ATHENS AND ATTICA SIGHTS
Αξιοθέατα
Welcome to the one of the most popular archeological place of the world!
The greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess Athena, dominates the centre of the modern city from the rocky crag known as the Acropolis. The most celebrated myths of ancient Athens, its greatest religious festivals, earliest cults and several decisive events in the city's history are all connected to this sacred precinct. The monuments of the Acropolis stand in harmony with their natural setting. These unique masterpieces of ancient architecture combine different orders and styles of Classical art in a most innovative manner and have influenced art and culture for many centuries. The Acropolis of the fifth century BC is the most accurate reflection of the splendour, power and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak, the golden age of Perikles.
Pottery sherds of the Neolithic period (4000/3500-3000 BC) and, from near the Erechtheion, of the Early and Middle Bronze Age, show that the hill was inhabited from a very early period. A fortification wall was built around it in the thirteenth century BC and the citadel became the centre of a Mycenaean kingdom. This early fortification is partially preserved among the later monuments and its history can be traced fairly accurately. The Acropolis became a sacred precinct in the eighth century BC with the establishment of the cult of Athena Polias, whose temple stood at the northeast side of the hill. The sanctuary flourished under Peisistratos in the mid-sixth century BC, when the Panathinaia, the city's greatest religious festival, was established and the first monumental buildings of the Acropolis erected, among them the so-called “Old temple” and the Hekatompedos, the predecessor of the Parthenon, both dedicated to Athena. The shrine of Artemis Brauronia and the first monumental propylon also date to this period. Numerous opulent votive offerings, such as marble korai and horsemen, bronze and terracotta statuettes, were dedicated to the sanctuary. Several of these bear inscriptions that show the great importance of Athena's cult in the Archaic period. After the Athenians defeated the Persians at Marathon, in 490 BC, they began building a very large temple, the so-called Pre-Parthenon. This temple was still unfinished when the Persians invaded Attica in 480 BC, pillaged the Acropolis and set fire to its monuments. The Athenians buried the surviving sculptures and votive offerings inside natural cavities of the sacred rock, thus forming artificial terraces, and fortified the Acropolis with two new walls, the wall of Themistokles along the northern side and that of Kimon on the south. Several architectural elements of the ruined temples were incorporated in the northern wall and are still visible today.
In the mid-fifth century BC, when the Acropolis became the seat of the Athenian League and Athens was the greatest cultural centre of its time, Perikles initiated an ambitious building project which lasted the entire second half of the fifth century BC. Athenians and foreigners alike worked on this project, receiving a salary of one drachma a day. The most important buildings visible on the Acropolis today - that is, the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike, were erected during this period under the supervision of the greatest architects, sculptors and artists of their time. The temples on the north side of the Acropolis housed primarily the earlier Athenian cults and those of the Olympian gods, while the southern part of the Acropolis was dedicated to the cult of Athena in her many qualities: as Polias (patron of the city), Parthenos, Pallas, Promachos (goddess of war), Ergane (goddess of manual labour) and Nike (Victory). After the end of the Peloponnesian war in 404 BC and until the first century BC no other important buildings were erected on the Acropolis. In 27 BC a small temple dedicated to Augustus and Rome was built east of the Parthenon. In Roman times, although other Greek sanctuaries were pillaged and damaged, the Acropolis retained its prestige and continued to attract the opulent votive offerings of the faithful. After the invasion of the Herulians in the third century AD, a new fortification wall was built, with two gates on the west side. One of these, the so-called Beul? Gate, named after the nineteenth century French archaeologist who investigated it, is preserved to this day.
In subsequent centuries the monuments of the Acropolis suffered from both natural causes and human intervention. After the establishment of Christianity and especially in the sixth century AD the temples were converted into Christian churches. The Parthenon was dedicated to Parthenos Maria (the Virgin Mary), was later re-named Panagia Athiniotissa (Virgin of Athens) and served as the city's cathedral in the eleventh century. The Erechtheion was dedicated to the Sotiras (Saviour) or the Panagia, the temple of Athena Nike became a chapel and the Propylaia an episcopal residence. The Acropolis became the fortress of the medieval city. Under Frankish occupation (1204-1456) the Propylaia were converted into a residence for the Frankish ruler and in the Ottoman period (1456-1833) into the Turkish garrison headquarters. The Venetians under F. Morozini besieged the Acropolis in 1687 and on September 26th bombarded and destroyed the Parthenon, which then served as a munitions store. Lord Elgin caused further serious damage in 1801-1802 by looting the sculptural decoration of the Parthenon, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion. The Acropolis was handed over to the Greeks in 1822, during the Greek War of Independence, and Odysseas Androutsos became its first Greek garrison commander.
After the liberation of Greece, the monuments of the Acropolis came under the care of the newly founded Greek state. Limited investigation took place in 1835 and 1837, while in 1885-1890 the site was systematically excavated under P. Kavvadias. In the early twentieth century N. Balanos headed the first large-scale restoration project. A Committee for the Conservation of the Monuments on the Acropolis was created in 1975 with the aim to plan and undertake large-scale conservation and restoration on the Acropolis. The project, conducted by the Service of Restoration of the Monuments of the Acropolis in collaboration with the First Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, is still in progress.
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Acròpoli
Welcome to the one of the most popular archeological place of the world!
The greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess Athena, dominates the centre of the modern city from the rocky crag known as the Acropolis. The most celebrated myths of ancient Athens, its greatest religious festivals, earliest cults and several decisive events in the city's history are all connected to this sacred precinct. The monuments of the Acropolis stand in harmony with their natural setting. These unique masterpieces of ancient architecture combine different orders and styles of Classical art in a most innovative manner and have influenced art and culture for many centuries. The Acropolis of the fifth century BC is the most accurate reflection of the splendour, power and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak, the golden age of Perikles.
Pottery sherds of the Neolithic period (4000/3500-3000 BC) and, from near the Erechtheion, of the Early and Middle Bronze Age, show that the hill was inhabited from a very early period. A fortification wall was built around it in the thirteenth century BC and the citadel became the centre of a Mycenaean kingdom. This early fortification is partially preserved among the later monuments and its history can be traced fairly accurately. The Acropolis became a sacred precinct in the eighth century BC with the establishment of the cult of Athena Polias, whose temple stood at the northeast side of the hill. The sanctuary flourished under Peisistratos in the mid-sixth century BC, when the Panathinaia, the city's greatest religious festival, was established and the first monumental buildings of the Acropolis erected, among them the so-called “Old temple” and the Hekatompedos, the predecessor of the Parthenon, both dedicated to Athena. The shrine of Artemis Brauronia and the first monumental propylon also date to this period. Numerous opulent votive offerings, such as marble korai and horsemen, bronze and terracotta statuettes, were dedicated to the sanctuary. Several of these bear inscriptions that show the great importance of Athena's cult in the Archaic period. After the Athenians defeated the Persians at Marathon, in 490 BC, they began building a very large temple, the so-called Pre-Parthenon. This temple was still unfinished when the Persians invaded Attica in 480 BC, pillaged the Acropolis and set fire to its monuments. The Athenians buried the surviving sculptures and votive offerings inside natural cavities of the sacred rock, thus forming artificial terraces, and fortified the Acropolis with two new walls, the wall of Themistokles along the northern side and that of Kimon on the south. Several architectural elements of the ruined temples were incorporated in the northern wall and are still visible today.
In the mid-fifth century BC, when the Acropolis became the seat of the Athenian League and Athens was the greatest cultural centre of its time, Perikles initiated an ambitious building project which lasted the entire second half of the fifth century BC. Athenians and foreigners alike worked on this project, receiving a salary of one drachma a day. The most important buildings visible on the Acropolis today - that is, the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike, were erected during this period under the supervision of the greatest architects, sculptors and artists of their time. The temples on the north side of the Acropolis housed primarily the earlier Athenian cults and those of the Olympian gods, while the southern part of the Acropolis was dedicated to the cult of Athena in her many qualities: as Polias (patron of the city), Parthenos, Pallas, Promachos (goddess of war), Ergane (goddess of manual labour) and Nike (Victory). After the end of the Peloponnesian war in 404 BC and until the first century BC no other important buildings were erected on the Acropolis. In 27 BC a small temple dedicated to Augustus and Rome was built east of the Parthenon. In Roman times, although other Greek sanctuaries were pillaged and damaged, the Acropolis retained its prestige and continued to attract the opulent votive offerings of the faithful. After the invasion of the Herulians in the third century AD, a new fortification wall was built, with two gates on the west side. One of these, the so-called Beul? Gate, named after the nineteenth century French archaeologist who investigated it, is preserved to this day.
In subsequent centuries the monuments of the Acropolis suffered from both natural causes and human intervention. After the establishment of Christianity and especially in the sixth century AD the temples were converted into Christian churches. The Parthenon was dedicated to Parthenos Maria (the Virgin Mary), was later re-named Panagia Athiniotissa (Virgin of Athens) and served as the city's cathedral in the eleventh century. The Erechtheion was dedicated to the Sotiras (Saviour) or the Panagia, the temple of Athena Nike became a chapel and the Propylaia an episcopal residence. The Acropolis became the fortress of the medieval city. Under Frankish occupation (1204-1456) the Propylaia were converted into a residence for the Frankish ruler and in the Ottoman period (1456-1833) into the Turkish garrison headquarters. The Venetians under F. Morozini besieged the Acropolis in 1687 and on September 26th bombarded and destroyed the Parthenon, which then served as a munitions store. Lord Elgin caused further serious damage in 1801-1802 by looting the sculptural decoration of the Parthenon, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion. The Acropolis was handed over to the Greeks in 1822, during the Greek War of Independence, and Odysseas Androutsos became its first Greek garrison commander.
After the liberation of Greece, the monuments of the Acropolis came under the care of the newly founded Greek state. Limited investigation took place in 1835 and 1837, while in 1885-1890 the site was systematically excavated under P. Kavvadias. In the early twentieth century N. Balanos headed the first large-scale restoration project. A Committee for the Conservation of the Monuments on the Acropolis was created in 1975 with the aim to plan and undertake large-scale conservation and restoration on the Acropolis. The project, conducted by the Service of Restoration of the Monuments of the Acropolis in collaboration with the First Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, is still in progress.
The Acropolis Museum is an archaeological site-specific museum, housing more than 3.000 famous artefacts from the Athenian Acropolis, the most significant sanctuary of the ancient city. Located in the historical area of Makriyianni, southeast of the Rock of the Acropolis, the Museum narrates the story of life on the Rock from prehistoric times until the end of Antiquity. From its opening in June 2009 until March 2012 more than 4 million local and foreign visitors have passed through the Museum’s doors. Architect Bernard Tschumi’s new Acropolis Museum replaced the old Museum on the Rock of the Acropolis. The new museum has a total area of 25,000 square meters, with exhibition space of over 14,000 square meters, approximately ten times the size of the old Museum. A tailor made museum building with extensive use of glass ensures breathtaking views of the Acropolis, the surrounding historic hills and the modern city of Athens and immediate views of the archaeological excavation that lies below the Museum, visible through large expanses of glass floor. With the benefit of the changing natural light, visitors can discern and discover the delicate surface variations of the sculptures and select the vantage point from which to observe the exhibits. The archaeological excavation that lies beneath the Museum provides the opportunity to visitors to appreciate both the masterpieces of the Acropolis in the upper levels of the Museum against the remains of the day to day lives of the people that lived in the shadow of the Acropolis over various periods. After crossing the ground floor lobby of the Museum, the first collection that lies before the visitor presents finds from the sanctuaries and the settlement which were developed on the slopes of the Acropolis during all historic periods. On Level One visitors learn about the history of life at the top of the Rock, from the 2nd millennium BC until the end of Antiquity. On Level Three, visitors are afforded the opportunity to view the sculptural decoration of the Parthenon, the most significant temple of the Acropolis. The Museum provides an increasingly diverse program of activities for its visitors, including the presentation of Museum conservators at work within the galleries - currently the delicate laser cleaning of the famous Caryatid sculptures - 3D projections about the Acropolis in antiquity, gallery talks by Archaeologists-Museum Hosts and family-focused activities aided by backpack materials. Restaurant, café and Museum shopping is available, as well as quiet reading areas with publications about the Acropolis.
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Museu de l'acròpolis
15 Dionysiou AreopagitouThe Acropolis Museum is an archaeological site-specific museum, housing more than 3.000 famous artefacts from the Athenian Acropolis, the most significant sanctuary of the ancient city. Located in the historical area of Makriyianni, southeast of the Rock of the Acropolis, the Museum narrates the story of life on the Rock from prehistoric times until the end of Antiquity. From its opening in June 2009 until March 2012 more than 4 million local and foreign visitors have passed through the Museum’s doors. Architect Bernard Tschumi’s new Acropolis Museum replaced the old Museum on the Rock of the Acropolis. The new museum has a total area of 25,000 square meters, with exhibition space of over 14,000 square meters, approximately ten times the size of the old Museum. A tailor made museum building with extensive use of glass ensures breathtaking views of the Acropolis, the surrounding historic hills and the modern city of Athens and immediate views of the archaeological excavation that lies below the Museum, visible through large expanses of glass floor. With the benefit of the changing natural light, visitors can discern and discover the delicate surface variations of the sculptures and select the vantage point from which to observe the exhibits. The archaeological excavation that lies beneath the Museum provides the opportunity to visitors to appreciate both the masterpieces of the Acropolis in the upper levels of the Museum against the remains of the day to day lives of the people that lived in the shadow of the Acropolis over various periods. After crossing the ground floor lobby of the Museum, the first collection that lies before the visitor presents finds from the sanctuaries and the settlement which were developed on the slopes of the Acropolis during all historic periods. On Level One visitors learn about the history of life at the top of the Rock, from the 2nd millennium BC until the end of Antiquity. On Level Three, visitors are afforded the opportunity to view the sculptural decoration of the Parthenon, the most significant temple of the Acropolis. The Museum provides an increasingly diverse program of activities for its visitors, including the presentation of Museum conservators at work within the galleries - currently the delicate laser cleaning of the famous Caryatid sculptures - 3D projections about the Acropolis in antiquity, gallery talks by Archaeologists-Museum Hosts and family-focused activities aided by backpack materials. Restaurant, café and Museum shopping is available, as well as quiet reading areas with publications about the Acropolis.
The National Archaeological Museum is the largest museum in Greece and one of the world's great museums. Although its original purpose was to secure all the finds from the nineteenth century excavations in and around Athens, it gradually became the central National Archaeological Museum and was enriched with finds from all over Greece. Its abundant collections, with more than 20,000 exhibits, provide a panorama of Greek civilization from the beginnings of Prehistory to Late Antiquity.
The museum is housed in an imposing neoclassical building of the end of the nineteenth century, which was designed by L. Lange and remodelled by Ernst Ziller. The vast exhibition space - numerous galleries on each floor accounting for a total of 8,000 square metres - house five large permanent collections: The Prehistoric Collection, which includes works of the great civilizations that developped in the Aegean from the sixth millennium BC to 1050 BC (Neolithic, Cycladic, Mycenaean), and finds from the prehistoric settlement at Thera. The Sculptures Collection, which shows the development of ancient Greek sculpture from the seventh to the fifth centuries BC with unique masterpieces. The Vase and Minor Objects Collection, which contains representative works of ancient Greek pottery from the eleventh century BC to the Roman period and includes the Stathatos Collection, a corpus of minor objects of all periods. The Metallurgy Collection, with many fundamental statues, figurines and minor objects. And, finally, the only Egyptian and Near Eastern Antiquities Collection in Greece, with works dating from the pre-dynastic period (5000 BC) to the Roman conquest.
The museum possesses a rich photographic archive and a library with many rare publications, the latter of which is constantly enriched to meet the needs of the research staff. There are also modern conservation laboratories for metal, pottery, stone and organic materials, a cast workshop, a photographic laboratory and a chemistry laboratory. The museum has temporary exhibition spaces, a lecture hall for archaeological lectures and one of the largest shops of the Archaeological Receipts Fund.
The National Archaeological Museum welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Besides displaying its own treasures, it organizes temporary exhibitions and lends artefacts to exhibitions both in Greece and abroad. It also functions as a research center for scientists and scholars from around the world and participates in special educational and other programs. An important feature is the availability of guided visits for people with hearing impediments. The Museum functions as a Special Regional Service of the Ministry of Culture and its five permanent collections are administered autonomously.
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Museu Arqueològic Nacional
44 28is OktovriouThe National Archaeological Museum is the largest museum in Greece and one of the world's great museums. Although its original purpose was to secure all the finds from the nineteenth century excavations in and around Athens, it gradually became the central National Archaeological Museum and was enriched with finds from all over Greece. Its abundant collections, with more than 20,000 exhibits, provide a panorama of Greek civilization from the beginnings of Prehistory to Late Antiquity.
The museum is housed in an imposing neoclassical building of the end of the nineteenth century, which was designed by L. Lange and remodelled by Ernst Ziller. The vast exhibition space - numerous galleries on each floor accounting for a total of 8,000 square metres - house five large permanent collections: The Prehistoric Collection, which includes works of the great civilizations that developped in the Aegean from the sixth millennium BC to 1050 BC (Neolithic, Cycladic, Mycenaean), and finds from the prehistoric settlement at Thera. The Sculptures Collection, which shows the development of ancient Greek sculpture from the seventh to the fifth centuries BC with unique masterpieces. The Vase and Minor Objects Collection, which contains representative works of ancient Greek pottery from the eleventh century BC to the Roman period and includes the Stathatos Collection, a corpus of minor objects of all periods. The Metallurgy Collection, with many fundamental statues, figurines and minor objects. And, finally, the only Egyptian and Near Eastern Antiquities Collection in Greece, with works dating from the pre-dynastic period (5000 BC) to the Roman conquest.
The museum possesses a rich photographic archive and a library with many rare publications, the latter of which is constantly enriched to meet the needs of the research staff. There are also modern conservation laboratories for metal, pottery, stone and organic materials, a cast workshop, a photographic laboratory and a chemistry laboratory. The museum has temporary exhibition spaces, a lecture hall for archaeological lectures and one of the largest shops of the Archaeological Receipts Fund.
The National Archaeological Museum welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Besides displaying its own treasures, it organizes temporary exhibitions and lends artefacts to exhibitions both in Greece and abroad. It also functions as a research center for scientists and scholars from around the world and participates in special educational and other programs. An important feature is the availability of guided visits for people with hearing impediments. The Museum functions as a Special Regional Service of the Ministry of Culture and its five permanent collections are administered autonomously.
One of the few ancient theatres in the world that still host performances is the Roman Odeon of Herodes Atticus. It is on the southwestern slope of the Acropolis, on the pedestrian street of Dionysiou Areopagitou. Constructed in 161 AD with the expense of Herodes Atticus. Initially it had a wooden roof. It was restored in the 1950s. Since 1957 it has hosted performances by the Athens Festival. The following artists have appeared, among others: Maria Callas, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Manos Hatzidakis and Sylvie Guillem.
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Odeó d'Herodes Àtic
Dionysiou AreopagitouOne of the few ancient theatres in the world that still host performances is the Roman Odeon of Herodes Atticus. It is on the southwestern slope of the Acropolis, on the pedestrian street of Dionysiou Areopagitou. Constructed in 161 AD with the expense of Herodes Atticus. Initially it had a wooden roof. It was restored in the 1950s. Since 1957 it has hosted performances by the Athens Festival. The following artists have appeared, among others: Maria Callas, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Manos Hatzidakis and Sylvie Guillem.
The Agora was the heart of ancient Athens, the focus of political, commercial, administrative and social activity, the religious and cultural centre, and the seat of justice.
The site was occupied without interruption in all periods of the city's history. It was used as a residential and burial area as early as the Late Neolithic period (3000 B.C.). Early in the 6th century, in the time of Solon, the Agora became a public area.
After a series of repairs and remodellings, it reached its final rectangular form in the 2nd century B.C. Extensive building activity occured after the serious damage made by the Persians in 480/79 B.C., by the Romans in 89 B.C. and by the Herulae in A.D. 267 while, after the Slavic invasion in A.D. 580, It was gradually abandoned. From the Byzantine period until after 1834, when Athens became the capital of the independent Greek state, the Agora was again developed as a residential area.
The first excavation campaigns were carried out by the Greek Archaeological Society in 1859-1912, and by the German Archaeological Institute in 1896-97. In 1890-91, a deep trench cut for the Athens-Peiraeus Railway brought to light extensive remains of ancient buildings. In 1931 the American School of Classical Studies started the systematic excavations with the financial support of J. Rockefeller and continued until 1941. Work was resumed in 1945 and is still continuing. In order to uncover the whole area of the Agora it was necessary to demolish around 400 modern buildings covering a total area of ca. 12 hectares.
In the 19th century the four colossal figures of Giants and Tritons at the facade of the Gymnasium were restored by the Greek Archaeological Society. In the years 1953-56, the Stoa of Attalos was reconstructed to become a museum and in the same period the Byzantine church of Aghioi Apostoloi, built around A.D. 1000, was restored by the American School. Between 1972 and 1975, restoration and preservation work was carried out at the Hephaisteion; the area was cleared of the vegetation, and the roof of the temple was repaired in 1978 by the Archaeological Service.
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Antiga Àgora d'Atenes
24 AdrianouThe Agora was the heart of ancient Athens, the focus of political, commercial, administrative and social activity, the religious and cultural centre, and the seat of justice.
The site was occupied without interruption in all periods of the city's history. It was used as a residential and burial area as early as the Late Neolithic period (3000 B.C.). Early in the 6th century, in the time of Solon, the Agora became a public area.
After a series of repairs and remodellings, it reached its final rectangular form in the 2nd century B.C. Extensive building activity occured after the serious damage made by the Persians in 480/79 B.C., by the Romans in 89 B.C. and by the Herulae in A.D. 267 while, after the Slavic invasion in A.D. 580, It was gradually abandoned. From the Byzantine period until after 1834, when Athens became the capital of the independent Greek state, the Agora was again developed as a residential area.
The first excavation campaigns were carried out by the Greek Archaeological Society in 1859-1912, and by the German Archaeological Institute in 1896-97. In 1890-91, a deep trench cut for the Athens-Peiraeus Railway brought to light extensive remains of ancient buildings. In 1931 the American School of Classical Studies started the systematic excavations with the financial support of J. Rockefeller and continued until 1941. Work was resumed in 1945 and is still continuing. In order to uncover the whole area of the Agora it was necessary to demolish around 400 modern buildings covering a total area of ca. 12 hectares.
In the 19th century the four colossal figures of Giants and Tritons at the facade of the Gymnasium were restored by the Greek Archaeological Society. In the years 1953-56, the Stoa of Attalos was reconstructed to become a museum and in the same period the Byzantine church of Aghioi Apostoloi, built around A.D. 1000, was restored by the American School. Between 1972 and 1975, restoration and preservation work was carried out at the Hephaisteion; the area was cleared of the vegetation, and the roof of the temple was repaired in 1978 by the Archaeological Service.
The Parthenon, dedicated by the Athenians to Athena Parthenos, the patron of their city, is the most magnificent creation of Athenian democracy at the height of its power. It is also the finest monument on the Acropolis in terms of both conception and execution. Built between 447 and 438 BC, as part of the greater Periklean building project, this so-called Periklean Parthenon (Parthenon III) replaced an earlier marble temple (Parthenon II), begun after the victory at the battle of Marathon at approximately 490 BC and destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC. This temple had replaced the very first Parthenon (Parthenon I) of c. 570 BC. The Periklean Parthenon was designed by architects Iktinos and Kallikrates, while the sculptor Pheidias supervised the entire building program and conceived the temple's sculptural decoration and chryselephantine statue of Athena.
The Parthenon is a double peripteral Doric temple with several unique and innovative architectural features. The temple proper is divided into pronaos, cella and opisthodomos, with a separate room at the west end, and is surrounded by a pteron with eight columns on each of the short sides and seventeen columns on the long ones. The columns had the same width as those of Parthenon II, so that use was made of the material prepared for it, even though the new temple was much broader than its predecessor. The interior demonstrates an innovative approach to both new and old elements: inside the cella a double pi-shaped colonnade established a background for the gold and ivory statue of Athena Parthenos, which showed the goddess in full armour carrying Nike (Victory) to the Athenians in her right hand. The west room, where the city's treasures were kept, had four Ionic columns. The two-sloped wooden roof had marble tiles, marble palmette-shaped false antefixes along the edge of its long sides and false spouts in the shape of lion heads at the corners. Marble statues adorned the corners of the pediments and large, ornate palmettes their apex. The pediments were decorated with sculptural compositions inspired from the life of the goddess Athena. The east pediment depicted the birth of the goddess, who sprang from the head of her father, Zeus, before an assembly of the Olympian gods, while the west pediment showed Athena and Poseidon disputing for the possession of the city of Athens before the gods, heroes and mythical kings of Attica. Ninety-two metopes alternating with triglyphs were placed above the epistyle of the outer colonnade and under the architrave. All of them were adorned with reliefs, the earliest sculptures of the Parthenon. Their themes were derived from legendary battles: the Gigantomachy was depicted on the eastern side, the Trojan War on the northern side, the Amazonomachy on the western side and the Centauromachy on the southern side. The frieze, an element of the Ionic order, brilliantly added to this Doric temple along the top of the cella, pronaos and opisthodomos, depicted the splendid procession of the Panathinaia, the greatest festival of Athens in honour of Athena.
The Parthenon remained unchanged until the fifth century AD, when it was converted into a church dedicated first to Saint Sophia and later to the Panagia (Virgin Mary). Under Turkish rule it became a mosque. In 1687, during the siege of the Acropolis by Morozini, the Parthenon was bombarded and largely destroyed. Further serious damage was caused in the early nineteenth century by Lord Elgin, who looted much of the temple's sculptural decoration and sold it to the British Museum. Conservation and restoration of the Parthenon took place in 1896-1900 and again in 1922-1933. A vast conservation and restoration program of the monuments of the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, is currently under way since 1975 by the Service of Restoration of the Monuments of the Acropolis in collaboration with the First Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, under the supervision of the Committee for the Conservation of the Monuments of the Acropolis.
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Partenó
The Parthenon, dedicated by the Athenians to Athena Parthenos, the patron of their city, is the most magnificent creation of Athenian democracy at the height of its power. It is also the finest monument on the Acropolis in terms of both conception and execution. Built between 447 and 438 BC, as part of the greater Periklean building project, this so-called Periklean Parthenon (Parthenon III) replaced an earlier marble temple (Parthenon II), begun after the victory at the battle of Marathon at approximately 490 BC and destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC. This temple had replaced the very first Parthenon (Parthenon I) of c. 570 BC. The Periklean Parthenon was designed by architects Iktinos and Kallikrates, while the sculptor Pheidias supervised the entire building program and conceived the temple's sculptural decoration and chryselephantine statue of Athena.
The Parthenon is a double peripteral Doric temple with several unique and innovative architectural features. The temple proper is divided into pronaos, cella and opisthodomos, with a separate room at the west end, and is surrounded by a pteron with eight columns on each of the short sides and seventeen columns on the long ones. The columns had the same width as those of Parthenon II, so that use was made of the material prepared for it, even though the new temple was much broader than its predecessor. The interior demonstrates an innovative approach to both new and old elements: inside the cella a double pi-shaped colonnade established a background for the gold and ivory statue of Athena Parthenos, which showed the goddess in full armour carrying Nike (Victory) to the Athenians in her right hand. The west room, where the city's treasures were kept, had four Ionic columns. The two-sloped wooden roof had marble tiles, marble palmette-shaped false antefixes along the edge of its long sides and false spouts in the shape of lion heads at the corners. Marble statues adorned the corners of the pediments and large, ornate palmettes their apex. The pediments were decorated with sculptural compositions inspired from the life of the goddess Athena. The east pediment depicted the birth of the goddess, who sprang from the head of her father, Zeus, before an assembly of the Olympian gods, while the west pediment showed Athena and Poseidon disputing for the possession of the city of Athens before the gods, heroes and mythical kings of Attica. Ninety-two metopes alternating with triglyphs were placed above the epistyle of the outer colonnade and under the architrave. All of them were adorned with reliefs, the earliest sculptures of the Parthenon. Their themes were derived from legendary battles: the Gigantomachy was depicted on the eastern side, the Trojan War on the northern side, the Amazonomachy on the western side and the Centauromachy on the southern side. The frieze, an element of the Ionic order, brilliantly added to this Doric temple along the top of the cella, pronaos and opisthodomos, depicted the splendid procession of the Panathinaia, the greatest festival of Athens in honour of Athena.
The Parthenon remained unchanged until the fifth century AD, when it was converted into a church dedicated first to Saint Sophia and later to the Panagia (Virgin Mary). Under Turkish rule it became a mosque. In 1687, during the siege of the Acropolis by Morozini, the Parthenon was bombarded and largely destroyed. Further serious damage was caused in the early nineteenth century by Lord Elgin, who looted much of the temple's sculptural decoration and sold it to the British Museum. Conservation and restoration of the Parthenon took place in 1896-1900 and again in 1922-1933. A vast conservation and restoration program of the monuments of the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, is currently under way since 1975 by the Service of Restoration of the Monuments of the Acropolis in collaboration with the First Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, under the supervision of the Committee for the Conservation of the Monuments of the Acropolis.
A pleasant surprise at the alleys of Plaka is the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, at Tripodon street. In ancient Greece the sponsor of dramatic performances erected monuments in honor of their win. The monument of Lysicrates was built in 335/4 BC, as we are informed by the relevant inscription.
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Monument Coràgic de Lisícrates
3 EpimenidouA pleasant surprise at the alleys of Plaka is the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, at Tripodon street. In ancient Greece the sponsor of dramatic performances erected monuments in honor of their win. The monument of Lysicrates was built in 335/4 BC, as we are informed by the relevant inscription.
The theatre of Dionysus, on the south slope of the Acropolis, is an indispensable part of the sanctuary of Dionysus. It dates from the 6th century BC, but what we see today belongs to the monumental formation of the theatre by Lycurgus, in the second half of the 4th century BC. It was the centre of the theatrical performances which were organized during the Great Dionysia (City Dionysia), the largest theatrical celebration of ancient Athens, which was celebrated in the end of March or the beginning of April.
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Teatre de Dionís
25 MitseonThe theatre of Dionysus, on the south slope of the Acropolis, is an indispensable part of the sanctuary of Dionysus. It dates from the 6th century BC, but what we see today belongs to the monumental formation of the theatre by Lycurgus, in the second half of the 4th century BC. It was the centre of the theatrical performances which were organized during the Great Dionysia (City Dionysia), the largest theatrical celebration of ancient Athens, which was celebrated in the end of March or the beginning of April.
This small open-air archaeological site may not be as impressive as others but you’ll definitely feel a thrill knowing you stroll the same paths as the man who inspired Western philosophy.
This is the first ‘university’ of the Western world where the foundations of Western science and philosophy were laid two-and-a-half millennia ago. Thanks to Plato we associate the word ‘academy’ with education. The word actually originates from the owner of the land on which his school was located—the mythical hero Academus.
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Akadimia Platonos
This small open-air archaeological site may not be as impressive as others but you’ll definitely feel a thrill knowing you stroll the same paths as the man who inspired Western philosophy.
This is the first ‘university’ of the Western world where the foundations of Western science and philosophy were laid two-and-a-half millennia ago. Thanks to Plato we associate the word ‘academy’ with education. The word actually originates from the owner of the land on which his school was located—the mythical hero Academus.
Exactly opposite the building of the Hellenic Parliament, at Amalias Avenue, is the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. It was erected in 1929-1930 and it is dedicated to all those who lost their lives fighting for Greece.
The monument is guarded 24 hours a day by the Presidential Guard (evzones), with the traditional uniform of the 19th century, with the characteristic foustanella and tsarouhia. The change of guard takes place every hour daily, while the official change takes place every Sunday morning with a rather spectacular ritual, attracting a lot of tourists.
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Monument de l'Unknown Soldier
133 Leoforos Vasilisis AmaliasExactly opposite the building of the Hellenic Parliament, at Amalias Avenue, is the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. It was erected in 1929-1930 and it is dedicated to all those who lost their lives fighting for Greece.
The monument is guarded 24 hours a day by the Presidential Guard (evzones), with the traditional uniform of the 19th century, with the characteristic foustanella and tsarouhia. The change of guard takes place every hour daily, while the official change takes place every Sunday morning with a rather spectacular ritual, attracting a lot of tourists.
Closely related to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, at the natural depression under the hill of Ardettus, is the Panathenaic Stadium, known also as “Kallimarmaro”.
it was constructed over an older stadium and is one of the greatest monuments in Athens, while it is here that they carry out the Olympic Flame Handover Ceremony.
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Estadi Panatenaic
Leoforos Vasileos KonstantinouClosely related to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, at the natural depression under the hill of Ardettus, is the Panathenaic Stadium, known also as “Kallimarmaro”.
it was constructed over an older stadium and is one of the greatest monuments in Athens, while it is here that they carry out the Olympic Flame Handover Ceremony.
Between the Acropolis and river Ilisos we encounter the temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the largest temples of the ancient world. Its construction started in the 6th century BC and was finally completed by the Roman emperor Hadrian, who inaugurated in 131-132 AD. At the temple there were two huge gold and ivory statues of Zeus and emperor Hadrian.
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Temple de Zeus Olímpic
Between the Acropolis and river Ilisos we encounter the temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the largest temples of the ancient world. Its construction started in the 6th century BC and was finally completed by the Roman emperor Hadrian, who inaugurated in 131-132 AD. At the temple there were two huge gold and ivory statues of Zeus and emperor Hadrian.
Next to the archaeological site of the Olympeion, is the triumphal arch that was built by the Athenians in 131-132 AD to honor the Roman emperor Hadrian for his numerous works in Athens. Hadrian passed under this gate when he came to inaugurate the monumental temple of Olympian Zeus, which started to be built in the 6th century BC but it was completed in his reign.
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L'arc de Adrià
50 Leoforos Vasilisis AmaliasNext to the archaeological site of the Olympeion, is the triumphal arch that was built by the Athenians in 131-132 AD to honor the Roman emperor Hadrian for his numerous works in Athens. Hadrian passed under this gate when he came to inaugurate the monumental temple of Olympian Zeus, which started to be built in the 6th century BC but it was completed in his reign.
At the centre of Athens, near the metro station of Evangelismos, they have unearthed the remains of the Lyceum palaestra, one of the most ancient “gymnasia” of the city. The gymnasia gradually evolved into important intellectual centres, while in the 4th century BC the first schools of philosophy were founded in them. At the area of the Lyceum Aristotle founded, in 335 BC, the famous Peripatetic School, whose philosophical and scientific researches played a decisive role to the formation of western civilization.
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Liceu d'Aristòtil (Escola Peripatètica)
11 RigillisAt the centre of Athens, near the metro station of Evangelismos, they have unearthed the remains of the Lyceum palaestra, one of the most ancient “gymnasia” of the city. The gymnasia gradually evolved into important intellectual centres, while in the 4th century BC the first schools of philosophy were founded in them. At the area of the Lyceum Aristotle founded, in 335 BC, the famous Peripatetic School, whose philosophical and scientific researches played a decisive role to the formation of western civilization.
On the road from Monastiraki square to the Roman Agora is the entrance of Hadrian’s Library. Built in around 132 AD by emperor Hadrian consists of a rectangular building with impressive façade and interior yard that was surrounded by 100 columns, creating the perfect environment for studying in the centre of the bustling agora. At the middle of the yard survive the ruins the early Christian church of the 5th century BC.
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Biblioteca d'Adrià
3 AreosOn the road from Monastiraki square to the Roman Agora is the entrance of Hadrian’s Library. Built in around 132 AD by emperor Hadrian consists of a rectangular building with impressive façade and interior yard that was surrounded by 100 columns, creating the perfect environment for studying in the centre of the bustling agora. At the middle of the yard survive the ruins the early Christian church of the 5th century BC.
The Propylaea, the emblematic entrance of the Acropolis, was built in 437-432 BC by the architect Mnesicles. Here there were works of important artists, known from descriptions of the traveler Pausanias, and Roman replicas. It consists of the central propylon and two side wings. The central building is divided into two sections by a wall with five doors, from which the middle one is the widest. It consisted of marble blocks carved in the shape of ceiling coffers and painted blue with gold stars.
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Propylaea
Dionysiou AreopagitouThe Propylaea, the emblematic entrance of the Acropolis, was built in 437-432 BC by the architect Mnesicles. Here there were works of important artists, known from descriptions of the traveler Pausanias, and Roman replicas. It consists of the central propylon and two side wings. The central building is divided into two sections by a wall with five doors, from which the middle one is the widest. It consisted of marble blocks carved in the shape of ceiling coffers and painted blue with gold stars.
Climbing to the Acropolis from the Propylaea, you encounter the elegant Ionic temple of Athena Nike, which was constructed by the architect Callicrates in 425-421 BC. It was related to the worship of Athena as a helper of the Athenians during wars. The relief frieze depicts the gods of Olympus on the eastern side and various battles on the other three sides.
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Temple of Athena Nike
Διονυσίου ΑρεοπαγίτουClimbing to the Acropolis from the Propylaea, you encounter the elegant Ionic temple of Athena Nike, which was constructed by the architect Callicrates in 425-421 BC. It was related to the worship of Athena as a helper of the Athenians during wars. The relief frieze depicts the gods of Olympus on the eastern side and various battles on the other three sides.
At the top of the hill of the Acropolis stands the Parthenon, the symbol of the city. It was constructed in the 5th century BC according to the plans of the architects Iktinos and Callicrates, while Phidias and his students worked for the sculpted decoration. The temple has unique dimensions, excellent innovations and a combination of Doric and Ionic elements. It was dedicated to the protector of the city, the goddess Athena, whose supernatural size gold and ivory statue was set in the interior of the temple. In 1687, during the siege of the Acropolis by the Italian general Morosini, a large part of it was demolished, while in the beginning of the 19th century, part of the sculpted decoration was removed after an order of lord Elgin, it was stolen and is exhibited to the present day at the British Museum.
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Partenó
At the top of the hill of the Acropolis stands the Parthenon, the symbol of the city. It was constructed in the 5th century BC according to the plans of the architects Iktinos and Callicrates, while Phidias and his students worked for the sculpted decoration. The temple has unique dimensions, excellent innovations and a combination of Doric and Ionic elements. It was dedicated to the protector of the city, the goddess Athena, whose supernatural size gold and ivory statue was set in the interior of the temple. In 1687, during the siege of the Acropolis by the Italian general Morosini, a large part of it was demolished, while in the beginning of the 19th century, part of the sculpted decoration was removed after an order of lord Elgin, it was stolen and is exhibited to the present day at the British Museum.
On the northern part of the rock of the Acropolis, at the point where according to mythology king Erechtheus lived, the Erechtheion was constructed between 421 and 406 BC. According to the legend, at this point Athena and Poseidon quarreled about who would be the protector of the city. Athena was the winner and she gave her name to the city. At the architecturally complex temple they worshipped Athena Polias and other deities. In contrast with the robustness of the Parthenon, the Erechtheion is characterized by the light outline, the elaborate decorations and the unique southern porch with the Caryatids, the statues of maidens, thanks to which it became one of the most famous monuments in the world.
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Erechteion
On the northern part of the rock of the Acropolis, at the point where according to mythology king Erechtheus lived, the Erechtheion was constructed between 421 and 406 BC. According to the legend, at this point Athena and Poseidon quarreled about who would be the protector of the city. Athena was the winner and she gave her name to the city. At the architecturally complex temple they worshipped Athena Polias and other deities. In contrast with the robustness of the Parthenon, the Erechtheion is characterized by the light outline, the elaborate decorations and the unique southern porch with the Caryatids, the statues of maidens, thanks to which it became one of the most famous monuments in the world.
The Roman Agora was built in the end of the 1st century BC with a donation by Julius Caesar and Augustus. The unified rectangular complex, which consisted of stoas and stores, quickly gathered the commercial activity of the city from the Ancient Agora. Next to the Roman Agora survive the ruins of the Library, the most brilliant building constructed in Athens by the Roman emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century.
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Àgora romana
3 PolignotouThe Roman Agora was built in the end of the 1st century BC with a donation by Julius Caesar and Augustus. The unified rectangular complex, which consisted of stoas and stores, quickly gathered the commercial activity of the city from the Ancient Agora. Next to the Roman Agora survive the ruins of the Library, the most brilliant building constructed in Athens by the Roman emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century.
On the edger of ancient Athens, between the present day streets of Ermou and Pireos, was the district of Kerameikos, which took its name from the potters’ district which was developed on the banks of the Eridanus river. At this point opened the two most important gates at the walls of the city, Dipylon and the Sacred Gate, from where two central roads started. At the side was the city’s official cemetery, where tombs of important citizens and those who died during war survive. The tombs were signaled with impressive relief steles, which can be seen in their original location or at the halls of the Museum which is located in the archaeological site.
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Lloc arqueològic de Keramikos
148 ErmouOn the edger of ancient Athens, between the present day streets of Ermou and Pireos, was the district of Kerameikos, which took its name from the potters’ district which was developed on the banks of the Eridanus river. At this point opened the two most important gates at the walls of the city, Dipylon and the Sacred Gate, from where two central roads started. At the side was the city’s official cemetery, where tombs of important citizens and those who died during war survive. The tombs were signaled with impressive relief steles, which can be seen in their original location or at the halls of the Museum which is located in the archaeological site.
The hill of Philopappos or hill of the Muses, as it was called in antiquity, is located opposite of the Acropolis. On its top is the burial monument built by the Athenians in 114-116 AD, to honor their benefactor, the exiled ruler of Syria, Gaius Julius Antiochus Philopappos, who settled in Athens and became an Athenian citizen assuming public and religious duties.
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Monument de Filopappos
The hill of Philopappos or hill of the Muses, as it was called in antiquity, is located opposite of the Acropolis. On its top is the burial monument built by the Athenians in 114-116 AD, to honor their benefactor, the exiled ruler of Syria, Gaius Julius Antiochus Philopappos, who settled in Athens and became an Athenian citizen assuming public and religious duties.
On the eastern side of the Philopappos hill there are two caves carved into the rock, known as the prison of Socrates. In reality there are the remains of a residency of the 4th century BC which were erroneously identified with the place that Socrates, who was sentenced to death, was held and talked with his friend Crito just before his execution. During the Second World War the caves have been covered with a protective concrete wall in order to be used as a crypt of antiquities of the National Archaeological Museum.
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La presó de Sòcrates
39 Rovertou GalliOn the eastern side of the Philopappos hill there are two caves carved into the rock, known as the prison of Socrates. In reality there are the remains of a residency of the 4th century BC which were erroneously identified with the place that Socrates, who was sentenced to death, was held and talked with his friend Crito just before his execution. During the Second World War the caves have been covered with a protective concrete wall in order to be used as a crypt of antiquities of the National Archaeological Museum.
The sanctuary of Poseidon at the promontory of Sounio is one of most important in Attica and truly proves that the ancient Athenians knew how to build their temples. The panoramic view to the Saronic Gulf will impress you. You will encounter the impressive temple at a distance of about 70 km from the centre of Athens. At the area of Sounio survive today the fortress with the sanctuary of Poseidon and the settlement. At the enwalled area are the porticos and the galleries, while at a high location is the marble Doric temple of Poseidon. The temple was built in the middle of the 5th century BC on the southernmost and highest point of the promontory. You can admire here the large Ionic temple of Athena, as well as a smaller temple of Doric order.
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Temple de Posidó - Sounio
The sanctuary of Poseidon at the promontory of Sounio is one of most important in Attica and truly proves that the ancient Athenians knew how to build their temples. The panoramic view to the Saronic Gulf will impress you. You will encounter the impressive temple at a distance of about 70 km from the centre of Athens. At the area of Sounio survive today the fortress with the sanctuary of Poseidon and the settlement. At the enwalled area are the porticos and the galleries, while at a high location is the marble Doric temple of Poseidon. The temple was built in the middle of the 5th century BC on the southernmost and highest point of the promontory. You can admire here the large Ionic temple of Athena, as well as a smaller temple of Doric order.
The temple is dedicated to the goddess Artemis, who was worshipped at the area since the 8th century BC. The temple flourished and became important worshipping site from 700 BC but it was finally abandoned in the 2nd century BC. The legend says that the statue that existed in the sanctuary was transported there by Orestes and Iphigenia after the command of the goddess.
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Temple of Artemis
The temple is dedicated to the goddess Artemis, who was worshipped at the area since the 8th century BC. The temple flourished and became important worshipping site from 700 BC but it was finally abandoned in the 2nd century BC. The legend says that the statue that existed in the sanctuary was transported there by Orestes and Iphigenia after the command of the goddess.
The Pnyx hill is located between the hill of the Muses (Philopappos) and the hill of the Nymphs, west of the Acropolis. It was the area where the Ecclesia of Demos convened, the assembly of Greek citizens, from the 6th to the end of the 4th century BC. Nowadays, we can see the part of a semicircular wall and a bema carved on a rock.
Pnyx Hill
The Pnyx hill is located between the hill of the Muses (Philopappos) and the hill of the Nymphs, west of the Acropolis. It was the area where the Ecclesia of Demos convened, the assembly of Greek citizens, from the 6th to the end of the 4th century BC. Nowadays, we can see the part of a semicircular wall and a bema carved on a rock.
Temple of Hephaistos
On top of Agoraios Kolonos hill, which is delimiting the Ancient Agora of Athens to the west, stands the temple of Hephaestus, broadly known as ?Thisio?. It is one of the best preserved ancient temples, partly because it was transformed into a Christian church. According to the traveller and geographer Pausanias (1, 14, 5-6), two deities were jointly worshipped in the temple: god Hephaestus, protector of all metallurgists, and goddess Athena Ergani, protecting all potters and the cottage industries. The identification of this temple as ?Hephaesteion? (location of worship of the god Hephaestus) was ascertained by the excavations and investigations that brought to light metallurgy workshops on the wider area of the hill, thus outshining earlier opinions presuming that Theseus, Hercules or Aris (Mars) were the deities worshipped there. The temple was probably erected between 460 and 420 BC by a yet unknown architect, to whom, however, are attributed other temples of similar structure in the Attica region.
The temple disposed of a pronaos (anteroom) and an opisthodomos (back section), both distyle (two-columned) in antis. On the exterior it was surrounded by a Doric colonnade having six columns on the narrow sides and thirteen columns on the longer sides. The entire building, from the crepis (stone base) to the roof, was made of marble produced in the quarries of Pendeli mountain (in Attica), while the architectural sculptures that adorned the temple were of marble produced in the quarries on the island of Paros. On the interior of the cella (in Greek sek?s) was a two-part colonnade forming the letter Π and at the far end was a pedestal, that supported the bronze ceremonial statues of Hephaestus and Athena, created by the sculptor Alkamenis; according to the traveller and geographer Pausanias, they were probably executed between 421 and 415 BC. The lavish sculptural decoration of the temple featured highly interesting metopes that adorned the east and the west side of the external colonnade. The east side numbered ten metopes that were visible from the Agora: they depicted nine of the feats of Hercules. Furthermore, on the north and the south side are depicted four of the feats of Theseus, which probably were the reason why the people named this temple ?Thision?. The frieze does not run across all four sides of the cella, but only the across the pronaos and the opisthodomos. The pronaos features the victorious struggle of Theseus against the claimers of the throne, who were the fifty sons of Pallas; six gods also participate into the fight. The opisthodomos depicts the fight of the Centaurs narrated on the wall which is against the cella. Notable sculptural representations also adorned the pediments of the temple. The west pediment depicted the fight of the Centaurs and the east pediment the reception of Hercules on mount Olympus or the birth of goddess Athena. Several among these sculptures inspired statues that were found in the surroundings of the temple, such as the fragmented and partially preserved complex of two feminine figures, one of which transports the other on her shoulders, as if trying to save her life, (?Ephedrismos? = carrying on one's back), Museum of the Ancient Agora, no of finding S 429), or the trunk of a dressed feminine figure where the movement is intensely underlined; the latter could be one of the acroteria (ornamental corner pieces) of the temple (?Nereis? = water deity, Museum of the Ancient Agora, no of finding S 182).
During the Hellenistic period, bushes or small trees in parallel order were planted into flowerpots around the temple; these pots came to light during excavation. In the seventh century AD, the temple was conversed into a church dedicated to St. George Akamas, and thus stayed in use until the liberation of Greece from the Turkish occupation. During the eighteenth century, many eminent Protestants, who died in Athens, were interred in the edifice, while in 1834 it hosted the ceremony of the first reception of king Otto. Hence the temple was used as an archaeological museum, until 1930, when the American School for Classical Studies in Athens started excavations in the Ancient Agora.
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Naos Ifestou
Temple of Hephaistos
On top of Agoraios Kolonos hill, which is delimiting the Ancient Agora of Athens to the west, stands the temple of Hephaestus, broadly known as ?Thisio?. It is one of the best preserved ancient temples, partly because it was transformed into a Christian church. According to the traveller and geographer Pausanias (1, 14, 5-6), two deities were jointly worshipped in the temple: god Hephaestus, protector of all metallurgists, and goddess Athena Ergani, protecting all potters and the cottage industries. The identification of this temple as ?Hephaesteion? (location of worship of the god Hephaestus) was ascertained by the excavations and investigations that brought to light metallurgy workshops on the wider area of the hill, thus outshining earlier opinions presuming that Theseus, Hercules or Aris (Mars) were the deities worshipped there. The temple was probably erected between 460 and 420 BC by a yet unknown architect, to whom, however, are attributed other temples of similar structure in the Attica region.
The temple disposed of a pronaos (anteroom) and an opisthodomos (back section), both distyle (two-columned) in antis. On the exterior it was surrounded by a Doric colonnade having six columns on the narrow sides and thirteen columns on the longer sides. The entire building, from the crepis (stone base) to the roof, was made of marble produced in the quarries of Pendeli mountain (in Attica), while the architectural sculptures that adorned the temple were of marble produced in the quarries on the island of Paros. On the interior of the cella (in Greek sek?s) was a two-part colonnade forming the letter Π and at the far end was a pedestal, that supported the bronze ceremonial statues of Hephaestus and Athena, created by the sculptor Alkamenis; according to the traveller and geographer Pausanias, they were probably executed between 421 and 415 BC. The lavish sculptural decoration of the temple featured highly interesting metopes that adorned the east and the west side of the external colonnade. The east side numbered ten metopes that were visible from the Agora: they depicted nine of the feats of Hercules. Furthermore, on the north and the south side are depicted four of the feats of Theseus, which probably were the reason why the people named this temple ?Thision?. The frieze does not run across all four sides of the cella, but only the across the pronaos and the opisthodomos. The pronaos features the victorious struggle of Theseus against the claimers of the throne, who were the fifty sons of Pallas; six gods also participate into the fight. The opisthodomos depicts the fight of the Centaurs narrated on the wall which is against the cella. Notable sculptural representations also adorned the pediments of the temple. The west pediment depicted the fight of the Centaurs and the east pediment the reception of Hercules on mount Olympus or the birth of goddess Athena. Several among these sculptures inspired statues that were found in the surroundings of the temple, such as the fragmented and partially preserved complex of two feminine figures, one of which transports the other on her shoulders, as if trying to save her life, (?Ephedrismos? = carrying on one's back), Museum of the Ancient Agora, no of finding S 429), or the trunk of a dressed feminine figure where the movement is intensely underlined; the latter could be one of the acroteria (ornamental corner pieces) of the temple (?Nereis? = water deity, Museum of the Ancient Agora, no of finding S 182).
During the Hellenistic period, bushes or small trees in parallel order were planted into flowerpots around the temple; these pots came to light during excavation. In the seventh century AD, the temple was conversed into a church dedicated to St. George Akamas, and thus stayed in use until the liberation of Greece from the Turkish occupation. During the eighteenth century, many eminent Protestants, who died in Athens, were interred in the edifice, while in 1834 it hosted the ceremony of the first reception of king Otto. Hence the temple was used as an archaeological museum, until 1930, when the American School for Classical Studies in Athens started excavations in the Ancient Agora.
Of special importance is the impressive Temple of Aphaea. It is one of the most important surviving ancient Greek temples from the 5th century BC. The sculptures of the pediments unfortunately shared the fate of the Parthenon marbles, since they were removed in 1811 by foreign smugglers of antiquities and are today at the Glyptothek of Munich .The temble is in Aegina Island.
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Temple d'Afaia
Of special importance is the impressive Temple of Aphaea. It is one of the most important surviving ancient Greek temples from the 5th century BC. The sculptures of the pediments unfortunately shared the fate of the Parthenon marbles, since they were removed in 1811 by foreign smugglers of antiquities and are today at the Glyptothek of Munich .The temble is in Aegina Island.
Hellenic Motor Museum is located in the very center of Athens, a couple of blocks away from the National Archeological Museum. It is a real gem for the vintage car connoisseurs.
The Museum was founded by the appreciator of vintage cars Theodoros Haragionis in 2011.
The collection of Hellenic Motor consists of 5000 exhibits. Together with the unique art-deco museum design, it will impress even the most demanding guests. However, the main treasure of the museum is the collection of more than 100 rare automobiles, which brings you through different eras.
The tour starts on the 4th floor, where a large screening room welcomes visitors, plunging them into the racing atmosphere and providing them with the last century autosport highlights and milestones. There, you can see some vintage car manufacturers, like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Maserati, together with the models that do not exist anymore, for example, a Hungarian firetruck from 1985.
If you are planning a tour with the kids, they will be happy to see a famous Flinstones car that was used in the production of ''Flinstones'' in 1994. All of the exhibits are placed on spinning platforms, allowing visitors to see even the smallest details. The museum will be an interesting adventure even for those who are not keen on cars, the beauty and uniqueness of the exhibits will conquer everyone's heart.
Also, the Museum offers an interesting activity for kids - Formula 1 simulator. A child can choose the racetrack and feel like a real professional.
The Hellenic Motor Museum offers educational programs on road safety/behavior for elementary and mid-school pupils. The classes are held in specifically designed halls.
A mini-trip to the center of Athens must include a visit to the Hellenic Motor Museum, which will fascinate not only car lovers, boys and men, but also everyone who wants to discover something new and unique.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 10:00 – 14:00
Saturday 11:00 – 18:00
Sunday 11:00 – 18:00
Last Admission: 45 minutes before closing time
Closed: 1 and 2 January, 6 January, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, 1 May, 15 August, 25 & 26 December
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Museu de l'Automòbil Hel·lènic
33 IoulianouHellenic Motor Museum is located in the very center of Athens, a couple of blocks away from the National Archeological Museum. It is a real gem for the vintage car connoisseurs.
The Museum was founded by the appreciator of vintage cars Theodoros Haragionis in 2011.
The collection of Hellenic Motor consists of 5000 exhibits. Together with the unique art-deco museum design, it will impress even the most demanding guests. However, the main treasure of the museum is the collection of more than 100 rare automobiles, which brings you through different eras.
The tour starts on the 4th floor, where a large screening room welcomes visitors, plunging them into the racing atmosphere and providing them with the last century autosport highlights and milestones. There, you can see some vintage car manufacturers, like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Maserati, together with the models that do not exist anymore, for example, a Hungarian firetruck from 1985.
If you are planning a tour with the kids, they will be happy to see a famous Flinstones car that was used in the production of ''Flinstones'' in 1994. All of the exhibits are placed on spinning platforms, allowing visitors to see even the smallest details. The museum will be an interesting adventure even for those who are not keen on cars, the beauty and uniqueness of the exhibits will conquer everyone's heart.
Also, the Museum offers an interesting activity for kids - Formula 1 simulator. A child can choose the racetrack and feel like a real professional.
The Hellenic Motor Museum offers educational programs on road safety/behavior for elementary and mid-school pupils. The classes are held in specifically designed halls.
A mini-trip to the center of Athens must include a visit to the Hellenic Motor Museum, which will fascinate not only car lovers, boys and men, but also everyone who wants to discover something new and unique.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 10:00 – 14:00
Saturday 11:00 – 18:00
Sunday 11:00 – 18:00
Last Admission: 45 minutes before closing time
Closed: 1 and 2 January, 6 January, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, 1 May, 15 August, 25 & 26 December
The Public Tobacco Factory at 218 Lenorman Street occupies an entire city block, covering a total area of approximately nine acres.
Built in 1927, the factory was based on plans by civil engineer, N. Gavalas. Its two floors were constructed in a square pattern, surrounding a ground-level patio, and covered by a glass roof atop an iron framework. Over the years the building housed approximately 25 tobacco companies in quick succession.
In 1989 the building and all of its machinery was acquired by the Hellenic Parliament and listed as a historic monument. Still being renovated today, a large section of the old factory is currently occupied by a portion of the Hellenic Parliament Library. There are even plans to create a tobacco museum on the site.
Hellenic Parliament Library (former Public Tobacco Factory)
218 LenormanThe Public Tobacco Factory at 218 Lenorman Street occupies an entire city block, covering a total area of approximately nine acres.
Built in 1927, the factory was based on plans by civil engineer, N. Gavalas. Its two floors were constructed in a square pattern, surrounding a ground-level patio, and covered by a glass roof atop an iron framework. Over the years the building housed approximately 25 tobacco companies in quick succession.
In 1989 the building and all of its machinery was acquired by the Hellenic Parliament and listed as a historic monument. Still being renovated today, a large section of the old factory is currently occupied by a portion of the Hellenic Parliament Library. There are even plans to create a tobacco museum on the site.
With paintings by prominent Greek artists, the stunningly refurbished National Gallery of Athens is a must for art lovers visiting the city, tracing the evolution of modern Greece through art.
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Galeria Nacional
50 MichalakopoulouWith paintings by prominent Greek artists, the stunningly refurbished National Gallery of Athens is a must for art lovers visiting the city, tracing the evolution of modern Greece through art.
The National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMST) began its operation in 2000. Its permanent home is the former Fix brewery on Syngrou Ave.
The Museum’s constantly growing collection is formed around a very important nucleus of works by Greek and international artists, such as Jannis Kounellis, Stephen Antonakos, Gary Hill, Vlassis Caniaris, Chryssa, Mona Hatoun, Emily Jacir, Ilya and Emilia Kabakov, Kim Sooja, Nikos Kessanlis, Shirin Neshat, Lucas Samaras, Costas Tsoclis, Bill Viola, Joseph Kosuth, Pedro Cabrita Reiss, Costas Varotsos, George Lappas, Oliver Ressler, Gulsun Karamustafa a.o.
From 2003 until 2008 it presented exhibitions and events at the Athens Concert Hall, the Athens School of Fine Arts and in the public space. From 2008 to 2015 it was hosted in sections of the building of the Athens Conservatoire.
In May 2015 EMST moved to its permanent premises. From October 2016 to January 2019 it made use of the building’s temporary exhibition spaces.
EMST opened fully operational to the public in February 2020.
The exhibition of the permanent collection includes 172 artworks created by 78 Greek and foreign artists which are focused on the following topics: Memories – Claims – Political narratives, Limits and passages and Eterotopias – Mythology of the familiar – New perspectives.
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Museu Etnològic
The National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMST) began its operation in 2000. Its permanent home is the former Fix brewery on Syngrou Ave.
The Museum’s constantly growing collection is formed around a very important nucleus of works by Greek and international artists, such as Jannis Kounellis, Stephen Antonakos, Gary Hill, Vlassis Caniaris, Chryssa, Mona Hatoun, Emily Jacir, Ilya and Emilia Kabakov, Kim Sooja, Nikos Kessanlis, Shirin Neshat, Lucas Samaras, Costas Tsoclis, Bill Viola, Joseph Kosuth, Pedro Cabrita Reiss, Costas Varotsos, George Lappas, Oliver Ressler, Gulsun Karamustafa a.o.
From 2003 until 2008 it presented exhibitions and events at the Athens Concert Hall, the Athens School of Fine Arts and in the public space. From 2008 to 2015 it was hosted in sections of the building of the Athens Conservatoire.
In May 2015 EMST moved to its permanent premises. From October 2016 to January 2019 it made use of the building’s temporary exhibition spaces.
EMST opened fully operational to the public in February 2020.
The exhibition of the permanent collection includes 172 artworks created by 78 Greek and foreign artists which are focused on the following topics: Memories – Claims – Political narratives, Limits and passages and Eterotopias – Mythology of the familiar – New perspectives.
A dynamic cultural institute in the Centre of Athens, the Museum of Cycladic Art focuses on promoting the ancient cultures of the Aegean and Cyprus, with particular emphasis on Cycladic art of the third millennium BC.
Since it was founded in 1986 to house the private collection of Dolly and Nikolaos Goulandris, the Museum has expanded significantly and now houses one of the most complete private collections of Cycladic art worldwide, with representative examples of the world renown Cycladic marble figurines.
The Museum’s permanent collections include 3000 Cycladic, ancient Greek, and ancient Cypriot artefacts, witnesses to the cultures that flourished in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean from the fourth millennium BC to approximately the sixth century AD.
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Museu d'Art Ciclàdic
4 Neofitou Douka
A dynamic cultural institute in the Centre of Athens, the Museum of Cycladic Art focuses on promoting the ancient cultures of the Aegean and Cyprus, with particular emphasis on Cycladic art of the third millennium BC.
Since it was founded in 1986 to house the private collection of Dolly and Nikolaos Goulandris, the Museum has expanded significantly and now houses one of the most complete private collections of Cycladic art worldwide, with representative examples of the world renown Cycladic marble figurines.
The Museum’s permanent collections include 3000 Cycladic, ancient Greek, and ancient Cypriot artefacts, witnesses to the cultures that flourished in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean from the fourth millennium BC to approximately the sixth century AD.
The most innovative space of experiential entertainment in town, now in Athens
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Museu d'il·lusions Atenes
12 AstiggosThe most innovative space of experiential entertainment in town, now in Athens
Neighborhoods
At the shadow of the Acropolis is Plaka, the most picturesque and oldest district of Athens, which was continuously inhabited from antiquity to the present day. The neighborhood of gods, as it was called, resembles a journey to old Athens with antiquities, historical buildings and Byzantine churches. Unique in every respect is the Cycladic neighborhood od Anafiotika, which was built by craftsmen and workers from the island of Anafi when they arrived in Athens after the liberation. The tiny whitewashed houses among the rocks, the gardens with the flowers, the narrow alleys and the mazy planning is similar only to the one found in Cycladic islands.
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Anafiotika
At the shadow of the Acropolis is Plaka, the most picturesque and oldest district of Athens, which was continuously inhabited from antiquity to the present day. The neighborhood of gods, as it was called, resembles a journey to old Athens with antiquities, historical buildings and Byzantine churches. Unique in every respect is the Cycladic neighborhood od Anafiotika, which was built by craftsmen and workers from the island of Anafi when they arrived in Athens after the liberation. The tiny whitewashed houses among the rocks, the gardens with the flowers, the narrow alleys and the mazy planning is similar only to the one found in Cycladic islands.
The square has taken its name by the monument Horologion of Kyrrhestes (Tower of the Winds), an octagonal marble building with representations of the winds on its pediments. On its northern side stood until 1898 the madrassas of Athens, the Islamic seminary which during the reign of Otto has been converted into prisons and a place of executions. As a matter of fact there was a platanus tree, where they hanged those that were convicted, and they had to salute the tree, something that gave rise to a famous Greek phrase.
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Tower of the Winds
The square has taken its name by the monument Horologion of Kyrrhestes (Tower of the Winds), an octagonal marble building with representations of the winds on its pediments. On its northern side stood until 1898 the madrassas of Athens, the Islamic seminary which during the reign of Otto has been converted into prisons and a place of executions. As a matter of fact there was a platanus tree, where they hanged those that were convicted, and they had to salute the tree, something that gave rise to a famous Greek phrase.
Plaka and Monastiraki are in the heart of the city and combine the past with the attractive aspects of today. They are the most touristic areas of Athens and this is not bad, since they excite all visitors with their ambience and their Greek character. Your walk at N Monastiraki starts from the station and the central square of Avissinia. The area truly resembles a large celebration, a large bazaar with impressive wonderful monuments, testimonies from a glorious past. Some of these are Hadrian’s Library, the Tower of Winds, the Roman Agora and the Gate of Athena Archegetis. The trademark of the area is its outdoor market. A lot of people enjoy a unique experience of purchases, with opportunities in antiques, clothes, shoes, army shoes, jewelry, beads and whatever you may imagine. Plaka is perhaps the most beautiful and most picturesque district of the city. Located between Psiris, Syntagma and Monastiraki square and is almost exclusively a pedestrian zone. The small labyrinth alleys are filled with tourist shops with souvenirs, cafes and taverns. The main streets are Adrianou and Kidathinaion. The most peculiar and enchanting area of Plaka is the famous Anafiotika, which is one of the most photographed corners of the island. And justifiably so!
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Plaka
24 MnisikleousPlaka and Monastiraki are in the heart of the city and combine the past with the attractive aspects of today. They are the most touristic areas of Athens and this is not bad, since they excite all visitors with their ambience and their Greek character. Your walk at N Monastiraki starts from the station and the central square of Avissinia. The area truly resembles a large celebration, a large bazaar with impressive wonderful monuments, testimonies from a glorious past. Some of these are Hadrian’s Library, the Tower of Winds, the Roman Agora and the Gate of Athena Archegetis. The trademark of the area is its outdoor market. A lot of people enjoy a unique experience of purchases, with opportunities in antiques, clothes, shoes, army shoes, jewelry, beads and whatever you may imagine. Plaka is perhaps the most beautiful and most picturesque district of the city. Located between Psiris, Syntagma and Monastiraki square and is almost exclusively a pedestrian zone. The small labyrinth alleys are filled with tourist shops with souvenirs, cafes and taverns. The main streets are Adrianou and Kidathinaion. The most peculiar and enchanting area of Plaka is the famous Anafiotika, which is one of the most photographed corners of the island. And justifiably so!