Ah, Greece – as a traveller what’s not to love?! Rich history, aquamarine seas, vibrant sunshine, fresh produce and a warm welcome are all yours to sample whether in Athens, or Beyond Athens.
Athens starts with the Acropolis, and it’s famous temple, the Parthenon – perhaps the most well-known archaeological site in Greece. Such a familiar image to travellers.
Visit Greece describes the Parthenon as ‘…dedicated by the Athenians to Athena Parthenos, the patron of their city, is the most magnificent creation of Athenian democracy at the height of its power. It is also the finest monument on the Acropolis in terms of both conception and execution…’
Over time the Parthenon has served as a temple, the city treasury, a Christian church, and as a mosque. Restoration efforts began in 1975 and have continued in stages. It remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is an imposing example of the extraordinary construction skills of the ancient Greeks.
Our early morning visit, accessed via the ‘back gate’ saw the ceremonial raising of the flag to start the day. This time and entry point had been recommended to us to avoid the worst of the crowds; the crowd issue has since been partially addressed by the introduction of visitor number limits in 2023. We are interested to hear how the restrictions are working for the Acropolis – email us at ideas@travelsampler.world to share your experience. It may mean travellers need to plan even further ahead to secure tickets to the Acropolis, as it is certainly a ‘must see’.
The Acropolis Museum may be one of our favourite museums anywhere. A relatively ‘new’ museum, opened in 2009 it is some 300 metres from the Acropolis and is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. Athens deserves to be celebrated for its deeply thoughtful investment in this museum. The foundations are built over and protect ancient ruins, visible beneath the floor. The Parthenon gallery on the top floor is built on the same orientation, with the same dimensions, pillars and structures as the original building which is visible through the floor to ceiling windows. Replicas and reliefs of the Parthenon’s artefacts are on display. This museum is not to be missed! We’ll be back.
Athens bills itself as ‘…the historical capital of Europe… the birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of western civilisation. Home of Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles, Aeschylus. Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities. It’s recorded history spanning around 3.400 years and it is being inhabited since the 11th millennium B.C. E.’
Across Athens you will find historical sites, and archaeological digs still underway. The juxtaposition of University students carefully brushing off ancient artefacts, while graphic graffiti surrounds them is striking – as we forensically dig to uncover the past, you have to wonder what will future generations make of us? The Philosophers represented at the National Archaeological Museum, including Aristotle, may have thoughts about that.
After a full day immersed in the history of Greece and the wider world, it may well be time to visit the Plaka neighbourhood and enjoy the ambience and a fine meal. Don’t miss the chance to sample grilled octopus.
What was your favourite meal in Greece? Share with us at ideas@travelsampler.world
