Interesting Facts About Athens Greece
Top 13 Things to Do in Athens Greece
Located at the base of the Acropolis, the city of Athens is the capital of Greece. Its ancient culture and civilization dates back to the fifth century BC, and its central business district is dominated by landmarks from that era.
1. Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is one of the top attractions in Athens. Located on the slopes of the Acropolis, it displays archaeological finds from the ancient site. There are also models of the sacred rock and Parthenon.
In addition to the archaic exhibits, there is an angled rectangular hall that symbolizes the ascent to the Sacred Hill. Other key exhibits include a relief of Athena Nike and a gallery displaying carved statues from the Erechtheion.
The Archaic Acropolis Gallery displays impressive sculptures of marble. Artifacts from the Neolithic, Bronze, and Byzantine periods are also on display.
Visitors can also view the Daily Life in Ancient Athens exhibit. It includes artifacts used in everyday life, such as tools, pottery, jewellery, and reconstructions of Greek homes.
Visitors may want to consider taking a guided tour. These guides offer a wealth of information about the museum’s exhibits.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter or online. General admission tickets cost EUR5 during the winter season, while summer tickets are available from April 1 to October 31.
2. Byzantine and Christian Museum
If you are planning a visit to Athens, you may wish to visit the Byzantine and Christian Museum. This museum contains one of the best collections of Byzantine art in the world. It is located in the center of the city. The Museum is open daily except Tuesdays.
The museum has an array of objects dating back to the 4th and 15th centuries. These include artworks, sculptures, and mosaics.
There are permanent and temporary exhibitions. The museum also has a cafe-bistro that serves traditional Greek dishes. Visitors can choose to dine outdoors, while enjoying the view of the garden.
Byzantine & Christian Museum is located on Vassilissis Sofias Avenue in Ilisia. It is a 15-minute walk from the Syntagma Square. In addition, you can reach the museum by bus or metro.
The collection includes paintings, sculptures, fabrics, and ornaments. You can see examples of ancient Christian artwork, such as frescoes, icons, and mosaics. One of the most impressive pieces in the collection is a 13th century mosaic icon of the Virgin Mary.
The Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens is a great way to learn about the history of Greece. With over 25,000 ancient works of art, you’ll be able to see some of the finest pieces from the Byzantine and Christian period.
3. Museum of the Ancient Agora
The Museum of the Ancient Agora in Athens Greece is a great place to visit. It is an archaeological museum that has a rich collection of artifacts and everyday objects. This includes clay water clocks, miniature Roman busts, jurors, and kitchen items.
There are various museums in Athens, but the museum of the ancient agora is a unique one. It is located in the Stoa of Attalos and is open on Tuesday through Sunday.
The Agora was the heart of Greek civic life. It was the place where people went to discuss politics and trade. The Agora was also the site of theatrical performances.
One of the most popular exhibits is the marble stele. It depicts a red-figured pottery sculpture. Another is the statue of a nymph holding a hydria.
You can also check out the Museum of the Ancient Agora’s collection of ceramic containers, which were used in the 6th century. These are decorated with symbols and designs, including winged Nikes, aryballos (kneeling athletes), and kylix.
Aside from the Museum of the Ancient Agora, visitors can also see the temple of Agioi Apostoloi Solakis, which is built on an ancient monument dedicated to Nymphs. After the temple was destroyed in the 10th century, it was restored to its original form.
4. Plaka
Plaka is Athens’ oldest district. It is one of the city’s best districts to stroll around. You will find a mix of old buildings and new ones.
There are plenty of museums in Plaka. The Museum of Pavlos and Alexandra Kanellopoulou has a private collection of artifacts dating back to 3000 BC. Other museums in the area include the Museum of Greek Folk Art, which is housed in four separate annexes.
The Ancient Agora is a nearby site, as well. It is a place where visitors can learn more about the ancient city of Athens. Here, they can see a water clock and a temple of Hephaestus.
The area has a lot to offer, and there are some excellent restaurants. Try O Thanasis, a popular restaurant that even locals frequent.
Visitors can also visit the Athens University Museum. The museum is a great place to learn about the development of the academic world in Greece. Also, the museum has a lovely terrace that offers a spectacular view of Plaka.
If you want to shop, there are many antique stores in Plaka. These are a great place to buy souvenirs.
5. Parthenon
Parthenon is a classical Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. It is located on top of a hill in Athens, Greece.
The Parthenon is based on the Doric and Ionic orders. It features a colonnade of fluted baseless columns and a triangular pediment.
Athena is the goddess of war, arts, and literature. She is also the patroness of Athens. Her rival was the sea god Poseidon.
The building was built in the Doric style and was finished in 438 bce. The construction of the Parthenon was ordered by the Athenian ruler Pericles. Other architects, including Ictinus and Callicrates, worked on the building.
The entablature is plain and features a frieze with alternating triglyphs. The pediment is triangular and makes the columns appear to bend outwards.
The Parthenon is a unique masterpiece in the history of world art. Some of its sculptures are still standing, while others are destroyed. Most of the sculptures were removed by the Earl of Elgin in the early 1800s.
These sculptures were shipped to the British Museum in London, where they are now displayed. They are painted in vivid colors.
6. National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is the biggest museum in Greece, with over 11,000 exhibits of Greek antiquities and art. It is located in central Athens and is accessible by public transport. In addition to its huge collection, the museum features a cafe and gift shop.
The National Archaeological Museum opened its doors in 1889. The building was built in neo-classical style and contains several permanent exhibitions. Some of the most popular exhibits include sculptures and reliefs from the ancient Greek civilization. There are also sarcophagi and sculptures from the Aegean islands, the Hellenistic era, and the Ancient Romans.
Visitors can enjoy a self-paced audio tour to explore the museum’s exhibits. Alternatively, there are also guided tours, which start at 50 euros per person.
The National Archaeological Museum is located in Exarcheia, a neighbourhood in downtown Athens. You can easily reach it by metro or bus. Once you arrive at the main entrance, you will find a small information panel in Greek and English.
One of the highlights of the museum is the bronze statue of Zeus from Olympia. Other marble statues depict the Greek gods and heroes.
7. Temple of Hephaestus
The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the most impressive Greek temples that still exists today. It was built during the Classical period and is considered one of the best preserved ancient Greek temples.
In the Classical era, Hephaestus was a god of fire, crafts, and metalwork. He was also the patron of blacksmiths, metalworkers, and metallurgists.
Temple of Hephaestus is located on top of a hill within the Athenian Agora. It was originally built in the Doric style in the fifth century BC.
Temple of Hephaestus was constructed to honor Hephaistos, a god of crafts and metalworking. There are several bronze statues of Hephaestus in the temple.
The Temple of Hephaestus is located on the western edge of the Ancient Agora of Athens. Although not as popular as the neighboring Parthenon, the Temple of Hephaestus is a pristine vestige of the Classical era.
One of the most notable features of the Temple of Hephaestus is the symmetrical arrangement of its columns. This gives a good idea of how a true Greek temple would have looked.
8. Benaki Museum
The Benaki Museum is one of the best museums to visit while in Athens, Greece. This museum displays more than 30,000 Greek artifacts and exhibits, including Greek and Roman art, Byzantine icons, and antique weapons. Its collection spans three centuries, from ancient to modern times.
The Benaki Museum is located in the Kolonaki area of historic Athens. Visitors can easily reach the main building by taxi or metro.
The Benaki Museum offers a variety of guided tours, so it’s best to book in advance. The main building has three floors, with an exhibition of items dating from the prehistoric era to the 20th century. A small section on Eleftherios Venizelos, a powerful politician who played a key role in the modern Greek state, is also included in the tour.
Benaki Museum also has a gift shop and cafeteria. It features a collection of jewelry, decorative objects, ancient weapons, and Greek folk crafts. Also, it has a library, an art studio, and restrooms.
There are several other museums and sights to see in Athens, but Benaki Museum is one of the most popular. Benaki Museum is open from 1800 to midnight on Thursdays and Fridays.
9. Mount Lycabettus
If you’re in Athens, you should consider visiting Mount Lycabettus. It offers panoramic views of the Acropolis and the Aegean Sea. In addition, the area has a large open-air amphitheater that hosts concerts. Many Greek bands perform on the hill during the summer.
Getting to Mount Lycabettus is easy. You can catch a funicular up the mountain, or you can simply hike up to the top. Depending on how you choose to get to the top, your visit will be complete with views and a romantic sunset.
The funicular takes about thirty minutes to reach the top of the mountain. However, there are many other transportation options.
To see the best view of the area, you should visit during a sunset. It’s especially spectacular at this time. When the sun is golden, the Acropolis, Parthenon and the Aegean Sea are illuminated.
A cable car is another popular way to go up to Mount Lycabettus. You can catch one at the intersection of Aristippou and Ploutarchou streets. They operate daily from 9.00 am to 1:30 pm.
10. Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of the most impressive monuments in Athens, Greece. It is located near the Acropolis. In addition, it is a popular destination for tourists who wish to visit Greece. You can find many bus and trolleybus stops nearby, including the Metro station.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus was built between the 6th and the 15th century BC. When it was first constructed, it was twice the size of the Parthenon temple. This was the largest temple in the entire ancient world.
During the Greek era, the temple was used to worship Zeus and other gods. It was also the place of sacrifice for the gods of the underworld. Throughout the years, the temple suffered many damages. Moreover, it was destroyed by various invaders.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is considered as the finest ancient monument in Athens. Even today, there are only a few pillars remaining at the site. However, it has become an important tourist attraction and is visited by thousands of visitors every year.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus can be reached by walking or by taking the Acropolis metro station. There are many bus and trolleybus stops within a five minute walk of the site. Moreover, it is free to enter for EU citizens and for up to five children.
11. Panathenaic Stadium
Located in Athens, Greece, the Panathenaic Stadium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. It is also the site of the 2004 Olympic Games. The stadium was rebuilt to host the first modern Olympics in 1896.
The Panathenaic Stadium is built of white marble, the only major stadium in the world constructed in this material. After its construction, the original Panathenaic Stadium was used for a variety of ancient Athens celebrations.
The stadium was rebuilt in the early 19th century, but was not used for a while. It was later used for the Panathenaic Festival.
Panathenaic Stadium is best visited in the late afternoon or early morning. Visitors can walk along the marble stands, see the museum and watch a running track.
The stadium is open from 8 am to 7 pm from March to October. Tickets can be purchased in cash or by credit card at the entrance. Children under six years old are free. However, drinking, smoking and eating are prohibited inside the building.
If you are interested in learning more about the history of the Olympics, visit the museum at the stadium. There are a number of exhibits, including an audio guide that tells visitors the story of the games.
12. Philopappos Monument
Located in Athens Greece, the Philopappos Monument is a two-storey, marble structure. It was built after the death of Prince Philopappos in 116 AD. The monument is located on the Mouseion Hill.
When he was alive, Prince Philopappos was one of the most powerful men in Athens. He was a benefactor of the city and a patron of the arts. Upon his death, his sister Julia Balbilla had a mausoleum made for him.
His mother was a Greek-Egyptian. As a benefactor, he had great respect for the ancient Greek culture. During his lifetime, Philopappos was also a citizen of Rome, as well as a member of the Roman Senate. In 100 AD, he was proclaimed a consul.
After his death, his sister Julia Balbilla built a tomb on the hill of Muses, which is near the Acropolis. This was a way of commemorating his life and his ancestry.
Today, the monument remains in good shape. The monument is carved from white marble from the quarries of Mount Penteli. Designed by the Greek architect Dimitris Pikionis, the monument’s facade has a rich architectural decor.
13. Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a world-class amphitheatre in Athens, Greece. It is one of the most important sites in the city, and it is especially notable for its live performances.
This theatre is located under the Acropolis, and it is a good venue for classical concerts, ballets, and operas. Famous artists such as Placido Domingo, Ennio Morricone, Sting, and Elton John have all performed there.
You can easily get to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus by taking a bus from downtown Athens. A bus leaves every 25 minutes. When you arrive, it will take about a quarter of an hour to reach the amphitheater. If you are arriving late, it is better to call in advance to have an attendant meet you.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was built by a wealthy patron of the city, Tiberius Claudius Atticus Herodes. He was a teacher and philosopher, as well as a politician. In 143 AD, he was appointed consul of Rome. His father had died, leaving him a vast fortune. He began to be active in politics and arts, and his wealth increased.
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