MAY 12 - ATHENS

We had ONE full day in Athens - we'd booked it that way on purpose as we didn't want to spend a lot of time here but, the fact of the matter is that you just CANNOT land in Athens without visiting the ACROPOLIS! It's such an important historical site - otherworldly, really.

Climbing up the hill to the Acropolis, high above the hot dusty crowded streets and sidewalks of Athens was a relief! However, once we reached the top, we were again greeted by the masses. Admission is 12 euros each but this fee also grants access to three other sites in the area (which we did not take advantage of

This monument to ancient Greece has stood guard over Athens since the 5th century BC. The ancient Athenians considered their city to be the capital of civilization it's not hard to see why!!

Of course, the most famous structure is the PARTHENON which was completed in 438 BC.
Today, it is almost entirely buried under scaffolding but it is still an amazing sight to behold!

(YOU CAN DOUBLE CLICK ON ALL IMAGES IN THE BLOG TO SEE THEM IN THEIR LARGER FORMAT)

This is also a perfect place to get a panoramic view of the city at your feet. Urban sprawl at it's best - but from that magic, historic vista, it's possible to lose yourself in the mystery and legend of the place!



The STADIUM




Tourista!!
















Just lots of gorgeous shots from this incredible place....



















Below the Acropolis ("high city") lies the ANCIENT AGORA. It was the marketplace of ancient Athens as well as the focal point for social and civic life from the 6th century to AD 500.







After about three hours, we'd had enough. IF we go back, it might be a good idea to spring for a guided tour. The alternative is to rent an audio guide - that way its' possible to get ALL the background information about the Acroplis, Athens and Ancient Greece that anyone could possibly desire. But, to be perfectly honest, neither Karel nor I are real "museum people".

That is what Athens and the Acropolis are - one sprawling, incredible, jaw dropping museum, interspersed among the modern day machine that is Athens today.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is undoubtedly a world treasure!!