{"id":673328,"date":"2022-10-26T11:36:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-26T08:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/?p=673328"},"modified":"2024-05-01T12:25:30","modified_gmt":"2024-05-01T09:25:30","slug":"what-to-see-in-athens-in-3-days-on-your-own-route-photo-description-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/what-to-see-in-athens-in-3-days-on-your-own-route-photo-description-map\/","title":{"rendered":"What to see in Athens in 3 days on your own – route, photo, description, map"},"content":{"rendered":"

While relaxing in a Greek seas<\/a>ide resort, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the capital of Greece<\/a> – Athens, named after the legendary goddess who, according to legend, founded the city<\/a>. To touch the ancient history<\/a> of the Greek capital, 1 day will not be enough even for a cursory overview<\/a> of all the sights<\/a>. As travel<\/a>ers who have had time to be impressed by the history<\/a> of the city, which experienced its heyday more than 2 thousand years ago, we will advise what to see<\/a> in Athens in 3 days on your own and how to make your route<\/a> through significant historical places<\/a>.<\/p>\n

First day<\/h2>\n

Upon arrival, it is best to stay in the center<\/a> near Syntagma Square or nearby the Agora in hotel<\/a>s: Thissio View, Phidias Hotel Athens<\/a> or Art Hotel Athens. From here it is convenient to get around all the sights<\/a>, since most of them are within walking<\/a> distance from each other. And in order not to waste time in queues and save money, we advise you to purchase a single ticket to visit 11 major historical sites<\/a>: the Roman and Athenian Agora, the Lyceum of Aristotle, the Library of Hadrian, the Agora Museum and the archaeological museum of Keramika, the Acropolis of Athens, the North<\/a> and South slopes of the Acropolis, Pottery, Temple<\/a> of Olympian Zeus. This ticket is valid for 5 days. It remains to provide comfortable walking shoes and hit the road.<\/p>\n

Book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel for 2 599 RUB<\/a><\/p>\n

Syntagma Square<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

We begin our acquaintance with the main square of Greece<\/a> – Syntagma or Constitution Square, which is located<\/a> in front of the Palace of Parliament. It is decorated with a large marble fountain of the 19th century. A luxurious white marble staircase leads from the square to the elegant classical building of the Parliamentary Palace. Climbing the stairs, you will admire the palace from a close distance and go out onto Amalias Avenue to the monument to the Unknown Soldier, guarded by an honorary guard of Evzone guards, dressed in national costumes.<\/p>\n

If you are on a Sunday, crowds of tour<\/a>ists gather here from 10 in the morning to see<\/a> an amazing sight – the solemn changing of the guard. To the sounds of the orchestra at 11.00, a company of Evzones in the amount of 150 people marches to the monument and the ceremony of changing the guard takes place. Then, near the square, you can take the Sintagma metro station to get a stop to the Station metro station or walk a little over 1 km in the direction of the Acropolis. Not far from the subway exit is the first historical monument that is part of the Acropolis complex.<\/p>\n

Hadrian's Library<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The name of Emperor Hadrian is commemorated by one of the most massive structures of the Acropolis – a library built during his reign in 132 AD. The ruler of Greece<\/a> in this building realized his dream of a secluded place for spiritual development<\/a> near a noisy bazaar. According to contemporaries, the library building with a book depository, lecture and reading rooms, was built similarly to the plan of the Acropolis.<\/p>\n

A huge quadrangle in shape, the scale of which today you can imagine from the remaining western marble wall, was decorated with 100 Corinthian columns, the material for which was Phrygian stone. The interior was impressive with high gilded ceilings, white marble walls with paintings and statue<\/a>s in niches. After examining the library of Hadrian, we head to the Roman Agora.<\/p>\n

Roman Agora<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The Roman Agora, located a 3-minute walk from the Library, cannot be called an ordinary shopping<\/a> area<\/a>. It was a commercial and cultural complex of several buildings. Today you will see the remains of ancient tiles that lined the entire square, ancient columns, the building of the Church of the Virgin Grigorus, the ancient mosque of the Conqueror and the octagonal marble Tower of the Winds. It is also interest<\/a>ing to see the remains of the sewage system laid before our era and the public toilets of Vespasian, designed for 70 sea<\/a>ts.<\/p>\n

Founded in the 1st century BC, the Agora got its name thanks to the donations of the Roman emperor Julius Caesar, as the inscription on the entrance says. Today, you will enter the territory of the Agora, surrounded by green spaces, through the western entrance, conspicuous by four marble columns 8 meters high. When planning your route<\/a>, keep in mind that the Roman Agora is open for visits from Monday to Friday inclusive from 8.00 to 15.00.<\/p>\n

Tower of the Winds<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The Tower of the Winds is the oldest meteorological structure in the world<\/a>. The idea to build a tower on the windswept Roman Agora belongs to the astrologer from Cyrus Andronicus. He also developed the design of the tower – an octagonal white marble structure, rising to 13.5 meters, crowned with a weather<\/a> vane indicating the direction of the wind. At the top of the tower were located a sundial showing the time in sunny weather<\/a>. The main name of the building is “Arida” or the Tower of the Winds, its 8 faces 3.2 meters wide symbolized the 8 divine winds.<\/p>\n

The second name of the tower – “Clepsydra” is translated as “Water Clock”. They were installed inside<\/a> the tower and powered by water coming from the Acropolis. The building is distinguished from the south side by a round extension, and from the northeast and northwest sides by an entrance with columns of the Corinthian order. The tower is crowned with a canonical ceramic roof. You can watch “Arida” and the rest<\/a>ored water clock from 8.00 to 18.30 on any day.<\/p>\n

ancient agora<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The ancient Athenian Agora, located on the Acropolis slope on an area of \u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b5 hectares, is much larger in size than the Roman one. The ancient Agora is best visited closer to noon. It is surrounded by a vast park with trees and shrubs, where you can take a breather between sightseeing<\/a> in this open-air museum. Here you will see the ancient Greek ruins of two Bolivions, where Council meetings were held, the construction of a well-preserved Doric temple of Hephaestus.<\/p>\n

Next, go to the Odeon, with columns decorated with 4 athletes. You may be interested in the two-storey portico of the Stoa of Attala and the architecture of the first Athenian-style church of the Holy Apostles of Solaki. If you are interested in ancient Greek history<\/a>, visit the Archaeological Museum located here, which displays many priceless artifacts found during excavations on the Agora.<\/p>\n

Temple of Hephaestus<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

Walking through the Athenian Agora, be sure to pay attention to the well-preserved ancient masterpiece – the Temple of Hephaestus, towering on Agoraios Hill. The first creation of the architects of Attica, built of marble, was dedicated to the god of fire and blacksmithing. The temple was preserved thanks to the efforts of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, which occupied the building from the 7th century until the beginning of the 19th century.<\/p>\n

All 34 Doric columns miraculously survived and the decorative friezes framing the building, where you can see sculptures depicting the exploits of Hercules and Theseus, are striking. Upon entering the sanctuary, you will see an open annex that precedes the main entrance. In the interior of the extension and the main building of the temple, friezes with relief images of mythological scenes have been preserved. Here there is an indescribable feeling of being in a distant ancient era. The temple is open for visiting from morning to 18.00.<\/p>\n

If you followed the itinerary<\/a> suggested by us, then it's time to have lunch. Just a 2-minute walk there is a cozy restaurant “All that jatz”. Here you can have an inexpensive and tasty meal with excellent wine or beer, which the owner of the restaurant treats for free. You will enjoy the excellent taste of freshly prepared national dishes with an average cost of 9\u20ac.<\/p>\n

Theater of Dionysus<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

After a short rest, go to the theater of Dionysus, located on the territory of the eastern slope of the Acropolis. It was built in the 4th century BC on the site of the former temples of the god of winemaking Dionysus. In ancient times, it was a marble building with 67 rows of sea<\/a>ts, designed for 17,000 spectators. On the theatrical stage performances of Aeschylus and Sophocles were played. The amphitheater had excellent acoustics. Everything that happened on the stage was perfectly audible in the last rows.<\/p>\n

You can verify this for yourself<\/a> by standing on the stage and shouting something. The first few rows, made of expensive marble, were intended for the elite. On some seats, you can see engraved names. During the reign of the Romans for gladiator fights, boards with friezes decorated with images of satyrs were installed on the front rows. Today, the Athens Festival is held in the amphitheater from mid-June to mid-September. You can visit the amphitheater from 8.30 to 18.00 daily for 12\u20ac.<\/p>\n

Acropolis<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

Having risen from the theater of Dionysus to the top of the hill, we will continue our tour<\/a> of the Acropolis – the birthplace of Athens. In Greek, the word Acropolis means fortress. Built in the 4th century, it served not only as a fortification. Behind its walls was an ancient city, the grandeur and beauty of which you will imagine from the remaining fragments of temples and sanctuaries dedicated to the goddess Athena, and other buildings. We enter the Acropolis through the main gate – the Propylaea, going up to the upper platform, we pass the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion temple, charming with its elegant architecture with columns in the form of statues.<\/p>\n

Inside this temple, where services were celebrated to several gods, you will see the well of Poseidon with salt water, which arose, according to legend, from the blow of the trident of the lord of the seas on the rock of the Acropolis. On a rocky peak, the white marble Part<\/a>henon appears in all its grandeur – the temple of the goddess Athena, directed to the sky with its columns. An unprecedented energy emanates from him, transfer<\/a>ring the imagination to the world of the Greek gods. Wandering around the ancient ruins of the Acropolis is best in the late afternoon, when there are fewer tourist groups. It is open from morning to 20.00.<\/p>\n

Mount Lycabettus<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

Do not miss the opportunity to capture in memory and in the photo<\/a> a picturesque picture of the ancient ancient city<\/a> in the magic<\/a>al light of sunset from Mount Lycabettus, which is 300 meters high. You can walk to the observation deck or take the funicular.<\/p>\n

The funicular runs every 30 minutes. Despite the fact that the observation deck is small, it covers the entire panorama of the city, immersed in the sunset. There is a cafe on the hill where you can dine and relax<\/a> while admiring the view of the opening view of the Acropolis. But, if you do not have time for sunset on Mount Lycabettus, you will have time to admire its beauty the next day from any hill.<\/p>\n

Second day<\/h2>\n

The second day will be no less eventful and interesting. The land of the city and its environs is so rich in ancient history<\/a> that each stone contains the legends, traditions and myths of Ancient Greece, and the remaining buildings amaze with the skill of ancient architects. We outline a further route of acquaintance with the sights<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Arch of Hadrian<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The next morning we will go through the national park<\/a> to look at Hadrian's Arch, enjoying the view of the pond occupied by turtles along the way. The two-tiered marble arch that opens before your eyes strikes with its monumentality and grandeur. Erected by the Athenians in 131, it stands out for its unique<\/a> superstructure with three Ionic columns.<\/p>\n

The height of the entire structure is 18 meters, the width is 13.5 meters, and the thickness of the walls is 2 meters. The construction of the arched gate, named after the emperor Hadrian, was then car<\/a>ried out on the road leading from<\/p>\n

Old city to the new city of Adrianopolis created by the monarch. Today, the arch overlooks Amalis Avenue, harmoniously blending into the city landscape. It can also be reached from Constitution Square or from the Acropoli metro station. The journey will take no more than 4 minutes. In the evening, the ancient building looks amazing in the backlight.<\/p>\n

Temple of Olympian Zeus<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

Not far from the arch of Hadrian rises the remaining fragment of the temple of Olympian Zeus from 16 columns topped with Corinthian capitals. Of these, 14 form a corner and give us an idea of \u200b\u200bthe former scale of the structure. Immediately you will see two columns rising separately and one lying. The consecration of the religious building took place in 132, and the Emperor Hadrian named it in honor of the god Zeus the Olympian. The temple served only 300 years, and then was destroyed during the attack of the Heruli.<\/p>\n

From historical documents telling about the size of the religious building 17 meters high, 96 meters long and 40 meters wide, it is easy to imagine how grandiose it appeared to contemporaries. Reverence for the deity was inspired by his statue, carved from ivory and gold, which is irretrievably lost.<\/p>\n

Lyceum of Aristotle<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

From the Temple of Olympian Zeus you will walk to Syntagma Square. Further from the Palace<\/a> of Parliament in the east direction you will pass to the Lyceum of Aristotle. This historical site, which served as a philosophical gymnasium, was founded by Aristotle in 335 BC. It was a magnificent complex of educational buildings, galleries and libraries. Here the philosopher taught the Athenians oratory and other sciences. Prepared students studied in the morning, science was taught to beginners during the day, and in the evening Aristotle lectured for all those who wanted to gain knowledge of the townspeople.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, only the foundations of buildings remained from the Lyceum of Aristotle, which were excavated not so long ago, when the museum was opened in June 2014. This will be the last attraction you see with the Single Ticket. From here, after reaching the Evangelismos metro station, or returning to Syntagma Square, get down to the subway to get to the Thissio stop, from which you can go to the historical Ceramik cemetery.<\/p>\n

Ceramic<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

Keramik is the name of the historical quarter. Its name comes from the potters who lived here in ancient times, making ceramic products. The whole quarter consisted of the urban residential part and the cemetery of Kerameikos, separated even before our era by the Themistocles wall, partially preserved to this day. You will see the Depylon and Sacred Gates, which served as the entrance to the cemetery of Kerameikos. Walking through the ancient churchyard, you can find burials dating back to the Bronze Age and many burials of honorable people.<\/p>\n

On the graves, tomb columns, erected as monuments, a tomb relief of two Athenian sisters and a marble bull from the tomb of Dionysius in 345 BC, have been preserved. On the territory of the cemetery you will also see the stele of the envoy from Corfu, the monument to Deklissia with high relief and several family tombs of celebrities. The Keramik Museum exhibits objects made by ancient potters and sculptures from the ancient period. Museum expositions can be viewed from early morning until three in the afternoon.<\/p>\n

Piraeus<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

From Keramika, going down the subway, we head to the final stop of the green line to the largest Europe<\/a>an port – Piraeus. Near the metro there is a harbor where ferries, liner<\/a>s and other ships moor. In the city, we advise you to see several interesting sights<\/a>. A visit to the Archaeological and Maritime Museums will provide an opportunity to learn the history of Piraeus through the example of the rarest exhibits. Then go to the Baroque Church of Saints Constantine and Helena, built with two bell towers at the beginning of the 18th century.<\/p>\n

The church facade with beautiful arched windows, decorative moldings and two columns at the entrance amazes with its grace. After visiting the church, head to the archaeological park of Dion, considered a sacred place by the ancient Greeks. At this place, the victories of the Macedonian kings were celebrated, the Olympics were held, and on the sacrificial altar, sacrifices were made to the main God – Zeus. From his temple, unfortunately, you will see only the foundation. You can walk in the park immersed in greenery between the fragments of ancient buildings in the summer<\/a> until 19.00.<\/p>\n

The third day<\/h2>\n

On the third day, it is worth going outside the city in a southerly direction, where there are unique natural and historical places: the thermal lake Vouliagmeni and the southern point of Attica, Cape Sounion. It is most convenient to go there with an individual tour for up to 3 tourists<\/a>. A five-hour excursion conducted by a Russian-speaking guide for 170 \u20ac will allow you to learn a lot of interesting things about the sights and feel the enchanting atmosphere of these places.<\/p>\n

Lake Vouliagmeni<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

After driving a little more than 20 kilometers, stop at the unique thermal salt lake Vulyagmeni, surrounded by a picturesque mountain. Water temperature from + 22\u00ba\u0421 to + 27\u00ba\u0421 in this natural reservoir is supported by springs gushing from the bottom from a seventeen-meter depth. Due to the content of various minerals, metals, sulfur and radon, lake water has a healing effect, and the smell of densely planted eucalyptus and pine trees creates an indescribable atmosphere of the area.<\/p>\n

The sandy beaches<\/a> and warm waters invite you to swim, which you can do by stopping here to experience the miraculous power of the springs. On top of that, unique Garra Rufa fish swim in a warm pond, naturally cleansing the skin of dead cells, rejuvenating it. Not far from Vouliagmeni, archaeologists found fragments of marble pedestals, colonnades and slabs with the mention of Apollo Zostiros, indicating that people lived here before our era.<\/p>\n

Cape Sounion<\/h3>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

The continuation of the excursion<\/a> will be remembered by the picturesque road along the coast of the Saronic Gulf. On the way you will meet several cafes and restaurants known for delicious national cuisine. You can stop there for lunch. After driving almost 50 kilometers from Vouliagmeni, you will see an amazing landscape of the southern point of Attica – Cape Sounion. The view of the rocky cliff, washed by the waves of the Aegean Sea<\/a>, and the ruins of the temple of the sea god Poseidon, towering on the rock, is stunning.<\/p>\n

Even the colonnade of 12 grandiose Doric columns left from its former grandeur, fragments of the architrave depicting Theseus fighting a bull and centaurs fighting lapiths are impressive. Watching the stunning sunset over the sea at the ruins of the Sanctuary of Poseidon, you will hear from your guide the legends<\/a> associated with the history of its construction, and the story of how luxurious it was in those distant times. You can walk along the ancient ruins of Poseidon until 8 pm, paying 4 \u20ac for entry. After enjoying the magical atmosphere of Cape Sounion, you will return back.<\/p>\n

Athens itinerary<\/a> for 3 days on the map<\/h2>\n