Athens is the oldest capital of Europe. It was established almost 2300 years ago. European art and western philosophy were also born at that time. Besides having a very interesting and unique history, Athens is a beautiful and beloved city.
Many of the drawbacks Athens had years ago are gone - like pollution and chaotic traffic. These problems were solved by the Olympic Games in 2004. In this article, the author presents the top five sites you simply must see when visiting this magnificent city.
1. The National Gardens
The National Gardens are more than 15 acres and are found behind the parliament buildings. These gardens, once the possession of the royal family, was designed by Queen Amelia and her German gardener Schmidt. Many exotic plants and flowers were imported from distant lands especially for these gardens. Besides the flowers and plants, you will find a large pond, a botanic museum, and a small zoo. The gardens are open to the public daily.
2. The National Gallery
The National Art Gallery of Athens is dedicated to Greek and European art from the 14th to the 20th centuries. In 1900, the museum opened its doors and today it has a large collection of Greek art. European renaissance art also has a prominent place, like the works of Braque, Picasso, and Rembrandt.
3. National Archaeological Museum
In this museum, items from prehistoric times are brought together in 60 large rooms. Together with the British Museum, this museum is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Some of the most admired works are the frescos of the houses on Thira. The gold treasure found in Mycenae with the dead mask of Agamemnon also has great cultural value.
4. Hill Lykavittos
As opposed to Acropolis, which lies on a 156-meter-high mountain, this hill is more than 277 meters high. It lies in the middle of the sea of houses of Athens and you can reach it by foot. Less athletic people can take the cable train. Especially when the sky is clear, this hill is really worth a visit. Most of the hotels were especially built to house tourists who want to visit the mountains.
5. Acropolis
Most people are familiar with this hill. The temples can be seen from all over the city. This is because the hill used to be the city's heart. When you visit the hill, you pass the monumental gates. One part of the gates, the smallest pillar, is being totally rebuilt. The most impressive temple is the Pantheon. At one time, the gold and ivory statues of the city goddess of Athens were in this temple.
Many of the drawbacks Athens had years ago are gone - like pollution and chaotic traffic. These problems were solved by the Olympic Games in 2004. In this article, the author presents the top five sites you simply must see when visiting this magnificent city.
1. The National Gardens
The National Gardens are more than 15 acres and are found behind the parliament buildings. These gardens, once the possession of the royal family, was designed by Queen Amelia and her German gardener Schmidt. Many exotic plants and flowers were imported from distant lands especially for these gardens. Besides the flowers and plants, you will find a large pond, a botanic museum, and a small zoo. The gardens are open to the public daily.
2. The National Gallery
The National Art Gallery of Athens is dedicated to Greek and European art from the 14th to the 20th centuries. In 1900, the museum opened its doors and today it has a large collection of Greek art. European renaissance art also has a prominent place, like the works of Braque, Picasso, and Rembrandt.
3. National Archaeological Museum
In this museum, items from prehistoric times are brought together in 60 large rooms. Together with the British Museum, this museum is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Some of the most admired works are the frescos of the houses on Thira. The gold treasure found in Mycenae with the dead mask of Agamemnon also has great cultural value.
4. Hill Lykavittos
As opposed to Acropolis, which lies on a 156-meter-high mountain, this hill is more than 277 meters high. It lies in the middle of the sea of houses of Athens and you can reach it by foot. Less athletic people can take the cable train. Especially when the sky is clear, this hill is really worth a visit. Most of the hotels were especially built to house tourists who want to visit the mountains.
5. Acropolis
Most people are familiar with this hill. The temples can be seen from all over the city. This is because the hill used to be the city's heart. When you visit the hill, you pass the monumental gates. One part of the gates, the smallest pillar, is being totally rebuilt. The most impressive temple is the Pantheon. At one time, the gold and ivory statues of the city goddess of Athens were in this temple.
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