Places of Interest
Athens (Greek: Αθήνα, Athína), is the capital city of Greece with a metropolitan population of 3.7 million inhabitants. It is in many ways the birthplace of Classical Greece, and therefore of Western civilization.
| The Temple of Poseidon The Temple of Poseidon is situated directly opposite the Resort and is in plain view from several kilometres. Built to honour the ancient sea god, the temple dates back to 444-440 BC and was constructed from local white marble in Doric style. It was the symbol of Athenian power and an important religious and maritime icon of ancient times – marking both the last sign of civilisation and the first sign of home for generations of Athenian seafarers. According to legend, Cape Sounio is the spot where Aegeus, king of Athens, leapt to his death off the cliff, thus giving his name to the Aegean Sea. The English poet, Lord Byron has carved his name on one of the front pillars of the temple. Visit the Temple via the road from the hotel or by anchoring in the small sheltered bay at the foot of the temple's cliffs and then hiking up to the monument. The views of sunset seen through the temple’s ruins are regarded as one of the most celebrated sights in all of Greece. The Olympic Marina The Olympic Marina lies within 9km of the Resort. It is one of the largest marinas in Attica with a wide range of private motor boats and yachts for hire to cruise to the nearby islands.> The Town of Lavrio The historical town of Lavrio, 9km from the Resort, is the third major port in Attica. As well as ferry-links to the Cycladic islands, the town offers many shops and cafes, silver mines, mineral museum and access to the Theatre of Thorikos – the oldest ancient theatre in the country. The Lavrio Technological and Cultural Park Lavrio and its surrounding area is renowned for its geological wealth – most notably silver and a range of unique prime and secondary minerals – that dates back to the Golden Ages of Classical Greece, c. 3,500 BC. The new park has been created on the site of an older technology park and is unusual for its combination of research and industrial facilities alongside historical and cultural museums and exhibits. Athens - The land of Gods Named after the goddess Athena, Athens is one of the most historically significant cities in the world: birthplace of democracy, centre of philosophy, cradle of an empire and home to some of the greatest architectural masterpieces of all time. Modern Athens is a contemporary metropolis, buzzing with artistic flair, fine cuisine, vibrant nightlife and international haute couture. Acropolis The Acropolis hill is the crown jewel of Athens and all of Greece. With the Parthenon temple as its symbol, the Acropolis is truly a wonder of the world, containing four ancient buildings. The Parthenon was built between 447 and 432 B.C. and most of the artefacts from the temple are housed today in the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the ancient rock. The Theatres of Dionysos & Odeon of Herod Atticus Just below the Acropolis hill are two ancient theatres that must not be missed the Dionysos and Odeon of Herod Atticus. The oldest of the Greek theatres, built in the fourth century B.C., the Theatre of Dionysos once hosted plays of Euripides, Aristophanes, Sophocles and Aesculus. Today, the theatres operate during summer months hosting top performers and artistes. |
Ancient Agora At the foot of the Acropolis is the Ancient Agora [market], known as the commercial and public centre of ancient Athens. During the classical age, such notables as Sophocles and Aristotle taught there. Thesseion, one of the most intact of the ancient Greek temples, is located at one end of the Ancient Agora. It was first built in 450 B.C. Plaka Best described as ‘the Old Town”, the Plaka area is located in central Athens on the north slope of the Acropolis. Once the centre of nightlife activity, this 19th century settlement is now an excellent residential, dining and shopping centre. [Metro: Syntagma] Monastiraki If it’s a bargain you are after and if you still have not decided what souvenir to take back home, don’t forget to visit the Monastiraki Market. [Metro: Monastiraki] Syntagma Square Syntagma Square, now recognized as the centre of Athens and from where to orientate yourself to the city, is an acre large plaza filled with expensive outdoor cafes, trees and a fountain in the centre. On Sundays at 11.00 A.M. the evzones (Presidential Guard), accompanied by a military band, march from the Parliament building in full regalia, well worth a picture!. [Metro: Syntagma] National Gardens The National Gardens, located behind the Parliament building, offers a cool oasis during the heat of the summer. The park has dozens of walkways shaded by numerous trees. [Metro: Syntagma] Zappio Hall Inside the National Gardens is the Zappio Hall, which was built to be used during the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. The hall hosts a large number of cultural and commercial exhibitions. [Metro: Syntagma] Marble Olympic Stadium The all-marble stadium on Vas. Konstantinou Avenue and across the street from the National Gardens, was completed in 1895 to host the first modern Olympic Games the following year. [Metro: Evangelismos] New Olympic Stadium Completed in 2004 for the Athens Olympics, this state of the art complex is found in the northern suburbs of Athens [Metro: Eirini] Presidential Palace Formerly the Royal Palace, the Presidential Palace is located on Herodos Atticus Street behind the National Gardens. [Metro: Syntagma / Evangelismos] Lycabettus Hill The highest hill in Athens, Lycabettus, offers panoramic views over the city and as far as Piraeus and the sea. On the summit of the 912-foot high hill is a tiny 19th century chapel of St. George. Not far is a restaurant and coffee shop. You can reach the summit by foot, by car or by a funicular which operates from the Kolonaki side of the hill. [Metro: Evangelismos] |
