Tag: Greece
Parthenon, Acropolis, Athen, Greece.
The construction of the Parthenon started on 447 BC and finished on 438 BC. The decorations of the temple continued for 6 more years until 432 BC. It was build by the architects Ictinus and Callicrates under the supervision of Phidias a famous sculptor by that time. Today is considered one for the greatest examples of the ancient Greek architectural genius. An interesting fact is that the largest expense in constructing Parthenon was the transportation of the marble stones from the mount Pentelicus which is located 16 kilometers away from Acropolis.
Acropolis Museum – Μουσείο Ακρόπολης
Opened for the public on 2009, the museum of Acropolis hosts more than 4000 objects found exclusively within the limits of the archeological site of the Athenian Acropolis. This impressive 14000 square meters modern building is elevated above ground supported by pillars to allow for the preservation of the ancient ruins below. If you visit the museum don't miss the chance to see the 160 meters long Parthenon frieze and the Cariatid columns among the numerous exhibits of the museum.
Areopagus Hill Mars Hill, Athens, Greece
Areopagus is a rocky hill northwest of Acropolis in Athens. Its name originates either from the Greek god Ares which according to the myth was tried there for the murder of the son of Poseidon; or from the Greek deities Erinyes which where responsible for the vengeance and revenge and deliver guilt to humans. In the ancient Athens the rock was used as the court for deliberate homicide trials. The supreme civil and criminal court of modern Greece is named after this hill and is simply referred as Areios Pagos.
Athens, Greece
Staring from the Thision train station, the pedestrian street Apostolou Pavlou pass through some of the most important archeological monuments of Athens such as the ancient agora and the Areopagus, the rock where Athenian hold their courts for homicides. The street is connected with another pedestrian street, the Dionysiou Aeropagitou street where the Acropolis museum is located. The total route of both pedestrian streets is about 1500 meters long and it is an excellent for a relaxing walk while enjoying the view of Acropolis.
Anafiotika
Under the hill of Acropolis a very small and scenic neighborhood lies. Anafiotika is one of the most beautiful places in Athens (if not the most beautiful) and it it part of the historical neighborhood Plaka. The first houses of this scenic neighborhood were build around 1850 when builders were brought in Athens to work to the palace of King Othon. Some of the first builders came from the island Anafi, thus the name Anafiotika. Later, more builders came from other Cycladic islands and build houses there following the typical Cycladic architecture and due to this, this neighborhood gives the feel to the visitors that they are not in the center of a huge metropolis but rather in a small Greek island.
Monastiraki Square
If there is something that ancient Greeks are most famous about, is for the creation of the first democratic political system, close to what we know today as democracy. The word democracy comes from the Greek word 'demos', meaning the common people and 'kratos' meaning the strength or power. Around 508 BC, Athenians led by Cleisthenes, established the first democracy overthrowing aristocracy. The Athenian democracy was a direct democratic political system where all Athenian citizens were able to vote and speak in the legislative assembly.
Participation in democratic functions was considered for Athenians to be an ultimate duty and at the same time they contempt those that decided not to participate in politics. Greeks referred to them as 'idiotes' which means the private persons. Actually the modern word 'idiot' originates from the Greek word for people with no interest to politics. Pericles in one of his speech said that "we do not say that a man who takes no interest in politics is a man who minds his own business; we say that he has no business here at all" to declare the importance of participation in democratic functions.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Did you know that modern western theater comes from the ancient Greek drama from which it borrows technical terminology, genres, and of course themes, stereotypical functional characters and plots? Well, the word theater comes from the Greek word 'θέατρον' which means a place for viewing. According to Aristotle the first theatrical performances are to be found in the festivals that honored Dionysus the God of the vine, wine making and drama.
Athens has more than 148 dedicated theater stages which makes it the city with the most theaters in the world. Many of them are ancient amphitheaters that are still used today for live performances. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus in the picture, hosts the Athens and Epidaurus festival every year from May to October where ancient Greek drama are presented among with contemporary plays and concerts.
Lycabettus Hill, Athens, Greece
Lycabettus is a 300 meter height hill in the city of Athens. According to the Greek mythology the hill created when the goddess Athena, after receiving very bad news, dropped the limestone rock that she was carrying and was intended to be used in the construction of acropolis. Lycabettus is one of the most famous hills in Athens and it is ideal to spend a romantic evening with your partner. You can reach the top of the hill using a funicular railway from Kolonaki terminal.
