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Athens - Greece,
In the temple city Following independence the new capital had to cope with
fourteen revolutions, occupation by German troops, and a gruesome Civil
War before becoming the lively city that today attracts visitors from throughout
the world.
The Acropolis is certainly
the most impressive place from which no visitor can fail to take away an
aura of history. Nevertheless only the faded remains are preserved of Pericles'
giant and extravagant temple and the massive statues of bronze and marble
that were inset with gemstones. The Propylaia, Parthenon, and Athena Nike
temple are not all that has survived from the stormy past. Even in the
new metro station at Syntagma square in the city center, the outline of
walls provide a literally deep impression of past times and the display
cases are filled with rescued treasures that the building workers found
here.
The Middle Ages also
left impressive buildings behind such as the Byzantine Metropolis Church
from the twelfth century that was built with the rubble from ancient buildings.
They stand in the shadow of the larger Metropolis cathedral in which stones
were discovered in the nineteenth century from seventy earlier basilicas.
Both churches are at
the edge of the Plaka, the ancient Turkish center of Athens that nestles
alongside the picturesque Acropolis hill. This part of the city was all
that remained when Athens became the capital city. Even when its streets
are filled with tourists this part of the city still radiates its own original
atmosphere.
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Athens and Attica in general
have the most important archaeological monuments (Acropolis, Odeion of
Herodes Atticus, Olymbion, Roman Market, Panathinaiko Stadium or Kallimarmaro,
The Temple of Poseidon in Sounio, etc). In the capital you will admire
many imposing neoclassic buildings, true ornaments of the city (The Greek
Parliament, Athens Academy and University, etc). Don't miss visiting the
museums hosting unique treasures of our cultural inheritance (Archaeological
Museum, Military Museum, Byzantine Museum, etc).
Visitors of Athens can experience
the exciting feeling of going to the places where great historic events
actually happened more than 20 centuries ago. They can see the Dionysos
Theater, where the great theatrical plays of Aischylos, Sophocles. Euripides
and Aristophanes were first performed, stroll in the Agora as did Socrates,
Plato and Aristotle took place, walk around the Pnyx where the leaders
of the time debated major political issues or climb the Arios Pagos rock,
the seat of the court and the Parliament of Ancient Athens.
The most memorable moment
of a visit to Athens will be the ascent to the Acropolis, towering high
above the city. On top of the bill stands the magnificent Parthenon, one
of the greatest architectural masterpieces of all times that was built
in the 5th century BC. A unique archeological park surrounds the Acropolis,
featuring temples, theaters, cemeteries and the Agora, the ancient marketplace.
Famed monuments such as the Olympian Zeus Temple, the Keramikos Cemetery,
the Hephaistos Temple, the Attalos Arcade, the Tower of the Winds and the
Herodes Atticus Theater can be visited today.
Splendid examples of ancient
works of art from Athens and other parts of Greece can be seen in the National
Archeological Museum, one of the world's greatest museums. Athens is also
home to other great museums such as the Benaki Museum, the Byzantine Museum
and the Museum of Cycladic Art.
TThe capital is famous, more
than any other European capital, for its nightlife. Athens by night totally
changes. The options for entertainment satisfy all tastes. The famous "bouzoukia"
are the leaders in the Athenian entertainment. While the numerous theaters
all around Athens offer a different type of entertainment. Athens is a
divine city.
LE BAR BODEGA
Open: All Year Round
Bodega was created in
1984 from initiative of Alexandros Iola with the philosophy of a space
that might play music from all the world as well as art work of consacrated
and young painters
MAO CLUB-CAFE-POOL
Open: All Year Round
Mao, refers to the ever
present contrast of Peace and the Wild when two Great Civilisations meet.
The unleashed Hellenic/Chinese Relay leading to the 2008 Olympics began
nearby
MOUSSES CLUB Strip Show
Open: All Year Round
By far the most exceptional
SHOW CLUB by the seaside. Our beautiful Show Girls blend into the carefully
lit Decor, while you are pampered by ethereal service enjoying your drinks
Dining and Entertainment
Greeks are well known
for their inclination to enjoying life. So it comes as no surprise that
Athens features a lively nightlife scene. Typical for this hedonistic city
are late dinners at 10 p.m. and nightclubs that fill after midnight and
stay open until dawn!
Each visitor should eat
at least once in a typical tavern serving traditional Greek fare. The eateries
called "ouzeri" serve a variety of appetizers - the 'mezedes" -which are
washed down with a small bottle of the liquor "ouzo". Seafood and fresh
fish can be found in one of the numerous fish restaurants in Pireas and
the coastal suburbs of Athens.
A variety of tempting
gourmet restaurants is available for more sophisticated outings. There
is also a selection of ethnic restaurants featuring cuisine's from all
continents
The dining destination most
popular with visitors is Plaka, featuring many taverns and restaurants.
Elegant restaurants can be found in Kolonaki, Psirri as well as in the
suburbs of Kifissia, Glyfada and Vouliagmeni. A popular choice is also
the seafood restaurants located in the picturesque fishing harbor of Mikrolimano
in Pireas.
Athens offers many nightclubs
with Greek music as well as discos. Many are located along the coastal
road in South Athens. Bars can be found around Kolonaki and Exarchion Square,
in the streets behind the Hilton Hotel, in the Thission area and in every
suburb.
Visitors interested in
a more authentic experience should opt for one of the clubs featuring Rebetiko
music - There is also a choice of music halls, where established Greek
singers perform, and several jazz and rock clubs
PALEA FOKEA Nude Beach
Palea Fokea (or Palaia
Phokea) next to Anavissos is a nice sandy beach southeast of Athens. A
beautiful fishing port adds to the beach charm. Several restaurants on
the beach offer what the local fishermen provide.
HOTELS IN ATHENS
ATHENS ATRIUM HOTEL SUITES
Category:
Open: all year
The Athens Atrium Hotel
& Suites is a modern and recently renovated Superior 4 star hotel located
in the center of Athens, the capital of Greece. It is the ideal plac.
ACROPOL
Open: All Year Round
Old World Finesse, Modern
Flair A landmark building, designed by the distinguished Greek architect
Emmanuel Vourekas. Marble and hardwood floors, set the tone for the int.
ALMA HOTEL
Category:
Open: all year
Hotel ALMA is located
in Omonia Square in the centre of downtown Athens. It was established in
1964 with a long-standing reputation for good service.
ATHENS IMPERIAL
Open: All Year Round
The trendy side of the
town Welcome to the center of the center of Athens. A stone?s throw from
the historical center, Athens Imperial is in the heart of the theater.
ATHENS ROYAL OLYMPIC
HOTEL
Category:
Open: All Year Round
Royal Olympic Hotel Beneath
the shadow of Acropolis and just in front of one of the greatest masterpieces
of Classical Athens the famous Temple of Zeus.
BABY GRAND HOTEL
Open: All Year Round
The Baby Grand Hotel
brings together all that makes Athens unique: history, culture, innovation,
and diversity. 10 international artists from the fields of urban art, graffiti
design and illust.
BEST WESTERN ESPERIA
PALACE HOTEL
Category:
Open: All Year Round
BEST WESTERN ESPERIA
PALACE HOTEL Location Welcome to the Esperia Palace Hotel Member of the
Best Western International Hotels.
EPIDAVROS HOTEL
Category:
Open: All Year Round
EPIDAVROS HOTEL consist
of 54 wonderful rooms that are comfortable, tastefully furnished and nicely
equipped. It is located in the center of Athens, only 50 meters from Omonia
square.
GRAND O' HOTEL
Open: All Year Round
Athens' funky jewel Sassy,
smart, and stylish, from its Art Deco sculptured door and wrought-iron
railings to the original pop-art in the lobby.
HERA HOTEL
Category:
Open: All Year Round
Hera Hotel, a member
of Groupotel Hotels & Resorts, is a four star exclusive boutique hotel
of Athens. The hotel is located right at the foot of the Acropolis hill,
the new Acropolis Museum.
HOLIDAY INN 5* LUXURY
Category:
Open: All Year Round
The new image of the
hotel is the result of an extensive renovation recently completed and of
the continuous effort we make, to improve and upgrade the services and
the premises . |
