What can i say about the Greek city of Athens, well this is my second visit to this historic city, the first being back in 2014. Athens is the capital of Greece, and was once also at the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilization and empire which was widely referred to as the cradle of western civilization and the birthplace of democracy.
The city is still dominated by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon temple, the Erechtheum and Propylaea.
My exploration of what Athens has to offer starts in the Plaka district. In the shadow of the Acropolis and its ancient temples. Hillside Plaka has a village feel, with narrow cobblestone streets lined with tavernas and tiny shops selling everything a modern city thinks a visitor requires. It is an ideal place to grab any last minute refreshments or take a toilet break, before ascending the Acropolis as there are no facilities once within the site itself. Currently you will have to pay 22 EUR to access the Plateau to view the monuments. Well worth the cost once you have ascended.
The monuments on the acropolis plateau have been under restoration by UNESCO since 1975 and visitors should expect scaffolding and other obstructions due to this work. When i visited in 2014 the Parthenon had scaffolding and still has today, but not as much. Just the cost of protecting these amazing buildings.
Visiting these monuments are well worth the effort, and can be put on the same bucket list as the pyramids at Giza and Matchu Pitchu.
Athens has many interesting Roman period remains worth visiting, such as the Herodes Atticus odeon and Hadrian's gate.
Scruffy Ted at the Odeon. I wonder whats showing today?
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