athens sightseeing

The Greek Parliament

This is a neoclassical building hosting today the Greek Parliament. It was built between 1834 and 1838 as the palace of the first kings. The monument of the Unknown soldier, with the two guards called Evzones who are the presidential guards.

Syntagma Square

Here beats the heart of the modern city. The parliament to the east of the square reminds us of the derivation of its name. In 1843 the Greeks received their first constitution from king Otto after numerous and persistent demonstrations.

The National Garden

A lush paradise in the centre of the city. Beautiful and rare flowers, trees and bushes as well as little ponds decorate the gardens, which are open all day long.

Panathinaiko Stadium

This beautiful stadium also called Kallimarmaro was built in the 4th century BC. It has been restored twice and its capacity is 70000 spectators. In 1896 the first modern Olympic Games were held here.

Hadrian's Arch

An impressive Roman monument. It was built in AD 131 with Pentelic marble to honour the Roman emperor Hadrian. It marked the border between the old and the new city of Athens in the Roman period.

Lycabettus

The highest hill of Athens in 277 meters, offers a fantastic view of Attica. The funicular takes you up to the top of the hill. The little chapel of saint George and the theatre at the top of the hill, make it specially attractive. One can enjoy dinner or a drink at the restaurant on top of the hill.

Panepistimiou street

Eleftheriou Venizelou street, which is better known as Panepistimiou street, is one of the central roads of Athens. It is flanked by beautiful, neoclassical buildings such as the Iliou Melathron, which used to be the house of Heinrich Schlieman; the Academy, the highest spiritual institution of the country; the University, the National Library with its thousands of manuscripts and books; and the Bank of Greece.

Plaka

The neighborhood of the Olympian gods, the Monmartre of Old Athens. Narrow roads lead to numerous jewellery, souvenir, leather and fur shops, tavernas, restaurants, coffee shops and small picturesque squares.

Monastiraki

A crowded, busy part of the city where a constant big bazaar takes place. Some columns from Hadrian's library are in site, a mosque which has been turned into a library and a beautiful small church are some of the interesting monuments to be found here.

Psiri

A picturesque area with a strong local color and unique character, very close to Monastiraki square. Old traditional tavernas most with live music, delicious dishes and a flair that you should by all means experience.

Kolonaki

An elegant area of Athens stretching out from the foot of Lycabettus Hill, with big squares, high quality shops, lots of coffee shops, bars and restaurants.

Pedion tou Areos

This park was founded in 1935 and covers a surface of 270 acres. It is decorated with busts of heroes of the Greek war of Independence (1821) against the Turks. An ideal place to take a walk.

Athens Sightseeing