Athens Tourist Guide: City Center
Syntagma Square is thought of as one of the trademark squares of Athens and is one of the best places to pick as a starting point for your exploration of Athens.
Its name refers the Syntagma (Constitution) granted by decree (1844 CE) to the people of Greece by their first appointed monarch after the War of Independence, Otto I of Bavaria. This has been the culmination of an intense political strife followed by riots in this very area just outside the Royal Palace, which now serves as the House of Parliament (Boule or Vouli).
Built on an incline, bordered with A' Class Hotels 
, travel agencies, shops and restaurants (including Athens' first McDonalds one) its central expanse - leading to a Metro station's gateway- is surrounded by small orchards of orange trees. At Christmas time it even boasts Europe's tallest Christmas Tree - artificial that is, yet impressive nevertheless!
Just above the Square, one can find the chaste War Memorial of the Unknown Soldier, dedicated to the many who fell during Greece's numerous wars for independence since Antiquity.
Some Places to visit:
- Benaki Museum
Housed in an elegant Neo-Classical Mansion (see photo), it accommodates a diverse array of artifacts, paintings, jewellery & memorabilia spanning 2000 years. - City of Athens Museum
As the name suggests, it is a Museum dedicated to the history of Athens.
Picturesque & colourful as ever, this partly restored, partly renovated 19th century neighbourhood lying between Syntagma Sq. and the northern slope of the Acropolis, is considered to be the historic ‘heart' of Athens.
It is also one of the most crowded places in Athens, especially during Spring and Summer. But mind you, cars are almost totally banned from this area, which is a blessing! Its narrow streets and winding stairways are better suited for pedestrians anyhow.
You can meet locals and tourists alike, either hanging around in a nearby Cafe, or savouring a delicious moussaka dish in a tavern, or just strolling around and bargaining in one of the many souvenirs shops & kiosks! One certainly cannot go wrong enjoying an ouzo and meze after a tiring walk up and down the Acropolis!
Some Places to visit:
- Greek Folk Art Museum: As the name suggests one can find miscellaneous traditional artefacts covering many historic periods
- Anafiotika neighbourhood:Featuring picturesque whitewashed houses built in late 19th Cent. CE by settlers/workers from the Aegean isle of Anafi
- Aerides Tower (The Tower of the Winds): It served as a water clock, sundial and weathervane. Its name refers to the deities of the eight winds sculpted on its eight sides
- Church of the Metamorphosis: A 14th cent CE church
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