|ATHENS HOTELS|

Athens is the capital of Greece, to appreciate this capital, it is important to know of its turbulent history. Athens , has been a city for 3.500 years but , its greatest Glory was during the Classical period of ancient Greece, from which so many buildings and artifacts still survive.

The 5th Century B.C. in particular was a golden age, when Periklis oversaw the building of the Acropolis. Acropolis is a direct translation , of "city on the edge" in which the Parhenon is situated. The Parthenon designed by Phidias, built by Kallikrates and Iktinos between 447 and 438 B.C. The Acropolis was first at stronghold, but later on it became the political center of Athens where the Athenians were allowed to vote. Whatever its function was, the Acropolis has always been the heart of Athens and is seen by many as the crown of Greek civilization. The Acropolis witnessed the destruction of Athens by invading Persians, but on the same place the best architects and builders constructed buildings which came close to the perfection of Greek ideals.

The most impressive and characteristic building on the Acropolis is dedicated to the patron goddess of Athens: Pallas Athena. The Persians destroyed the first Parthenon while it was being constructed, but under Pericles it was rebuilt and became the jewel of the Acropolis. With both Doric and Ionic aspects it is a perfect balance of power and refinement. Even by today’s standards, the technology and materials available to us , we are still unable to recreate what the ancient Greek’s achieved. Hidden behind the Parthenon at the south-east corner of the Acropolis, the Acropolis museum houses a great collection of Greek sculpture from excavations on the hill, primarily from the area filled with the rubble left after the destruction of all temples by the Persians in 480 B.C. Founded in the middle of the 19th century, the museum was renovated between 1949 and 1953 and today consists of 9 exhibition rooms.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is situated at the western end of the southern slope of the Acropolis, and is the last of the large imposing buildings built in this area, which for centuries has been dedicated to music and dramatic arts. The building of the Odeon began in 160 A.D. by the famous Roman benefactor and sophist Herodes Atticus, in honor of his deceased wife Regilla. As a patron of the arts, he designed and dedicated it to musical and cultural events. The building was designed as an amphitheatre. The scene or monumental theatrical backdrop was three stories and partially roofed. The theatre consists of magnificent marble. The architectural sculpture and detailing is constructed with precision among this edifice. The Odeon is still in use today for performances, has a diameter of 80m and holds a capacity of 5.000 people.

Amongst the Acropolis and the Herodion Theatre, you can also see the Ancient “Agora “ (Market ). "Agora", was the main meeting place in ancient times in Athens, where people from all classes from Politicians to market traders would gather together to be heard and share information. Inside “Agora “ there is the “stoa of Attalos” , which was built by King Attalos II of Pergamum, Temple of Hephaestus ( on the edge of Agora ) , the temple of Appollo and so many ancient monuments. In Athens you can also visit Lycabettus Hill , which is 277 m above the city. It can be walked by taking various foots paths or taking the easier route by cable car .On foot it should take aproximately 45 minutes. The hill derives its name from the popular belief that wolves lived there. This landmark is a favourite place for many Athenians who come for the panoramic views of the city, from the observation decks that rim the summit. The small whitewashed chaple of Saint George crowns the top of the hill. It was built in the 19th century on the site of an older Byzantine church dedicated to Profitis Hlias.

Although Athens is a huge sprawling city, nearly everything of interest to travelers is located within a small area bounded by plateia Omonias to the north, Plateia monastirakiou to the west, Plateis Syntagmatos to the east, and plaka to the south. The city’s two major landmarks, the Acropolis and Lykabettus Hill can be seen from just about everywhere.

Athens Plaka is the old Turkish quarter of Athens and virtually all that existed when Athens was declared the capital of independent Greece. Its narrow Labyrinthine streets nestle into the north –eastern slope of the Acropolis , and most of Athens ancient city are close by. Plaka is the most attractive and interesting part of Athens and the majority of visitors make it their base. Monastiraki is in the heart of Athens market district.

The central fish and meat market is on Athinas street, opposite the fruit and vegetable market , halfway between Monastiraki and Omonia. A parade of delicatesens along the streets sell cheese , honey ,dry fruits e.t.c. Walking along Monastiraki area you will find Ermou and Mitropoleos street. Ermou is lined with fashion and textile shops and Mitropoleos is the best place in Athens to buy carpets and flokati rugs. Athens Cathedral dominates the large square halfway along Mytropoleos. Very close to Monastiraki is Thissio.

Thissio is an up and coming area where you can find traditional Greek tavernas , busy cafes and bars and is very popular with the young and trendy crowd. Thissio is a pleasant area where the cobbled streets and classical Greek mansions add character. The Keramikos, was Athens cemetery from the 1200 years B.C. to Roman Times.

It was discovered in 1861 during the construction of Pireos, the street which leads to Piraeus Port. Just a few kilometers from the center of Athens, you can discover the temple of Olympian Zeus. This is the largest temple in Greece and it took over 700 years to Build. It began in the 6th Century B.C. by Peisistratos but was abandoned for lack of funds. Various other leaders attempted to complete the temple , but it was left to Hadrian to complete the work in 131 AD. The temple is impressive for its magestic size of its 104 Corinthian columns of which 15 only remain today.

Athens at a glance: In Athens, just wake up, take a glance to the Acropolis and you will see immortal Gods and Heroes reviving in front of your eyes… Beneath the Acropolis lies Plaka, and the Ancient Agora and the Roman market Athens, a city with its narrow paths , cobbled streets, classical mansions, picturesque taverns, friendly people and a happy atmosphere Adventure through Athens to discover the contrast between the old world with the new , walk through them and let them capture your imagination…