Athens Sightseeing

Often referred to as cradle of western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, Athens, one of the World's oldest cities with its recorded history spanning over 3,400 years, and its earliest human presence starting somewhere between the 11th and 7th millennia BC was a center for the arts, learning and philosophy and home of Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum.

We reached Athens midnight and reached our Airbnb accommodation by 3 AM. We slept till 10 and walked towards Monastiraki market as it had many Indian restaurants. We had brunch at Indian Masala and left to Acropolis. We were wandering aimlessly till we got the glimpse of the Acropolis. We reached the entrance and bought 5 day multiple sight entrance ticket. We started our tour and visited the places in the following order,

• Acropolis - The symbol of Athens, linking the old with the new. It was once used as a gunpowder store. 
• Propylaea - Monumental Gateway
• The Parthenon - Former temple dedicated to Goddess Athena
• The Erechtheum - Temple on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon.
• Herodes Atticus Theatre - Built by Herodus Atticus, a philosopher and a teacher. Often damaged by chewing gums and love messages. Pity!
• Theatre of Dionysos - The most ancient theatre in the world.
• Hadrian’s Arch - Built in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, it was the main gate way to the city
• Roman Agora and Tower of the Winds - Oldest weather station in the world, powered by the springs from the Acropolis. It has base reliefs of the eight winds one for each point of the compass
• Plaka - The oldest part of the city and the neighborhood of the Greek Gods. Great for shopping and eating out.
• Hadrian's Library - Created by Roman Emperor Hadrian
• Thiseo and Temple of Hephaistos -  A Doric peripteral temple located at the north-west side of the Agora of Athens. From the 7th century until 1834, it served as the Greek Orthodox church of Saint George Akamates

We then reached Monastiraki, circumnavigating the Acrpolis. There is Monastiraki flea market in the area. We went to market , not before having the famous Greek Custard. It was sad to see many homeless people in a city which was so prosperous aforetime. 

We were done for the day, took take away food from Indian masala and returned to the stay.

Next day, we were supposed to go to Deplhi, but due to bad weather and place almost resembling Ephesus which we had seen, we decided to give it a miss.

We took Metro from our stay to Syntagma. Here there is Greek Parliament, National Garden and change of guard ceremony

We were at the right time to see the Change of Guard ceremony. After that we went to National garden where Oranges were strewn everywhere. Nice weather and stroll it was. Then the following places.

• Syntagma Square and Tomb of Unknown Soldier - The main square of the city and the tomb of Unknown Soldier.
• Panathinaiko Stadium - The home of the first modern day Olympic Games and the only stadium in the world entirely of white marble
• Temple of Olympian Zeus - Dedicated to King of the Gods Zeus, this temple was bigger than the Parthenon

We then walked to Plaka and Flea market again to buy souvenirs. We had late lunch at Indian Mirch who are famous for Indian Souvlaki. We walked to our stay. 

Next day, we got up late and had to checkout by 11 AM. Our return flight to Bangalore was at 3.30 PM. We took Airport Metro, which was convenient and economical. We finished formalities and had brunch there. We had 3 leg of journeys with short layover at Istanbul and Oman. We reached Bangalore next day at 7.30 AM.

 Propylaea 

Lycabettus hill

 The Parthenon

 The Erechtheum

 Theatre of Dionysos

 Roman Agora

 Plaka

 Hadrian's Library

 Syntagma square

 Change of Guard Ceremony

 National Garden

 National Garden

 Panathinaiko Stadium 

 Temple of Olympian Zeus

Hadrian's Arch