Ok so we've all heard about Athens and the Olympics and all that jazz but man was it so cool! Athens is where democracy was born, knowledge was pondered and Western civilization came into being. In 5th century BC, Athens developed many architectural, literature, math, science, philosophy and medical achievements.
The first place we visited was the Acropolis with the awe inspiring Parthenon and Temple of Athena Nike. Just think, I walked on stones that are from BC....the first traces of people occupying this area go back to the Neolithic period. After 11th BC it became home to Athena, the patron goddess of the city and other gods. Pericles had the Parthenon, the propylaea, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheiom built between 447 ans 406 BC.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (changing of the guards was taking place). The guards wear traditional uniforms of short kilts and pom-pom shoes is based on the attire worn by the klephts (the mountain fighters of the War of Independence).
The first modern day Olympics stadium from 1896.
The Olympic Village from the 1896 Olympics.
Ruins discovered while developing the underground metro system preparing for the 2004 Olympic Games.
The University of Athens and the National Library.
The public market area, Platka. This area is filled with locals purchasing, spices, fish, housewares items and much more. Also great food places in this area with traditional Greek salads, mamuska and more!
Haidrian's Arch which separates the old and new Roman towns.
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