Athens 2021: Secrets of an unforgettable holiday
Athens is a great and incredible city, the capital of Greece, its political, administrative, economic and cultural center.
The population of Athens - about three million inhabitants - is almost a third of the total population of Greece, the diversity and diversity of the population.number It is huge, and it is not only majestic ancient temples, ancient ruins, churches, mosques, administrative buildings, museums and squares, but also colorful streets, markets, stadiums.
Athens - as an open-air museum - attracts connoisseurs of antiquity and antiquities. The districts of the Acropolis and Plaka are the oldest in the city - there are monuments of ancient Greek architecture, in the ancient theaters of Deonysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and in our time there are concerts and performances.
The districts of Psiri and Gazi are lively nightlife: mazes of bars, restaurants, cafes and clubs, during the day you can visit specialized museums, art galleries or enjoy street art. The Exarcheia is a block behind the university, one of the favorite places for young people and students with underground establishments and alternative entertainment.
Monastiraki - lively trade goes day and night. A grand flea market, small shops with souvenirs, shopping centers and shops - no one can leave without buying.
Omonia is a city in the city, an area in which its own laws and orders rule: visitors from different cities and countries live and work here.
Kolonaki is a respectable metropolitan area with restaurants and the best nightclubs. From Mount Licabettus will open an unforgettable view of the beautiful city.
Temples in Athens
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Temple of Olympian Zeus, aka Olympian, the largest temple of Greece, built before our era.
Its construction lasted almost 650 years.
Severe damage to the structure was caused by the raids of the Heruls in the middle of the III century AD.
Now the ruins of the temple - 14 columns with Corinthian capitals, 3 columns separately - two stand and one lies on the ground.
You can reach the temple on foot (about 500 m from the Acropolis to the southeast or 700 m from Syntagma Square to the south).
From anywhere in the city you can get by metro and get off at the station "Acropol", public transport - trams and buses.
Tessein Temple
The Tesseinon Temple is considered one of the main temples in the Greek capital. Almost 100 percent has survived to our time. There are many legends explaining its name. According to one version, he is associated with Theseus, the famous mythological hero, on the other - with the god of fire Hephaestus.
Anyway, in fact, it dates back to 400 BC. This is a sample Doric order. Since the 16th century, the temple was used as an Orthodox church. It's a museum now. The temple is built of marble, which is why it lasted so long.
Up to our time in good condition reached the columns, pediments and most of the roof. At the entrance are statues of Hephaestus and Athena. Engravings and decorations are preserved in fragments, but they are all dedicated to the gods and heroes of Greece. The temple is considered a monument by architects and is protected by the Ministry of Culture of Greece.
The temple is located on the northwestern side of the Athenian agora. You can get by metro to Monastiraki station, city buses, by taxi.
Parthenon Temple
The Parthenon Temple is one of the oldest temples in Greece, which attracts many tourists every year. There is really something to look at: this is a temple dedicated to Athena, the patroness of the city. It is a magnificent example of Doric architecture - a classical ancient Greek temple, which is framed by columns. Previously, in the center of the temple stood a statue of Athena, but, unfortunately, it has not survived to this day.
Throughout its long history, the Parthenon temple was a fortress, a temple, and even a treasury. Today there are guided tours, where the guide tells in detail about how the temple was built and what events he managed to survive.
You can easily get to this magnificent architectural monument by subway, the station is called “Acropol”. In addition, numerous buses and several trolleybuses go to the desired stop.
Erechtheion Temple
Erechtheion Temple (Greece, Athens) is an ancient Greek architectural monument belonging to the main temples of ancient Athens. This temple is located on the territory of the Acropolis, in the northern part of the Parthenon. The construction of the temple dates back to 421-406 BC. The oldest building dedicated to the goddess Athena with Poseidon and King Erechtheus is popular with residents of the country and tourists.
Deservedly ranked among the most valuable architectural monuments in the Greek capital, the landmark is adjacent to a very large number of other buildings significant for the city and the country, represented by the temple of Nike, the Parthenon, the theater of Dionysus and others. Currently, numerous temple statues have already been transported to the British Museum, so only copies remain available to visitors to the Athenian landmark.
Athens: attractions
Cathedral of the Annunciation
The Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Mother of God is the main attraction of the central part of Athens. It is located on Mitropolios Square. Its other name is the Great Metropolia. This is the cathedral of the Greek Orthodox Church. It is the residence of the Bishop of Athens and an important spiritual center of Greek Orthodoxy.
The cathedral is built of marble left over from 72 destroyed Athenian churches and chapels. Externally, it resembles the Cathedral of San Marco in Venice. It has a three-nave structure with three entrances. The main entrance is located on the west side and has a triple door that symbolizes mercy, faith and hope. On both sides the facade is framed by two bell towers made in the Gothic style. From the south and north sides one door, which are decorated with columns of white marble. Above the cathedral is decorated with a huge dome measuring more than 10 meters in diameter.
On the territory of the cathedral there are two burials: St. Philotheus and Patriarch Gregory V of Constantinople. The interior of the cathedral is unusually majestic. There are galleries on the marble columns. Colorful frescoes, carvings and gilding amaze with their splendor.
When visiting the Cathedral, you should remember the dress code: long dresses or skirts; no shorts and deep necklines.
Getting to the Great Metropolis is best by metro from Monastiraki or Syntagma stations. Another option is bus No 025, No 026, No027. Mitropoli stop.
Kotzia Square
Kotzia Square is one of the central squares in the city municipality. Nearby are buildings that represent the neoclassical style of 19th century architecture. We are talking about the Central Bank and the municipality.
The square dates back to 1872, when it was called Louis. The author of the project is Panagis Kalkos. The real name owes to a Greek merchant who built a beautiful house nearby. In the middle of the square is a fountain. Its decoration is also busts of famous people such as Solona and Pericles. During the excavations were found tombs, an ancient street and parts of the city fortifications. Art exhibitions are often held here these days. It's a favorite meeting place.
In 2004, the square was the starting point of the Summer Olympics. The square borders Efpolidos Street. You can get there by public transport.
Planetarium of Athens
Athens has the best digital planetarium in the world. It is rightly called one of the Athenian miracles. The planetarium was opened in 2003. The dimensions of the dome reach 25 meters in diameter, and the area is almost 1000 meters. The Planetarium welcomes guests almost all year round and shows exciting 3D programs in both Greek and English. The hall can accommodate about 300 spectators at the same time. The cost of attending a session is very attractive and does not exceed $ 4 for children and $ 7 for adults.
The planetarium can be reached by bus or personal car. You can also walk from the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre.
Square of the Constitution
Constitution Square (Syntagmatos) got its name from the Constitution of 1843, which was proposed by King Otto I. It is located near the Royal Palace and the Parliament building.
Today, the square consists of two green areas, there is a large fountain, there are reproductions of statues of the Naples Museum.
Every hour near the Monument to the Unknown Soldier there is a change of guard of honor, especially solemnly this action looks on weekends and holidays.
Getting to Constitution Square is not difficult, as it is one of the transport hubs in Athens. Right under the square is the station "Syntagma". Trams and buses come from all over the city. For the convenience of residents and tourists, a metro line has been built to the airport and special buses run.
Beaches in Athens
Megalo Kavouri Beach
The beach Megalo Kavouri itself Greeks call the best on the Attic coast. Located twenty kilometers from the capital in a small cozy bay. Fine light sand, shallow and warm sea with crystal clear water. This is an ideal place for family holidays with children. The beach is protected from the wind, so waves here are rare. The beach is very clean and equipped. There are toilets, showers, rescuers and a medical center.
On the shore there are cafes and restaurants where you can try local cuisine. Holidaymakers enjoy playing beach sports. In the evening, on holidays and weekends, there are parties here. It is quite crowded, especially in the middle of the season.
You can get from Athens by taxi, rented car, paid transfer.
Kalamitsi Beach
Kalamitsi beach is one of the famous holiday destinations in Greece. It is located in the village of the same name. Sarti is 16 kilometers away and Toroni is 11 kilometers away. It is located in a sea bay along with two other beaches.
It's for nudists. The beach itself is small, its length is only 150 meters. The unique nature and isolation attract tourists, especially youth companies. The beach is protected from the wind, so there are almost no waves. The sea is emerald blue, perfectly clean water, it is not for nothing that this beach is often compared with the Caribbean. The depth begins at three meters. The beach is sandy. The white rocks around and the southern vegetation are very beautiful. Parking is free, there is rent of sunbeds. If you visit the taverns and restaurants of the village, you can try delicious dishes from octopuses and squid. Not far from the coast there is an island where vacationers like to swim. You should be careful not to step on sea urchins and not injure your legs. It is ideal to have special shoes.
You can get from Sarti or Toroni by taxi or rented car.
Glyfada Beaches
Glyfada is a famous resort, located fifteen kilometers from Athens, is part of the agglomeration of Greater Athens.
The most famous beach resort in Athens. It is surrounded by cafes and restaurants. So you don’t have to worry about where to eat when you’re going to spend the whole day on the beach. During the day it works as a comfortable VIP-class beach complex with recreation areas with sofas, sofas, swimming pools and a sandy beach with sun loungers and umbrellas nearby. There are bars and restaurants. The restaurant menu offers Japanese and European cuisine. In the bar you can order a variety of drinks and cocktails. Any food and drink will be delivered directly to you.
Evening Glyfada is famous for the best clubs with the brightest shows, DJ sets, as well as performers of local and foreign musicians.
Voula
In the southern part of the Greek capital is one of the most beautiful and cozy beaches of Greece – Voula. One of the favorite places of rest for young people.
It's always crowded. The beach is sandy, very clean. The sea is shallow at the entrance. There are picturesque rocks around. Most of them are occupied by attractions – water slides, beach volleyball grounds, mini-football, etc. They offer a lot of entertainment – canoeing, water skiing, water motorcycles. There are bars with terraces. Where to stay with the company tonight. Parties and cultural events are often held on the beach. The beach is equipped with showers, cabins for changing clothes. If desired, you can rent beach umbrellas and sun loungers.
You can get there by tram number 5 from Syntagma Square. It's about an hour.
Photo: Free sources
Text: personalguide
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