Athens Sights - Page 2

Hellenic Parliament

Hellenic Parliament

Monuments
​​ Syntagma

The Hellenic Parliament is housed in an austere Neoclassical building on the top of Syntagma Square. It was originally constructed in the 1830s as the Palace of King Otto, the first king of Greece, but a century later, it started to house the Greek Parliament.
Not to miss: Changing of the Guard

National Gallery

National Gallery

Museums
​​ Hilton Area

The National Gallery of Athens is located right next to the (ex) Hilton Hotel, within walking distance from Evangelismos Station and Syntagma Square. It hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions showcasing the works of revered Greek artists.

Zappeion

Zappeion

Monuments
​​ Syntagma

Zappeion Megaron is an impressive Neoclassical building right next to the National Garden in Syntagma. It frequently hosts meetings and exhibitions, while people enjoy strolling around its lovely garden.

National Gardens

National Gardens

Hills and Parks
​​ Syntagma

Located right next to the Hellenic Parliament above Syntagma Square, the National Garden is a lush area with trees, fountains and a small zoo. Although situated in the heart of the city, it is a nice spot to relax away from the noise.

Lycabettus Hill

Lycabettus Hill

Hills and Parks
​​ Kolonaki

Visible from every spot of Athens center, the hill of Lycabettus can be reached on foot or by cable car from Kolonaki. A white church stands on top of the hill, offering unobstructed views of the busy town.

Filopappou Hill

Filopappou Hill

Hills and Parks
​​ Thissio

Filopappou Hill is also called the Muses Hill. It is located between the Acropolis and Thissio and offers a great view of the town. The funeral monument of a Roman general is located there.

Flea Market

Flea Market

Other
​​ Monastiraki

The flea market is located in the neighborhood of Monastiraki. The alleys are home to clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, furniture and antique stores, books and disk stands, and more.

Central Municipal Market

Central Municipal Market

Other
​​ Athinas Str.

The central market is an interesting place to visit, full of life all day long. You can find meat, fish, olives, nuts, herbs, spices and more.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

Cultural Centres
​​ Kallithea

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation and Cultural Center is a large modern park, that encloses the building hosting the National Library and the Greek National Opera, verdant areas, fountains and eating establishments. It is probably the most spectacular breath of fresh air in Athens.

Flisvos Marina

Flisvos Marina

Other
​​ Paleo Faliro

Located in the area of Paleo Faliro, Flisvos Marina is not only the most modern yacht station in the region but also one of the most popular seafront promenades to go for an evening walk and catch the sunset, at about half an hour away from the city center of Athens by car.

Mikrolimano Harbor

Mikrolimano Harbor

Other
​​ Piraeus

Mikrolimano ("Little Port") is one of the natural ports in the area of Piraeus. It is a lively place with a seafront promenade baorded of many cafes and restaurants.

Byzantine and Christian Museum

Byzantine and Christian Museum

Museums
​​ Vasilissis Sofias Ave

The museum was founded in 1914 and houses an important collection of Greek ecclesiastical art dating from the 4th to the 19th century: Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, sculpture, manuscripts, wall paintings, mosaics, wood carvings and many other objects.

Asclepieion of Athens

Asclepieion of Athens

Monuments
​​ Acropolis

The Asclepieion is a sanctuary erected in honor of Asclepius and his daughter, Hygieia, on the Southern Escarpment. The Asclepieia were of enormous significance in ancient times, due to the fact that they also served as healing centers.

Metropolitan church of Athens

Metropolitan church of Athens

Churches
​​ Syntagma

The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Annunciation, popularly known as the "Metropolis", is the cathedral church of the Archbishopric of Athens and all of Greece.
The construction of the Cathedral began on Christmas Day, 1842 with the laying of the cornerstone by King Otto and Queen Amalia.

Cycladic Art Museum

Cycladic Art Museum

Museums
​​ Syntagma

This museum is a private collection of Cycladic Αrt and Ancient Greek art of great importance, housed in a beautiful house. The Cycladic collection is a marvel of over 350 objects from the central Aegean Area, like marble sculptures and figurines or pottery, all dated between 3200 and 2000 BC. The Ancient Greek Art Collection includes artifacts from the Bronze Age to the Roman times.

Benaki Museum

Benaki Museum

Museums
​​ Vasilissis Sofias Ave

Benaki Museum houses the private collection of Antonis Benakis, composed of Bronze Age findings, works of El Greco, ecclesiastical furniture and many other collections. It is housed in a wonderful neoclassical house close to Syntagma Square.

The Runner

The Runner

Other
​​ Hilton Area

An impressive and polarizing work of art, the "Runner" is a glass sculpture depicting a running person, created by Costas Varotsos opposite the National Gallery.

Monument of Lysicrates

Monument of Lysicrates

Ancient Sites
​​ Plaka

This monument is located a few steps from the Acropolis Museum and was constructed to commemorate the award of the choregos Lysicrates in some festival performances in the 4th century BC.

Academy of Athens

Academy of Athens

Monuments
​​ Panepistimiou Ave

The Academy of Athens is Greece's National Academy and the highest research establishment in the country. It was established in 1926 and operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Education. The Academy's main building is one of the major landmarks of Athens.

University of Athens

University of Athens

Monuments
​​ Panepistimiou Ave

The University of Athens was founded in 1837 by King Otto of Greece. It was the first university in the liberated Greek State. It was designed by Christian Hansen and today serves as a ceremony hall and rectory.

National Library of Greece

National Library of Greece

Monuments
​​ Panepistimiou Ave

The National Library of Greece is situated in the heart of Athens. It was designed by the Danish architect Theophil Hansen, as part of his famous Trilogy of neoclassical buildings including the Academy of Athens and the original building of the Athens University. It was founded by Ioannis Kapodistrias.