oofflleeaarrnniinngg((““AAtthheenniiaann TTrriillooggyy””))Three stately buildingsconstructed by two Danisharchitects, the Hansen brothers,who lived in Greece.

AAtthheennss AAccaaddeemmyy((11885599--11888877)):: On either sideof the Academy, are two wings

decorated with friezes and apair of high columns support-ing the statues of Apollo andAthena. The Academy wasstudied by Th. Hansen, theyounger of the Hansen brothers.The statues were sculpted by L.Drosis and the painteddecoration was produced by K.Rahl. The Academy is thoughtto be a prime example of Greekarchitectural style.

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 9

94. The statelybuilding

of the AthensAcademy.

95. Over thecentral

entranceof the Athens

University (seeright) are the

frescoes of theBavarian

K. Rahl(see left).

97. Panoramic view of theneoclassical “Athenian Trilogy”. On the left, the National Library, the University and the AthensAcademy can be seen. Behind themstands the building of the CulturalCenter of the Athens Municipalityand the Palamas building.

FROM SYNTAGMA SQUARE TO OMONIA SQUARE

➣2.7

➣2.6

➣2.8

➣2.9

96. The con-struction of theNational Libra-ry was fundedby P. Vallianos.In the fore-ground the sta-tue of the donor.

➣2.10

Page 36: Athens Attica

67

AArrssaakkeeiioonnMMaannssiioonn ((11884466--11995555))A stately two-storey mansion, itis a distinctive example ofGreek classicism with a strainof eclecticism. Formerlythe Arsakeion GirlsSchool, it is now theCouncil of State,(highest Court ofState). Adjacentto the mansionis the CourtsSquare.

AArrssaakkeeiioonnAArrccaaddee((OOrrpphheeooss)):: Thearcade in the Mansion,built in the neobaroquestyle, has a remarkable glassroof with a dome in the centre.You will find here shops, cafesand the “Stoa tou Vivliou”(Book Arcade) with thebookshops of 60 Greekpublishers. Cultural events areheld at the Stoa tou Vivliou.

““RReexx”” CCiinneemmaaA mansion with three halls(cinema-theatre), built from1935-1937, the design wasinfluenced by contemporaryAmerican skyscrapers. Twohalls are now used forperformances of the NationalTheatre. The third is anentertainment centre.

OOMMOONNIIAA SSQQUUAARREE

Acentral square, which isbusy around the clock,

throughout the year, bycontrast with Syntagma Square.Omonia Square has always

been busy around the clock.According to custom,Athenians, after a night outSaturday evening, buy Sundaypapers art kiosks and stands on

the square. Omonia is theoldest central square

of modern Athens.A visit to Omonia,to get a sense of the vibrancyof the square isa must for allvisitors. At thesquare you willfind the usual

fast-food shops.Foreign

newspapers aresold in kiosks. At the

square are statelybuildings, in particular the

hotels ““BBaannggeeiioonn”” and““AAlleexxaannddrrooss”” (at the crossroadsof Athinas Str.), the ““NNeeoonn””café, and a branch of theNNaattiioonnaall BBaannkk (at Panepisti-miou Str.). At Omonia Square is a central metro station.

100. Two silverdomesdecorating thetower-likecorners of theArsakeioMegaro facingStadiou Street.

101. A view of OmoniaSquare withbuildings of a variety ofarchitecturalstyles.▼

66

it is a remarkable neoclassicalbuilding which was built in1835 according to the design ofChr. Hansen. It was a hospitalin the course of decades.Cultural events are held in thebuilding. In front of the main

entrance of the building is asmall garden with the busts ofhistorical figures (amongothers, artists and politicians),while on the other side, (atSolonos Str.), is a traditionalcafé. Exactly adjacent to thecafé (at Akadimias Str.) is the

stately PPaallaammaass bbuuiillddiinngg (with apink interior, it is known as the“pink building”). Built in 1857-1859, it houses the TheatricalMuseum library. Diagonallyacross the street, (at the cros-sroads of Ippocratous Str. andMassalias Str.), is the SSttuuddeennttUUnniioonn ooff tthhee UUnniivveerrssiittyy ooffAAtthheennss (1926-1931), designedby Al. Nikoloudis in the eclecticstyle of the Beaux Arts.

KKoorraaii SSqquuaarree is a small, attractive square,developed when a pedestrianstreet was created at Korai Str.North-east of the square is theRRaalllliiss bbuuiillddiinngg (10, KoraiSquare) built in the earlyneoclassical style. Opposite theRallis building is the modernistbuilding of the GGeenneerraallAAccccoouunnttiinngg OOffffiiccee (designed byE. Lazaridis). Northwest of thesquare is the remarkable formerhotel GGrraanndd HHootteell (2, KoraiSquare). Opposite the GrandHotel is the modern building ofthe CCoommmmeerrcciiaall BBaannkk. At thesquare you will also find therecently renovated ““KKoorraaiiAArrccaaddee”” with a multitude ofcafes, fast food restaurants,shops, and a cinema.

IIoonniiaann BBaannkkMMaannssiioonn (Pesmatzoglou Str.)

A remarkable eclectic stylemansion with art deco decora-tion (1925). The centraltransactions hall has a notablecolonnade and balconies. Thelighting, a skylight with stainedglass windows, is spectacular.

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 9

99. TheCultural

Centreof the AthensMunicipalityand its small

garden.

98. The Statueof Apollo

at the top ofa Ionian style

column,at the entrance

of the AthensAcademy.

FROM SYNTAGMA SQUARE TO OMONIA SQUARE

➣2.15

➣2.14

➣2.13

➣2.12

➣2.11

3

Page 37: Athens Attica

69

PPIIRRAAEEUUSS SSTTRR..((PP.. TTssaallddaarrii SSttrr..))

Constructed along the path ofthe ancient road uniting Athenswith Piraeus. The Long Wallswere constructed along theside of the street. Thefirst paved road inAthens, Piraeus Str.links the city withthe port ofPiraeus. In the19th century anindustrial zonewas developedand a multitudeof factories wereconstructed alongthe road. In the pastfew years a multitude offactories were renovated andused for another purpose(museums, cultural centres, theHigher School of Fine Arts).The buildings at Piraeus Str, avery busy street, are interestingexamples of industrialarchitecture.

KKoouummoouunnddoouurroouuSSqquuaarree ((EElleefftthheerriiaass))An attractive, wooded square.Facing Piraeus Square is thegrand neoclassical mansion ofthe ““MMuunniicciippaall GGaalllleerryy”” builtin 1874 (designed by G.Metaxas). Neighbouring thegallery is the small church ofAAyyiiooii AAnnaarrggyyrrooii (1893).Located on the square is a smallstone-built theatre, which isused for events.

AAyyiioonn AAssssoommaattoonn SSttrr..As you descend Piraeus Str.take a left turn at AyionAssomaton Str. You will find at

number 45 one of the best-known traditional buildings ofAthens (picturesque classiciststyle, 1880), with copies of thefamous twin Caryatids on the

balcony. The house, is amongthe most photographed

and painted themes of Athens.

GGaazzii(✒ page 42)

BBoottaanniiccaallGGaarrddeennss ooff tthhee

UUnniivveerrssiittyy ooffAAtthheennss

Located at thecrossroads of Iera Odos

(Iera Odos in Greek meansSacred Road) (built along thepath of the ancient road of theEleusinian Mysteries) and Sp.Patsi Str. It has a total area of7,000 m2. Some 120 varietiesof trees and plants and mossesand grasses from different partsof the world.

103. Copies ofthe Caryatids,at the smallhouse at AyionAssomatonStreet 45.

104. TheBotanicalGarden of theAthensUniversity.

68

TTHHEE OOMMOONNIIAASSQQUUAARREE AARREEAA

Stadiou Str, Patision Str,Panepistimiou Avenue, 3rd

Septemvriou Str, Piraeus Str,Athinas Str. and AyiouKonstantinou Str. converge atOmonia Square. It is a busyarea, with small roads aroundOmonia Square and KKaanniiggggoossSSqquuaarree and interesting places(small shops, traditional cafesetc.).

TTHHEE NNAATTIIOONNAALLTTHHEEAATTRREE OOFF GGRREEEECCEE(Ayiou Konstantinou Str.)

Built from 1891-1901,according to the design of Ern.Ziller, it was commissioned bythe king George I and funded

by Greeksresidingabroad. Areplica of theNationalTheatre of Vienna, it is built in the renaissancestyle. Thetheatre openedin November1901. It wasformerly calledthe RoyalTheatre, but in 1930 it wasrenamedNationalTheatre. The centralauditorium(Italian style)has a capacity

of 1000 (stalls, dress circle,upper circle, and two boxes).Facing the theatre (at Menan-drou Str.) is the three-storeyneoclassical EEyynnaarr MMaannssiioonn,which accommodates aMuseum dedicated to actors K. Paxinou and A. Minotis.

AAYYIIOOSSKKOONNSSTTAANNTTIINNOOSS(Ayiou Konstantinou Str.)

Facing the National Theatre, itis a monumental church (1871-1896/1905) built by L. Kaftan-tzoglou. The recently renovatedthree-columned, cross-in-square church has an statelyfaçade in a combination ofneoclassical and renaissancestyles, a monumental entrancein the form of an ancientpropylaea, and an attractiveinterior decoration.

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 9

102.Panepistimiou

Avenue bynight, at the

junction withOmoniaSquare.

FROM SYNTAGMA SQUARE TO OMONIA SQUARE

4

➣4.1

➣4.2

➣4.3

➣4.4

➣4.5

➣4.6

➣4.7

☞ THE SIGHTS:

Page 38: Athens Attica

floors and the entrance is ele-vated. Tow monumentalstaircases lead to the Ionian style

four-column propylaea of theground floor, a copy of thenorthern hall of theErechtheion (✒ page 12).

““AAccrrooppooll PPaallaaccee””HHootteell ((11992255--11992266)).. A five-story building

designed by thearchitect I. Mayiasis, theAcropol Palace is adistinctive example ofAthens Art Nouveauarchitecture.

TToossiittssaa SSttrr.. A wide pedestrian zone,flanked by the National

Metsovio Polytechnic and thegarden of the National Archaeo-

71

PPAATTIISSIIOONN SSTTRR((2288tthh OOCCTTOOVVRRIIOOUU SSTTRR))

Acentral road linking Patisiato the centre, before the

early 20th century Patision Str.was a rural area with smallhouses and gardens! Followingrapid development, it became

clearly an urban location, nowone of the busiest streets ofAthens. Among a multitude ofnew buildings, neoclassical, Art Nouveau and modernistbuildings are preserved. As youhead from the crossroads ofPatision Str and AlexandrasAvenue towards Patisia, on yourleft is Victorias Square (at 3rdSeptemvriou Str.), on your rightis the stately Higher School ofEconomic and ScientificStudies, (1935), on your left the“Hara” block of flats, anpioneering work built in the1920’s at Patision Str. 337 andon your right the Kypriadisneighbourhood (in the vicinity

106. Bell-shaped idolwith movablelegs fromThebes, Boeotia (early7th centuryB.C.), a modelof the mascot of the Athens2004 OlympicGames. (In thephoto an exactcopy of theidol. You maypurchase one atthe shops of theArchaeologicalResourcesFund-T.A.P.A.).

70

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 10

Tour of Athens, stage 10:

FROM OMONIA SQUARETO KYPSELI

FROM OMONIA SQUARE TO KYPSELI

1

➣1.2

➣1.3

105. TheNational

ArchaeologicalMuseum

and its garden.In the

background,part of the

Exarhiadistrict.

of Papadiamantis Square),formerly a garden city (withvillas, two-storey blocks of flats,densely vegetated) developed inthe 1920’s - the suburbanstyle has been preservednotwithstanding subsequentdevelopment.

PPoollyytteecchhnniiccSScchhooooll ((NNaattiioonnaallMMeettssoovviioo PPoollyytteecchhnniicc))

Designed by the archi-tect L. Kaftantzoglou,the Polytechnic wasbuilt from 1861-1876. It is an archetype of theurban tradition of Athens. It comprises of a centralbuilding and T-shaped wingsfacing Patision Str. It has two

➣1.1

☞ THE SIGHTS:

Page 39: Athens Attica

73

Alexander Ypsilantis (1792-1828), which is closelyconnected to the Revolutionof 1821.

AAyyiiooss HHaarraallaammbboossThe church was built in 1928,in cruciform shape, at the siteof an old church. In thechurch are icons of theimportant Greek painter F. Kontologou.

MMaavvrroommaatteeoonn SSttrr.. An elegant road linkingthe ArchaeologicalMuseum withKodringtonosStr. Facing Pedion tou Areos is arow of stately, luxury blocks offlats, most of them built in1925-1960, when the street wasthought to be one of the mostprestigious location of the city.

KKYYPPSSEELLII

Adistinctive bourgeois neigh-bourhood of Athens,

Kypseli has preserved its aristo-cratic character, although in thepast few decades it has beenrebuilt and is now densely popu-lated. In the 1990’s a multitudeof immigrants settled in Kypseli,transforming it into a charmingmulticultural neighbourhood.Among the modern blocks offlats several examples of statelyneoclassical buildings andblocks of flats of the interwarperiod are preserved, which areworth seeing. They are locatedon distinctive roads of the neigh-bourhood (among others, Droso-poulou Str, Eptanisou Str,Ithakis Str, Tinou Str, Tenedou

72

logical Museum, with a row oftrees in the middle, Tositsa Str.is a place to relax and stroll.

TThhee NNaattiioonnaallAArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaall MMuusseeuummA stately building constructed inthe late 19th century, theNational ArchaeologicalMuseum was designed by L.Lange and Ern. Ziller. TheIonian style propylaea areadorned with clay statues, thecopies of ancient works, whileon either side is an oblongarcade. Athenians like to strollin the attractive garden in frontof the museum, especially in

109. Pedion touAreos: thestatue of AthenaPromahou atthe southernentrance of the park(AlexandrasAvenue).

108. The statueof king

Constantineon horseback.

FROM OMONIA SQUARE TO KYPSELI

☞ THE SIGHTS:

TThhee ssttaattuuee ooff kkiinngg CCoonnssttaannttiinnee:: A bronze statue of kingConstantine (1868-1922) placed on a monumental marble pedestal,erected in 1938. It is located at the central entrance of the park, facing

Egyptou Square.

SSttaattuuee ooff AAtthheennaa ((PPrroommaahhoouu)):: A monu-ment dedicated to the British, Australian and NewZealand soldiers killed in the Second World War, it wassculpted in 1952 by sculptor V. Falireas. The marblelioness at the base was sculpted by Ath. Limnaios.

IIrroooonn AAvveennuuee:: A wide, stately road in thepark with the busts of the freedom fighters of the GreekRevolution. You will find it at the Mavromateon Str.entrance.

➣1.4

3

➣2.1

➣2.2

➣2.3

➣2.4

➣2.5

➣2.6

110. ThedistinctiveKypselineighbourhoodhas been largelyredeveloped.However, a multitude of examples of its variedarchitectureare preserved.▼

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 10

Str, Spetson Str, LefkadasStr.). You will also find inKypseli the notable churchesAyia Zoni (1927) and AyiosGeorgios (at the square ofthe same name, 1931).

FFookkiioonnooss NNeeggrriiSSttrr.. A wide, stately, denselyvegetated pedestrian zonelinking Kypselis Square withDrosopoulou Str, FokionosNegri Str is the centre of the

neighbourhood.Originally called the“green boulevard”,

Fokionos Negri Str. was built in1937, at the site of a stream. Inthe 1960’s it acquired a reputa-tion for nightlife, attractingpoliticians and artists. A busystreet throughout the day, it is apopular recreational area, withdozens of cafes, restaurants andsmall bars.

CCoouurrttss ((ffoorrmmeerr AArrmmyyCCaaddeett SScchhooooll))

A complex of neoclassicalbuildings, thecourts arelocated south of Kypseli(Evelpidon Str).The buildingwas built from1900-1904,(designed byErn. Ziller), forthe Army CadetSchool. In theearly 1980’s theAthens Courtswere accommo-dated here.

107. Thepropylaea

of the whollyrenovatedNational

ArchaeologicalMuseum.

☞ THE SIGHTS:

➣3.1

➣3.2

summer (for museum exhibits✒ page 84).

EEggyyppttoouu SSqquuaarreeAn elegant square with neoclas-sical and modernist buildings,examples of the formerly bour-geois character of the area, loca-ted at the crossroads of Alexan-dras Avenue, and Patision Str.

PPEEDDIIOONN TTOOUU AARREEOOSS

The largest park in Athens(230,000 m2), was laid out in1934. Named after the romancampus martius, the park usedto be a training ground formilitary units. Athenians like togo for a walk here all yearround, or seek entertainment atcafes, outdoor theatres, andother venues.

TTaaxxiiaarrhhoonn CChhuurrcchhPost-Byzantine church of the16th or 17th century. In thecourt of a monument with theremains and the statue of prince

2

➣1.5

Page 40: Athens Attica

75

VVAASSSSIILLIISSIISS SSOOFFIIAASSAAVVEENNUUEE

The most impressive road ofAthens, linking Syntagma

Square to Ampelokoipoi.Formerly called Kifisias Ave-nue, it linked Athens to thetraditional suburb of Kifisia. It has in part lost the originalcharacter of a classic boulevard.However, it is one the mostcharming roads of the city, withsome of the most attractivebuildings, museums and parks.

SIGHTS (from SyntagmaSquare to Ampelokoipoi):

TTHHEE GGRREEEEKK MMIINNIISSTTRRYYOOFF FFOORREEIIGGNN AAFFFFAAIIRRSSBBUUIILLDDIINNGG(5, Vassilisis Sofias Avenue)

The work of Ern. Ziller (1872-1873), it belonged to theSyngrou family before beingbequeathed to the Greek statein 1921. The neoclassicalmansion housing the mainservices of the ministry, hasbeen designated a work of art.In 1985 it was linked to a laterbuilding, at Zalokosta Str.

FFRREENNCCHH EEMMBBAASSSSYY((PPssyyhhaa MMaannssiioonn))

A stately three-storey buildingat the crossroads of AkademiasStr.). It was built in 1894 byAn. Metaxas for the Psyhafamily. It has notable modernistdecorative elements connectedto the neoclassical style.

TTHHEE IITTAALLIIAANNEEMMBBAASSSSYY

The residence of princeNicholas, before the expulsionof the royal family in 1917, itlater accommodated a luxuryhotel (“Le Petit Palais”). Laterit was bought by the Italiangovernment to accommodatethe embassy.

TTHHEE NNAATTIIOONNAALLGGAARRDDEENN(✒ page 53)

111. A detail of the centralbuilding of theGreek Ministryof ForeignAffairs.

∞∞CCRROOPPOOLLIISS (✒ page 9)

OODDEEIIOONN OOFF HHEERROODDEESSAATTTTIICCUUSS (✒ page 8)

PPLL∞∞∫∫∞∞ (✒ page 30)

BBYYZZAANNTTIINNEE MMOONNUUMMEENNTTSSIINN AATTHHEENNSS (✒ page 22)

OOTTTTOOMMAANNMMOONNUUMMEENNTTSSIINN AATTHHEENNSS(✒ page 27)

SSYYNNTTAAGGMMAASSQQUUAARREE (✒ page 51)

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 11

If you don’t have much time, in the historical walk(approximately 3.5 kilometres) you can visit andsee the most important monuments and sights

of Athens. It is a walk through history, from classicalantiquity, through all the historical periods,

architectural styles, and successive phases of thedevelopment of the city to the 21st century (classical

period, roman period, Byzantium, Turkishoccupation, neoclassicism, and 20th century). In factit is a walk in history, which only Athens can offer.

☞ THE SIGHTS:

1

2

3

4

Tour of Athens, stage 11:

HISTORICAL WALK

HISTORICAL WALK

74

Page 41: Athens Attica

77

TTHHEE WWAARR MMUUSSEEUUMM

A modern building (designedby Th. Valentis), constructed in1975 (✒ page 91).

TTHHEE RREESSIIDDEENNCCEE OOFFTTHHEE BBRRIITTIISSHHAAMMBBAASSSSAADDOORR

Located at the crossroads ofVassilisis SofiasAvenue andLoukianou Str, the buildingwas constructed from 1930-1932 (designed by An.Metaxas). Formerly theresidence of then PrimeMinisterEleftheriosVenizelos, it wasgranted to theBritish statefollowing hisdeath. It accom-modated theBritish embassy inAthens before1960. Followingthe construction ina neighbouringlocation of the newbuilding of theembassy, it becamethe residence of theambassador.

AAYYIIOOSS NNIIKKOOLLAAOOSS aannddAAYYIIOOSS GGEEOORRGGIIOOSS

Small churches in cruciformfour-column style, AyiosNikolaos and Ayios Georgiosare representative examples ofthe architectural currents of thelate 19th century. AyiosNikolaos (1876 neighbouringthe British embassy) is built in adistinctive neo-Byzantine style,while Ayios Georgios combinesthe Byzantine, classicist androman styles.

115. Rizaripark.

114. A view of VassilisisSofias Avenuewith the WarMuseum and a section of Rizari park.

76TTHHEE BBEENNAAKKIIMMUUSSEEUUMM(1, Koumpari Str.)

The most impressiveneoclassical building of Athens,it was built in stages from 1910to 1931 (designed by An.Metaxas). Formerly theresidence of Ant. Benakis, since1931 it houses the Museumexhibits (✒ page 89).

TTHHEESSAARROOGGLLEEIIOOMMAANNSSIIOONN((OOffffiicceerrss CClluubb))

A stately buildingconstructed in theBeaux Arts style, itis located atRigillis Square (P. Mella). It wasdesigned byarchitect Al. Niko-loudis.

TTHHEE SSTTAATTHHAATTOOSSMMAANNSSIIOONN

A remarkable neoclassicalmansion (at the crossroads ofIrodotou Str. and VassilisisSophias Avenue), StathatosMansion was designed by E.Ziller in 1885. It accommodatesthe new wing of the GoulandrisMuseum of Cycladic andAncient Greek Art (✒ page87). It is linked to the museumby a glass-covered passage.

TTHHEE BBYYZZAANNTTIINNEE AANNDDCCHHRRIISSTTIIAANN MMUUSSEEUUMM

The main building of theMuseum is “Villa Ilisia”(1848),a neorenaissance style building,constructed at the bank of thethen uncovered Ilissos river. It was the residence of S. deMarbois-Lebrun, known as the“Duchess of Placentia.” Thebuilding was designed by St.Kleanthes, (or according tosome sources Chr. Hansen).Following the death of theduchess (1854), the mansionwas acquired by the Greekstate. It has accommodated themuseum since 1930. Two newwings were built in 1952 and1994 (for exhibits ✒page 90).

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 11

113. TheStathatosMansion.

112. TheBenaki

Museummansion.

HISTORICAL WALK

5

6

7

89

10

11

Page 42: Athens Attica

TTHHEE IIPPPPOOKKRRAATTEEIIOOHHOOSSPPIITTAALL

A scheduled public building,constructed in the 1880’s in theneoclassical style. It hasaccommodated a hospital since1912. Adjacent to the hospitalis the chapel of Ayios Andreas(17th century).

TTOOWWEERR OOFF AATTHHEENNSS

The first glass skyscraper ofAthens (1971-1973) – one of afew skyscrapers constructed inthe greater urban area of the capi-tal. A complex of respectivelytwo 25- and 12- storey buildings,the tower of Athens accommo-dates mainly company offices.In front of the Tower of Athensis a small villa with a garden, arelic of the 1920’s when thearea (Ampelokoipoi) was rural.

79

TTHHEE AATTHHEENNSSCCOONNCCEERRTT HHAALLLL

A monumental work (designedby M. Vourekas), the AthensConcert Hall was built in stagesfrom 1973-1991. It is thoughtto be one of the best concerthalls in the world. It has,among others, concert andopera halls, a musical library, aconference centre, and halls formultiple uses. In the winterconcerts, opera, theatre anddance performances, and otherevents, are held here.

TTHHEE AAMMEERRIICCAANNEEMMBBAASSSSYY

One of the most importantexample of modernarchitecture in Athens (1959-1961), designed by the famousarchitect W. Gropius.

MMAAVVIILLII SSQQUUAARREE

Among the most“vibrant” squares ofAthens, with a multitudeof cafes, bars andrestaurants in the area,Mavili Square attractsvisitors throughout theday. It is a prestigiousresidential area, nearLycavittos hill and thecentral Vassilisis SophiasAvenue and AlexandrasAvenue. Recently it haslost some of its formercharm as a result of thetraffic on thesurrounding streets.

118. The Towerof Athens, atthe crossroadsof VassilisisSofias AvenueandMesogheionAvenue.▼

78

TTHHEE EEVVAANNGGEELLIISSMMOOSSHHOOSSPPIITTAALL(old building)

A neoclassical building (designedby G. Metaxas) Evangelismoshospital was inaugurated in1880 by then Queen Olga. Lateran English-style garden was laidout in the yard.

MMEEGGAALLIISS TTOOUUGGEENNOOUUSS SSCCHHOOLLIISSQQUUAARREE

A small square at the crossroadsof Vassilisis Sofias Avenue andVassileos Konstantinou Avenue.In the centre is the impressionistsculpture of K. Varotsos““DDrroommeeaass”” (1988), sculptedexclusively out of sheets of glass.Facing the square is the““HHiillttoonn”” hotel, with elements of

the international moderniststyle (at the neighbouringstreets, Ventiri Str, Mexi Str.etc. are cafes, bars and smallrestaurants). On theopposite side of the square (atthe crossroads of VassilisisSofias Avenue and GennadiouStr.) are two remarkable artnouveau blocks of flats of theinterwar period. Adjacent tothe ““HHiillttoonn”” hotel is thebuilding of the NNaattiioonnaallGGaalllleerryy--AAlleexxaannddrrooss SSoouuttzzoossMMuusseeuumm (✒ page 91), builtin 1966-1975 in the brutalistarchitectural style of Le Cor-busier. Facing the NationalGallery is the Rizari park, oneof Athens’ oldest gardens.

EELLEEFFTTHHEERRIIAASS PPAARRKK

A park with a statue ofEleftherios Venizelos (sculptedby the sculptor G. Pappas). In the rear section are threestone built buildings, accom-modating the AAtthheennss MMuunniiccii--ppaalliittyy AArrttss CCeennttrree and the""EElleefftthheerriiooss VVeenniizzeelloossMMuusseeuumm"". Facing the part is arow of three unadornedneoclassical buildings of thehospitals "Aeghinitio",Aretaeio", and "Alexandra".

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 11

117. The“Hilton” hotel.

116. The“Dromeas” at

Megali touGenous Scholi

Square(Vassilisis

Sofias Avenue).

HISTORICAL WALK

13

14

15

16

17

19

12

18

Page 43: Athens Attica

81

Roman monuments, gravesteles, terracotta and marblefindings, statues and busts fromthe area, open air cinemas andthe Flower Show, which takesplace every May in KifissiaGrove. Some of the bestrestaurants, confectioneries andcafes of Athens are in Kifisia.

Alsos Syngrou, (1,000,000 m2)adjacent to Kifisia andMaroussi, a wooded area, is anideal place to go for a walk andrelax.

120. Animpressivemansion ofKifisia.

121. The Athens Olympic Stadium(see right, during the Opening Cere-mony of the Athens 2004 OlympicGames), location of a multitude of athletic installations and recreationareas, linked to other areas of the capi-tal by bus lines, the suburban railwayand the metro (“Irini” station, see left).The roof was designed by the well-known architect S. Calatrava.

80

TTHHEE NNOORRTTHHEERRNNSSUUBBUURRBBSS((PPssiihhiikkoo,, FFiillootthheeii,, MMaarroouussssii,,KKiiffiissiiaa))..

The suburbs of PPssiihhiikkoo, andFFiillootthheeii were developed in thelate 1920’s on the model ofBritish garden cities. They arequiet residential areas, withattractive villas, abundantvegetation and broad streets.

In MMaarroouussssii are the facilities ofthe Olympic Athletic Centre ofAthens (O.A.K.A.).), the central

group of facilities for the 2004Olympic Games.

KKiiffiissiiaa is perhaps the mostelegant suburb of northernAthens. The luxury villas ofKifisia of the 19th century wereraised by the oldest Athenianfamilies. With attractive villasand vibrant shopping streets,Kifisia is an attractive area.Worth seeing is the GoulandrisNatural History Museum (✒page 95), the significantArchaeological Collection (✒page 128) which comprises

SUBURBS

119. Oldeclectic

buildingin Kifisia.

The buildinghouses

a modernshopping

centre.

SUBURBS

During your stay in Athens you may want to

visit the suburbs. In the suburbs you maygo for a walk on vegetated roads, and relax

at a confectionery, café or bar.

SUBURBS

➪The main road linking

Athens to the suburbs is

Kifisias Avenue. You can

reach Maroussi and Kifisia

on line 1 of the metro.

Page 44: Athens Attica

83

nautical facilities, all of whichwill be connected by anesplanade. In TTrrooccaaddeerroo ((PP.. FFaalliirroo)) you may visit theNautical Museum, on one ofthe most famous warships ofrecent Greek history, thebattleship Averof. In AAyyiioossKKoossmmaass is a large seaside park.A metropolitan park with anarea of 4,000,000 m2 will beconstructed in the area of theold airport ((HHeelllleenniikkoo)).

VVoouulliiaaggmmeennii is an attractivesuburb with abundantvegetation, elegant villas,attractive beaches, the uniqueVouliagmeni Lake, and someof the best hotels in Attica.Athenians visit the coast andhave lunch at a restaurant or adrink at a bar by the seaside.

124.Vouliagmenilake hastherapeuticwater. The geologicalattraction isthe populardestination of the residentsof Attica.

82

TTHHEE SSOOUUTTHHEERRNNSSUUBBUURRBBSS((FFaalliirroo,, GGllyyffaaddaa,, VVoouullaa,,VVoouulliiaaggmmeennii))

The southern suburbs arelocated on the coast of the

Saronic Gulf, from Piraeus tocape Vouliagmeni. Access fromAthens is easy (the southernsuburbs are just 20-30 minutes fromthe centre). Thesouthern suburbsare an ideal place togo for a walk by theseaside, and swim.The best and mostpopular beaches ofAttica, with cleanwater (✒ page125) are locatedhere. The areaseach have ashopping centrewith superb shops.In the southernsuburbs you canwalk on themarinas, havelunch or dinner bythe seaside, enjoyyour favouritewater sports, andplay golf.

The Glyfada GolfClub is open dailyfrom 08:00 am tosunset. Situatedalong the coast arehotels with a viewof the sea.

In the coastal areaof the bbaayy ooff FFaalliirroo,(from Neo Faliro toPaleo Faliro) a hugerecreational andcultural park is

being planned, which willcomprise the existing sportsfacilities built for the Olympicgames, smaller venues forrecreational and culturalpurposes, an impressiveaquarium putting on displaythe submarine species of theseas of Greece and theMediterranean, a birds garden,

SUBURBS

123. View ofGlyfada from

the sea.

122. Thedistinctive

circularbuilding in the

“Floisvos”neighbourhood

of P. Faliro.

SUBURBS

➪In order to reach these

suburbs you may use the

tram which leaves from

Syntagma Square and runs

along two lines: line °1

towards Neo Faliro (termi-

nal at the Peace and

Friendship Stadium) and

line °2 towards Glyfada

(terminal at “Kolymvitirio”).

Moreover line °3 follows

the itinary Glyfada - Neo

Faliro, offering you the

opportunity to enjoy a

unique trip along the

coastal area. Also, you can

reach the southern suburbs

by using bus lines B3

(Akadimias-Glyfada, via

Vouliagmenis Avenue), E22

(Akadimias-Saronida,

express line), et al.

Page 45: Athens Attica

84

vnovolos (casting lightning)from Dodoni. Notice the stanceof the god as he prepares to castlightning. It is the same asPoseidon of Artemision.

DDeemmeetteerr aanndd PPeerrsseepphhoonnee..This attractive, well-preservedrelief from Eleusis was sculptedfrom around 440-430 BC. Itdepicts Demeter giving hay tothe Triptolemos, the youngking of Eleusis. To her right,her daughter Persephone givesher blessing. Notice that theTriptolemos and Demeter havedifferent sizes. In that periodartists made gods taller when

they were depictedwith mortals ona stele (dedica-

tory column) - a signof respect of the gods.

TThhee lleekkyytthhooss ooff MMyyrrrriinnee..The main exhibit in room 16,which is named after theexhibit. The particular lekythos(oil-flask), sculpted of whitemarble, was discovered in1873. It is decorated with asculpture representing Hermesdriving with one hand a youngwoman, Myrrine. According tothe epigram located on herhead, the god's purpose was tobring the woman to Pluton(god of Hades). Three men,relatives of Myrrine observe thespectacle. (430-420 BC).

TThhee sstteellee ooff HHeeggeessoo.. Don’tfail to see the famous column

MUSEUMS

125. NationalArchaeological

Museum: aBlack Figure

cup with adepiction of

runners (circa540 BC).

MUSEUMS

85

(stele) of Hegeso (5th centuryBC). It was discovered inKerameikos (✒ page 19-20).There is replica of the columnin Kerameikos. The sculpturedepicts Hegeso seated, taking ajewel from a box. A femaleslave is holding the box It isthought that the colours usedfor the background of thesculpture and the jewel are blueand gold respectively. On theupper section of the column iscarved the name “HegesoProxeno.” Notice the artfuldepiction of her melancholyexpression and the folds of herdress.

TThhee ““JJoocckkeeyybbooyy”” ooffAArrtteemmiissssiioonn..The bronze statue of the 2ndcentury BC and a statue ofPoseidon were discovered in thevicinity of Cape Artemission.The horseman and his horsemay have been castedseparately. Notice the excellentdepiction of the extended

muscles of the horse and theexpression of agony on thehorseman’s face.

MMaarrbbllee vvoottiivvee rreelliieeff..DDeemmeetteerr,, PPeerrsseepphhoonnee aannddAAsskklleeppiiooss.. Persephone standsto the left, holding two torchesin her right hand. In front of hersits Demeter and to her rightstands Asklepios. To the rightare six suppliants who,according to the inscription,dedicated the sculpture toAsklepios and the twoEleusinian deities. Their namesare carved on the pedestalencompassed by crowns madeof olive branches.

TThhee hheeaadd ooff HHyyggeeiiaa..Discovered in the temple ofAlea Athena in Tegea the headof Hygeia was apparently partof a statue (350-340 BC). Youwill recognise the head ofHygeia (the goddess of health),which has been reproduced inphotographs.

126. The roomhousing the“Jockeyboy of Artemission”in the NationalArchaeologicalMuseum.

MUSEUMS

TTHHEE NNAATTIIOONNAALLAARRCCHHAAEEOOLLOOGGIICCAALLMMUUSSEEUUMMThe completely renovatedNational ArchaeologicalMuseum ranks among theleading archaeological muse-ums in the world. Survey thenumerous important exhibitsand explore Greece’s history.You will be impressed by thetreasures of the museum andwill want to come back foranother visit. However, if youcome just once, be sure to haveenough time. We list some ofthe exhibits of the museum:

TThhee PPoosseeiiddoonn ooff AArrtteemmiissssiioonn..Is it a statue of Poseidon orZeus? Archaeologists have notcome up with an answer. The bronze statue, a master-piece of the sculpture of theclassical period, is 2.09 metreshigh. It is one of the few pre-served original bronze statues.

TThhee ssttaattuueettttee ooff ZZeeuuss.. The statuette of the Zeus Kera-

Page 46: Athens Attica

86

TThhee BBooyy ooff MMaarraatthhoonn..The statue of a youth took wasnamed after the bay of Mara-thon, where it was discovered in1926. The inscription on thepedestal states that he is awrestler. Excepting for the lefthand, which is thought to be theproduce of a posterior repair,the statue is thought to be amasterpiece. It is thought to bethe work of Praxiteles, or one ofhis students (330BC).

TThhee EEpphheebbee ooff AAnnttiikkyytthheerraa((eepphheebbee:: aaddoolleesscceenntt))..Archaeologists have varyingopinions regarding the signi-ficance of the statue. The mainsubject holds a spherical objectin his hand. Some archaeologistsclaim that the statue depicts thegod Pan holding an apple, whileothers claim that it is the statueof Perseus holding the head ofAndromedea (340BC). It wasfound in a shipwreck in thevicinity of Antikythera in 1900.

TThhee ggoollddeenn mmaasskk ooff““AAggaammeemmnnoonn..””Although it has been proventhat it is not the mask ofAgamemnon, it is a noteworthyexhibit, well worth seeing.Schlieman’s theory wasmistaken – today it is thought tobe the mask of a dead king, whodied three centuries beforeAgamemnon (16th century BC).You can see the mask and otherobjects (among others, jewels,golden works of art andswords), found in the royalgraves of Mycenae, in theGallery of MycenaeanAntiquities, facing the entrance.

TThhee eexxhhiibbiittiioonn ooff TThheerraa.. The main exhibits of theexhibition are the frescoes, whichare a valuable source of infor-mation on life in the Aegean in theBronze Age. They werediscovered in the Cape of Thera(Santorini). They are the earliestexamples of large-scale paintingin Europe.

TThhee ffrreessccoo ooff sspprriinngg:: Depicts arocky landscape with vivid red liliesand swallows, some flying in pairssome on their own.

MUSEUMS

87

TThhee ffrreessccoo ooff tthhee ffiisshheerrmmaann::One of the best preservedfrescoes, it depicts a nudefisherman holding two strings offish.

TThhee ffrreessccoo ooff ttwwoo cchhiillddrreennbbooxxiinngg:: Two children boxing.The child standing to the leftwears boxing gloves andearrings. Notice their almond-shaped eyes.

EEppiiggrraapphhiiccaall MMuusseeuumm.. A section of the ArchaeologicalMuseum, with a separateentrance. Displaying 14,000epigraphs from Greece andAsia Minor, it is leadingepigraphical museum.

TTHHEE GGOOUULLAANNDDRRIISSMMUUSSEEUUMM OOFF CCYYCCLLAADDIICC AANNDD AANNCCIIEENNTTGGRREEEEKK AARRTTThe well-organised museumwas founded with the purposeof housing the “Goulandris”private collection of CycladicArt. It is one of the leadingmuseums in Athens.

EExxhhiibbiittss.. On the 1st floor youwill find various relics ofCycladic civilisation, while onthe 2nd floor are miniatures andother objects of the same period.On the 3rd floor are temporaryexhibitions of the museum whileon the 4th floor is the K. Politiscollection of ancient Greek art.In 1992 a new wing was addedto the Museum, at the SSttaatthhaattoossMMaannssiioonn. In the new wing youcan see the Academy of Athens

collection of ancient Greek art.On the basement of thebuilding at N. Douka you canbuy replicas of museumexhibits.

TTHHEE NNUUMMIISSMMAATTIICCMMUUSSEEUUMMIt is one of the five mostimportant numismatic muse-ums in the world. It displaysmore than 600,000coins, “treasures”(closed coincollections),standardweights,metals andpreciousstones, fromthe ancientGreek period,the Romanperiod, Byzantium,the western Middle Ages, andmodernity.

130. TheNumismaticMuseum:Athenian four-drachma coin(440-430 BC).

129. Theentranceof StathatosMansionat VassilisisSofias Avenue.

MUSEUMS

128. NationalArchaeologicalMuseum: “The

Ephebe ofAntikythera”.

127. NationalArchaeological

Museum: themarble

funerarycolumn of a

running soldier(Athens, circa

500 BC).

Page 47: Athens Attica

88

MMUUSSEEUUMM OOFF DDIIAACCHHRROONNIICCAARRTTIt is located in an old silk millwhich was converted into themulticentre for cultural events“Athinaïs” in the Votanikosarea (near Gazi). The objectsexhibited present the evolutionof Cypriot art over a period of9,000 years (from the NeolithicEra until the end of the MiddleAges), depicting the uniquecharacter of Cypriot civilisation.A significant number of theexhibits comes from thearchaeological collection of thescientific foundation founded bythe Pierides family.

TTHHEEAARRCCHHAAEEOOLLOOGGIICCAALLCCOOLLLLEECCTTIIOONNSS IINN TTHHEE MMEETTRROOThe biggest excavation ever inGreece was dug at the time ofthe construction of the metro-politan railway of Athens

(1993-2000). Some of theapproximately 50,000 finds thatwere uncovered in theseexcavations are exhibited inspecially designed spaces in themetro stops ““PPaanneeppiissttiimmiioo,,””““SSyynnttaaggmmaa,,”” ““EEvvaannggeelliissmmooss,,””““AAkkrrooppoollii”” and ““MMoonnaassttiirraakkii.””

MUSEUMS

131. Viewof the Museumof Diachronic

Art (“Athinais”).

132. Part of thearchaeological

finds whichare displayed

at the“Acropolis”

metro station.

89

TTHHEE NNAATTIIOONNAALLHHIISSTTOORRIICCAALLMMUUSSEEUUMMLocated at Kolokotroni Square(✒ page 39). The statelyneoclassical building accommo-dating the Museum since 1961,was built from 1858-1871. Thedesigns of the building producedby Fr. Boulanger, were modifiedby Greek architect P. Kalkos.Before 1935, the building wasthe seat of the Greek Parliament.The building is known as thePalaia Vouli (Old Parliament).The exhibits, displayed in 16galleries, are from all periods ofGreek history, from the 15thcentury AD till today.

TTHHEE BBEENNAAKKIIªªUUSSEEUUMMOne of the leading museums inAthens, the Benaki Museum iswell worth a visit. It wasfounded by patrician Ant. Bena-kis (1873-1954) andinaugurated in 1931. It displaysmore than 45,000 exhibits ofthe collection of Ant. Benakisand other donors, organised insix collections:

GGrreeeeccee aatt tthhee BBeennaakkiiMMuusseeuumm.. This sectioncomprises ofvariouscategories withover 33,000works, repre-sentative ofGreekculture fromantiquity tothe creation ofthe modern Greek state and1922 (the Asia Minor Disaster).

HHaaddjjiikkyyrriiaakkoouu--GGiikkaa GGaalllleerryy..Granted by the famous Greekpainter, the Hadjikyriakou-GikaGallery is an annex of themuseum. Housed in the buildingwhere the artist lived 40 years(at 3, Kriezotou Str), the gallerydisplays a representativeexample of his work.

TTooyyss aanndd CChhiillddhhoooodd.. Includedare 15,000 old toys

and children’sobjects from

Greece andthe area ofGreaterHellenism,fromantiquity

to 1970 – andEurope, America,

Africa, and the countries of the East.

134. TheBenakiMuseum: detailof theembroideryof a cushion(19th century).

MUSEUMS

133. NationalHistoricalMuseum:the portraitof Lord Byron.

Page 48: Athens Attica

90

CCooppttiicc AArrtt.. A large collection offabrics, metalwork and wood-work, representing theproduction of Egypt in the 5thand 6th centuries.

CChhiinneessee AArrtt.. Displays morethan 1,300 exhibits (most ofthem were donated by G. Eu-morfopoulos), representative ofthe Chinese civilisation fromthe 3rd Millennium BC to the19th century (among others,vases, funeral statuettes,porcelain, miniatures and semiprecious stones).

TThhee MMuusseeuumm ooff IIssllaammiicc AArrtt..Housed in a neoclassical buil-ding complex dating from thebeginning of the 20th century,consisting of two residentialbuildings and located in theKerameikos area (✒ page 41).It is one of the leading IslamicArt collections in the world. It

displays more than 8,000 exhi-bits from Europe, the MiddleEast, North Africa, Persia andIndia, representative of thedevelopment of Islamic art fromthe early Islamic age to the 19thcentury.

EExxhhiibbiittiioonnss.. Sometimes theBenaki Museum holds importantexhibitions in the centralbuilding or in his other buildings.

TTHHEE BBÀÀ∑∑∞∞¡¡ΔΔππ¡¡EEAANNDD CCHHRRIISSTTIIAANNªªUUSSEEUUMMThe Museum houses one of theleading collections of Byzantineicons in the world. Its exhibits,representing 1500 years ofByzantine art and architecture,include ecclesiastical objects,mosaics, sculptures, frescoes andicons from Greece, the Balkans,

Cyprus,Constantinopleand Russia.

MUSEUMS

137. TheNationalGallery is oneof the vibrantculturalattractionsof Athens.

136. The WarMuseum: afirearm of thefirst decades of the 20thcentury.

91

TTHHEE WWAARRªªUUSSEEUUMMOn display are weaponsfrom the Stone Age and theClassical Age to the SecondWorld War. Moreover,various kinds of aircraft,maps, flags, militaryuniforms and the models ofwarships and aircraft aredisplayed givingrepresentative of Greekhistory.

TTHHEE NNAATTIIOONNAALLGGAALLLLEERRYY --AALLEEXXAANNDDRROOSSSSOOUUTTZZOOSS MMUUSSEEUUMMIt is the leading Gallery in Greece.The core of the collectioncomprises of 117 paintings,listed in 1878. Later the Gallerywas enriched by private collec-tions granted by Al. Soutzos,Eur. Koutlidis, and other Greekpainters and collectors. A numberof important works of art, such

as the “Crucifixion” byLorenzo Veneziano and acollection of engravings of the16th and 20th centuries wereacquired by the Gallery.

WWeellll wwoorrtthh sseeeeiinngg aarree::“TheKiss”by N. Lytras, “TheEngagement,” by N. Gyzis,“The Concert of Angels,” byDominicos Theotokopoulosand “The Greek Rider,” byDelacroix.

MUSEUMS

135. Byzantineand ChristianMuseum: icon

of the 14thcentury,

depicting the archangel

Michael.

Page 49: Athens Attica

92

EExxhhiibbiittiioonnss.. The NationalGallery mounts periodicexhibitions featuring importantGreek and foreign artists, oftenheld in parallel with otherevents.

NNaattiioonnaall GGllyyppttootthheeqquuee ooffGGrreeeeccee.. The museum is housedin two renovated buildings(former royal stables) with abeautiful surrounding areaoccupying 6500 m2 in AlsosStratou (district of Goudi). Onehundred and fifty Greeksculptures dating to the 19thand 20th century are exhibitedin the museum’s indoor andoutdoor areas. Periodic plasticarts exhibitions featuring Greekand foreign artists are also held.

NNAATTIIOONNAALL MMUUSSEEUUMMOOFF CCOONNTTEEMMPPOORRAARRYYAARRTTAccommodated in an old beerfactory (“Fix”), the Museumopened in 2000. It displays theworks of Greek and foreignartists, and holds importanttemporary exhibitions. The complete renovation of the building and the installationof its permanent collections will be completed in 2008.

NNoottee:: Until the renovation of the museum’s main building iscompleted, its temporary exhibi-tions will be held in variousother exhibition halls. For thisreason it would be wise tocontact the museum for specificinformation before visiting.

MUSEUMS

138. TheNationalGallery:

Iakovos Rizos“On the terrace

(Athenianevening)”

(1897).

139. Thebuildings

of the NationalGlyptoteque

of Greece.

93TTHHEE ªªUUSSEEUUMMOOFF GGRREEEEKK FFOOLLKK AARRTT The remarkable collections ofthis museum are dated from1650. The museum displayswoven items, embroidery,uniforms, silver and puppettheatre. Moreover, the works ofTheofilos Hadjimichael,woodcuts and sculpted stonesare displayed.

TTHHEE ªªUUSSEEUUMM OOFF TTHHEE CCIITTYY OOFF AATTHHEENNSSThe museum is accommodatedin a neoclassical buildingconstructed in 1833 (VourouMansion, at KlafthmonosSquare), which was used as KingOtto’s temporary palace from1836-1842. You will find herepaintings and engravings

connected to the history of theGreek capital, mainly from theearly 18th century to the 20thcentury. Moreover, furniturebelonging to the first King ofGreece, Otto is displayed.

TTHHEE MMUUSSEEUUMM OOFF GGRREEEEKKTTRRAADDIITTIIOONNAALLMMUUSSIICCAALLIINNSSTTRRUUMMEENNTTSSAccommodated in anunadorned mansion built in1842, at Aerides Square, themuseum displays 1,200 folkmusical instruments of the F.Anogeiannakis collection. Everyshowcase has audio. You canhear excerpts of songs played onthe exhibited instruments. Atthe shop you will find CDs,selected books and copies of themusical instruments.

MUSEUMS

140. TheMuseum of the City of Athens by night.

Page 50: Athens Attica

95

Museum is 4,500 squaremetres. It is divided in twosections.

In the ffiirrsstt sseeccttiioonn you will finda collection of modern Greekart comprising of paintings andsculptures of the late 20thcentury.

The sseeccoonndd sseeccttiioonn is housed ina complex of two traditionalvillage houses and a building,which was formerly used as awinepress. You will find herehousehold objects, such as car-pets, furniture, millstones, andceramic art works from variousareas of Greece. Moreover, inthe section are exhibited oilpaintings and engravingsconnected to historical events,and certain archaeologicalfinds.

TTHHEE GGOOUULLAANNDDRRIISSNNAATTUURRAALL HHIISSTTOORRYYMMUUSSEEUUMM((““GGAAIIAA”” CCEENNTTRREE))

In this important Museum youcan learn about the

interdependence of livingorganisms. The museumdisplays rich collections ofinsects, mammals, serpents,birds, and shells, and rocks andfossils from Greece. Moreover,it organises seminars andlectures and holds temporaryexhibitions connected toenvironmental issues relating toGreece and the world.

““GGaaiiaa”” CCeennttrree.. Recently, theMuseum opened the Centre ofEnvironmental Research andEducation “Gaia.” Visitors areoffered a glimpse of theworkings of nature.Educational programmes arealso held at the building. Thearea of the building is 12,500square metres and also haspermanent exhibition areas(energy, transport, naturalrecources, water, food).

MUSEUMS

94

TTHHEE GGEENNNNAADDIIOOSSLLIIBBRRAARRYYCCOOLLLLEECCTTIIOONN The collection includes valuablemanuscripts and books, docu-ments, periodicals, maps of themost important periods of Greekliterature. Moreover, you willfind here a Byzantine library, areading room and an exhibitionroom. Well worth seeing is thecollection of the personalobjects of Lord Byron (goldenclock, laurel wreath, seals, etc).

TTHHEE FFOOUUNNDDAATTIIOONNOOFF TTHHEE HHEELLLLEENNIICCWWOORRLLDDThe Foundation of the HellenicWorld was established in 1993,with a view to preserve, andinform the public on Greekhistory and culture using mo-dern technological means. The Cultural Centre “TheHellenic Cosmos” wasestablished. The Foundation,among others, presents Greekhistory on the Internet from theStone Age, digitally reproducingancient monuments and spaces,projecting historical andcultural documentaries,organising exhibitions andeducational programmes andstaging cultural tours by meansof the Virtual Reality systems“Ark” and “Magic Screen”.

TTHHEE VVOORRRREESSMMUUSSEEUUMM Six thousand exhibits, represen-ting 40 centuries of Greekhistory, are displayed in theMuseum. The area of the

MUSEUMS

For information regardingmuseums,

✒ pages 127-128.

143. TheGoulandrisMuseumof NaturalHistory:an aerialphotographof the “Gaia”centre.

141. Thesuper-modern,

impressive“Tholos” of the

“HellenicCosmos”CulturalCenter,

a hemisphericvirtual realitytheater wherethe spectator

is taken ona stereoscopic

tour of AncientGreece.

142. TheVorres

Museum.

Page 51: Athens Attica

97

MMOOUUNNTTPPAARRNNIITTHHAA

If you like nature, hiking in themountains, collecting herbs, orgambling, Mount Parnitha isthe place for you. Being thehighest mountain in Attica(1.400 m) and one of the mostbeautiful mountains of Greece,it is located 30 kilometresnorthwest of Athens. MountParnitha National Park has anarea of more than 300 squarekilometres. It is home to 30species of mammals (deer,hares, foxes, etc) and 120 birdspecies (many of which areendemic), while more than 800kinds of herbs and plants occur,(including 17 % of the flora ofGreece). Walk on one ofhundreds of footpaths andexplore dozens of small caves.

Ancient Greeks believed thatthe goat-footed god Pan oftencame to play music and dancein the forest of Parnitha.

Parnitha was first inhabited inthe Mycenaean Age. It was akey location for the defence ofAttica. It was the most fortifiedmountain of ancient Greece.

Visit the luxury hotel “MontParnes” and try your luck atthe Casino. If you like walkingyou can visit the mountain hutsof Bafi and Flambouri.

TThhee ““MMoonntt PPaarrnneess”” CCaassiinnoo..The casino is open daily exceptWednesdays. Visitors shouldwear evening dress and carry avalid passport. Visitors under23 years of age are not allowedinto the casino.

144. Climbingthe craggyrocksof Parnitha.

96

DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA MOUNT PARNITHA

1

GETTING THERE:

If you use your own car,

follow the National Road

towards Lamia and take a left

turn at the Parnitha exit. The

road leading to the top

follows a picturesque route,

with many turns. If you do

not want to take your car to

the top, park at the foot of

the mountain and take the

funicular (tel. 210 2421234).

Bus number 714 from

Vathi Square (Athens)

reaches the top of the

mountain in about two

hours.

Greater Attica, an area of natural beauty, hasbeen since antiquity one of the most importantcultural centre of Greece. With important

historical and archaeological sites, unique Byzantinemonuments, mountains, fertile plains and clean beaches

– all easily accessible from Athens – Attica is anattractive destination for day trips, offering an escape

from the busy streets of Athens.

DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA

Page 52: Athens Attica

99

has introduced specialmeasures to protect theimportant ecology of MountHymettos. Hymettos is themost popular destination in thevicinity of Athens, combiningnatural beauty with a multitudeof archaeological finds andimportant Byzantinemonasteries.

☞ T H E S I G H T S :

TThhee AAyyiiooss IIooaannnniiss KKyynniiggoossMMoonnaasstteerryy.. Located at thenorthern peak of Hymettos,with a view of Athens and theMesoghia Plain, the monasterywas possibly built in the 12thcentury. Only the centralchurch (built of plinth), whichhas been modified, and themain entrance (13th century),remains of the old monastery.The monastery accommodatesa women’s commune. Access tothe monastery from AyiaParaskevi (open 8:00-12:00 pmand 16:00-19:00).

TThhee AAyyiioouu IIooaannnniiTThheeoollooggoouu MMoonnaasstteerryy.. Themonastery is located in thevicinity of the perimeter of thePapagou suburb. You can getthere via Anastaseos Str. Themonastery was built on the siteof an ancient building (you willfind here, among others,ancient capital, pedestals). The main cruciform church, isdated to the late Byzantine pe-riod (13th- 15th century). The monastery accommodatesa women’s commune. It is closedat mid-day (12:00-16:00).

TThhee AAsstteerriioouu MMoonnaasstteerryy..Located north of Aghios

Ioannis Theologos, on awooded slope, AsteriouMonastery is thought to havebeen founded in the 5thcentury. The building complex,which has been preserved,includes a four-side fort-stylecourt, two wings with buildingsand a main church, built incruciform style, with interestingfrescoes of the 16th century. A domed cistern with afountain from the period ofTurkish occupation ispreserved. The monastery hasbeen designated a historicalmonument (open 08:00-15:00).

TThhee KKaaiissaarriiaannii MMoonnaasstteerryy..Built in the 11th century AD, the monastery is located in anidyllic location on the slopes ofMount Hymettos nearbyKaisariani suburb. Accordingto Greek mythology, the godHephaistos often came here.The riverbed of the river Ilissos,the sacred river of Aphrodite, islocated on a hill above the

145. KaisarianiMonastery.

98

MMOOUUNNTT PPEENNTTEELLIIPenteli is a densely vegetatedmountain with springs andattractive locations. You have aspectacular view of the city andthe Euboean Gulf from the top.Penteli is known as a source ofmarble. Pentelic Marble was themain material used for theconstruction of all atticarchitectural and sculpturalmarvels of the classical period.The unique white colour ofPentelic marble was well knownin antiquity. Pentelic marble wasan important export product ofancient Athens. Later it wasused in the construction of thePanathenaikon(Kallimarmaron) Stadium,which was the location of the1st modern Olympics (1896),revived by the French baronPierre de Coubertin.

☞ T H E S I G H T S :

TThhee PPeenntteellii MMoonnaasstteerryy.. Thewealthiest and biggestmonastery in Greece, PenteliMonastery was founded in 1578by Archbishop Timotheos. It isdedicated to the Assumption ofthe Virgin Mary. A number ofbuildings were added to theoriginal structure. Sections ofthe original building were laterreconstructed. Recently amultitude of new buildings wereadded for the monks staying atthe monastery. Visitors may seethe original hospital, fountainand some of the cells.

PPaallaaccee ooff tthhee DDuucchheessss ooffPPllaakkeennttiiaa.. Impressive 19thcentury mansion which lookslike a gothic castle and was built

for S. de Marbois-Lebrun,known as the “Duchess ofPlakentia”. The building whichnow houses the Byzantine andChristian Museum was alsobuilt for her (✒ page 76).From time to time, artisticevents take place in thecourtyard of the palace.However, you may find thebuilding closed, due to repairsthat are currently under way(tel. 210 8042575).

MMOOUUNNTTHHYYMMEETTTTOOSS

Mount Hymettos is locatedsouth of the Athens basin. It islinked to the history of Athens.Sanctuaries have been built heresince antiquity (among others,the sanctuaries of Zeus andPan). Moreover, in the westernside were marble mines. Marblewas used for the construction ofmonuments in the Hellenisticand roman periods. Hymettoshas abundant vegetation and alarge variety of fauna and flora.In the past few decades, the state

DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA MOUNT PENTELI / MOUNT HYMETTOS

GETTING THERE:

Take trolley No. 19 from

Athens (Vassilisis Irakleiou

Str, in the vicinity of the

Archaeological Museum) to

Halandri Square, and change

to local bus line 451 and get

off at bus stop “Monastiri”.

Also, using metro line 1, get

off at “Maroussi” station and

from there take local bus

line 446 (Amaroussio

Station – Penteli Hospital).

2

3

Page 53: Athens Attica

101

TTHHEE DDAAPPHHNNIIMMOONNAASSTTEERRYY

Well worth your visit is theDaphni Monastery (11kilometres from Athens, nearthe Haidari suburb, the Athens– Corinth National Road),which is linked to ancientmythology, the classical period,and Byzantine history. The Mo-nastery is thought to be the most important Byzantinemonument in the Athens area,while the mosaics are thoughtto be masterpieces of the goldenage of Byzantine art.

BBuuiilltt oonn hhaalllloowweedd ggrroouunndd..In the 2nd century AD, the ge-ographer Pausanias referred tothe Temple of Daphnaio orDaphnaeos Apollo, located in asacred laurel thicket, by the IeraOdos (Iera Odos in Greekmeans Sacred Road), leadingfrom Athens to Eleusis. The Goths destroyed the templein 395 AD. Later, the Byzantineemperors banned idolatry. The Christians acquired thelocation and built a church,using the materials of the oldtemple. They selected this loca-tion because it was on the roadto Eleusis, where the idolatersheld the Eleusinian Mysteries.In 1100 AD a new octagonalchurch was built. The monaste-ry was modified several timesbefore the 19th century. In theGreek Revolution it was refugeof Greek freedom fighters.

TThhee mmyytthhss.. According tomythology, the location wasnamed after the ancient templeand the laurel thicket.According to another myth,

Daphni was named after QueenDaphne, whose boat wasshipwrecked near the port ofEleusis. Queen Daphne wassaved, and as an expression ofgratitude to the god Apollo, shebuilt the temple. The temple waslater destroyed by the Goths.However, according to anothermyth, the place was named afterthe nymph Daphne, whoescaped to the location from thegod Apollo and was metamor-phosed into a laurel tree.

☞ T H E S I G H T S :

TThhee mmoossaaiiccss.. Daphni isfamous for its unique andbeautiful mosaics, created in the11 century AD. You will seethem on the walls, the dome, thearms of the cross the roof andthe altar. Seventy-six of thesubjects of the mosaics refer tothe life of Christ and the VirginMary. Moreover, you can seemosaics depicting saints andprophets.

147. Detail ofthe uniquemosaics of theDaphniMonastery.▼

100

monastery. The monastery wasbuilt on the ruins of a romanand late ancient Greek temple.Four columns of the ancienttemple now support the domeof the church. In the late 12thcentury and early 13th centurythe monastery prospered andbecame an influential culturaland spiritual centre. The churchof the monastery, dedicated tothe Presentation of the VirginMary, is built in the Helleniccruciform style, and decoratedwith frescoes of the 16thcentury. On the western wall ofthe yard you will find a spring.The water gushes from themouth of a marble goat.Formerly it was thought thatthe water cured infertility. It isthought that they have “magic”qualities. There is a spring atthe stoup, a sanctuary on thenorthwest wall of the yard.Kaisariani Monastery is anexcellent starting point for ahiking trip.

AAyyiiooss IIooaannnniiss KKaarreeaassMMoonnaasstteerryy.. The monastery,founded in 1550, is located a

few hundred metres from theKareas area. The main church,a two-storey wing of cells and asmall one-floor building on thenorthern side is all that remainsof the old complex. After the1970’s major reconstructionwork was done on the oldmonastery and a new two-floorwing of cells was built. It is awomen’s monastery (openinghours 08:00-12:00 and 16:00-20:00).

PPaannooss CCaavvee((NNyymmffoollyyppttoouu)).. Located inthe southeastern area of themountain (3 kilometres northof the suburb of Vari). It wasdedicated to Pan. The deity wasworshiped there from 600 BCto 150 AC. Worth seeing arethe unique sculptures andepigrams preserved onengravings in the rocks. Themost important is an epigramby the sculptor Archedimos.Archaeologists researching themultiple finds (among others,clay oil lamps, stone offerings)deduced that the cave was usedas a place of worship also in theChristian period.

TThhee BBoottaanniiccaall GGaarrddeenn..Some 5 kilometres from thecentre of Athens, you can enjoya walk in an area with 3 millionpine trees, cypress trees, firtrees, poplar trees, plane trees,and oak trees. Moreover, in theBotanical Garden arethousands of birds and wildflora. It is the ideal scene for along walk and a picnic. Youwill find picnic tables andbenches, after about 20 minutesof walking from KaisarianiMonastery.

DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA

146. The slopesof Hymettos.

THE DAPHNI MONASTERY

4

Page 54: Athens Attica

103

the word for ferried isdiepairounto). That perhapsexplains the origin of its name.

The architect Ippodamosdesigned the urban planning ofPiraeus in the mid 5th centuryBC. Ippodamos’s plans wereused as the guidelines for thereconstruction of the city in1834. Themistocles was thefirst person to realise theimportance of the role the citycould play for Athens. He madePiraeus Athens’s leading port,relegating the Bay of Faliron,which the Athenians usedbefore the 5th century BC.Seeking to develop a fortifiedport for the city of Athens, from

493 to 479 BC he built the wallof Piraeus. Later Periclescompleted the fortification,building the Long Walls, whichprotected both sides of the roadfrom Piraeus to Athens. In theMiddle Ages, Piraeus wasnamed Porto Leone, after a giantstone lion, guarding the entranceof the harbour. Today it is themain port of Athens, the biggestport in Greece, one of theleading ports in theMediterranean, an importantcentre of the merchant marine,industry and transportation.

The centres of Piraeus are itsthree ports: the central port, theZea marina, and Mikrolimano.

148. The Zeaharbour(or Pasalimani)is one of thecentrallocations of thecity of Piraeus.

102

CChhrriisstt PPaannttookkrraattoorr.. The central figure on the domeis the Pantokrator, encom-passed by a circle symbolisingthe sky, while the golden fontsymbolises Paradise. Pantokra-tor’s face is austere. He looks atthe people on earth and judgestheir actions. He is surroundedby the prophets of the OldTestament.

TThhee AAssssuummppttiioonn ooff tthheeVViirrggiinn.. The mosaic is halfdestroyed. It is located on thewestern wall of the Church.Notice the angel descendingfrom the sky to receive the soulof the Virgin. He is thoughtful.His hands are graciouslycovered by fabric.

PPππRRAAEEUUSS ((PPIIRREEAASS))Most people have heard at leastonce the song “Ta Paidia touPirea,” composed by M.Hadjidakis, with MelinaMercouri singing in the film“Never on Sunday.” However,many people don’t know theplace, which the film and themovie made famous – the cityand port of Piraeus.

TThhee hhiissttoorryy ooff PPiirraaeeuuss.. Piraeus is encompassed almoston all sides by sea. The pace oflife of Piraeus is linked to thesea. In antiquity it was an island.Travellers were ferried across tothe mainland (in ancient Greek

DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA PIRAEUS

GETTING THERE:

Bus number 812 to Haidari

departs from Koumoundou-

rou (Eleftherias) Square.

5

Page 55: Athens Attica

105

interior was completelyrenovated. One the walls aredisplayed the works of thestudents of the School of FineArts.

PPiirraaeeuuss''ss ““MMoonnaassttii--rraakkii..”” A market similar to thecorresponding market inAthens (Monastiraki), openevery Sunday at DragatsaniouStr. and Mavromihali Str. Youcan find good bargains.

TThhee AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaallMMuusseeuumm.. It displays mostlysculptures found in Piraeus atthe coast of Attica. The exhibitsrelate the history, and the riseand fall of the ancient city.Notice the five bronze statuesdiscovered in Piraeus in 1959,Archaic Kouros-Apollo, twostatues of Artemis, Athena ofPiraeus, and an ancient tragedymask (4th century BC).

TThhee MMaarriittiimmee MMuusseeuumm.. The Maritime Museum islocated at Akti Moutsopoulou.Its exhibits cover about 3,000years of Greek nautical history.

150. TherenovatedPiraeus metrostation.

104

☞ T H E S I G H T S :

TThhee CCeennttrraall ppoorrtt.. The an-cient name of the central portwas Kantharos. At present it isthe centre of the city. You willfind here ships to all the islandsof the Aegean (excepting for theSporades) and Crete. Walkaround and look at the passengerand freight ships, and the arrivalsand departures of merchandiseand people from all the world.In the Freatyda area parts of theancient Walls of Piraeus (thecoastal section) are preserved.

TThhee ZZeeaa mmaarriinnaa((PPaassaalliimmaannii)).. In this marina,some of the most impressiveyachts and cruise ships anchor.At the seafront are restaurants,tavernas, bars and shops, cate-ring to the needs of passengers.You will find Flying Dolphins(hovercrafts) serving lines to theArgosaronikos Gulf. Adjacentto the Archaeological Museumis the Ancient Theatre of Zea(4th – 3rd century BC).

MMiikkrroolliimmaannoo.. The portwas protected by the goddessMounihia Artemis. At presentit is a popular location,attracting people from all overAttica. It is a beautiful littleharbour with fishing boats,small boats and luxury yachts.If you like fish and seafoodhave lunch or dinner at one ofits famous tavernas.

KKaasstteellllaa.. An elegant andpopular neighbourhood ofPiraeus, built on a hill alsoknown as Profitis Ilias. Walk tothe top of the hill, and admirethe alleys with picturesquehouses. The view of the mainport, Zea and Mikrolimano isunique. In the area is the open-air theatre “Veakeio,” whichhosts important cultural eventsin summer.

TThhee MMuunniicciippaall TThheeaattrree..It dominates one of the centralsquares (Korai Square). It wasbuilt in the 1880’s in theneoclassical style by architect I.

Lazarimos. It isone of the mostfrequented places,a meeting place of residents of Piraeus.

TThhee II..SS..AA..PP..ssttaattiioonn ((mmeettrroo ssttoopp““PPiirreeaass””)).. Thestately eclecticbuilding with thearched dome(1929), replicatesthe relevantEuropean stationsof the period.Recently the

DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA

149. Piraeus:Municipal

Theatre.

PIRAEUS

GETTING THERE:

You can take the metro and

get off at the stop “Pireas.”

There are bus lines from

Athens to Akti Xaveriou in

Piraeus. One line has its

terminus at Syntagma Square

(number 40) and another

line has its terminus at

Athinas Str. in the Omonia

Square area (number 49).

5

1

2

4

3

6

7

8

9

Page 56: Athens Attica

107

TThhee tteemmppllee ooff ggooddddeessssAAtthheennaa.. Worth your visit isthe temple of Athena Sounias,located at a distance of 400metres from the temple ofPoseidon. You will find herethe substructures of twotemples: a large temple built ataround 470 BC or during thePeloponnesean War (431-404),and a small temple.Archaeologists have divergingopinions regarding the smalltemple: some believe it is theruin of an old temple dedicatedto Athena, and built in theperiod 600-550 BC, otherbelieve the temple was dedica-ted to Artemis.

LLAAVVRRIIOONN

Located approximately 9 kilo-metres northeast of Sounio isLavrion, a small picturesquetown with a multitude ofneoclassical houses and man-sions, which was famous inantiquity for its mines. The mines of Lavrion closed inthe 1970’s. At the perimeter of the city is the TechnologicalCultural Part of Lavrion,including industrial units of theperiod 1875-1940. Worth

a visit is the MineralogicalMuseum (Andr. KordelasAvenue). At the seafront are a multitude of traditional cafesand fish tavernas, with deli-cious snacks. Some 4 kilo-metres north of Lavrion is thearchaeological site of Thorikos.In the area encompassed byLavrion and Sounion is theSounion National Park, withnatural and cultural attractions.

152. Blue skyand blue seaare joined atCape Sounion.

106

SSOOUUNNIIOONNThe sanctuary of Sounion (thefamous temple of Poseidon ishere) is the most importantsanctuary of Attica. Situated ata unique site (cape Sounio) thesanctuary is one of the majorsights of Greece. It is onehour’s drive from the centre ofAthens (68 km). The route toSounion follows the coastlineof the Saronic Gulf, passingthrough the tourist resorts ofVarkiza, Ayia Marina,Lagonissi, Saronida,Anavissos, et al. Look out ofthe window of your car or busand you will enjoy thesparkling blue sea. If you travelby car, you can stop and go fora swim in a organised beach orone of the beautiful little bayslocated at many places on your

way. You will also find here amultitude of cafes, tavernasserving fresh fish and ouzorestaurants.

☞ T H E S I G H T S :

TThhee TTeemmppllee ooff PPoosseeiiddoonn.. At this site the ancient Greeksworshipped the god of the sea,Poseidon. Preserved are 15 Doricstyle columns (originally therewere 34). The temple was builtin the Golden Age of Perikles onthe ruins of another temple. Wedo not know who the architectis. However, it is thought that itis the architect who designed theTheseion. Following an exami-nation of the finds unearthed inthe area archaeologists havededuced that Poseidon wasworshipped here before the 5thcentury BC.

DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA

151. The ruinsof the temple of

Poseidon.

SOUNION

GETTING THERE:

Two bus lines link Sounio to

Athens: one route via, the

coastal road of Varkiza and

Legrena, and another via the

inland of Attica, namely Agia

Paraskevi, Koropi and Lavrio.

The terminus of both bus

lines is located at

Mavromataion Str. in the

vicinity of Pedion tou Areos

in Athens (tel. 210 8230179).

Moreover, travel agents

organise day trips to the

temple of Poseidon.

6

➣6.1

Page 57: Athens Attica

TThhee AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaall MMuusseeuumm..Displayed at the Museum ofEleusina are the finds of thedigs of the sanctuary and thewestern cemetery. Worth seeingis the Protoattic Amphora ofEleusina (650 BC). The neck ofthe amphora is decorated by adepiction of the blinding of theCyclops Polyfemos by Ulysses.On the main body of theamphora, Perseus beheadsMedusa. Also worth seeing isthe Kore from the pediment ofthe Ieri Oikia (Ieri Oikia inGreek means Sacred House)(490-480 BC). It is the statue ofa running maiden, her headturned to the left.

MMEEGGAARRAA

TThhee AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaall MMuusseeuummooff MMeeggaarraa.. 21 km. west ofEleusina is the town of Megara.A significant town in antiquity,it is the birthplace of Euclides,Theognes and Eupalinos. Its decline started with the endof the Peloponnesian War. Its interesting archaeologicalmuseum houses terracotta andmarble findings from thegreater area, covering the chro-nological period from the 6thcentury B.C. till the Roman era.Among the most important

109

☞ THE SIGHTS:

TThhee AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaall ssiittee..During your visit, bear in mindthat the greater part of the areawas avaton – a place inacces-sible to the uninitiated - manycenturies. Worth seeing are theremains of the Telesterion(ceremonial chamber), alsoknown as the Iero ton Mysti-rion, located in the centre of thearea, the Ieri Avli, the Greatand Small Propylaea, andPloutoneio.

108

EELLEEUUSSIINNAA((oorr EELLEEUUSSIISS))

Eleusina is an industrial townlocated 23 kilometres west ofAthens. Founded in the 2ndmillennium BC, the sanctuarybecame pan-Hellenic in the 8thcentury BC. Uninitiated visitorswill not appreciate its gloriouspast, the history and the mytho-logy regarding the local gods, thedeities and the worship thereof.

DDeemmeetteerr aanndd PPeerrsseepphhoonnee.. The citizens of Eleusinaworshipped Demeter, the god-dess of nature, spring andagriculture. The myth of Deme-ter and her daughter Persephoneis, like most myths, allegorical.It refers to the rebirth of plantlife, following its “death” inwinter, and the eternal longingfor immortality. According to ahymn of the 7th century BC, oneday the earth opened up in two,Plouton, the god of the under-world appeared, and seized the

young Persephone. He took herto his kingdom and made her hiswife. Her mother looked for herin despair. She looked for hernine days and nights, withoutsuccess. She arrived despairingat the doorstep of the palace ofKeleos, king of Elefsina. Shebecame the nurse of his son, notrevealing that she is a deity.When her real identity wasrevealed, she requested that atemple be built in her honour.She remained in the temple,devastated by the loss of herdaughter. The following year,not a seed grew on the world.Zeus was worried. He sentHermes to appeal to Plouton. A compromise was reached:Persephone would remain in thekingdom of Pluto 1/3 of theyear, and the remaining time shecould stay with her mother.Overjoyed, Demeter allowed theplants and flowers to grow, andthe earth became fruitful.

DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA

153. View ofthe sanctuary

of Eleusina.

ELEUSINA

7

TThhee MMyysstteerriieess ooffEElleeuussiinnaa..

The Eleusinian Mysterieswere named mysteriesbecause the most importantpart of the event, involvedintense mysticism. We don’tknow much about the wor-ship of Demeter bythousands of people over 15centuries. The GreatEleusinian Mysteries hadtheir starting point inEleusina. The remarkableprocession moved on toAthens, headed by thepriestess and the sacredsymbols of the worship ofDemeter. The Mysterieswere concluded withceremonies in honour of thedead. After the ceremony,Athenians returned toAthens. The EleusinianMysteries were abolished inthe 4th century BC by theByzantine emperorTheodosios.

➣7.1

GETTING THERE:

If you travel by car, take the

Athens-Corinth National

Road. The bus to Eleusina

(number A16 and B16) has

its terminus at Koumoundou-

rou Square in Athens.

Page 58: Athens Attica

111

MMAARRAATTHHOONNWell worth your visit is Mara-thon, with an archaeologicalarea and museum. Marathon isone of the most beautifullocations in Attica. The way toMarathon is beautiful. On yourway you will pass by fields,vineyards, olive groves, wildvegetation, as well as man-madelake Marathon with its impres-sive dam with marble coating.All over this area you will find amultitude of beautiful beacheswhere you can swim andsunbathe. The most famousbeach is Schinias (an exception-ally beautiful location which hasbeen declared a National Park),which has a pine forest border-ing on the sandy shore. You cancombine a visit to Marathonwith a visit the archaeologicalarea of Ramnounda. (12kilometres from Marathon).

TThhee bbaattttllee ooff MMaarraatthhoonn.. The main source of informationregarding the battle of Marathonis the ancient historian Herodo-tus. According to Herodotus, thePersian fleet disembarked100,000 troops in Marathon in490 BC. Facing this immensearmy were just 11,000 Greektroops (10,000 were fromAthens and 1,000 from Plataiai).The Greeks, thanks to themilitary genius of Miltiades, wonthe battle. Following the victory,Pheidippides, an Atheniansoldier, was sent to bring thegood news to the city. He ran allthe way from the field of battle tothe Athenian Agora. He said oneword: Nenikikamen (we havewon), collapsed and passedaway. In memory of the event,

the modern Marathon covers thedistance Pheidippides ran, and issymbolised in the closing cere-mony of the Olympic Games.

☞ T H E S I G H T S :

TThhee MMoonnuummeenntt ((TToommbb)) ooffMMaarraatthhoonn.. Adjacent to thefield of battle, at a distance ofone kilometre from Marathon,you will find a uniquemonument (Tomb) of the 192Athenian soldiers who werekilled in this famous battle. Onthe other side of the road, at adistance of 5 kilometres, is thegrave of the Plataians.

TThhee AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaallMMuusseeuumm ooff MMaarraatthhoonn.. The museum is small. It housesexhibits from nearby towns, aswell as other periods andlocations. Important finds of theNeolithic Age, such as the findsdiscovered at the cave of Pan inOinoi, and a collection ofcolumns, thought to have beenbuilt in the 2nd century BC, arealso on display. Also exhibitedare finds from the Early Helladic

155. The MarathonArchaeologicalMuseum: clayvase of theNeolithicperiod from theCave of Pan(Oinoi).▼

110

exhibits are the terracotta bustof Demeter (5th century B.C.),a terracotta female bust (5thcent. B.C.), a spout with theshape of a lion’s head (around350 B.C.), a female statuewearing a peplos (325-300B.C.), et al.

AATTTTIICCAAZZOOOOLLOOGGIICCAALLPPAARRKK ((SSPPAATTAA))

One of the largest zoos in theBalkans spreading across128,000 m2 in the area ofYialou Spata. A visit there is aunique experience especially forchildren. It consists of: the“Ornithological Park”boasting the third largestcollection of birds worldwide

(1,500 birds from 300 differentspecies), farm animals and largecages-miniatures of threecontinents; the “World ofReptiles” with pythons, boas,crocodiles, etc; the “GreekFauna” featuring rare animalsof Greece (brown bear, wolves,wild cats, Lynx pardinus, lutra-lutra, etc); the “AfricanSavanna” (giraffes, zebras,antelopes, jaguars, snowleopards, white lions, etc); thesection with the monkeys andapes and the “Forest of Mon-keys” where visitors share thesame space with monkeys; thefelines section (tigers, servals,etc) ; the section with the hippo-potamuses, alligators, etc. Thezoo is open to the public dailyfrom 9:00 a.m. until sunset.

DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA

154. The AtticaZoological

Park is hometo 27 reptilespecies, 304bird species

and 50mammal

species.

ATTICA ZOOLOGICAL PARK / MARATHON

9

GETTING THERE:

By bus (No 319 from the

“Doukissis Plakentias” metro

station). By car via the Attiki

Odos Motorway, exit 18 with

direction to Spata (from the

airport) and exit 16P with

direction to Rafina (from

Eleusina).

GETTING THERE:

To reach Megara, you can use

the intercity bus service which

has its terminus at the

“Thission” metro station

(tel. 210 3244448), or you

can use the Suburban Railway

(for more information,

✒ page 118).

8

Page 59: Athens Attica

113

of 3,000 dominates the area.Notice the five white marbleseats around the scene, withsculpted decoration and epi-graphs. The temple is located inthe vicinity of a spring, mentio-ned in the myth of Amphiaraos.It was built in the Doric style inthe 4th century BC. Most of theruins in the area were dated to6th century BC.

VVRRAAVVRROONNAAVravrona, with an interestingarchaeological site, is well wortha visit. On your way toVravrona, you will travelthrough one of the mostbeautiful areas of Attica, withgreen fields, vineyards, olivetrees, gentle mountainsides, andthe coast of the blue EuboeanGulf. In summer, if you don’tlike the heat, you can take a dipin the sea. Be sure to follow thesignposts leading to Marko-poulo and Porto Rafti, then takea turn left at the sign forVravrona. A few kilometresinland is the archaeological siteand the museum on your left.

AArrtteemmiiss VVrraavvrroonniiaa.. Vravronawas dedicated to Artemis, thegoddess protector of hunters,animals and the safe birth ofhumans. Enraged by the murderof two small female bears,Artemis caused an epidemic inAthens. She requested that anoracle tell the Athenians that allgirls aged 5 to 10 living in Atticawere obliged to worship her. TheAthenians obeyed the commandof the goddess and brought theirlittle girls to the temple, wherethey spend their childhood yearsserving her and participating inthe festivals organised there. Thegirls who went to the temple,were called arktoi (bears). Thefestivals in honour of the goddesswere called Vravronia. Musicalperformances, athletic compe-titions and poetry readings wereheld at the festivals.

112

cemetery found at the site of“Tsepi”, the Egyptian sanctuaryof Isida (2nd century AD) andthe Roman valaneion (circularbath) (2nd-4th Century AD)found at the site of “Brexiza”.

RRAAMMNNOOUUSS((KKAATTOO SSOOUULLII))

The name of the area is derivedfrom the word 'ramnos,' thename of a variety of bush cove-ring the area. In antiquity, Ram-nous was known for its port andfort. In the archaeological areaare the ruins of two temples. TheGreat temple was dedicated toNemesis, the goddess of DivineJustice (it was the most impor-tant sanctuary of the goddess inancient Greece). The small templewas dedicated to Themis, thegoddess of Justice. Both templeswere built in the 5th century BC.The remains of a fort, theatre,funerary monuments, amongothers, are preserved. Thisarchaeological site commands aunique view of Euboea and theEuboean Gulf (Gulf of Evoikos).

AAMMPPHHIIAARREEIIOONNAmphiaraos is one of the leastwell-known deities of ancientmythology. Nevertheless, he waspopular, and twelve temples andsanctuaries are known to havebeen dedicated to him. His popu-larity was due to his magical andhealing qualities. According tomyth, he was not born, butemerged from a spring, locatednear his temple, in the vicinity ofOropos. He participated in theexpedition of the Argonauts,and later in the siege of Thebesby the Argeans. In the latterZeus intervened, savingAmphiaraos’s life. The mostimportant temple dedicated toAmphiaraos if Amphiareion,located in a gorge on the border

of AtticaandBoeotia.An an-cienttheatrewith acapacity

DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA AMPHIAREION / VRAVRONA

GETTING THERE:

Amphiareion is located

48 kilometres from Athens.

If you have a car, take the

Athens-Lamia National road,

and turn right on the road to

Oropos. Two bus lines link

Athens to Oropos, both with

a stop in the vicinity of the

Aphmiareion archaeological

area. Walk another 3 klm

from the bus stop to the

archaeological site. Two

alternative bus lines link

Athens to Ayioi Apostoloi

(get off at Oropos, at a

distance of 3.3 kilometres

from the archaeological site),

and Oropos. You can get off

the bus at the Markopoulo

cemetery, at a distance of 3

kilometres from the location.

You will find the terminus of

the buses at Mavromataion

Str. in Athens (Aigyptou

Square) tel 210 8230179.

11

GETTING THERE:

You can take the bus to

Paralia Marathona, from

Mavromataion Str. (Aigyptou

Square) near Paidio tou

Areos. Tel. 210 8210872.

➣9.1

10

156. Theatre atAmphiareion

archaeologicalsite.

Page 60: Athens Attica

115

NNOORRTTHHWWEESSTTAATTTTIICCAA

Resort area where manyAthenians have summerhouses. It is an area of naturalbeauty with large stretches ofpinewoods, numerous beautifulbeaches (✒ page 125),traditional villages (Alepohori,Vilia, Kriekouki or Erythres, etal.) and many hotels in allcategories.

☞ T H E S I G H T S :

AAeeggoosstthheenneess FFoorrttrreessss.. Locatednear Porto Yermenfi, it datesfrom the 4th - 3th century B.C.and is considered the best-preserved ancient castle. Closeto the fortress are thefoundations of a five-navedbasilica (5th cent. A.D.) with amosaic floor, while on thecastle’s acropolis one can seeremnants of the cells of amedieval cloister, as well as achapel from the same periodthat is still being used.

TTHHEE SSAARROONNIICCIISSLLAANNDDSSBoats, ferries and flyingdolphins depart daily from theport of Piraeus for the splendidislands of the Saronic(Saronikos) Gulf, Salamina,Aegina, Angistri, Hydra, Porosand Spetses. Moreover, touristoffices organise daily cruises tothe islands.

158. Hydra,one of the mostbeautifulislands of theSaronic Gulf.

NORTHWEST ATTICA / THE SARONIC ISLANDS

114☞ T H E S I G H T S :

AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaall ssiittee.. You willnotice the coexistence of theruins of the ancient Greek templeof Artemis and a Christianchurch of the 15th century AD,dedicated to Ayios Georgios.Unfortunately only the sanctuaryof the ancient temple ispreserved. Archaeologists havenot determined the shape of theoriginal temple. Walk over abridge, built in the classicalperiod, which leads, to thetemple, and visit the partiallyrenovated colonnade.

TThhee MMuusseeuumm.. Small andinteresting, the museum housesexhibits from the Vravronaarea and Anavyssos, Perati andother areas of Attica.

PPAAIIAANNIIAA CCAAVVEE((KKOOUUTTOOUUKKII))

With a large variety of rocks andthe multiformity of the

stalactites and stalagmites,Koutouki Cave ranks among themost interesting and rich cavesin Greece. Located on theeastern slope of MountHymettos, at an altitude of 540metres, 4 kilometres fromPaiania in the Mesogeia area, ithas a total area of 3,800 squaremetres.

DAY TRIPS IN ATTICA

GETTING THERE:

Vravrona is located 38 klm

from Athens. If you have a car,

take Mesogheion Avenue, and

following the suburb of Agia

Paraskevi, take a turn right on

the road to Markopoulo-Porto

Rafti. A bus line links the area

to Athens. It departs every

hour from Mavromataeon Str.

(Pedion tou Areos,

tel. 210 8230179).

GETTING THERE:

If you travel by car, take the

Athens-Corinth National

Road and after Eleusina get off

and follow the road to Mandra

(approx. distances from

Athens: Vilia 54 km, Alepohori

60 km, Erythres 61 km). You

can also use the intercity bus

service. Buses to Erythres,

Porto Yermenfi and Megara

leave from the “Thission”

metro station

(tel. 210 3244448).

➣11.1

12157. Vravrona:at Arkton

Collonaderesided younggirls dedicatedto the goddess

Artemis.

Page 61: Athens Attica

117

161. ErmouStreet is a verybusy streetmost of theyear. It is thelocation of amultitude ofwell-knownshops.

designers and ceramicists haveshops offering hand madegoods. You may also find bargainquality woven wool and cottonjumpers with unique designsand leather goods and shoesmade by Greek designers. You will find these items atErmou Str. and KolonakiSquare. You will also find anabundance of antiques invarious shops in Kolonaki,Syntagma and Monastiraki.You may find various kinds ofantiques, such as furniture,hand painted wooden trunks,attractive miniatures, and smalldecorative items.116

SHOPPING IN ATHENS

159. At“Giousouroum,one of the most

charmingneighbourhoods

of Athens, youcan find

a multitudeof old objects.

160. Modernshopping

centers like thisare found in

most areas ofAthens and its

suburbs.

You will be surprised at thebargains you will find in

Athens. Golden and silverjewellery are popular, given theinternational renown of Greekdesigners. A multitude ofjewellers shops most of themlocated in the Syntagma Squareand Kolonaki areas, have awide selection of reproductionsof ancient Greek jewels andtraditional and modern designs.Most of them are hand made bylocal craftsmen. Moreover, at amultitude of Greek shops youcan find silver and turquoisefiligrans, most of them made inthe city of Ioannina, in Epirus,with attractive traditionalmotifs.Worth a visit is the IliasLalaounis Jewellery Museum.The Museum houses morethan 3,000 designs of jewels.

Some 45 collectionsrepresenting the history ofGreek jewellery inspired by theart and architecture of elevencivilisations, nature, technologyand biology.You may be interested in thefamous furs of Kastoria, theproduct of an craft that wasperfected over the centuries. In the Syntagma Square area isa multitude of fur shopsoffering a wide range of coats,jackets and fur hats, withclassic and modern designs.You may also find bargainsouvenirs, hand made goodsand bronze vases. Athens hasbeen famous for its copperutensils, clay and ceramicgoods since the Archaic Age.The ideal place to find uniqueitems of Greek ceramic art andpottery is the suburb ofMaroussi, where most

SHOPPING IN ATHENS

SHOPPING IN ATHENS

TThhee NNaattiioonnaall CCoouunncciill ooffSSoocciiaall CCaarree..

Here you will find valuablehand made heavy carpetsand rugs made on woodenlooms, and a wide range ofembroidery, embroideredtapestries, hand madecushions and bags, decora-tive wall embroideries anduniquely charming,authentic designs of Greekpopular art.

14, Filellinon Str.Tel. 210 3250240-1, 197.

TThhee HHeelllleenniiccOOrrggaanniissaattiioonn ooff SSmmaallllMMeeddiiuumm SSiizzeeddEEnntteerrpprriisseess aannddHHaannddiiccrraaffttss((EEOOMMMMEEXX))..

You will find hereattractive, quality, andhand made carpets.EOMMEX has establishedworkshops in the countryteaching the art oftraditional carpet making.You will be impressed bythe superb designs, thelively colours and quality ofthe materials used forEOMMEX carpets. In theshop at Mitropoleos Stryou will find a large varietyof designs and sizes. Youare sure to find a goodbargain.

9, Metropoleos Str.Tel. 210 3252110.

▼▼

Page 62: Athens Attica

118

1Ô˜ ¶EPI¶ATO™

119

Greek cuisine has a uniqueflavour. During your stay

in Greece you will be pleasantlysurprised by culinaryspecialities. “Mousaka,”“souvlaki,” “Greek salad,” isall most people know of Greekcuisine. However, you willdiscover that Greek cuisinecomprises of a large variety ofdishes fully meeting theculinary appetites of meat-eaters and vegetarians.

This is not surprisingconsidering that Greece is thecountry where symposiumsoriginated and the homeland ofthe Epikureian philosophers.Archestratos wrote the firstcookbooks in history in 330BC reminding readersthat cuisine is a markof civilisation.Greece has agastronomictradition of 4,000years. However,like most nationalcuisines, Greek cuisinewas influenced byneighbouring countries, fromthe East and the West.

TTRRAADDIITTIIOONNAALLGGRREEEEKK CCUUIISSIINNEE

Greek cuisine is unique becauseit combines the followingfeatures: unique ingredients,Greek dietary habits, the

custom of making a meal a socialevent, and the pleasantatmosphere of Greece.

TThhee bbaassiicc iinnggrreeddiieennttss.. Greek cuisine has four secrets.Good fresh ingredients, theproper use of aromatic herbsand spices, the famous Greekolive oil and simplicity. Greekolive oil deserves a specialmention. It accompanies nearlyall Greek dishes. It is usuallyused in large measures. Greecehas high quality, healthy oliveoil. The artificial cultivation ofvegetables is not widespread inGreece because of the mildnessof the climate. Most vegetables

are cultivated in a naturalway, preserving their

aroma and taste.You will bedelighted by thetaste of Greektomatoes,cabbage, carrots,

onions, parsley, andgarlic, not to mention

fresh Greek fruit, such as,among others, grapes, apricots,peaches, cherries, melons, andwater-melons. The aromaticherbs, which most Greeks pickin the mountains or the country,have a unique flavour, aromaand therapeutic qualities. Youwill be delighted by theintoxicating aroma of oregano,thyme, mint, and rosemary, in alarge variety of dishes. Don’tforget to try Greek cheeses, in

GREEK CUISINEAND WINE

Athens neversleeps. Some

people say that Athens ismore vibrant at night.Ancient and modernAthens offers moreopportunity for nightlifethan any other city. Youhave a lot of options: ancientGreek drama in a theatredated to the period the playwas written, world famousorchestras playing musicranging from Beethoven andjazz in one of the mostmodern concert halls ofEurope, unique musical stagesand clubs offering variety andcreativity.

The capital of Athens offersnightlife fans special nights out.Whatever you choose to do,you will discover that Athensnightlife offers variety andunique choice, making itpossible to enjoy throughoutthe night. The only problem isthat the following day you haveto see the sights… You can start

your evening out at one of theselect restaurants or one of thedistinctive Greek tavernaslocated in every neighbourhoodof the city. The atmosphere inGreek restaurants is relaxedand friendly and the food isexcellent. You may go to a

taverna with live bouzoukimusic, or one of

hundreds ofpopular, modernbars, clubs,disco-bars andbars with livemusic, featuring

all varieties ofmusic. You can find bars in allcentral areas, and all thesuburbs, (among others,Kifissia, Faliro, Vouliagmeni,Voula, Varkiza).

A night out at place with livebouzouki music is anunforgettable experience.During your visit, you shouldgo to a bouzouki joint, listen toauthentic Greek music, singand dance with the patrons inthe joint.

NIGHT LIFE

163. A classicalmusic concertat the Odeion

of HerodesAtticus below

the floodlitAcropolis.

162. Thebouzouki,

an integral partof Greek

popular music.

NIGHT LIFE

GREEK CUISINE AND WINE

Page 63: Athens Attica

121

GGRREEEEKK WWIINNEE

Greece, the country ofDionysos, the god of wine, is thehome of the first Vins de QualiteProduit Region (VQPRD) winesin history. The wines in questionwere from the islands of Hiosand Thasos, famous inantiquity. For a variety ofhistorical and social reasons,and due to natural disasters, theart of wine-making declinedfrom the mid-19th century tothe early 1960’s. Then thetraditional customs of wine-making revived. Today you canfind a multitude of excellentGreek wines from every regionof the country. When you tasteGreek wine, bear in mind that itis the produce of excellentharvest, made fromvarieties of grapeunknown to Westernlovers of wine.Greek wines areclassified in the followingfour categories:

1) Controlled Appellation of Origin.

2) Superior QualityAppellation of Origin.

3) Local wine.

4) Table wine.

CCoonnttrroolllleedd aappppeellllaattiioonn ooffoorriiggiinnListed in the category are onlysweet wines, such as theMavrodaphne of Cephaloniaand Patra, the Moshato ofPatras, Limnos, Cephalonia andRodos, and the Sweet wine ofSamos.

Listed in the category ofssuuppeerriioorr qquuaalliittyy aappppeellllaattiioonnooff oorriiggiinn are some of the bestwines of Greece. Some 20locations have been designatedappellation of origin. In Nort-hern Greece are the appellationsZitsa, Amyntaio, Goumenisaand Naousa. In Halkidiki is theappellation Playies Melitona. In Thessaly are the appellationsAgialos and Rapsani. In the

Athens area is theappellation of Kantza.In the Peloponnese arethe appellations ofPatras, Mantineia, and

Nemea. In the Ionianislands is the appellations

Rombola Cephalinias. In theislands of Paros, Limnos,Rhodes, and Santorini are the

appellations (Paros, Limnos,Rhodes and Santorini). In

Crete are the appellations oforigin, Arkanes, Peza, Siteia andDaphnes.

FFiinnaallllyy tthhee llaasstt ttwwooccaatteeggoorriieess,, ii..ee.. tthhee llooccaall aannddttaabbllee wwiinneess,, offer wine loverspleasant, exhilarating flavours.

120

particular, feta. Meat hasunique flavour because sheepand goats graze on open fields,and grazing meadows areverdant. Mediterranean seafoodtastes much better than oceanseafood. The Aegean Sea andIonian Sea, are clean seas,abundant in fish. Fresh fish friedon charcoal is a speciality.

TThhee GGrreeeekk aattttiittuuddee.. Greeks religiously preserved thecustom of gathering around thetable to enjoy a meal or variousappetisers, (mezedes), with ouzo.Having a meal with friends athome or at a restaurant ortaverna is a deeply rooted socialhabit. The Greek wordsymposium, recalling the ancientorigins of Greece, translatedword for word means “drinkingwith company.” Theatmosphere in typical Greekrestaurants and tavernas iscasual, relaxed and informal.Food is prepared according tofundamental rules. Goodamateur cooks enjoy greatrespect in their social circle,while a good housewife inGreece means a good cook. Agood cook sometimes dedicatesdays to the preparation of a mealfor his friends.

TThhee ggeenneerraall aattmmoosspphheerree.. Try a glass of ouzo or wine withfried octopus or any other Greekdish, sitting in the shade of a treein a small taverna by theseafront, on an Aegean island.Try to repeat the experience inyour home country, preparingthe same dish, and helpingyourself to the same drink. Youmay try it anywhere, but youwill soon realise that the flavouris not the same. Don’t try again.Your palate has not changed,nor is there something lacking inyour cooking skills. The Greekfood-relishing experience, inparticular the combination ofthe food and the place where itis served, are unique, and cannotbe exported or imitated. It issimply something you can find,taste and enjoy only in Greece.

GREEK CUISINE AND WINE

164. Theenjoyment of a

good meal withfriends is adistinctive

Greek custom.

GREEK CUISINE AND WINE

Page 64: Athens Attica

122 123

GGrreeeeccee is located in south-easternEurope. Greece has a population of10.964.020 (according to the censusof 2001). Greece, a Presidential,Parliamentary Democracy, accededto the European Union in 1981.AAtthheennss is located in the Atticaprefecture, in particular in the Atticabasin, which is encompassed byMount Aegaleo, Mount Parnitha,Mount Penteli and MountHymettos. Athens, the suburbs andthe neighbouring town of Piraeusconstitute an urban entity (greaterurban complex of the capital) with apopulation of about 3.5 millionresidents.

CCUURRRREENNCCYY:: The nationalcurrency of Greece since January 1,2001, is the eeuurroo. You can exchangecurrency at the airport, at privatecurrency exchanges, and banks.

DDIIAALLLLIINNGG CCOODDEE:: Theinternational dialling code of Greeceis +30.

TTIIMMEE ZZOONNEE:: Athens time is sevenhours ahead of Eastern StandardTime, two hours ahead ofGreenwich Mean Time, and onehour ahead of Central EuropeanTime.

CCLLIIMMAATTEE:: Athens has a mildclimate, with sunshine more than260 days a year.

The average monthly temperatureis:

ªªoonntthh TTeemmppeerraattuurree ((iinn ÆÆCC))January 10,3February 10,6March 12,3∞pril 15,9ªay 20,7June 25,2July 28,0∞ugust 27,8September 24,2√ctober 19,5

Military parade.

CChhrriissttmmaass::25-26 December.

OOTTHHEERR TTRRAADDIITTIIOONNAALLHHOOLLIIDDAAYYSS::

CCaarrnniivvaall:: Carnival festivities of 3weeks duration, ending on ShroveMonday. In Athens the mainCarnival festivities are held in Plaka.

WWiinnee FFeeaasstt:: Organised by amultitude of municipalities.

NNaauuttiiccaall WWeeeekk:: Celebrated inPhaliron.

For information regarding Embassiesand Consulates, enquire at the GreekNational Tourism Organisation or:

TThhee MMiinniissttrryy ooff FFoorreeiiggnn AAffffaaiirrss::3, Akadimias Str (ground floor)information bureautel. 210 3682700, fax 210 3682474e-mail: [email protected]: www.mfa.gropening hours 10:00-14:00

You will come across a multitude ofGreek abbreviations during yourvisit in Athens.

EEOOTT:: Greek National TourismOrganisation.

EELLPPAA:: Automobile and TouringClub of Greece.

EELLTTAA:: Hellenic Post Office.

KKTTEELL:: Inter-urban domestic buses.

OOAASSAA:: Athens Urban TransportOrganisation.

OOSSEE:: Hellenic RailwaysOrganisation.

OOTTEE:: Hellenic TelecommunicationsOrganisation.

The standard electric current inGreece is 220V (50Hz) alternatingcurrent.

¡Ôvember 15,4December 12,0

We recommend that you visitAthens any season. The touristseason is from April to October,peaking in August.

NNeeww YYeeaarr’’ss DDaayy:: January 1st.

EEppiipphhaannyy:: 6 January. Consecrationof the waters in the Piraeus area.The Cross is cast in the sea andyoung men dive in to retrieve it.

SShhrroovvee MMoonnddaayy:: 41 days beforeEaster. The commencement ofLenten fasting. On Shrove MondayGreeks fly kites, fast, and celebratethe Shrove Monday feast. Atheniansenjoy a stroll at Philopappou Hill.

IInnddeeppeennddeennccee DDaayy and tthheeAAnnnnuunncciiaattiioonn::25 March. Military Parade.

EEaasstteerr:: Good Friday to Easter BankHoliday. On Good Friday in theafternoon churches decorate anepitaph. The procession of theEpitaph is joined by people holdingcandles and singing psalms on thestreets of every town and village inthe country.

RReessuurrrreeccttiioonn:: Celebrated withfireworks and flares at midnight, onthe eve of Easter.

EEaasstteerr DDaayy:: According to custom,on Easter Day, Greeks eat spitedlamb. The festivities include musicand dancing.

MMaayy DDaayy:: 1 May. A multitude offlower shows in Athens.

PPeenntteeccoosstt:: Celebrated 50 days afterEaster.

TThhee DDoorrmmiittiioonn ooff tthhee VViirrggiinn::On 15 August.

2288 OOccttoobbeerr:: National holiday.

The signposts of post offices and postoffice boxes are usually brightyellow. Athens post offices are openfrom Monday to Friday from 07:30to 14:00. Three post offices listedbelow have longer opening hours.22,, MMiittrrooppoolleeooss SSttrr,, SSyynnttaaggmmaa SSqq..tel. 210 3319500, 210 3237573,

210 3226253Open weekdays from 07:30 - 20:00Saturdays from 07:30 - 14:00Sundays from 09:00 - 13:30110000,, AAiioolloouu SSttrr,, nneeaarr OOmmoonniiaa SSqq..tel. 210 3216024, 210 3253586Opening hours on weekdays from07:30 - 20:00Saturdays from 07:30 - 14:006600,, MMiittrrooppoolleeooss SSqq.. tel. 210 3218143, Opening hoursweekdays from 07:30 - 20:00Closed on Saturdays - SundaysHHeelllleenniicc PPoosstt OOffffiiccee ((EELL..TTAA)):: information tel. 800 1182000website: www.elta-net.grDDoommeessttiicc--IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall TTeelleeggrraammss::tel. 136PPoosstt OOffffiiccee PPhhoonnee SSeerrvviiccee::tel. 800 1183000 IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn rreeggaarrddiinngg mmaaiill::tel. 210 3216033DDoooorr ttoo DDoooorr PPoossttaall SSeerrvviiccee::tel. 210 6073000PPaarrcceellss::tel. 210 3473311 (domestic)210 5249359 (international)

PPOOLLIICCEE::

GGeenneerraall PPoolliiccee HHeeaaddqquuaarrtteerrss ooffAAttttiiccaa:: 173, Alexandras Avenue,telephone 133; 210 6476000, 210 7705711-7EEmmeerrggeennccyy nnuummbbeerr:: tel. 100

DDrruuggss SSqquuaadd:: tel. 109; 210 6442913AAtthheennss TTrraaffffiicc PPoolliiccee::tel. 210 5284000

PPiirraaeeuuss PPoolliiccee HHeeaaddqquuaarrtteerrss::37, Iroon Polytechneiou Str,

INFORMATION INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

SEASONS

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

EMBASSIES - CONSULATES

THE POST OFFICE

ABBREVIATIONS

ELECTRIC CURRENT

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

INFORMATION

Page 65: Athens Attica

124 125

tel. 210 4111711-9, 210 4122501-5PPiirraaeeuuss TTrraaffffiicc PPoolliiccee::tel. 210 4113876AAiirrppoorrtt ppoolliiccee:: tel. 210 3536899∂∂..LL..PP..∞∞..:: 395, Mesogeion Avenuetel. 210 6068800EE..LL..PP..AA.. RRooaadd AAssssiissttaannccee:: tel. 10400

HHEEAALLTTHH CCAARREE::EEmmeerrggeennccyy NNuummbbeerr:: tel. 166EEmmeerrggeennccyy hhoossppiittaallss,, pphhaarrmmaacciieess,,ddooccttoorrss:: tel. 1434 (in Greek)MMeeddiiccaall iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn iinn GGrreeeekk aannddEEnngglliisshh:: tel. 210 8983146MMeeddiiccaall eemmeerrggeennccyy hheellpp lliinnee::tel. 210 7460000SSOOSS DDooccttoorrss:: tel. 1016BBlloooodd ddoonnaattiioonn cceennttrree::tel. 210 8257425, 210 7702959PPooiissoonniinngg cceennttrree:: tel. 210 7793777AAIIDDSS hheellpp lliinnee:: tel. 210 7222222(Mon - Fri 09:00 - 21:00)SSoocciiaall aanndd PPssyycchhoollooggiiccaall eemmeerrggeennccyyhheellpp lliinnee:: tel. 197, (24-h service)

FFIIRREE BBRRIIGGAADDEE:: tel. 199

GGRREEEEKK NNAATTIIOONNAALL TTOOUURRIISSMMOORRGGAANNIISSAATTIIOONN ((∂∂..√√..ΔΔ..))::

CCeennttrraall OOffffiiccee:: 7, Tsoha Str, 115 21Athens, tel. 210 8707000e-mail: [email protected]: www.gnto.gr

AAtthheennss iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn cceennttrree:: 26 A,Amalias Str, Syntagma - Athenstel. 210 3310392, 210 3310716, 210 3310347, fax 210 3310640

““EElleefftthheerriiooss VVeenniizzeellooss”” aaiirrppoorrttiinnffoorrmmaattiioonn cceennttrree::tel. 210 3530445-447e-mail: [email protected]

GGrreeeekk NNaattiioonnaall TToouurriissmmOOrrggaanniissaattiioonn OOffffiicceess AAbbrrooaadd::For Greek National TourismOrganisation Offices enquire at theOrganisation’s central office or visitthe web page www.gnto.gr

OORRGGAANNIISSEEDD TTOOUURRSS--EEXXCCUURRSSIIOONNSS::For organised tours of Athens, theAttica area, the islands of the SaronicGulf, and other areas of Greece(among others, Delphi, Mykines,Epidavros, Meteora, NorthernGreece) contact the Greek NationalTourism Organisation or:

TThhee HHeelllleenniicc TToouurriisstt aanndd TTrraavveellAAggeennttss AAssssoocciiaattiioonn:: 11, Iosif Rogon Str, 117 42 Athenstel. 210 9223522, fax 210 9233307e-mail: [email protected]: www.hatta.gr

CCAARR RREENNTTAALL:: In the Athens areaare many reliable car rentalcompanies, most of them located atSyngrou Avenue. For informationregarding car rentals contact:

HHeelllleenniicc CCaarr RReennttaall AAssssoocciiaattiioonn::31, Viltanioti Str, Kato Kifissia145 64 Athens, tel. 210 6264032 fax 210 6264039

YYAACCHHTT BBRROOKKEERRSS::Yacht brokers. For yacht rentalscontact the following organisations:

HHeelllleenniicc YYaacchhtt BBrrookkeerrss aannddCCoonnssuullttaannttss AAssssoocciiaattiioonn::Office A1 in Zea Marina185 36 Piraeus; tel. 210 4533134fax 210 4533134e-mail: [email protected]: www.hyba.gr

HHeelllleenniicc AAssssoocciiaattiioonn ooff LLeeiissuurreeCCrraafftt OOwwnneerrss::Ktirio Dioikisis Marina Zeas 185 36 Piraeustel. 210 4526335fax 210 4280465website: www.epest.gr

In the southern suburbs of Athens,along the Saronic Gulf (from the P. Faliro area to Vouliagmeni), andother areas of Attica, are dozens oforganised and other beaches, withclean waters and easy access. SeveralAttica beaches have been awarded

TTOOUURRIISSTT PPOOLLIICCEE::A department of the Greek Police(EL.AS), manned by specially trainedmen and women, providinginformation and assistance totourists. The Tourist Police areauthorised to settle minor disputesbetween tourists and touristbusinesses. Tourist Police speakforeign languages. Officers wear theinsignia “Tourist Police” on theshoulder. For tourist informationdial 117711 any time and day, at anylocation in the country.

AAtthheennss TToouurriisstt PPoolliiccee SSttaattiioonn::43, Veikou Str, Koukakitel. 210 9200724-27

PPiirraaeeuuss TToouurriisstt PPoolliiccee SSttaattiioonn::Xaveriou Str, tel. 210 4290664-5

In Athens and the greater Athensarea (including the suburbs, Piraeus,and Attica), are more than 700lodgings of all categories, with a totalcapacity of about 66,000 beds. Mostof the lodgings have been renovatedand modernised recently and havehigh quality, modern facilities.

TThhee HHootteell CChhaammbbeerr ooff GGrreeeeccee::24, Stadiou Str, 105 64 Athenstel. 210 3310022-6, 210 3237193fax 210 3225449website: www.grhotels.grTThhee HHeelllleenniicc HHootteelliieerrss AAssssoocciiaattiioonn((PP..OO..XX..))::24, Stadiou Str, 105 64 Athenstel. 210 3312535-6fax 210 3230636e-mail: [email protected]: www.pox.grTThhee HHeelllleenniicc UUnniioonn ooff CCaammppssiitteeOOwwnneerrss:102, Solonos Str, 106 73 Athenstel. 210 3621560, 210 5222723fax 210 3621560, opening hours:Monday to Thursday 6-9 pm.

TThhee HHeelllleenniicc YYoouutthh HHoosstteellss UUnniioonn::11, Botasi Str, tel. 210 3251474TThhee GGrreeeekk YYoouutthh HHoosstteellOOrrggaanniissaattiioonn:: 75, Damareos Strtel. 210 7519530

““BBlluuee FFllaaggss ooff EEuurrooppee””, grantedevery year to beaches and marinesmeeting strict criteria regarding cleanwaters and beaches, good organi-sation and security and the protec-tion of the coastal environment. For the programme visit the website:www.blueflag.org/Map_Greece.asp#

OORRGGAANNIISSEEDD BBEEAACCHHEESS (withentry ticket)::Grand Beach Lagonissi, AsteriaSeaside, Asteras Vouliagmenis Plage,Vouliagmenis Lake, AtticaVouliagmenis Beach, Voula BeachA’, Varkiza Beach, Ayiou KosmaBeach, Voula Beach B’, Alimos.

OOTTHHEERR BBEEAACCHHEESS::

SSoouutthheerrnn AAttttiiccaa:: Batis and Edem(Paleo Faliro), Vouliagmeni –Deftero Limanaki; Anavyssos – Edenand Thymari; Sounio (KAPE,Legraina, Temple of Poseidon,Sounio-Poseidonia Coast), PatroclosIsland.

EEaasstteerrnn AAttttiiccaa:: Kerateas beach(Kakia Thalassa), Porto Rafti(Avlaki-Ayia Marina, Erotospilia),Vravrona-Artemis (Hamolia, AghiouNikolaou Artemidos Beach); Rafina(Marikes Plage, Kokkino Limanaki);Nea Makri (Zoumberi, Mati, ParaliaNeas Makris); Marathon (Schinias -Karavi, Dikastika, Ramnountas,Sesi). NNoorrtthheerrnn AAttttiiccaa:: Oropos (AyioiApostoloi, Paralia Kalamou,Oropos-Nea Palatia, PigadakiaHalkoutsiou).

WWeesstteerrnn AAttttiiccaa:: Porto Yermenfi,Psatha, Strava, Shinos.

In Attica are 6 marinas, with a totalcapacity of about 3,000 boats.AAlliimmooss mmaarriinnaa::tel. 210 9821850, fax 210 9853151FFllooiissvvooss mmaarriinnaa::tel. 210 9871000, 210 9871060GGllyyffaaddaa mmaarriinnaa::Headquarters: tel. 210 8912362fax 210 8947284

INFORMATION INFORMATION

BEACHES

HOTELS

TOURISTINFORMATION

TOURISTORGANISATIONS

MARINAS

Page 66: Athens Attica

126 127

1st marina: tel. 210 89473532nd marina: tel. 210 89493743rd marina: tel. 210 89413894th marina: tel. 210 8947920VVoouulliiaaggmmeenniiss mmaarriinnaa::tel. 210 8960012-4, fax 210 8960415ZZeeaass PPiirraaeeuuss mmaarriinnaa::tel. 210 4559000, fax 210 4559030LLaavvrriioonn OOllyymmppiicc mmaarriinnaa::tel. 22920 63700

For further information regardingmarinas contact the Greek NationalTourism Organisation orTToouurriisstt DDeevveellooppmmeenntt EEnntteerrpprriisseess((EE..TT..AA..)):: 7, Voulis Str, 105 62Athens, tel. 210 3339416fax 210 3339507e-mail: [email protected], website:www.tourism-development.gr

UURRBBAANN BBUUSS AANNDD TTRROOLLLLEEYYLLIINNEESS:: For information on bus andtrolley lines call tel. 185 (in Greek);You can visit the 20 most significantmonuments of Athens by using busline 400, which every 30 minutesmakes a tour of the historical centreof the city, starting from theArchaeological Museum. The totalduration of the tour is 80-90 minutes,while taped information concerningthe various monuments is beingprovided, website: www.oasa.gr

AATTHHEENNSS MMEETTRROO::At every stop you can find a tablewith all the lines and routes of themetro trains.Website: www.ametro.grAATTHHEENNSS TTRRAAMM::website: www.tramsa.grSSUUBBUURRBBAANN RRAAIILLWWAAYY::Connects Athens to “EleftheriosVenizelos” Airport and the city ofKiato (105 km west of Athens, inPeloponnese), with intermediatestops. At the stations you will findtimetables with detailed information.website: www.proastiakos.gr

AATTHHEENNSS IINNTTEERRNNAATTIIOONNAALLAAIIRRPPOORRTT ““EElleefftthheerriiooss VVeenniizzeellooss””:: 190 19 Spata, Greece

1 is used and from 24:00 - 05:00tariff 2. Taxis are supplied with avalid price list, recording the fareand surplus charges not recorded bythe taximeter.

In Athens, Piraeus, the suburbs, andenvirons, are a multitude ofimportant museums. The list belowincludes a selection of museums. Forinformation regarding museums, youcan also visit the site www.culture.grTThhee NNaattiioonnaall AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaallMMuusseeuumm:: 144, Patision Strtel. 210 8217717, 210 8217724TThhee AAccrrooppoolliiss MMuusseeuumm ((iinn tthheeaarrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaall aarreeaa))::tel. 210 3236665, 210 3210219TThhee AAtthheennss AAnncciieenntt AAggoorraaMMuusseeuumm:: Stoa tou Attalou, AncientAgora, tel. 210 3210185TThhee KKeerraammeeiikkooss MMuusseeuumm::148, Ermou Str, tel. 210 3463552TThhee EEppiiggrraapphh MMuusseeuumm::1, Tositsa Str, tel. 210 8217637TThhee NNuummiissmmaattiicc MMuusseeuumm::12, Panepistimiou Str (“Iliou Melathron”)tel. 210 3643774, 210 3612540website: www.nma.grTThhee GGoouullaannddrriiss MMuusseeuumm ooffCCyyccllaaddiicc aanndd AAnncciieenntt GGrreeeekk AArrtt::4, Neofytou Douka Strtel. 210 7226321-3website: www.cycladic-m.grMMuusseeuumm ooff DDiiaacchhrroonniicc AArrtt::Cultural Multicentre “Athinaïs”,34-36 Kastorias Str, Votanikos, tel. 210 3480000website: www.athinais.com.gr TThhee AAccrrooppoolliiss RReesseeaarrcchh CCeennttrree::2-4, Makriyianni Str.tel. 210 9239381TThhee NNaattiioonnaall HHiissttoorriiccaall MMuusseeuumm::13, Stadiou Strtel. 210 3237617website: www.nhm.grTThhee BBeennaakkii MMuusseeuumm:: Centralbuilding: 1, Koumbari Str & Vas.Sofias Avenue, tel. 210 3671000website: www.benaki.gr

tel. 210 3530000, fax 210 3530001website www.aia.grThe Suburban Railway and themetro links the airport to Athens.Moreover bus lines linking theairport to the greater Athens urbancomplex: number X95 (to Syntagma,Athens), X96 (to Piraeus), X92 (toKifissia), X93 (to the inter-city busterminal), X94 (to metro stop“Ethniki Amyna”) and X97 (tometro stop “Dafni”). Moreover OOllyymmppiicc AAiirrlliinneess::Information - reservationstel. 210 9666666, 801 11 44444website: www.olympicairlines.comAAeeggeeaann AAiirrlliinneess::information- reservationstel. 210 6261000, 801 11 20000website: www.aegeanair.com

HHEELLLLEENNIICC RRAAIILLWWAAYYSSOORRGGAANNIISSAATTIIOONN ((√√..SS..∂∂..))::1-3, Karolou Str, information ondomestic and international trainschedules: tel. 1110 website: www.ose.grSSEEAA TTRRAANNSSPPOORRTT::IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn oonn sscchheedduulleess:: tel. 1440CCeennttrraall PPiirreeaauuss HHaarrbboouurr PPoolliiccee::tel. 210 4226000RRaaffiinnaa HHaarrbboouurr PPoolliiccee::tel. 22940 22300LLaavvrriioonn HHaarrbboouurr PPoolliiccee::tel. 22920 25249

IINNTTEERRCCIITTYY BBUUSS SSTTAATTIIOONNSS::Buses for all regions and Atticadepart from three bus stations.(information tel.1440website: www.ktel.org)11sstt SSttaattiioonn:: 100, Kifissou Strtel. 210 512491022nndd SSttaattiioonn:: 260, Liosion Strtel. 210 8317153AAtthheennss pprreeffeeccttuurree KKTTEELL::tel. 210 8230179 (Sounio, Oropos,Porto Rafti, Markopoulo)tel. 210 8210872 (Marathon)

TTAAXXII::All taxis have a taxi counter,recording charges. Drivers areobliged to set the counter at everyfare. From 05:00 - 24:00 hours tariff

- Piraeus Street building:138, Pireaus Str. (Gazi)tel. 210 3453111- The Museum of Islamic Art:22, Ayion Assomaton & 12, Dipylou Str (Kerameikos) tel. 210 3251311-12TThhee BByyzzaannttiinnee aanndd CChhrriissttiiaannMMuusseeuumm:: 22, Vas. Sofias Avenue tel. 210 7211027, 210 7232178TThhee WWaarr MMuusseeuumm::2, Rizari Strtel. 210 7252974-6TThhee MMuusseeuumm ooff tthhee CCiittyy ooff AAtthheennss::5-7, Paparrigopoulou Str. (Klafthmonos Square)tel. 210 3246164 website: www.athenscitymuseum.grTThhee NNaattiioonnaall GGaalllleerryy--AAlleexxaannddrroossSSoouuttzzooss MMuusseeuumm::50, Vas. Konstantinou Avenuetel. 210 7235857website: www.nationalgallery.gr- National Glyptotheque of Greece:Parko Stratou, Goudientrance from Katehaki Ave.tel. 210 7709855 (“Katehaki” metro station)TThhee NNaattiioonnaall MMuusseeuumm ooffCCoonntteemmppoorraarryy AArrtt:: Kallirois & Frantzi Str, FIX building- Offices: 14, Amv. Frantzi Str tel. 210 9242111-2website: www.emst.grTThhee AAtthheennss MMuunniicciippaall GGaalllleerryy::51, Piraeus Str, KoumoundourouSquaretel. 210 2231841, 210 3240472TThhee GGrreeeekk PPooppuullaarr AArrtt MMuusseeuumm::17, Kythathinaeon Str, Plakatel. 210 3229031, 210 3213018TThhee GGrreeeekk TTrraaddiittiioonnaall MMuussiiccaallIInnssttrruummeennttss MMuusseeuumm::1-3, Diogenous Str, Plakatel. 210 3250198, 210 3254119-129

TThhee KKyyrriiaazzooppoouulloouu CCeerraammiiccssCCoolllleeccttiioonn:: Tzistaraki Mosque,Monastiraki, tel. 210 3242006TThhee HHeelllleenniicc CChhiillddrreenn’’ss MMuusseeuumm::14, Kythatinaeon Strtel. 210 3312995-6website: www.hcm.grMMuusseeuumm ooff GGrreeeekk CChhiillddrreenn’’ss AArrtt::

INFORMATION INFORMATION

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

MUSEUMS

Page 67: Athens Attica

128 129

9, Kodrou Str (extension of VoulisStr.), Plaka, tel. 210 3312621, 210 3312750, fax 210 3313734website: www.childrensartmuseum.grTThhee HHiissttoorriiccaall MMuusseeuumm ooff tthheeUUnniivveerrssiittyy ooff AAtthheennss:: 5, Tholou Str,Plaka, tel. 210 3240861TThhee KKaanneellllooppoouullooss MMuusseeuumm::12, Theorias Str & Panos Str, Plakatel. 210 3212313TThhee TThheeaattrriiccaall MMuusseeuumm::50, Akadimias Str, tel. 210 3629430TThhee EElleefftthheerriiooss VVeenniizzeellooss MMuusseeuumm::Eleftherias Park, tel. 210 7224238TThhee EElleefftthheerriiaass PPaarrkk AArrtt CCeennttrree:: 10,Evzonon Str, tel. 210 7232603-4TThhee NNeewweerr CCeerraammiiccss RReesseeaarrcchhCCeennttrree:: 4-5, Melidoni Str,Kerameikos, tel. 210 3318491-6TThhee IIlliiaass LLaallaaoouunniiss JJeewweelllleerryyMMuusseeuumm:: 12, Kalisperi Str,Acropolis, tel. 210 9221044TThhee MMaarriiaa CCaallllaass MMuusseeuumm((““TTeecchhnnooppoolliiss””)):: 100, Piraeus Str,Gazi, tel. 210 3467322TThhee JJeewwiisshh MMuusseeuumm::29, Nikis Str, tel. 210 3225582TThhee FFoouunnddaattiioonn ooff tthhee HHeelllleenniiccWWoorrlldd :: 18, Poulopoulou Str,Theseion, tel. 212 2543800- Cultural Centre “Tholos”:254, Piraeus, Tavros, Athens tel. 212 2540000 website: www.ime.grTThhee AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaall CCoolllleeccttiioonn ooffKKiiffiissiiaa:: 30, Georgantãa Str & Kas-saveti Str, Kifissia, tel. 210 8012116TThhee GGoouullaannddrriiss NNaattuurraall HHiissttoorryyMMuusseeuumm:: 13, Levidou Str, Kifissiatel. 210 8015870website: www.gnhm.gr- “Gaia” Centre: 100, Othonos StrTThhee VVoorrrreess MMuusseeuumm:: 1, ParodosDiadohou Konstantinou Str, 190 02 Paianiatel. 210 6642520, 210 6644771TThhee PPiirraaeeuuss AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaallMMuusseeuumm:: 31, Harilaou Trikoupi Strtel. 210 4521598TThhee PPiirraaeeuuss NNaauuttiiccaall MMuusseeuumm::Themistocleous Str, Piraeustel. 210 4286959, 210 4516264SSoouunniioo AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaall ssiittee::

08:30 – 16:00 (Monday to Friday)09:00 – 14:30 (Saturdays)TThhee OOddeeiioonn ooff HHeerrooddeess AAttttiiccuussttiicckkeett ooffffiiccee:: tel. 210 32 32 771opening hours: 09:00 - 14:00 &18:00 - 21:00Lykavittos theatre ticket office:tel. 210 7227233, 210 7227209TTHHEE AATTHHEENNSS CCOONNCCEERRTT HHAALLLL::Vas. Sofias Str. & Kokkali Str, 11521 Athens; information - reservationstel. 210 7282333 e-mail: [email protected]: www.megaron.grCCeennttrraall ttiicckkeett ooffffiiccee:: opening hours:Monday - Friday 10:00 - 16:00;Saturday 10:00 -14:00 and 18:00 - 20:30; Sunday 18:00 - 20:30TTiicckkeett ooffffiiccee iinn tthhee cciittyy cceennttrree:: 1,Ermou Str, (Syntagma Square - in thepremises of GENIKI BANK),opening hours Monday - Friday10:00 - 20:00. Saturday 10:00 - 15:00TTHHEE NNAATTIIOONNAALL OOPPEERRAA HHOOUUSSEE::The oldest opera theatre in Greece.Opera and ballet performances andmusic concerts are held in its twoauditoria, (“Olympia” and“Acropol” theatre). website: www.nationalopera.grTThhee ““OOllyymmppiiaa”” TThheeaattrree:: 59, Akadimias Str, 106 79 Athens,information - reservations tel. 210 3612461, 210 3643725fax 210 3612461TThhee ““AAccrrooppooll”” TThheeaattrree::9-11, Ippokratous Str, 106 79Athens, information - reservationstel. 210 3643700, 210 3608666fax 210 3609003LLYYKKEEIIOONN TTOONN HHEELLLLIINNIIDDOONN((LLyycceeuumm CClluubb ooff GGrreeeekk WWoommeenn))::Founded in 1910 by the first Greekfeminist K. Paren, the Lykeion tonHellinidon seeks to preserve Greekfolk custom, research and study dif-ferent varieties of Greek nationaldress, record Greek folk music, andstudy and perform Greek folk dances.The Lyceum’s museum exhibits avaluable collection of genuine Greekdresses from every part of thecountry. Members of the Lyceum’sfolk dance group wear valuable

tel. 22920 39363EElleeuussiinnaa AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaall ssiittee((MMuusseeuumm)):: tel. 210 5546019, 210 5543470TThhee MMeeggaarraa AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaallMMuusseeuumm:: 24, Dimarchou MenidiatiStr, Marathon, tel. 22960 22426TThhee MMaarraatthhoonn AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaallMMuusseeuumm:: 114, Plataion Str,Marathon, tel. 22940 55155TThhee TToommbb ooff MMaarraatthhoonn::tel. 22950 55462RRaammnnoouunnddaa AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaall ssiittee::tel. 22940 63477AAmmpphhiiaarreeiioonn AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaall ssiittee::tel. 22950 62144VVrraavvrroonnaa AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaall ssiittee::tel. 22990 27020AAttttiiccaa ZZoooollooggiiccaall PPaarrkk ((SSppaattaa)):: Thesi Yialou, P.O. Box 38, 190 04Spata, tel. 210 6634724website: www.atticapark.gr

For cultural events in Athens seeforeign language newspapers on saleat central kiosks (among others,Syntagma Square, Omonia Square),or website: www.cultureguide.gr

AATTHHEENNSS FFEESSTTIIVVAALL::The Athens Festival, established in1955, is held in summer (June -September) at the open air RomanHerodus Atticus Odeon. It is one ofEurope’s major festivals. Some ofthe best Greek and foreign groupsand artists perform classical andmodern music, opera, dance andtheatre. The Festival in summerholds important cultural events atthe Lykavittos theatre, and othervenues of the city.HHeelllleenniicc FFeessttiivvaall SS..AA..:: MakriyianniStr and 23, Hadjichristou Str, 117 42 Athens; information andreservations tel. 210 9282900fax 210 9292933e-mail: [email protected]: www.hellenicfestival.grCCeennttrraall ttiicckkeett ooffffiiccee:: 39,Panepistimiou Str (in the arcade);tel. 210 3221459; opening hours:

dresses during performances inGreece and abroad (14, DimokritouStr, Kolonaki, tel. 210 3639704).DDOORRAA SSTTRRAATTOOUU TTHHEEAATTRREE::(✒ page 45), tel. 210 3244395,210 9214650, fax 210 3246921AATTHHEENNSS MMUUNNIICCIIPPAALLIITTYYCCUULLTTUURRAALL OORRGGAANNIISSAATTIIOONN::stages cultural and sporting events.Information: tel. 210 3621601, 210 3630706, fax 210 3614358 website: www.cityofathens.gr OOPPEENN AAIIRR CCIINNEEMMAASS::rank among Greece’s attractions.Athenians in summer evenings like tosee a movie in a garden with treesand flowers, beneath a starlit sky. In Greece films are not dubbed.Foreign films have Greek subtitles.

INFORMATION INFORMATION

SPORT

CULTURAL EVENTS

TThhee CCuullttuurree MMiinniissttrryy -- SSuubb--MMiinniissttrryy ooff SSppoorrtt::7, Kifissias Ave., 115 23 Athens tel. 210 6496000, website: www.sportsnet.grTThhee SSppoorrttss FFeeddeerraattiioonnss:: website:www.sportsnet.gr/3/g31.htmlTThhee HHeelllleenniicc OOllyymmppiicc CCoommmmiitttteeee ((EE..OO..EE..))::52, Dim Vikela Str (372, Kifissias Avenue)152 33 Halandri, Athenstel. 210 6878888, fax 210 6878940website: www.hoc.grTThhee AAtthheennss CCllaassssiicc MMaarraatthhoonn,, organized from1983, is being held every November on theauthentic course (from Marathon to thePanathenaikon Stadium, Athens) and alsoincludes power walking and two more roadraces (10km and 5km). Information: SEGAS(Hellenic Amateur Athletics Federation), 137, Syngrou Ave, 171 21 Nea Smirni, Athens,tel. 210 9331113, 210 9315886, fax 210 9313152, website: www.athensclassicmarathon.gr

AATTHHEENNSS MMUUNNIICCIIPPAALLIITTYY::www.cityofathens.grMMIINNIISSTTRRYY OOFF CCUULLTTUURREE: Information onarchaeological sites and historical monumentswww.culture.grOOLLYYMMPPIICC GGAAMMEESS««AATTHHEENNSS 22000044»»:: www.athens2004.comUUNNIIFFIICCAATTIIOONN OOFF TTHHEEAARRCCHHAAEEOOLLOOGGIICCAALL SSIITTEESS OOFF AATTHHEENNSS:: www.astynet.grAATTHHEENNSS NNEEWWSS AAGGEENNCCYY:: www.ana.gr

WEBSITES

Page 68: Athens Attica

131130

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

Page 69: Athens Attica

133132

THE MAP OF ATHENS

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

11. Acropolis F3

12. Ancient Agora E2

13. Kyristes’ Clock (Tower of winds) E3

14. Areios Pagos E2

15. Dionysos Theatre F3

16. Philopappou Monument F2

17. Hadrian’s Arch F4

18. Hadrian’s Library E3

19. Kerameikos D1

20. Lysikrates Monument F3

21. Pnyx (Pnika) F1

22. Roman Forum E3

23. Socrates Prison Cell F2

24. Temple of the Olympian Zeus F4

25. Theseion (Temple of Hephaistos) E2

MUSEUMS

26. Acropolis Museum F3

27. Acropolis Research Centre F3

28. Museum of the City of Athens D4

29. Benaki Museum E5

30. Byzantine & Christian Museum E6

31. Centre of Folk Art & Tradition E3,4

32. Eleftherios Venizelos Museum D7

33. Epigraphical Museum B4

34. Frissiras Museum -

Contemporary European Painting E4

35. Greek Popular Art Museum E4

36. Greek Traditional Musical Instruments

Museum E3

37. Jewish Museum E4

38. Kanelopoulos Museum E3

39. Keramikos Museum D1

40. Lalaounis Ilias Jewellery Museum F3

41. Museum of the History

of the Greek Costume D5

42. National Archaeological Museum B4

43. National Gallery -

Alexandros Soutzos Museum E6

44. National Historical Museum D4

45. Goulandris Museum

of Cycladic & Ancient Greek Art E5

46. Old Mosque - Folk Ceramics Collection E3

47. Philatelic Museum F5

48. Stoa of Attalus Museum E2

49. Theatre Museum D4

50. War Museum E6

PUBLIC BUILDINGS - SIGHTSEEING

51. Academy of Arts D4

52. Panathenaikon Stadium (Kallimarmaro) F5

53. Iliou Melathron (Schliemann Mansion)

Numismatic Museum D4

54. Lycavittos Hill C6

55. National Garden E4

56. National Library D4

57. Gennadios Library D6

58. Observatory E1

59. Parliament Building E4

60. Presidential Residence E5

61. Technical University - School of Fine Arts B4

62. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier E4

63. University D4

64. Zappeion Exhibition & Congress Hall F4

ARTISTIC PERFORMANCES - THEATRES

65. Athens Concert Hall D7

66. Dora Stratou Theatre G1

67. Odeion of Herodes Atticus F2,3

68. Lycavittos Theatre C6

69. National Theatre C3

70. Opera House C4

71. “Gazi” Cultural Park D1

72. The “Melina Merkouri” Cultural Centre E1

BYZANTINE CHURCHES

73. Ayia Ekaterini F3

74. Ayia Triada (Russian Orthodox) E4

75. Ayii Apostoli E2

76. Ayii Assomati D2

77. Ayii Theodori D3

78. Ayios Eleftherios E3

79. Ayios Ioannis Theologos E3

80. Kapnikarea E3

81. Metamorfossis E3

CHURCHES OF VARIOUS DENOMINATIONS

82. Athens Cathedral (Metropolis)

Greek Orthodox E3

83. Christus Kirche (German Evangelical) C5

84. 1st Greek Evangelical Church F4

85. St. Denis (Roman Catholic Cathedral) D4

86. St. Gregory (Armenian) D2

87. St. Paul’s Anglican Church E3

88. Synagogue D2

TRANSPORTATION (information)

89. O.S.E. (Information - Reservation) C2

90. O.S.E. (Information - Reservation) D4

91. √.S.∂. (Station for Northern Greece) A2

92. √.S.∂. (Station for the Peloponnese) B2

Page 70: Athens Attica

135134

METRO - TRAM - SUBURBAN RAILWAY OF ATHENS

Page 71: Athens Attica

MMIINNIISSTTRRYY OOFF TTOOUURRIISSMMPPUUBBLLIICCAATTIIOONN:: GGRREEEEKK NNAATTIIOONNAALL TTOOUURRIISSMM OORRGGAANNIISSAATTIIOONN

DECEMBER 20088 t h E D I T I O N ( S U P P L E M E N T E D )

Overall supervision: SOFIA LAZARIDOUDirector of the Market Research

and Marketing Department

Publication Co-ordinator: LOUISA STAVROPOULOU-BRIOLADirector of the Publications

and Audio-visual Media Department

Research - Concept - Texts: YIANNIS RAGOS

Translation: ALEXI PAPASOTIRIOU / INO BALTA

Lay Out:

Photographs: GNTO ARCHIVE, A’ DEPARTMENT OFPRE-HISTORIC AND CLASSICAL ANTIQUITIES, C’ DEPARTMENT

OF PRE-HISTORIC AND CLASSICAL ANTIQUITIES,ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES FUND (T.A.P.A.), BENAKI

MUSEUM ARCHIVE, K. VERGAS, Y. YIANNELOS, G. GRIGORIOU,A. DROUGAS, N. KONTOS, M. MITZITHROPOULOS,D. ROZAKI, Y. SKOULAS, A. SMARAGDIS, P. STOLIS,

K. TSIGANOS, PHOTOKINISI, Ch. CHRISTODOULIDIS, E. HOLAN.

-- WWee tthhaannkk tthhee HHeelllleenniicc MMiinniissttrryy ooff CCuullttuurreeffoorr tthhee pprroovviissiioonn ooff pphhoottooggrraapphhiicc mmaatteerriiaall..

Drawings: A’ DEPARTMENT OF PRE-HISTORIC AND CLASSICALANTIQUITIES, Y. TRAVLOS, M. KORRES

Maps: CHARTOGRAPHICA HELLENICA

Printed in Greece by: Y. DETORAKIS S.A.

ISBN: 960 - 534 - 036 - 4

Copyright:GREEK NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION

THE PRESENT EDITION IS NOT FOR SALE

GREEK NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATIONwww.gnto.gr / www.visitgreece.gr

136

CREDITS