In an article published in Venere Travel Blog, Theresa Caruso presents a list of the 7 most impressive attractions located in Athens, the Greek capital, that provide the visitor a life changing experience.
“No matter where you are in Athens, there are ruins ready to take viewers back several millennia to the times of gods, goddesses, and excessive riches and lifestyles far beyond our imaginations,”, states the article.
Couple that with Athens’ incredible Mediterranean climate, gloriously blue Sea of Crete, and super-yummy food, and you’ve just planned a life-changing vacation sure to please the entire family. What attractions should you see? All of them! But here are seven that you cannot miss no matter what.
1. The Acropolis
When people think of Greece, they think of the Acropolis. The Acropolis has to be the most popular and photographed attraction in Athens, and why shouldn’t it be? This primarily fifth-century-B.C. citadel is seated on flat bedrock above Athens, overlooking the modern-day city in all of its splendor and glory.
2. The Parthenon
“Acropolis’ biggie” according to the article. Of all of the monuments still standing in Acropolis, the Parthenon looks the best – probably because it was built to honor Athena, the Greek goddess of, well, just about everything! Even today, the Greeks consider the Parthenon to be the protector of Athens; they treasure Athena’s shrine.
3. The Propylaea Gate
If you’ve had the pleasure of visiting any ancient ruin site, you know that ancient civilizations were big on gates. Gates protected ancient cities, and the Proplylaea, “gateway” when translated, was built to protect the Acropolis.
4. The Erechtheion Temple
Athena was, and still is, big in Greece. And she didn’t just have the Parthenon built for her. Nope! The Erechtheion Temple, or what’s left of it, in Acropolis was also constructed to honor the favored Greek goddess.
5. The Temple of Athena Nike
When facing their archenemy the Spartans, the ancient Greeks turned to Athena, attached “nike” to her name, which means “victory,” and made her the goddess of victory.
6. The Academy of Athens
Philosophy fans must visit the Academy of Athens while in Greece. Let’s face it – philosophy has changed all of our lives, and this neoclassic academy was built in the 19th century and inspired by the father of philosophy himself, Plato.
7. The National Garden
Perhaps the most life-changing attraction in Athens is the National Garden, according to the blogger’s opinion. The reason is simple: You’ve just hiked up Acropolis Hill and then traversed the Acropolis ruins; you’ve just visited the Academy of Athens, which is comprised of several buildings and research centers. After all that, of course you are exhausted! Relaxing in Athens’ cool and peaceful National Garden, a glorious oasis behind the Greek Parliament is an amazing experience.
Source: Venere Travel Blog
