Monastiraki, the neighbourhood next to Plaka, is famous for its traditional Flea Market. You can find antiquerries and traditional handcraft items there. Thursday, 19 July 2007
Monastiraki
Monastiraki, the neighbourhood next to Plaka, is famous for its traditional Flea Market. You can find antiquerries and traditional handcraft items there. Kapnikarea
The Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea was founded in the 11th century and built on the ruins of an ancient temple, dedicated to a female goddess.
Most of the paintings inside are from the 20th century, and are the work of Photis Contoglou.
Open: Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun 8-14 Tue, Thr, Fri 16.30-21.30
Closed on national holidays
Address: corner of Ermous and Kalamiotous
The Cathedral
The Mitrópoli (Cathedral) is an important Greek cathedral and the largest church in Athens, and as such, the seat of the Bishop of Athens.
The building started in 1842 and took 20 years to complete. It was dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin (Evangelismós Theotókou) by the king and queen.
Inside, there are 2 tombs of the saints killed by the Ottoman Turks, St Filothei, who ransomed Greek women enslaved in Turkish harems, and Patriarch Gregory V, who was hanged and thrown into the Bosphorus.
Address: Plateía Mitropóleos, Pláka
Directions: Metro: Monastiráki
Other Contact: Daily 6:30am to 7pm
Phone: 210 322 1308
Website: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/athens-mitropoli-cathedral.htm
The Tower of the Winds
This marble tower dominates the Roman Agora.
It was constructed as a water clock in the 1st half of the 1st century BC by the astronomer Andronikos Kyrrhestes.
Its sides are adorned with reliefs representing the 8 winds, Boreas (N), Kaikias (NE), Apeliotes (E), Euros (SE), Notos (S), Lips (SW), Zephyros (W) and Skiron (NW).
There used to be sundials outside as well.
It was constructed as a water clock in the 1st half of the 1st century BC by the astronomer Andronikos Kyrrhestes.
Its sides are adorned with reliefs representing the 8 winds, Boreas (N), Kaikias (NE), Apeliotes (E), Euros (SE), Notos (S), Lips (SW), Zephyros (W) and Skiron (NW).
There used to be sundials outside as well.
Directions: near the west gate of the Roman Agora
Website: http://www.athensinfoguide.com
Once the largest temple in Greece
The building of the Temple Of Olympian Zeus started in the 6th century BC, but was finished in the 2nd century AD.
It was once the largest temple in Greece.
The marble temple used to consist of 104 Corinthian columns, but only 15 of these remain standing.
It was once the largest temple in Greece.
The marble temple used to consist of 104 Corinthian columns, but only 15 of these remain standing.
Another archaeological site
The construction of the Roman Agora (=Market) was started by Julius Caesar but finished by Emperors Adrianus and Traianus.
If you buy a ticket for the Acropolis, the entrance here is included.
Directions: at the beginning of Eolou Street
Website: http://www.athensinfoguide.com
Directions: at the beginning of Eolou Street
Marvelous Views!
Lycabettus Hill is the highest hill of Athens which offers you a marvelous view over the city and the whole Attica. And, if the weather's nice, you might even see Corinth and nearby islands of the Gulf of Saronikos.
The hill's topped with a beautiful small church of St George from 1780. Its bells can be heard only once a year.
On the other side of the hill, there's an open-air theatre.
Directions: you can get there on foot or by a cable car that operates every 15 minutes