Athens is a city full of history, culture, and beautiful landmarks that attract tourists from all over the world. The main attraction of the Greek capital is the famous Parthenon, but is not just about this one monument. In this guide, we want to present to you the most beautiful places worth visiting beyond the Parthenon. You will find suggestions for history and culture enthusiasts, as well as for those who appreciate the beauty of nature and urban landscapes. Join us in discovering the charms of Athens, a city that is always bustling and never boring.
The Parthenon in Athens – Monumental Heritage of Ancient Greece!
The Parthenon in Athens is one of the most important and iconic monuments of the ancient world. This impressive temple complex, located atop the Acropolis hill in Greece, is renowned for its extraordinary beauty, precision sculpture, and architecture, as well as its rich history. In this article, I invite you on a fascinating journey to the world of the Parthenon, to learn about its history, significance, and intriguing facts.
History of Parthenon.
The Parthenon was built between 447-432 BCE as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron of the city of Athens. It was designed by the renowned architect and sculptor Phidias, who was responsible for many exceptional sculptors and artists working on this project. The Parthenon served as an important center of religious and political worship in ancient Athens, as well as a repository for treasures and offerings dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Architecture and Sculptures of the Parthenon.
The Parthenon is an exemplary masterpiece of Doric architecture, one of the three main architectural styles of ancient Greece. The temple was designed as a peripteral building, surrounded by a colonnade on all four sides. The Parthenon had 46 Doric columns, with 8 columns on the front and back, and 17 columns on the sides. Each column was approximately 10 meters in height and was adorned with a carved frieze depicting mythological and religious scenes.
One of the most impressive elements of the Parthenon is its sculptures, which were originally placed on the friezes and pediments of the temple. These sculptures depicted scenes from Greek mythology and religious ceremonies. Many of these sculptures have been damaged or removed due to war and theft over the centuries, but many of them have been restored and are currently displayed in the Acropolis Museum in Athens.
What else is worth seeing in Athens?
- Acropolis Museum – a museum dedicated to the history of the Acropolis and exhibits such as sculptures, statues, vases, and other archaeological finds.
- Agora – a place of meetings and political debates in ancient Athens, now an archaeological site with ruins of buildings and temples.
- Herodes Atticus Odeon – a historic Roman theater from the 2nd century AD, where numerous concerts and performances take place.
- Stoa of Attalos – an ancient building that served as a place of trade and business in ancient Greece, now restored and open as an archaeological museum.
- Castle in the Plaka district – a castle from the 13th century, located in the picturesque Plaka district, where you can admire beautiful views of Athens.
- National Archaeological Museum – a museum dedicated to Greek art and archaeology, with a vast collection of ancient sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, and other exhibits.
- Historic center of Athens – Monastiraki district with its antique market, Plaka with its picturesque streets and traditional taverns, and Kolonaki – a luxury district with boutiques and cafes.
When to Visit Athens?
Athens is a city that can be visited throughout the year, but the tourist season mainly lasts from April to October, as that’s when warm and sunny days prevail.
In particular, the best times to visit Athens are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the temperature is milder, the crowds are smaller, and tourist attractions are still accessible.
In summer, especially in July and August, the temperature in Athens can rise to high levels, and the crowds of tourists are very large. However, if you enjoy heat and crowds, then a summer vacation might be the ideal solution for you.
In winter (December-February), the temperature is lower but still mild, and the city is more peaceful, which can be a good time if you’re looking for tranquility and lower prices.
Ultimately, the decision on when to visit Athens depends on your individual preferences and needs, but it’s definitely worth considering the tourist season and current weather conditions.
While in Athens, it’s also worth visiting other places in Greece.
Where are Athens located?
Athens is the capital of Greece and is located at the southern tip of the country, by the Aegean Sea. Athens is situated on a plain, between two mountain ranges – Parnitha to the northeast and Egaleo to the west.
What currency is used in Athens?
The currency used in Athens and throughout Greece is the euro. Therefore, it’s important to check the current exchange rate before your trip and be aware that credit cards may not be accepted in many places, so it’s advisable to have cash with you.
Is Athens safe?
Like any other city, safety in Athens is an individual matter and depends on many factors. Generally speaking, Athens is a safe city, but caution should be exercised, especially in tourist areas where thefts and scams can occur. It is also recommended to be cautious of pickpockets and be vigilant when approached by strangers. It’s also important to exercise caution when using public transportation in the evening and avoid lonely places. Overall, Athens is a safe city, but like any other place, it’s important to be alert and cautious to avoid unpleasant situations.
Athens is a city where history and culture come together in an extraordinary way. Full of beautiful monuments and picturesque streets, it attracts tourists from all over the world. While exploring Athens, you can learn about the history of ancient Greece, taste local specialties, and experience the unique atmosphere of the city. With a multitude of landmarks and attractions such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, or Plaka, Athens is a place worth visiting.
