A Guide To Athens – Top 10 Places To See

A Guide To Athens – Top 10 Places To See

Athens was founded almost 3,500 years ago. This city was at its height of power in the fifth century BC and that is when the city’s most famous temple was constructed, the Parthenon. Every year, thousands of people visit this ancient city and enjoy many of its wonderful sites.

1. The Acropolis

This ancient archaeological monument in Athens is the crown jewel of the city and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Acropolis complex also contains the Erectheion, Parthenon, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

2. Parthenon

The Parthenon was built to honor Athena Parthenos, a goddess and patroness of Athens. Originally, the temple was called the Megas Naos or Great Temple and later it became known as the Parthenon. The temple was constructed during the fifth century BC, and it overlooks the city from atop of the Acropolis Hill.

3. Temple of Zeus or the Olympieion

This is the biggest temple in Greece. It took nearly seven centuries to finish building this massive temple. Today, only fifteen of its enormous columns are remaining. During excavations, many more buildings were discovered, including other temples and a Roman bath that has been dated to 130 AD.

A Guide To Athens – Top 10 Places To See

4. Ancient Agora

This ancient famed marketplace is a testament to Athens’ position as the beginning of Western civilization. Ancient Agora was the center of public life when Plato and Socrates were alive. The site has undergone extensive excavations only to reveal colonnaded arcades, a concert hall and temples.

5. National Archaeological Museum

This museum is not only the most important museum in Greece, but it also is the largest one. It has an amazing collection of artwork and artifacts from the Neolithic era to later part of the Antiquity era.

6. The Roman Forum and Tower of the Winds

After the Romans deserted the ancient Agora, this area became the new commercial center. The tower is an octagonal structure that is quite impressive, and inside it homes a very unique water clock. The tower’s top has a beautiful relief frieze that depicts the eight winds.

A Guide To Athens – Top 10 Places To See

Lykavittos Hill is the highest point in Athens, and it can be seen throughout the city. Take the funicular (cable railway) to the top of the city, and there you will find a fantastic view of the Acropolis and the other ancient landmarks contained in this guide.

8. Kerameikos

This is Athen’s ancient cemetery. People were buried here in the early parts of the twelfth century BC. It was located on the outskirts of the city’s defensive walls. The Kerameikos has elaborate temples, tombs and a small museum. 

9. Benaki Museum

This museum has a diverse collection of art and cultural artifacts that give visitors a look at Greek life from the Neolithic era to the early part of the twentieth century. The museum building is a Neo-Classical mansion that has been beautifully renovated with minute pieces such as ceramic tiles. The rooftop offers visitors a great view of the city.

A Guide To Athens – Top 10 Places To See

10. The Byzantine Museum

The history of the Byzantine Empire is displayed in this museum. This museum has one of the best Byzantine icon collections in the world. It also has a very nice collection of post-Byzantine art that covers a period spanning nearly fifteen hundred years.

Greeks enjoy the night life which means many tourist shops, restaurants, cafes and taverns are open late. Many visitors enjoy walking around sipping frappes while they enjoy the architecture of the Plaka, which is located near the Acropolis. Athens is a city that offers visitors many sites to enjoy, along with many wonderful cuisines. καλωσόρισμα!

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•  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://www.istockphoto.com/
•  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://www.istockphoto.com/

Chad A. Hagy is a travel and history enthusiast who enjoys writing about various destinations around the world.