INTRODUCING ATHENS. Parthenon

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2 INTRODUCING ATHENS Today s visitors to Greece have the opportunity to trace the fingerprints of Greek history from the Paleolithic Era to the Roman Period in the hundreds of archaeological sites, as well as in the archaeological museums and collections that are scattered throughout the country. Athens is the historical capital of Europe, with a long history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. In the 5 th Century BC - the culmination of Athens long, fascinating history - the city s values and civilization acquired a universal significance. Over the years, a multitude of conquerors occupied Athens, and erected unique, splendid monuments - a rare historical palimpsest. In 1834, it became the capital of the modern Greek state and in two centuries since it has become an attractive modern metropolis with unrivalled charm. A large part of the town s historic centre has been converted into a 3 kilometre pedestrian zone (the largest in Europe), leading to the major archaeological sites (archaeological park), reconstructing to a large degree the ancient landscape. City and sea have long been imbedded into the history of the city of Athens since the days of the Twelve Olympian Gods. According to ancient Greek myth, Athena, the goddess of wisdom fought with Poseidon, god of the sea, for the title of patron of the city by each offering a gift to the Athenians. The natives chose Athena s olive tree over Poseidon s saltwater spring, hence the name Athens. Parthenon

3 CULTURE Traces of a centuries-old and important history is etched in every corner of Greek land: findings from the Prehistoric and Archaic Periods, unique works from Classical, Hellenistic, Medieval and Byzantine monuments; creations from folk art cultures, traces from the passing eons of other civilizations and different religions, that coexist with current creations, constructions and modern works of art. Greece is a true paradise for cultural tourism, a large journey into history and art. Educational excursions, theatrical productions, festivals, pilgrimages, visits to archaeological sites, monuments and museums, excursions to study the natural environment, folk art and culture these are just a few of the many things that Greece has to offer in the cultural tourism sector. Whoever really wants to understand Greece, its history and its people, he will find an unrivalled cultural experience through traveling into the area and chronological period of Greek culture. GASTRONOMY Don t leave without trying some street food (perfect to keep you going as you sightsee). For example: Koulouri (sesame seed bread), Tyropita (cheese pie) Spanakopita (spinach pie); souvlaki, gyro for lunch; and for a snack: Kastana (roasted chestnuts) in the winter and Kalaboki (grilled corn on the cob) in the summer and autumn. Street Food Athens is dotted with many charming and charismatic street vendor and, like in many big cities, they add an additional local flavor and aroma. In the fall and winter seasons, the streets of Athens are filled with carts roasting chestnuts and corn on the cob as well as dried nuts. Warm sesame and raisin bread twists are two staples of Athenian street-food enjoyed year round, especially for breakfast.

4 WHAT TO SEE? THE ACROPOLIS The sacred rock of the Acropolis and its most recognized monument, the Parthenon, have withstood the test of time. Apart from this, also impressive are the Propylaea, the temple of the Athene Nike and the Erechtheion, while you must not skip a visit to the Museum, located close to the Parthenon. Moreover, from the rock you have an impressive view of the city. THE NEW ACROPOLIS MUSEUM Years in the making, this museum and its creative use of natural Greek light is the new gem of Athens and has been heralded as a masterpiece in itself. The permanent collections present finds and artifacts from the sacred hill of the Acropolis, while smaller «vignette» temporary exhibits offer insight on the whole. The cafe and museum shops are quite popular and are a must to visit as well. To offer visitors and natives an aesthetically, environmentally and culturally improved Athens, they decided to make The Unification of Archaeological Sites, the plan that beautified the area surrounding the Acropolis transforming it into a large archeological park or open-air archeological museum. The park covers an area of approximately 4 km in length. Highlights of the sites along the way are: the Acropolis, The Ancient and Roman Agora, Hadrian s Arch, the Ancient Temple of Olympian Zeus, The Theatre of Dionysos and Philopappou Hill. Furthermore, the park integrated monuments of the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine period, areas of green including the National Garden, Zappeion, and the traditional neighbourhoods of the historical Centre of Athens namely, Plaka, Anafiotika, Thisio, Psirri, Metaxourgeio, Makriyanni and Koukaki. NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM Around the Acropolis you can see Olympian Zeus (6 th c. B.C.), one of the largest in antiquity and close by Hadrian s Arch (131 A.D.), which forms the symbolic entrance to the city. From there, walking along Dionysou Areopaghitou Street (on the south side of the Acropolis) you pass the ancient Theatre of Dionysos (5 th c. B.C.) where most of the works by Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylos and Aristophanes were performed. Continuing, you will reach the ruins of the Asklepieion (5 th c. B.C.) and the Stoa of Eumenes (2 th c. B.C.) and from there the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, which was built in 161 A.D. and is nowadays the venue of the performances of the Athens Festival. One of the richest museums of ancient Greek art in the world, its collections span cultures that flourished in Greece from the prehistoric age and beyond. A bronze statue of Poseidon is here as are frescoes from ancient Thira. A comprehensive museum that is often overlooked. The National Archaeological Museum is the largest museum in Greece and one of the world s great museums. Although its original purpose was to secure all the finds from the 19th century excavations in and around Athens, it gradually became the central National Archaeological Museum and was enriched with finds from all over Greece. Its abundant collections, with more than exhibits, provide a panorama of Greek civilisation from the beginnings of Prehistory to Late Antiquity. The museum is housed in an imposing neoclassical building built at

5 WHAT TO SEE? the end of the 19th century. The vast exhibition space, consisting of numerous galleries on each floor accounting for a total of square metres, houses five large permanent collections. the forest path you will encounter Dexameni Square in Kolonaki, where you can grab a bite to eat. PANATHENAIC STADIUM This must-see monument, opposite Zappeion Gardens, is the stadium that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in The stadium, first built in 330 B.C., is made of white marble from the mountain Penteli and has a seating capacity of for the concerts and events. Each year the Athens Marathon terminates here. This must-see monument in Pagrati, opposite the Zappeion Gardens and beneath the hills of Agra and Ardettus, stands apart from the many in Athens, and, in the world. For starters, it has withheld the test of time, and is one of the few ancient stadiums to host significant international modern sports and cultural events. One glance at the roster of performers and clients over the years is testament to its unique character: from the Panathenaia festival in the 4th century B.C. to the Greek MTV launch concert in ANCIENT AGORA, MONASTIRAKI Its befitting that this monument the center of commercial and business life in ancient times would later give rise to the buzzing shopping district that surrounds it today. Of course, Monastiraki does not compare to the milieu of the Ancient Agora, but it still continues to inspire those who live, work and visit the area. LYCABETTUS HILL At a height of 277 metres (approximately 1,000) feet Lycabettus Hill is perhaps the best spot in which to get an aerial view of the city. Visible from here is the Acropolis, the port of Pireaus, and the island of Aigina. If a mini-trek up is not appealing, take the cable car to the top (and back down). The entrance is on the corner of Aristippou and Ploutarchou streets. If you decide to walk down

6 WHAT TO SEE? GREEK PARLIAMENT The Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every vacation portfolio should not be without a photo alongside the tall, commanding Presidential Guards, known as evzones or tsoliades. Worth the wait is to witness the changing of the guards, a ten-minute ceremonial procedure that takes place every hour on the hour. The foustanela or skirt that is part of their uniform is made up of 400 pleats, each one symbolizing a year that Greece was under Turkish rule. PLAKA With its undisputable charm, this area is one of the most frequented by visitors and natives alike. Plaka s winding pathways carry thousands of years of history. Walk amongst the buildings whose facades are dressed in 19th century neoclassical design and architecture. Dine at one or several of its restaurants. And explore the ancient monuments, contemporary museums and traditional souvenir shops throughout. You will encounter ancient monuments, such as the Lysikrates Monument, erected by a wealthy donor of theatrical performances, the Roman Agora with the famed Tower of the Winds (1st c. B.C.) and Hadrian s Library (132 A.D.), scores of bigger and smaller churches, true masterpieces of Byzantine art and architecture, as well as remnants of the Ottoman period (Fetihie Mosque, Tzistaraki Mosque, the Turkish Bath near the Tower of the Winds, the Muslim Seminary, et al.). There are also some interesting museums (Folk Art, Greek Children s Art, Popular Musical Instruments, Frysira Art Gallery, etc.), lots of picturesque tavernas, cafés, bars, as well as shops selling souvenirs and traditional Greek products. Continuing from Plaka you arrive at Monastiraki, a characteristic area of old Athens, with narrow streets and small buildings where the city s traditional bazaar (Yousouroum) is held. Kerameikos is the largest cemetery of the ancient city, with impressive tomb sculptures and stelae. The Iridanos River, sacred in antiquity, runs through the archaeological site. THE CENTER However, the heart of the historical centre is the traditional commercial neighborhood, with more than shops of all kinds, which spreads out over the streets surrounding Ermou Street (the city s best-known commercial street). The western border of the area is Athinas Street, where the foodstuff commerce is concentrated, reminding one strongly of the Middle East. Here are situated, among others, the neoclassical mansions of the Town Hall, the Municipal Market (where meat, fish and vegetables are sold) and spacious Kotzias Square. Within the boundary of Athens historical centre also are the picturesque neighborhoods of Makriyianni (close to the Acropolis, where the Acropolis Museum stands), Ano Petralona, Theseion (where you will find small interesting museums and scores of cafés, bars and restaurants), Kerameikos and Metaxourgeio, as well as the Gazi area, with the former Gas works, which now have been turned into a cultural centre of the Athens municipality ( Technopolis ).

7 WEATHER AND CLIMATE Athens is an ideal year-round city destination with comfortable and favourable climate conditions for travel and sightseeing. Rainfall is minimal and the sun smiles upon its streets over 300 days a year. The summers (June through August) are dry and hot with temperatures ranging from 78 to 94 F or 20 to 34 C and are recommended for diehard sun worshippers. The Mediterranean climate makes for mild winters and even milder autumns in low-lying areas (such as Athens) with the coldest temperatures reported in January at a very temperate 41 to 55 F or 5 to 13 C. For a month-by-month breakdown of precipitation in Athens go to: LINKS OF INTEREST MORE INFORMATION Download the tourism guide of Athens: ATHENS MUNICIPALITY: Official tourist portal of the Municipality of Athens: MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND TOURISM: Information on archaeological sites and historical monuments:

8 THE HOTEL DIVANI CARAVEL HOTEL Divani Caravel Hotel is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city, 2.8 km from de Acropolis and a short walk from the fashionable Kolonaki district with its boutiques, famous cafés and restaurants, as well as from all major cultural points such as museums, galleries and theatres. ADRESS: 2 Vas. Alexandrou Avenue Athens - Greece Tel Fax info@divanicaravel.gr Web: CONTACT INFORMATION ANTEA Ms Visi Cuestas visi.cuestas@antea-int.com Ms Marisa Tordera marisa.tordera@antea-int.com C/ Mallorca, 260 àtic Barcelona (Spain) Tel. (+34) Fax (+34)