A multiple-site combo ticket makes it a particularly good bargain to combine a visit here with the Acropolis and other nearby sites. but wasn't completed until the 2nd century A.D. under the rule of Emperor Hadrian. Located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone theatre structure originally completed in 161 A.D. and reconstructed in 1950 that still hosts concerts to this day. You'll find it northwest of the Acropolis, bounded on the south by the hill of the Areopagus and on the west by the hill of Agoraios Kolonos. Discovered in 1902 in a shipwreck off the coast of the Greek island of Antikythera, which is located between Crete and Peloponnese. The museum is one of the few open 7 days per week (with the exception of public holidays) and during the summer months opens from 8:00am to 8:00pm. With artifacts dating back to 6000 B.C. https://t.co/moZABfQ4Rk #Greece #ttot #traveltips #travel #travelblogger, KALO MINA. Piraeus, the port city of Athens, is not quite a Greek island but is reminiscent of the Greek island vibe. Stop somewhere for a frappe (iced instant coffee), especially during the summer, and watch passersby. However, the interior is only open for viewings on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Zeus or Poseidon, the museum itself asks the same question as the experts can’t agree but the locals will tell you it is Zeus. The branded image of the goddess Nike is visible on the horse’s right thigh and the statue is virtually life size at 2.9 metres long and 2.1 metres high. The Mask was discovered in 1876 by Heinrich Schliemann during excavations at Mycenae in Greece. and covering everything from prehistory to Greek antiquity, The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is considered one of the greatest museums in the world. However, these ancient structures and museums aren't the only must-see attractions in Athens. The National Garden is also home to a number of ancient ruins and mosaics as well as a duck pond, a Botanical Museum, a cafe, a playground, and a children's library. The front of her feet and sandals are visible. However, you could easily spend an entire day learning about the history of the region here, since the museum covers millennia of Greek culture—starting with the Cycladic Island civilization, the Minoans, and the Mycenaeans and continuing through the Greco-Roman world. To enjoy the seaside atmosphere of Athens, slip away to Piraeus, easily reachable by the Metro, and have dinner at one of the pricey but charming seaside taverns of Microlimano. Highlights of the National Archaeological Museum, Athens The National Archaeological Museum contains many masterpieces of art, archaeology, and objects of historical significance. While it is possible to visit Sounion by public bus from Athens, most visitors prefer to drive or to take an organized tour. These hilltop sights are stunning, and the view from the Acropolis of the city and the surrounding temples is one that will stay with you forever. It's renowned for its small shops, restaurants, and local architecture. This sculpture is a rare, ancient Greek bronze sculpture that was recovered from the sea off Cape Artemision, Greece. This head of a Cycladic Statue is similar to the ancient Cycladic art that flourished in the islands of the Aegean Sea from c. 3300 to 1100 BCE. Once you're done touring the sites on the square, head down pedestrian-only Ermou Street for access to some of Athens' better upscale shopping. You are welcome to review our Privacy Policies via the top menu. However, it fell less than a century later in 267 when the Herulian invasion sacked the city and the stone from many of the 104 original columns was quarried to rebuild other structures around Athens. The Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea is one of the oldest churches in Athens, originally constructed in 1050, dedicated to the Greek Orthodox faith. Here Are Athens Excursions Worth Taking, Visit Greece and Turkey Cruise Ship Ports of Call on Celestyal Cruises, Small Sailboat is Great Way to See the Greek Isles. Take an audio tour around the museum during your visit. Her right arm hangs down and firmly pulls on her peplos as if making an introduction. It was the first of the series of Greek bronze sculptures discovered in the Aegean, which fundamentally altered the view of Ancient Greek sculpture. A centrepiece of the museum, this exceptionally preserved piece dates back to 140BC and was found in the same shipwreck as the statue of Zeus off the island of Euboea (Evia). The Theatre of Dionysus is located at the foot of the Acropolis and is considered the oldest theater in the world. Her left arm is held in front of her chest and holds a still-unopened lotus flower. Bronze items did not survive through history as most were melted down for their raw materials but even more rare is a sculpture depicting a racing horse from ancient Greece. Athens, the capital of Greece, was the heart of ancient Greek civilization, and people from around the world still come here to visit early Greek landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Additionally, Syntagma Square has the Parliament Building along one side, and the daily "Changing of the Guard" here provides a colorful photo opportunity on your trip—as well as a chance to experience an active part of the current government of Greece. Allow yourself some extra time and stop by the excellent Piraeus Archaeological Museum or the equally-fascinating Nautical Museum. It's also nice to visit at night with the tavernas staying open until late, and Cine Paris often shows classic movies outdoors. Both statues were created by the sculptor Aristion of Paros around 550-540BC. For an escape from the heat of Athens in summer, the wooded top of Lycabettus Hill provides plenty of breeze and shade as well as a few great attractions including the 19th century Chapel of St. George, a theatre, and a restaurant. The museum was established in 1829 to house and protect antiquities from all over Greece and has operated from its neo-classical home in Athens since 1889. The sculpture has evidence of painted eyes and red vertical striations on the right check. The New Acropolis Museum nearby is also an attraction worth seeing; discounted tickets are available for access to both. Don’t miss out, sign up and get the best of Why Athens delivered directly to your inbox. The Artemision Bronze represents either Zeus, the ancient Greek king of the gods of Mount Olympus, or possibly Poseidon, the God of the Sea. A great afternoon trip from Athens, Cape Sounion is one of those destinations that is as much a favorite with locals as it is with tourists, mainly for the breathtaking views you'll find here. Although not much of this structure remains standing, the 15 surviving columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus have scrolls and acanthus patterns that harken back to the temple's original significance. Visitors can access Lycabettus Hill via a three-minute cable car ride or by taking a circular hiking trail up the 277 meters to the top. The Acropolis and the Parthenon dominate the skyline of Athens. The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient Greek art. The National Archaeological Museum in Athens maintains some of the most famous Greek masterpieces from a variety of archaeological locations in Greece. 7 things you must see at the National Archaeological Museum, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). On her head, she wears a garland of flowers, round about her neck a necklace, and on each arm a bracelet. Located on Ermou Street at the edge of the Plaka, this small church offers a reprieve from the busy shopping district outside its walls. The National Archaeological Museum is the largest museum in Greece with some of the greatest collections of antiquities in the world. The National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Construction on the temple started in the 6th century B.C. Closed on: 25 – 26 December, 1 January, 25 March, Orthodox Easter Sunday and 1 May. The Benaki Museum is a three-floor art and history museum dedicated to Greek culture throughout the ages. The Jockey of Artemision is a bronze statue of a boy riding a horse, dated to around 150 BC. In 1891, excavation took place in the ancient cemetery of Kerameikos in central Athens. Catch the Sunset at Cape Sounion. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. and served as the site of several games for the 2004 Summer Olympics. EO91, Lavreotiki 195 00, Greece. Scientists have dated the mask back to the 16th century BC and therefore pre-dating the life Agamemnon but it is still commonly referred to by this title. It has been suggested that the Antikythera Mechanism was lost in the shipwreck while being taken to Rome, together with other looted Greek treasures, to support a triumphal parade being staged by Julius Caesar. 48 Hours in Athens: The Perfect Itinerary, How to Climb Mount Lycabettus: The Complete Guide, The 10 Best Neighborhoods to Explore in Athens.