Attica and particularly Athens is famous for its rich history and cultural heritage, as of course the whole country, asit offers a wide range of cultural attractions, museums and monuments that showcase the ancient and modern gems of the city, landmarks for the capital and the country. It is also rich in iconic sights, most of which worldwide renowned, attracting every year a plethora of visitors from all over the world.
And while the cultural sights, archaeological sites, museums and monuments that one can visit in Attica are numerous, we have made a list with 10 iconic spots of Athens that witness the long history and the Greek culture and prove that Greece is an international destination of cultural and historical interest.
Of course, the Acropolis, one of the iconic landmarks of Greece is the Acropolis, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features many ancient structures, such as the Parthenon, Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaea. The Acropolis Museum, located within a close distance, houses a collection of objects from the site.
The National Archaeological Museum, is in the heart of Athens, on 28is Oktovriou (Patision) Street. It houses one of the most important archaeological collections in the world. It features a variety of paintings, sculptures, fabrics and objects of historical value.
The Benaki Museum. It was founded by Antonis Benakis, and presents Greek art and culture from prehistoric times to modern times. It features a variety of paintings, sculptures, textiles and historical artifacts.
The Museum of Cycladic Art is dedicated to the ancient cultures of the Aegean Sea. It has an exceptional collection of Cycladic art, including marble figurines, vases and metalworking. The Museum houses temporary thematic exhibitions.
The Ancient Agora of Athens. This archaeological site used to be the heart of ancient Athens, being the agora and also a meeting place for political and social activities. Among its key spots are the Temple of Hephaestus, the Attalos Arcade and the reconstructed ancient Greek Museum of Agora.
The Panathenaic Stadium. Built entirely of marble, this stadium hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Visitors can explore the stadium’s history, see theartifacts and enjoy a panoramic view of Athens from the stands.
Syntagma Square and the Hellenic Parliament. In the centre of Athens, Syntagma Square In the centre of Athens, Syntagma Square, where the Parliament building is located, is a lively hub of the city. Here you will see the Changing of the Guard ceremony, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and admire the neoclassical architecture. The Old Palace is, from 1935 until today, the seat of the Greek Parliament. It is a neoclassical building, designed by the Bavarian architect of the Royal Court of Bavaria, Frederick von Gärtner.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus, the colossal temple that was once dedicated to Zeus. Although only some columns remain today, it still is an impressive place, evidencing the magnificence of the ancient Greek architecture.
Plaka, also known as the “Neighbourhood of Gods”, a picturesque district under the Acropolis. Here you can wander around the narrow alleys, lined with shops, taverns and cafes, and enjoy its charming vibes.
The Acropolis Museum. It is a modern museum close to the Acropolis, presenting the history and artifacts of the site. Its exhibits have been designed to help guests fully understand the Acropolis and its importance.
These are some of the sights, museums and monuments of major cultural and historical value that Athens has to show. However, even if you just explore these spots of Athens, it is enough to realise its rich cultural heritage and contribution to the creation of the Western civilization, in general.
Photos: Shutterstoch & Travelstyle.gr Archive
