Panathinaiko Stadio

“The Acropolis Museum is an archaeological site-specific museum, housing more than 3.000 famous artefacts from the Athenian Acropolis, the most significant sanctuary of the ancient city. Located in the historical area of Makriyianni, southeast of the Rock of the Acropolis, the Museum narrates the story of life on the Rock from prehistoric times until the end of Antiquity. From its opening in June 2009 until March 2012 more than 4 million local and foreign visitors have passed through the Museum’s doors. Architect Bernard Tschumi’s new Acropolis Museum replaced the old Museum on the Rock of the Acropolis. The new museum has a total area of 25,000 square meters, with exhibition space of over 14,000 square meters, approximately ten times the size of the old Museum. A tailor made museum building with extensive use of glass ensures breathtaking views of the Acropolis, the surrounding historic hills and the modern city of Athens and immediate views of the archaeological excavation that lies below the Museum, visible through large expanses of glass floor. With the benefit of the changing natural light, visitors can discern and discover the delicate surface variations of the sculptures and select the vantage point from which to observe the exhibits. The archaeological excavation that lies beneath the Museum provides the opportunity to visitors to appreciate both the masterpieces of the Acropolis in the upper levels of the Museum against the remains of the day to day lives of the people that lived in the shadow of the Acropolis over various periods. After crossing the ground floor lobby of the Museum, the first collection that lies before the visitor presents finds from the sanctuaries and the settlement which were developed on the slopes of the Acropolis during all historic periods. On Level One visitors learn about the history of life at the top of the Rock, from the 2nd millennium BC until the end of Antiquity. On Level Three, visitors are afforded the opportunity to view the sculptural decoration of the Parthenon, the most significant temple of the Acropolis. The Museum provides an increasingly diverse program of activities for its visitors, including the presentation of Museum conservators at work within the galleries - currently the delicate laser cleaning of the famous Caryatid sculptures - 3D projections about the Acropolis in antiquity, gallery talks by Archaeologists-Museum Hosts and family-focused activities aided by backpack materials. Restaurant, café and Museum shopping is available, as well as quiet reading areas with publications about the Acropolis.”

“Between the Acropolis and river Ilisos we encounter the temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the largest temples of the ancient world. Its construction started in the 6th century BC and was finally completed by the Roman emperor Hadrian, who inaugurated in 131-132 AD. At the temple there were two huge gold and ivory statues of Zeus and emperor Hadrian.”

“Best time to visit: Dusk How to get there: hike up the path that starts at the end of Aristippou Street in Kolonaki and winds upwards. Alternatively, you can go for the funicular, which leaves from Ploutarchou and Aristippou Streets. About: Mount Lycabettus stands high above Athens, offering a clear and stunning view across the Attica basin and the Aegean. Facing the viewing platform is Agios Georgios, a tiny white-washed chapel. Also there is a (pricey) superb café. ”

“The Changing of the Guards in Athens Greece: The change of the guards takes place every hour by the military unit whose members stand proudly in perfect stillness in front of the Parliement. But every Sunday morning at 11 am, you can watch the official ceremony of changing of the guards with the official dresses.”