Attractions Athens

Contents:

• Acropolis - is history
• Attractions: Tower of the Winds, Plaka, Kerameikos Cemetery
• What else will surprise us Athens?

Greece - one of the countries that attract the tourists a variety of entertainment: vacation on the beach, hiking, walking through the ancient streets. But most people visit Greece as the true cradle of Western civilization.

Coming here, you will plunge into a kind of world where trying to get on the centuries-old traditions and the modern pace of life.

You see it by visiting the Greek capital, where among a large number of transportation, new buildings and branded stores increasingly difficult to feel the spirit of ancient Greece majestic. This fact is a tourist must take as a given, and then a trip to ancient Athens and the world will be without frustration.

His heyday of Greece, particularly Athens, reached during the reign of Pericles. It is in the V century BC then rapidly began to develop science and culture. In the capital of Greece worked Aeschylus, Herodotus, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and other prominent figures. But of the times of glory suggest ancient buildings erected with the grandeur of the Acropolis and other attractions.

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Acropolis - is history

The main attractions for which to visit Athens, located in the acropolis. It annually attracts thousands of tourists to witness the temples, theaters and a monumental gate. Almost the entire complex of buildings was built in the fifth century BC. Much has changed since then - from the former greatness remains very small. But seeing the sights of the acropolis even then, dilapidated as it is easy to imagine the power that possesses Athens and Ancient Greece.

The most famous and majestic temples are considered the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. The first was built in honor of the goddess Athena. Once near the Parthenon statue of the goddess. Time (as well as the people themselves) did not spare the temple. It was almost destroyed in the XVII century by the Venetians, who fought against the Turks. In the XIX century the British have taken valuable attractions - decorating the pediments of the temple, the image of the gods.

Erechtheion is situated on the north side of the Acropolis. His sanctuary dedicated to the king Erechtheus, Athena and Poseidon. The temple is decorated with porticos on the southern side, supported by caryatids - statues of girls. Despite the fact that the original article is thousands of kilometers away from Greece, England, Museum, copies that are installed on the temple, look no worse.

The oldest Greek Theatre, Theatre of Dionysus, also located in the Acropolis, at its southern slope. Since its construction in the IV century BC there were performances, dedicated to the god Dionysus. These were special days when Greece celebrates the feast associated with this deity. But on the west side of the Acropolis is a temple of Nike, wingless Victory. Why wingless? At this goddess had been cut off the wings, so she never left Athens.

If we talk about what the sights worth seeing in the first place after the monuments of architecture, it is the capital's museums. Even those who do not like such a walk will be amazed by the ancient works of art, which has Greece. To feel the atmosphere of ancient Greece, it is enough to visit the National Archaeological Museum. It presents valuable exhibits in the spirit of the time.

As we mentioned, the Erechtheion temple elements are represented in the London Museum. And this is not the only monument of culture, brought in his time outside the country. Such a fate befell the frieze of the Parthenon, and many truly iconic products. It happened in the XIX century, with the permission of the Turkish sultan, who ruled at the time of the Ottoman Empire. The Ambassador of the King of England has taken out all the best in his opinion, the important sights, valuable products and sold to the local museum. Of course, Greece is trying to return the treasures to their homeland, but to no avail.

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Attractions: Tower of the Winds, Plaka, Kerameikos Cemetery

Tower of the Winds is called the world's first weather station, because it is built astronomer Andronicus Kirrskim in the II century BC Tower 12 meters high and 8 meters in diameter, has eight faces, the respective sides of the world. Inside were located sunny and the water clock, the remains of which have survived to this day. Stay friezes adorn the structure and allegory depicting the eight winds.

Plaka - a district, the oldest part of the city of Athens. It is located at the foot of the Acropolis. Yes, there is an infrastructure of shops, tavernas. But that does not stop everyone who came here as much as possible to plunge into the past. For example, a house on the street №5 Scola allow one eye to look in the XVIII century, when Greece was ruled by the Ottoman Empire. It is the building at the time served as a police station. Across the street, Topu, is building, which houses the first University of Athens. Now it is a museum of history.

Plaka is also known to all Orthodox Christians thanks to the church of St. John and Ayion Anargiron, because this is where the sacred fire were transported to the churches of Greece and other countries. In addition to the temple, then there are many other ancient churches.

Kerameikos Cemetery is also the attraction of the city of Athens. Previously, the area was called Kerameon Kerameikos. You do not like that word? Yes, the term "ceramic" is derived from the name is Greek pottery town. It was an area famed for the number of potteries, which is located next to the cemetery. Officially, it exists from the II century BC, but the first burial took place here around 4700 BC

It is in this area, archaeologists discovered a large number of ancient pottery, which are presented in the local museum. To see these sights can be, having been here from April to October - this time Greece takes a large number of tourists.

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What else will surprise us Athens?

The above are the most visited attractions, but not all tourists like to spend time in this way. Many who like walking, visiting cafes and restaurants. For example, few people are indifferent view from the hill Likavitos, walk around the block to Monastiraki, which is full of cafés and small restaurants. If the Acropolis Museum and you will feel the spirit of history, then walk around the city will open to you the modern Athens, something that today people live, their traditions, cuisine, etc.

By the way, the title of the sights can be awarded and the Athenian kitchen, because it is considered the most delicious in Greece. To explain this love of tourists to the dishes prepared in the Athenian institutions is very simple: The local cuisine combines the most interesting culinary solutions from different parts of Greece. A variety of cheeses, including feta, gravera; pork chops or beef (brizoles), skewers, octopus and, of course, moussaka - everything is cooked in every tavern. Immediately offers excellent home-made wine.

After a nice dinner you can go to the theater or cinema in the open air. If you are inclined to favor the second, go to the area Deksamenis. Surely you have not had to watch reel sitting in the shade of flowering laurel trees and listening to the chirping of birds, right? That is why you need to be sure to go to Athens, not only to visit the sights and relax, as Greece - a wonderful country!