In fact the whole of Athens is replete with many architectural marvels and some of the most enduring historical landmarks of the city are mentioned below:
 Acropolis Hill |
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The Acropolis Hill, popularly referred to as the Sacred Rock, is one of Europe’s most enduring monuments and in many ways is regarded as a symbol of the city of Athens. In this hill three of the most important architectural monuments of the city were built on this hill during the Classical Period.
They are the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Nike. The erstwhile ruler Pericles began the construction of the Partheon in 447 BC which was completed in 432 BC. The Partheon is dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena.
Inside the Parthenon, there was a cella wherein an exquisite statue of the goddesses made of gold and ivory was built. The Erechtheion on the other hand was built between 420 and 406 BC. It was here that the cult of Athena Polias was installed as she was regarded as the guardian of the City. The eastern part of the Erechtheion was built in honor of Athena Polias, while the western part was dedicated to Poseidon. Legend has it that this was the palce where Poseidon left his marks on a rock while waging a war with Athena.
There is also the Temple of Nike, construction of which commenced in 427 BC and was completed in quick time, three years to be precise. Sculptors continued to work on the temple premises well into 410 BC. This temple happens to be the smallest of the trinity of temples at Acropolis Hill but significantly happens to be the first temple to be visible to visitors when entering the site through the main entrance.
Restoration work on the Acropolis Hill commenced after the city of Athens was liberated from the Ottoman Turks and is ongoing even today.
| Syntagma Square |
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Syntagma Square and the Parliament Building
Syntagma Square, popularly referred to as the Constitution Square, for all purposes is the hub of Athens city. Here in this picturesque square one can relax under stately trees and cascading fountains. It is also the principal hub of the city’s public transport system. The underground metro, tram depots and bus stations are all located in this square. Apart from this, some of the city’s most renowned museums are all located in close proximity to the square.
The Syntagma Square is also the place where the Parliament |
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Today, the Parliament functions from this building. There are exclusive offices, Assembly rooms as well as the chamber of the President all of which are located in this building. The best time to visit this place is at 6 p.m., when the changing of the guard ritual takes place right next to the tomb of the anonymous soldier.
| Temple of Olympian Zeus |
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The Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of Athens’ most significant edifice in terms of architecture. Historians are of the opinion that work on building the temple began in the 6 th century and was completed only by the 2 nd century.
For a while, construction works of the temple was halted as a majority of the Greeks of that era were of the opinion that building such grand edifices were symbolic of arrogance.
The temple was built in honor of Greek god Zeus. Inside the temple there was a massive statue of the god Zeus which was made of ivory and the finest quality of gold.
This magnificent temple was most probably affected by a catastrophic earthquake that took place sometimes during the medieval period. At the inception, the temple was conspicuous by 104 columns, but, as of today, there are just 15 still erect.
| Hadrian's Arch |
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Hadrian's Arch originally served as the entry point to the city of Athens. This arch connects the old city with the new. The Hadrain’s Arch dates back to 131 AD and there are two inscriptions engraved on the arch, that bears
testimony to this fact. The part of the arch that faces the old city, the inscription says - “This is Athens, the city of Theseus.” While the other inscription that faces the new city says - “This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus.” Hadrian was considered by many as a ruler with a vision. He is credited with the massive improvements that were brought about particularly in the eastern part of Greece by way of building roads and other infrastructure. Although he was a native of Rome, Hadrian was affectionately called Graeculus or The Greekling largely due to his fascination for Greek culture.
| Theatre of Dionysos |
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The Theatre of Dionysos is ideally located in the center of Athens. This theatre was built of timber and dates back to 600 BC. and is dedicated to the greek god Dionysos. This theater can easily accommodate upto 20,000 people. It is a fine example of the pivotal role that theaters played in the city of Athens in the days gone by.
There are a plethora of historical sites that are well spread out throughout the city; a vast majority of them were incidentally built in the majestic Neo-Classical style of Architecture. Many of the buildings are fully restored, while there are some wherein the Municipal authorities are carrying
out renovation works to bring them back to life.
This is because a majority of the historical buildings were brought down in the name of “modernity” |
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In these two Athens neighborhoods, one can still find the ambience of a typical Greek village. So much so that even the cacophony of traffic noise too fades into oblivion across the meandering streets.
Of course, it is true that Athens witnessed burgeoning growth in real estate in the sixties and seventies. But, if you walk with your eyes open, even today you are likely to come across historical buildings in the midst of modern apartments and office buildings.
In Athens if one scrutinizes the neighborhoods carefully, one is likely to come across true historical edifices that are tucked away alongside a maze of urban sprawls. The downtown area in particular is replete with numerous historical edifices including some exclusive churches.
The city authorities at present are engaged in redefining the beauty of the city by way of carving pedestrian streets, renovating the
old public buildings as well as restoring the principal squares and avenues in its efforts to create a massive archeological district that will stretch from Philippapos Hill to the Athens Stadium. The city authorities have also planned to elevate the river which in the past used to flow silently through the city.
Some of the finest specimens of Hellenic style of architecture can be found in the periphery of the University.
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A walk around the esteemed university can be a very rewarding experience architecturally. This neighborhood of Athens is a virtual adaptation of Athens during the Classical period. The historical buildings behind the Universityare a little worn out but the principal buildings are very inspiring. You would also do well to visit the old University, which has now been converted into a museum.
The neighborhood around the Plaka and Psiri are replete with stunning neo-classical buildings and they have incidentally been extensively renovated and many have been converted into museums and art galleries.
There are also the elegant Byzantine churches, which are well spread out across the city. Some of them have beautiful courtyards and impeccably landscaped gardens that only heighten the beauty of the surroundings. In this regard, mention must be made of the elegant 11th century Church of Kapni Karea, which has in recent times become the hub of a well defined pedestrian walkway.
All said and done, Athens is architecturally unique. Embark on a walking tour of the city in the company of an experienced guide and keep your eyes open as you walk along the promenades and meandering streets. Chances are that you will discover an Athens you never knew existed.
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