Athens, GreeceEVEREST again for quick breakfast; potato breakfast sandwich (not good; strange herb seasonings). Taxi to Acropolis; need all our energy for the walk up.
ACROPOLIS -- UNESCO site with "monuments that form the greatest architectural and artistic complex by Greek Antiquity to the world."
Arrived 7:50; opens 8:00. Since we bought tickets yesterday, didn't have to wait in line. Entered the staircase leading up to the Acropolis Plateau. Great view of Theatre of Herodes Atticus amphitheater (161AD). Stunning views of the city at the top of the steps. Entering through the Propylaia, ornamental gateway built in 437-432 BC was like walking back in time.
Arrived 7:50; opens 8:00. Since we bought tickets yesterday, didn't have to wait in line. Entered the staircase leading up to the Acropolis Plateau. Great view of Theatre of Herodes Atticus amphitheater (161AD). Stunning views of the city at the top of the steps. Entering through the Propylaia, ornamental gateway built in 437-432 BC was like walking back in time.
Worth the climb for the amazing history! Parthenon, largest structure on the site, originally built to honor goddess Athena, the city's patron.
Erechtheion (421-406 BC) on northern edge; dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. Known for its "Porch of the Maidens," with six female figures that act as columns for the porch roof. Temple of Athena Nike (420 BC; earliest fully Ionic temple on Acropolis; cannot go inside this small structure. Most of the original frieze (decorative band of architecture above a series of columns and sculptures) are on display in the Acropolis Museum.
Glad we went to the museum yesterday; sure made everything here more understandable and meaningful. All around the city, you see the ancient buildings on top of this high rock; remarkable standing next to them! Spent several hours here.
Exited through the Beule Gate (third century AD). Walking down, hoards of people were coming up; lots of tour buses. Key is being here when it opens.
Exited through the Beule Gate (third century AD). Walking down, hoards of people were coming up; lots of tour buses. Key is being here when it opens.
Too hot and tired to walk up Areopagus (Mars) Hill. Tiny CAFE at bottom near bus parking lot for a fresh fruit plate and cold drinks sure hit the spot especially since it was air-conditioned! Felt like a local in this tiny place with the Greek patrons.
The Ancient Agora looked pretty close so more walking. Walked down the Pedestrian Walkway, Ipostolou Street. Nice tree-lined street with great views of the Acropolis and a hilltop church, and many vendor tents. Lots of spots to sit, rest, and enjoy the scenery.
The entrance to the Agora on Adrianou Street ended up being a much longer walk than anticipated (1.25 hrs) Time for a break, it's close to lunch and lots of restaurants here. Aioaoe for a Greek salad, which was just ok.
ANCIENT AGORA -- Archaeological park with paths through ancient ruins--once the site of the marketplace, a political, cultural and economic center of the ancient world. (449 BC, predates Parthenon construction by 2 years). At the beginning is walkway to entrance to Odeon of Agrippa with Statues of Giants and Tritons. The two-floor Museum is in the Stoa of Attalos, a beautiful building with massive column-lined portico. Great views of Temple of Hephaestos on top of Agoraios Kolonos hill.
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HADRIAN'S LIBRARY (132AD) ruins of the west wall are just side the Agora
Gelato time at DAVINCI. Walked to Monastiraki Square to get the HoHo bus back to hotel for afternoon nap.
Each evening the walks through the neighborhoods to and from dinner are always so enjoyable. Every day we pass the Cathedral of the Announciation of the Virgin Mary (1842-1862), on Metropolis Square. The large marble paved square is a dramatic setting for the beautiful church with its twin bell towers and triple arched column entrance with the gold in the painting glowing. Tonight we're finally taking time to go inside. Wow, is it ever opulently decorated.
Continued walking to the Plaka area for dinner at KPHTIKOY on Mnheikaeoyei street, which is down the Plaka Steps from where we ate last night. Talked with man here yesterday that said the pastitsio was "grandpa's homemade recipe."
Sounded good to us. Very good; not as good as our Greek relative's mother's. After dinner the waiter brought Mnisikleous (Greek wine with Oingmeno, which is red wine cooked for 10 min with cinnamon and honey); very good.
Walked back to hotel since HoHo bus ends at 7pm, which is way too early.
LYCABETTUS HILL for SUNSET, perfect since it's the highest hill in Athens. Taxi most of the way up, then some very steep stairs to top. Walk through restaurant/bar to large observatory spot which is above Orizonte restaurant's outdoor seating. Even though it was jammed with people, everyone was nice about shifting spots to take pictures.
Very pretty Bell Tower and tiny white-washed Chapel of St. George. Best of all was the incomparable view of the lit-up city--Parthenon glowing on top the Acropolis and 360-degree view of Athens all the way to the Aegean Sea. Took way too many pictures while waiting for darkness and the city's lights.
Seeing the Acropolis all lit up will always be a special memory!
When we went to leave around 10pm, there were no taxis. After waiting about 10 min or so, started to get a little worried; however, one finally showed up (took same exact route as first taxi but charged $2 more, hmmm)
2025-05-22