Athens sights and landmarks guide

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Athens is one of the places in the world that has a lot remains of its ancient history.  A day is not enough to explore the rich history of this classic place, with its breathtaking views and architectures. If you are clueless where to start, you may want to go to Plaka as this is the center of old Athens.  A good starting point for walk to the main sites would be the center of modern day Athens, Sindagma Square. Listed below are the popular sites of Athens worth visiting. 

The Acropolis   This is also known as the “sacred rock” and served as the residential area back in the Neolithic period.  Contrary to what most people think, Acropolis is made up numerous temples dating back to 5th century BC. Propylaea   Main entrance of Acropolis and what’s remained are just the marble columns and some parts of the ceiling. Temple of Athena Nike   Athena is the city’s patron goddess.  This temple is near the entrance of Acropolis. Parthenon   A large temple dedicated to Athena and has a Doric style of architecture.  According to the legends, this was where Poseidon and Athena fought over  the city to which Athena won.  It is considered to be the mose beautiful and sacred temple in Acropolis.  Acropolis Museum   This is a small museum that holds treasures that have been unearthed in that location. 

Hadrian’s Arch   Famously built by the Roman emperor Hadrian, hence the name, to separate the ancient Athens and modern Roman city. Temple of the Olympian Zeus   This was built a hundred years before Acropolis was built.  To this day, only the columns are left but tourists get to have the chance of touching the columns. 

Theater of Dionysus   Location is just below Acropolis.  This was built back in the 8th century and was an open amphitheater where dramas written by the famous Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes were performed in front of thousands of people. Theater of Herodes Atticus   This is located right beside The Dionysus Theater and built in 2nd century AD by the Romans.  Presently, Athens Festival is held here. Panathinaikon Stadium   This is an open air stadium built in 4th century BC that can hold 70,000 people.  The first modern Olympics n 1886 was held here as well as the opening ceremonies of the 2004 Olympics. Keramaikos   Currently an archaeological site and used as a cemetery in ancient times. Ancient Agora   This is the commercial center of ancient Greece 2000 years ago.  In this location, the temple of Hephaestus can be found and is one of the best preserved.  Also the Stoa of Atalus is a reconstruction from 200 BC and now houses stuff found at the Agora.  Roman Agora   During the reign of Hadrian, this was the commercial center.  This is where St. Paul preached to the people of Athens about the unknown God.  His speech is carved on a plate on the rock. Summer in Athens is always festive as Greek dramas are performed by world famous artists in the Theater of Herodes Atticus.  There are also sound and light displays held at the Acropolis and the Parthenon.