The birthplace of famous legends like Plato, Solon, Socrates and Pericles, Athens has always remained a place perfect for that perpetual quest of the people who love to feel the grandeur of Classical Greece. The city still preserves the glory of its great past in the historical monuments located in its heart.
If you are also interested in getting the glimpse of its grand olden days and are still thinking whether to surf the travel websites like Yatra to book Emirates flight tickets online in India, then we would like to introduce you to the majestic places of Athens. Go on an unravel the historical heritage of Athens at these 5 famous spots:
1. Acropolis of Athens
The “Sacred Rock,” of Athens, it is one of the most significant archeological site representing the city of Greece itself. Situated on the Acropolis hill, this ancient citadel was developed in the 5th century BCE and contains some of the most important historic building and structures such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaia. A stone theater, known as The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is also situated on the southwest slopes of the Acropolis. Each monument has its own story to tell, and it’s your chance now to choose which one fascinates you the most.
2. Daphni Monastery
Located approximately 10 kilometers from Athens, Daphni Monastery was built by the Byzantines in the 11th Century AD. Designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 1,000-year-old old building stands rose from the dilapidated temple dedicated to Apollo giving it a classical touch. Since its existence, the monastery has been destroyed many times by both men and nature. However, a restoration drive has helped it stay alive on this golden land. As the monastery opens for a limited time, we advise you to mark it in a special place when you make your travel plan while you are still thinking to book Emirates flight tickets online in India.
3. The Temple of Olympian Zeus
Another marvel of the Greek architecture, The Temple of Olympian Zeus stands under the azure horizon symbolizing the grandeur of the past of Athens. Though its foundation stone of the temple was laid by tyrant Pisistratus, it was finally completed by Emperor Hadrian in 131 AD. One of the major highlights is the regularly spaced Corinthian columns which are capped by highly decorative Corinthian capitals carved from two massive blocks of marble. Famous as the largest temple in Greece during the Roman period the temple, it once had 104 colossal columns, and we know that you can hardly wait to behold their magnificence.
4. Ancient Agora of Athens
If you want to catch a sight of an excellent example an ancient Greek agora, then this is your perfect gateway. Holding a significant place in the ancient Athens, this was the marketplace and civic center where most of the social, political, commercial and cultural events took place and hence gives you a wonderful opportunity to examine those times. The famous monuments like the Temple of Hephaestus, Altar of the Twelve Gods, Altar of Zeus Agoraios, Strategeion and Temple of Aphrodite Urania are also a part of the Ancient Agora.
5. Plaka
Walk near the foothills of the Acropolis and enjoy the splendor of Athens’ oldest district, Plaka. With its delightful neoclassical architecture and labyrinthine streets, this place offers you a peek into the lifestyle of traditional times. Today, it is visited by thousands of travel buffs every year, who have a keen interest in the history of Athens. And if you have decided to go there then don’t forget to visit its famous museums!
With this list, we are sure that your quest for the ancient ruins, sacred wonders, and world-famous landmarks of Athens has found its direction. And now that you have the direction then don’t bother yourself about anything, book that flight and take that historical Yatra of your life and have a lifetime experience!