Beautiful Attractions in Athens
This article focuses on the best attractions in Athens. Athens, the capital of Greece, is the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy worldwide. This ancient city dates back to more than 3,000 years ago. The attractions Athens has to offer include its monuments and ancient ruins. In comparison to the rural islands of Greece, Athens shows a sense of congestion. However, it compensates for this bustle with its stunning cultural attractions.
Parthenon The Symbol of Ancient Greece
The Parthenon is a symbol of the glory of ancient Greece and the most prominent building on the Acropolis. It is also the most famous one of many attractions in Athens. The Parthenon, meaning the home of the Virgin, was an offering to Athena, the goddess of power and prestige in the city. This structure is the largest Doric temple in Greece.
Archaeological Site of Kerameikos
The magnificent and quiet ancient archaeological site of Kerameikos is named after the potters who settled here around 3000 BC. In the sixth century BC, this place became a cemetery. Its marble tombstones are engraved with vivid images of familiar faces and scenes, evoking the atmosphere of ancient life.
Byzantine And Christian Museum in Villa Ilissia Neighborhood
You can find the Byzantine And Christian Museum in the Villa Ilissia residence. This building is a national archaeological museum and one of the major historical attractions in Athens. It dates back to 1848 and has several halls. Countless works of religious art can be seen in the museum halls, most of which are located in the basement.
These works are arranged according to different times. In these halls, you can see the gradual change of ancient customs to Christian traditions and the flourishing of a unique Byzantine style. Also, tourists can observe delicate statues and murals in this museum.
The gardens of the villa are located near the garden of Aristotle. These gardens contain ancient ruins, such as part of the Peisistratos canal, dating to the sixth century BC. In addition to visiting the museum, you can relax in the beautiful café overlooking the gardens here.
Temple of Olympian Zeus in The City Center
The location of the Temple of Olympian Zeus is in the center of Athens. This building used to be the largest temple in Greece. Moreover, out of its 104 columns, only 15 remain intact. The construction of this building took more than 700 years to complete. It is truly one of the best attractions in Athens for history enthusiasts.
Roman Agora Built During Roman Empire
Ancient Agora of Athens was the market town during Roman rule and, in the past, covered a wider area. There are many attractions in Athens worth looking at in the ancient agora part of the city. They include the Gate of Athena Archegetis, the entrance of this bazaar, the Fethiye Mosque Museum, and the beautiful Tower of the Winds.
Acropolis of Athens Overlooking The City
The Acropolis is one of the most important archeological sites in the Western world. The Parthenon is the most prominent attraction in Athens, which watches over the height of the city of Athens. In fact, it is visible from every corner of the city. The monuments and marble stones of the temples of the Acropolis shine in the midday sun.
Benaki Museum to See Ancient Clothes
In 1930, Antonis Benakis, the son of a politician, founded the best museum in Greece in memory of his father. This museum can be considered one of the most magnificent national archaeological attractions in Athens, which this city has to offer its visitors. The three-story Benaki Museum displays flawless treasures from the Bronze Age to World War II. Among these works are magnificent Byzantine statues and a large collection of Greek folk costumes. In addition, living rooms carved and painted in the style of luxurious Macedonian buildings are on public display.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus a Place to See Famous Performances
In the summertime, during the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, you will see a variety of performances in the form of theater, music, and dance happening in this theater hall. In addition, occasionally attractive pop concerts and other events are also taking place here. Visiting the theater here should be among the things to see in Athens for you on your trip. As you visit the ancient site of the Acropolis, from the top of a hill, you can observe the Odeon of Herod Atticus, too.
Church of Saint Demetrios Loumbardiaris on Filopappou Hill
The 16th-century church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris is located on the slopes of Filopappou Hill. Agios Dimitrios may not be the oldest church in Athens, but despite its wooden roof, marble floor, and lingering aroma. This holy Athens sightseeing location is certainly one of the most beloved churches in the city.
Acropolis Museum located Acropolis Slopes
The stunning Acropolis Museum is another one of the national archaeological museum Athens provides its visitors. It is located on the southern slopes of the Acropolis and showcases its treasure trove over the centuries. The museum’s collection covers the period from ancient Greece to ancient Rome, but it’s special focus is on the works of the Acropolis in the fifth century BC. This era is considered the peak of Greek artistic achievements. The museum reveals various historical layers, from the ancient ruins located in the basement of the building to the Acropolis itself. There is a mesmerizing view from the large windows from the floor to the museum’s ceiling.
National Garden Designed by Queen Amalia
The former royal gardens, designed by Queen Amalia in 1838, are now forming a beautiful park. This natural Athens sightseeing park has created a shady and pleasant shelter against the heat of summer and traffic jams. Among the garden trees is a café, playground, swimming pool with ducks and turtles inside, as well as a small zoo.
The main entrance to the Athens National Park is on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, south of Parliament. You can also enter from the entrance of Irodou Attikou or the entrance of the Zapion building next to the garden.
Plaka Relaxing Streets
The Plaka streets are one of the most relaxing things to see in Athens. These streets are one of the best places for your evening stroll. You can see the beauty of Athens’ old city and its past here. While walking, you will pass from the first university of Greece, an Ottoman bathhouse, as well as orthodox churches.
Anafiotika Neighborhood in Acropolis
The small neighborhood of Anafiotika is another of the attractions in Athens, located on the Acropolis’s northern slope. It is an important part of the beautiful neighborhood of Plaka. Today, there are about 40 houses in this area, which are connected by narrow sidewalks. On the west side of the neighborhood, at the top of the hill, is the Church of the Metamorphosis on Theorias Street. To the east, you can take the winding alley of Stratonos and walk along its pleasant olive groves.
Marina Flisvos South of The City
This place is close to the south of Athens and is a wonderful place for a walk or enjoying the magical sunset and the view of the marina. This romantic place has a wide range of activities, a few restaurants as well as cafés and shops for you.
Also, check out the most delicious Greek foods that you can order around these great tourist attractions in Athens. These foods are, in general, very healthy and extremely delicious. Make sure to try these dishes, and it is best to treat your pallet to some of the best-tasting food on the planet.
