Download Athens - Tailor Travels

Athens
1.
The Acropolis
Temple of Nike
The Erechtheion
Areopagus
Theater of Dionyssos
Agora
2.
Palaka
Monument of Lysikratos
Romany Forum
Tower of winds
Church House
3.
Kerameikos
Dipylon and the Sacred Gate
4.
Monastiraki
Flea Market
Agora
5.
National Garden
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Hadrian’s Arch
6.
Lykavitós Hill
The Acropolis
After climbing the steps you are at the entrance, or the Propylaea, which was completed in
432 just before the outbreak of the Peloponnesian wars. The main architect was Mnesicles,
a colleague of Phidias. To your left is the Pinacotheca and a Hellenistic pedestal and on the
right the tiny words (Acts 17:22-34) are written in Greek on a bronze plaque at the foot of
the hill. The climb up is for the sure-footed.
Temple to Nike
Athena or the Athena of Victory which commemorates the Athenians victory over the
Persians. This small temple stands on a platform that overlooks the islands of Saronic Gulf
and used to house a statue of Athena. It was dismantled by the Turks in 1686 so they could
use the platform for a large cannon. It was rebuilt between 1836 and 1842 and again taken
apart and rebuilt in 1936 when it was discovered that the platform was crumbing.
The Parthenon and other main buildings on the Acropolis were built by Pericles in the fifth
century BC as a monument to the cultural and political achievements of the inhabitants of
Athens. Acropolis means upper city and many of the city states of ancient Greece are built
around an acropolis where the inhabitants can go as a place of refuge in times of invasion.
It's for this reason that the most sacred buildings are usually on the acropolis. It's the safest
most secure place in town. As little as 150 years ago there were still dwellings on the
Acropolis of Athens. Those of you who have read Aristophanes will recall that in Lysistrata
the women have Athens barricaded themselves in the fortress in protest, being tired of their
men going to war against Sparta. Depriving them of sex, cooking and care it was a terrific
strategy that might even work today.
Erecthion
It sits on the most sacred site of the Acropolis where Poseidon and Athena had their contest
over who would be the Patron of the city. Poseidon thrust his trident into the rock and a
spring burst forth, while Athena touched the ground with a spear and an olive tree grew.
The tree was destroyed in later years by the invading Persians. But when the Persians were
finally driven off, legend has it, that the tree miraculously grew again. Athena was declared
the victor and the great city of Athens was named for her while Poseidon was given a small
village in Syros after it was discovered he had merely ruptured a water main. (not
really).The building itself contains the porch of the maidens or Caryatids which are now
copies. Caryatids are Statues of young women clad in peplos. They supported the roof of
the south porch of the Erechtheion, and probably were the work of Alkamenes, a student of
the great sculptor Pheidias.
Areopagus
From this limestone rock, named after either Ares, the god of war, or the Arae, goddesses
of vengeance, you have a good view of the Propylaea, the ancient Agora below, and the
surrounding modern metropolis. This was once Athens's supreme judicial court, and legend
says that Orestes was tried here for the murder of his mother, Clytemnestra. According to
Pausanias, the accused stood at the Stone of Injury while the prosecutor pleaded his case at
the Stone of Ruthlessness. From the outcrop, St. Paul delivered such a moving sermon on
the "Unknown God" that he converted the senator Dionysius, who became the first bishop of
Athens. Some of St. Paul's
Theater of Dionyssos
6th century BC Dionyssia festivals dramas like Sophocles's Oedipus Rex and Euripides's
Medea were performed for the entire population of the city. Visible are foundations of a
stage dating from about 330 BC, when it was built for 15,000 spectators as well as the
assemblies formerly held on Pnyx. In the middle of the orchestra stood the altar to
Dionyssos. Most of the upper rows of seats have been destroyed, but the lower levels, with
labeled chairs for priests and dignitaries, remain. The fantastic throne in the center was
reserved for the priest of Dionyssos: regal lions' paws adorn it, and the back is carved with
relief’s of satyrs and griffins. On the hillside above the theater stand two columns, vestiges
of the little temple erected in the 4th century BC by Thrasyllus the Choragus (the ancient
counterpart of a modern impresario). Here, the four greatest ancient Greek poets,
Aeschylus, Aristophanes, Euripides and Sophocles saw their plays being performed for the
first time, in the fifth century B.C. The koilon (cavea) and the proskoinion (stage) were
originally of wood. They were reconstructed of marble during the 4th century B.C. Today
only parts of the stone koilon have survived. Experts estimate that the theatre could
accommodate 17,000 spectators.
Palaka
Lysikratos
Wealthy Athenian citizens financed the training and outfitting of choruses for competitive
dramatical and musical performances. The producer (called the "choregos") assumed this
expense as part of his civic and religious duty (an ancient "liturgy" called the "choregia").
The winning producer was awarded a bronze tripod. These tripods were displayed either in
or near the sanctuary of Dionysos on the South Slope of the Acropolis or along the Street of
the Tripods, an ancient road that led from the sanctuary of Dionysos around the east and
northeast sides of the Acropolis. The tripods were set up on bases and other small
structures inscribed with the names of the producer/choregos, the victorious Athenian tribe,
the musician who accompanied the performance, the poet who "taught" the chorus, and the
name of the Athenian magistrate at the time. The Lysikrates Monument was constructed on
the western side of the Street of the Tripods in order to commemorate a choral victory in
335/334 B.C. (In the Middle Ages, the monument also acquired the nickname "Lantern of
Demosthenes" from the erroneous belief that the 4h century orator composed his speeches
there.).
Roman Forum
Location: Pelopidas and Adrianou, Athens, Greece · 210-324-5220
The city's commercial center from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD, Roman market
was a large rectangular courtyard with a peristyle that provided shade for the arcades of
shops. Its most notable feature is the west entrance's Bazaar Gate, or Gate of Athena
Archegetis, completed around AD 2; the inscription records that it was erected with funds
from Julius Caesar and Augustus. Halfway up one solitary square pillar behind the gate's
north side, an edict inscribed by Hadrian regulates the sale of oil, a reminder that this was
the site of the annual bazaar where wheat, salt, and oil were sold. On the north side of the
Roman Agora stands one of the few remains of the Turkish occupation, the Fethiye (Victory)
Mosque. The eerily beautiful mosque was built in the late 15th century on the site of a
Christian church to celebrate the Turkish conquest of Athens and to honor Mehmet II (the
Conqueror). During the few months of Venetian rule in the 17th century, the mosque was
converted to a Roman Catholic church; now used as a storehouse, it is closed to the public.
Three steps in the right-hand corner of the porch lead to the base of the minaret, the rest of
which no longer exists. The octagonal Tower of the Winds (Aerides) is the most appealing
and well preserved of the Roman monuments of Athens, keeping time since the 1st century
BC. It was originally a sundial, water clock, and weather vane topped by a bronze Triton
with a metal rod in his hand, which followed the direction of the wind. Expressive reliefs
around the octagonal tower personify the eight winds, called I Aerides (the Windy Ones) by
Athenians. Note the north wind, Boreas, blowing on a conch, and the beneficent west wind,
Zephyros, scattering blossoms.
Tower of the Winds
The octagonal tower (3.20 m. long on each side) stands on a base of three steps and is built
of white Pentelic marble. It has a conical roof, a cylindrical annex on the south side, and two
Corinthian porches, one on the NE and one on the NW side. At the top of each of the eight
sides there is a relief representation of a wind, symbolized by a male figure with the
appropriate attributes and its name inscribed on the stone. There were sundials on the
external walls and an elaborate waterclock in the interior. The tower was built in the first
half of the 1st century B.C. by the astronomer Andronicos, from Kyrrhos in Macedonia.
Church House
Abandoned tower house with tiny windows, thick stone walls, and a tall chimney still bears
traces of its past glory. mid-18th century used as a Turkish police post, bought after
liberation by 19th-century historian George Finlay. He and his wife repaired the complex of
buildings and lived here for half a century, while he wrote about Greek history, including
what is considered the definitive work on the War of Independence. For many years, Church
House served as a reference point among Athens's one-story buildings, a rare vestige of
prerevolutionary Athens. Today the roof is in shambles, the Byzantine-style cornice has
come loose, and cracks split the walls; officials are still discussing its preservation.
Kerameikos
Dipylon and the Sacred Gate
The area around these gates was the most ancient and largest cemetery known in Attica,
which was continuously used from the 9th century B.C. until the late Roman period. It was
also the burial site of the citizens honoured by the city of Athens. Kerameikos, according to
the traveller Pausanias, was named after Keramos, a hero of the deme oh Kerameis. But
most probably the name is due to a settlement of potters on the banks of the Eridanos
River. (Kerameikos, ceramic or having to do with ceramics or ceramists). The ancient demos
of Kerameikos included an area much larger than the one excavated. It is believed that it
stretched from the north-west limits of the Agora to the grove named after the hero
Academos. Its tombs and stelae are what Kerameikos is mainly known for. Strolling around
them you will have the chance to admire the marble bull inside the enclosure of the tomb
Dionysios from Kollytos; also the replica of the well known stele of Dexileos, placed where
the original used to be and the stele of Hegeso (late 5 th century B.C.).
Monastiraki
Flea Market
There is a small Byzantine church in the shadow of the cathedral that you should take a look
at called Agios Eleftherios. Nearly every stone of this little church was taken from an ancient
building or older church including the stone from Galilee where Jesus changed water into
wine. The church used to be called Panagia Gorgoepikofos which means the Virgin Who
Grants Requests Quickly and inside is the Icon which they say performs miracles. There are
some cafes in the square and this is where Pondrossou street begins. This section of
Pondrossou is the high end section of Monastiraki.
Agora
The Roman Agora was a single architectural complex consisting of a vast rectangular court
surrounded by colonnades. Its arcades used to house various shops. To the north of the
building was situated the library built by Hadrian. To the east you can seethe Tower of the
Winds. Built in the 1 century BC, this octagonal structure served as a water clock, compass
and weather vane.
National Garden
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Largest temple of antiquity, the Temple of Olympian Zeus. 132 AD under Emperor Hadrian,
even though in the 6th Century BC the Peisistratids chose this site for a huge temple.
Hadrian also erected a huge statue of Zeus. However, today only 15 of the 104 original
marble columns remain. In 1852 one of the columns crashed dramatically down, and its
remains have been left exactly where it fell. Although both statues are long gone, visitors
can still view 15 of the 104 original Pentelic marble pillars, which rise more than 50 feet
from the ground. Location: National Garden, Vas.Olgas Street 1, Athens Fee: 2 Euro
Hadrian’s Arch
On one side it reads, "This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus". On the other it reads,
"This is the city of Hadran and not of Theseus". Standing on the Acropolis side of the arch
meant you were in Ancient Athens, and standing on the other side symbolised being in the
Modern Roman city of Athens.
Lykavitós Hill
Aristippou and Ploutarchou, Athens, Greece · 210-722-7065. KOLONAKI.
Tallest hill is accessible by cable car or on foot. A small, beautiful church at the top provides
sightseeing opportunities and great views. The "Hill of the Wolves," as the name translates,
is the best place in Athens to see both sunset and moonrise.
Out of Athens:
http://www.athensguide.com/sightseeing-bus.htm
http://www.magicaljourneys.com/Delphi/index.html
DELPHI
After the Acropolis, Delphi is the most popular archaeological site in Greece. Located 180
kilometers from Athens, a trip to Delphi is listed in just about every tour itinerary and is by
far the most popular day trip out of Athens. Delphi has a special meaning, more than just
another ruins ... With Olympia's once majestic temple columns toppled like a tower of
checkers by an earthquake, the site is as evocative (with the help of its excellent museum)
as anything from ancient times. And you just have to play "On your mark, get set ... go!" on
that original starting block from the first Olympic Games in 776 B.C.
OLYMPIA
Olympia is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Greece. Even cruise ships
dock at the nearby port of Katakolo and put people on buses to visit the site. The village of
Olympia itself is a collection of tourist shops, cafes, restaurants and a Historical Museum of
the Olympic Games ...
The island of Hydra
just a quick hop from the mainland, gave our trip a fine island paradise finale. Hydra, so
close to Athens (with a direct 2.5-hour hydrofoil connections about hourly), is amazingly
laidback and real, with just enough tourism to make it fun and lively.
£60 Delphi – 1 day tour
http://www.dolphin-hellas.gr/Tours/1-day-tours-cruise.htm#delphi-full-day
http://www.europe-cities.com/athens/city-tours-coach.aspx
We will take you through Arachova and Levadia, with their notable, vibrantly colored
carpets. We will arrive in Levadia at 10:30am. We will stop here for around 20 minutes.
After that we move on to the Delphi. We arrive at Delphi at noon. This site is famous as the
sanctuary of Greek god Apollo in antiquity. We will visit the Museum housing unique
artefacts like the bronze Charioteer, then move on to the former treasury of Athens. The
visit will end at 13.30, after which we'll eat lunch at the hotel. A visit to Castalia Spring, the
Temple of Apollo and other landmarks will follow. At 15.00 we drive back to Athens along
the same route. We will stop at Levadia once again.
£31 Cap Sounion – ½ day tour
Highlights: Leave Athens for a wonderful drive along the scenic coastal road to Cape
Sounion where you will visit the 5th century B.C. temple of Poseidon with one of the most
breathtaking panoramic views in the world.
Type: Day Tours in Athens Duration: Half Day (Afternoon) Leave Athens for a wonderful
drive along the scenic coastal road which affords a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf passing
through some of Athens' most beautiful suburbs (Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varzika) to Cape
Sounion where you will visit the 5th century B.C. temple of Poseidon with one of the most
breathtaking panoramic views in the world and on a clear day you can see at least seven
islands. The Doric columns of local marble have 16 flutings instead of the usual 20. The
precipice is a sheer 197 foot drop to the sea.
£25 Cape Sounion - ½ day tour
http://www.europe-cities.com/athens/tours/cape-sounion-tour.aspx
(approx. 4 hours) Price: from 34 EUR
The coastal area of Greece is picturesque with the golden beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni,
Varkiza and the innumerable coves, with a spectacular view of the Saronic Gulf. When you
arrive at Cape Sounion you will feast your eyes on the splendid Temple of Poseidon on top of
a rolling hill. This strategic location ensures an excellent view of the Aegean Sea.
£71.67 Islands Cruses 3 Islands Cruise - 1 day tour
http://www.hostelworld.com/tours/tourdetails.php/TourUID.786?PHPSESSID=96c3d3053f0
4a211ee27ec696d4a12f8
1 Day Luxury Cruise with lunch
Relax under the Greek sun and enjoy a memorable cruise.
Enjoy the charm of the islands and their unique golden sandy beaches, the traditional
homes, the narrow cobblestone streets, the churches, historical and archaeological sites as
well as their colorful local life. Experience a traditional meal on board and of course join in
on the traditional dancing. In Aegina, tour the Ancient Temple of Aphaia, in Poros take a
walk to the clock tower and admire the panoramic view. Hydra, being one of the most
cosmopolitan islands, offers both culture and beauty. You will be collected from, or close to
your hotels by our luxury high-deck airconditioned coaches making the drive there and upon
your return a bonus experience.
08.15 Sailing from Piraeus port, with destination the island of Aegina, famous all over the
world for the excellent quality of peanut production and not only. Arriving at the island of
Aegina.
09.30, we propose you a visit to the Temple of Afaia, built on the top of the hill since the
5th century B.C. with a magnificent view. Don’t forget to bring with you your hat, suntan
lotion and of course your bathing suit. If you don’t want the tour you can swim in the crystal
waters of this island. At 11.30 our luxury vessel is sailing again, this time for the island of
Poros.
12.45 We arrive at this magnificent island and we suggest you enjoy a refreshment on one
of the traditional Cafe's with a view of the little harbor with the fishing boats. Sailing again
at 13.45, this time our destination is Hydra. On board our deluxe vessel, our Chef prepared
a great lunch and our orchestra is ready to entertain you. Bon Appetite!
14.45 We welcome you to one of the most favoured resort islands of the International JetSet “Hydra”. The unique picturesque island, famous for the architecture of its houses, the
pedestrian narrow streets and the designers’ boutiques will astonish you. We regret to
inform you that at 17.00 hours we are sailing again back to Marina Flisvos. A great surprise
once again is expecting you on board our deluxe vessel, our live orchestra and a great
show, especially for you. Enjoy it!
19.15: Arrival at the Piraeus port. Return transfer to your hotel.
ATHENS à ISTANBUL: TRAIN £38
Leaving 22nd arriving 23rd overnight on the train eliminating 1 night of accommodations.
http://www.seat61.com/Turkey2.htm#Turkey%20-%20Greece
Istanbul ► Thessaloniki ► Athens
Filia
Note A
Express
08:30 day 20:00 day
Istanbul (Sirkeci) depart
1
1
Uzunköprü (T
13:28 day 00:00
arrive
frontier)
1
day2
Uzunköprü (T
14:10 day 00:30
depart
frontier)
1
day 2
Pithion (Gr.
14:36 day 00:54
arrive
frontier)
1
day 2
Pithion (Gr.
16:26 day 01:23
depart
frontier)
1
day 2
18:07 day 02:43
Alexandroupolis
arrive
1
day 2
22:50 day 07:21 day
Thessaloniki
arrive
1
2
Athens ► Thessaloniki ► Istanbul
Note B
13:23 day
1
16:59 day
Larissa
1
18:17 day
Thessaloniki
1
Filia
Change trains...
Note C
Express
07:16
20:04 day
Thessaloniki
depart
day 2
1
11:55
00:40
Alexandroupolis
depart
day 2
day 2
Pithion (Gr.
13:36
02:26
arrive
frontier)
day 2
day 2
Pithion (Gr.
15:30
02:33
Change trains...
InterCity InterCity
depart
frontier)
day 2
day 2
07:22 day 10:21 day Uzunköprü (T
15:56
03:20
Thessaloniki
depart
arrive
2
2
frontier)
day 2
day 2
08:32 day 11:40 day Uzunköprü (T
16:40
03:50
Larissa
arrive
depart
2
2
frontier)
day 2
day 2
11:37 day 15:16 day
21:27
07:32 day
Athens
arrive
Istanbul (Sirkeci) arrive
2
2
day 2
2
Filia Express = FILIA-DOSTLUK ('FRIENDSHIP') EXPRESS. Daily sleeper train, introduced
in 2005, highly recommended. This train has modern air-conditioned sleeping-cars with 1& 2-bed rooms (no seats or couchettes, only sleepers). One set of coaches is Greek, with
second-hand French 'T2' sleeping-cars, the other Turkish with modern Turkish TVS2000
sleeping-cars. You will need to get off the train briefly at the Turkish frontier (Uzunköprü)
to have your passport stamped (and, eastbound, buy a Turkish visa), but this does not take
long and you are soon back in bed... Remember that this train can arrive an hour or two
late, so don't plan any tight connections.
InterCity = Fast modern air-conditioned InterCity train with cafe car. Highly
recommended. The scenery on the Thessaloniki-Athens route is excellent, especially on the
section through the mountains south of Larissa, over the viaducts famously blown up by the
British SOE (Special Operations Executive) in world war 2. Just south of Thessaloniki, the
train passes right by Mt Olympus, mythical home of the Greek gods.
Athens
22:57
day 1
03:53
depart
day 2
05:35
arrive
day 2
InterCity
depart
Note A: Daily. This is a Turkish train from Istanbul to Pithion (on the Greek side of the
frontier), then a Greek InterCity train from Pithion to Thessaloniki. When boarding at
Istanbul, make sure you get in the direct coach to Pithion, as the rest of the train is
uncoupled at Uzunköprü and only one coach goes through to Pithion. From Pithion to
Thessaloniki, you travel by air-conditioned Greek InterCity train, you need to make a seat
reservation at the ticket office before boarding.
Note B: Overnight train with modern air-conditioned sleeping-cars (1 & 2-bed
compartments) & older couchette cars (6-bunk compartments). No seats.
Note C: Daily. This is a Greek air-conditioned InterCity train (seat reservation required,
small supplement payable) from Thessaloniki to Pithion, then a Turkish train from Pithion to
Istanbul. Only one coach goes from Pithion to Istanbul, but more coaches are added at
Uzunköprü.
You can confirm times and fares at www.ose.gr (click 'EN' for English) or www.tcdd.gov.tr.
A useful link is www.letsgoistanbul.com/tren.htm. There are lots more trains between
Athens, Larissa &Thessaloniki, in case you want to stop off and see something of
Thessaloniki.
You can easily buy tickets at Istanbul, Athens or Thessaloniki stations. You cannot
book online.
Fares
Istanbul Thessaloniki
23 euros one-way 2nd class, 35 euros oneway 1st class. You will have to pay a few
euros supplement for the InterCity train from
by daytime train: Pithion to Thessaloniki.
48 euros per person sharing a 2-bed sleeper
Istanbul (= 24 euro fare + 25 euros sleeper
Thessaloniki
supplement).
by 'Filia-Dostluk 85 euros for a private single-bed sleeper (=
Express' sleeper 35 euros fare + 50 euros sleeper
train:
supplement).
48 euros one-way 2nd class, 72 euros oneway 1st class. If using the Filia-Dostluk
Istanbul - Athens
Express, add a sleeper supplement of 25
euros to the 2nd class fare for a bed in a 2via 'Filia-Dostluk
bed sleeper, add 50 euros to the 1st class
Express' sleeper
fare for a single-bed room. Add an InterCity
train:
supplement for Thessaloniki-Athens,
approximately 20 euros.
2nd class without sleeper:
The train from Athens to
Istanbul goes via
Thessaloniki and
Alexandroupoli and take
22h. frequent checks of
your passport. Athens has
2 main train stations.
2nd class With sleeper:
Larissa Railway Station
serves all trains going north
and is accessible in Athens
by taking the Metro Line 2
towards Sepolia and getting
off at the Larissa stop or by
taking bus Number 1 from
Panepistimiou Street.
Peloponnese Railway
Station serves the
Peloponnese and all OSE
buses that go to Belgium,
Bulgaria, England,
Germany, Italy, and
Turkey. To reach the
station take bus Number 57
from Panepistimiou
Street.The trip from Athens
to Thessaloniki runs just
over 6h.
Departure from Athens is
set at 7.50 am and arrival
in Thessaloniki at 12.05 pm