Historic Center Information

This is a superb walk. One can't really say where it's better to begin the exploration. But… we couldn't start elsewhere but the Acropolis. The crown jewel of Greece. The great breathtaking marble masterpieces of the ‘Sacred Rock’ of Athens built during the late 5th century BC, reign of Perikles, the Golden Age of Athens, dominate Plaka and are the most important monuments in the Western world. The Parthenon, the epitome of ancient Greek Classical art is an astonishing temple built to honor goddess Athena, the city’s patron.

Acropolis by night source visitGreece.gr

The New Acropolis Museum which officially opened in 2009 is a magnificent and extremely important building. The big glass walls allow a direct view of the Acropolis temples from within the museum while the glass floor offers a view over the ruins of an early Christian settlement. All the Greek antiquities are gloriously displayed. The New Acropolis Museum has also successfully sent an important international message and answered previous criticism that Athens did not have the capacity to sufficiently and safely exhibit the stolen marbles currently displayed at the British Museum in London. It is indeed appalling and break-hearting to see the sparkling but empty showcase. The Greek government, people and supporters worldwide strongly anticipate the fair return of the marbles by Britain.

New Acropolis Museum source visitGreece.gr

Plaka, also known as the ‘neighbourhood of the gods’ is the oldest neighbourhood of Athens and is surely the most charming area. Stroll around the winding medieval alleys of Plaka and you will discover places of untouched delight. Walk anywhere around the Acropolis, down The Herodes Atticus Theatre, towards the beautiful pedestrian Pikionis road, until further up to the pine-covered slopes of the Filopappou Hill walking through monuments marking centuries of history. Known as ‘the hill of muses’ in antiquity the hilltop is distinguished by sweeping views overlooking the Acropolis and all the southern Athens stretching to the sea. The working-class areas of Makrigianni and Koukaki are shaking off old dust, and are reviving with must-see museums, good restaurants and ultra-hip clubs to visit.

Plaka, by evamathemat, www.flickr.com

If after a while, among bougainvilleas, olive and pine trees you want to return to life, Monastiraki is nearby. On Plateia Monastiraki you will see the church of the Dormition of the Virgin. One can wonder around the narrow streets, through the many markets, shops, souvenirs and antiques. On Sunday mornings, Plateia Avissynias comes alive with Athens’s biggest and most colourful flea market with beautiful antiques. You will be surprised by the variety and quality of things you can buy.

Monastiraki square, by Mike G.K, www.flickr.com

Then go through history and follow the classical monuments including the Ancient Agora, that was developed the 6th century BC and visit the Agora's Museum housed in the Stoa of Attalos. The Agora is one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Greece. It was the heart of ancient Athens, the focus of political, commercial, administrative and social activity, the religious and cultural centre, and the seat of justice. This is where Socrates addressed his public, where democracy was born and where St Paul preached. Not far away you see the Roman Forum and the Tower of the Winds and the Hadrian's library.

Ancient Market, by xrvpaul, www.flickr.com

Walk down the big pedestrian road towards Theseion named after the ancient temple in the Agora, the temple of Hephaistos. It is the best preserved temple of antiquity built in 460-415 BC. Theseion area is a lively place, a fun area with great tavernas and cafes. It is amazing to enjoy your coffee right next to history.

Psyrri is a colourful neoclassical Athens neighbourhood, very similar to Theseion. It is a busy area especially during nighttimes. It is impossible not to find the rock bar that you will love, tavernas with live Greek music and decent meze food, ouzeries, cafes, clubs, theatres, galleries and antique shops.

Psiri by scottpartee, www.flickr.com

To go to Gazi (also called Technopolis) and Kerameikos you can take one of the buses or the Metro; they are not far away, just detached. Gazi (meaning gaslands) area used to be a massive gas factory founded in 1857. Nowadays the beautiful building stands as a monument of our industrial history which has been converted into a huge arts cultural centre of Athens municipality hosting rock concerts, numerous exhibitions and arts spaces – hence the area’s new name Technopolis which means ‘Art City’. The area has revived attracting trendy bars and restaurants and is very popular and famous amongst the Athenians. The Garden of Kerameikos nearby is a shady oasis in the congested city centre and is the biggest and most important necropolis in Athens with a small important museum inside. It was the place of burial of citizens who were honoured by the city of Athens. The name Kerameikos originates from Keramos, the patron god of ceramics. According to Pausanias, the world’s first travel writer, the name recalls a community of potters’ (kerameis) workshops who occupied the area along the banks of river Eridanos. You can see the riverbed in the archaeological area. The museum contains fine examples of Greek pottery and urns found at the site.