Athens and the history of western civilization
Things to do in Athens
There are many places to visit and many things to see in Athens. To begin at the very beginning, a visit to the Acropolis will be enlightening. Soak in the atmosphere oozing culture and history. In the western world, there is no structure that is older than the Acropolis. It is built on an elevation, a rock that has a flat top. With the Parthenon towering over it, it is a magnificent sight. The architectural grandeur of the Acropolis is second to none.
The Parthenon is the temple in the Acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic war, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill. The Parthenon is the highest point of the Acropolis.
The Ancient Agora was the centre administrative, commercial, political and social activity in ancient Greece. It is set in a backdrop of greenery, interspersed with statuesque monuments and a museum.
Suggested Read : Athens: of Time Immemorial
The National Archaeological Museum is another site that is worth the visit. It is one of the most important museums in the world and is home to some of the finest Greek antiquities. It is a treasure trove of sculptures, pottery, jewelry, frescoes and artifacts dating back to the Neolithic era right up to the classical periods. It also has pottery from the Bronze Age. Greek art and history has been carefully documented here.
The Olympic Stadium was built by the famous architect, Santiago Calatrava. It hosted the opening ceremony and the closing ceremony of the 2004 Summer Olympics. It also held the athletic events and the football final of the same event. It can seat 75,000 people and can hold football matches and live concerts.
Bask in the mellow culture of long lunches and dinners and of strolling along the longest and supposedly the most impressive pedestrian promenade in Europe. A trip to Athens will broaden your horizons while you take in the architectural splendor.
