G’day folks. Today’s post follows on from my recent post about the Acropolis last week, and I will take you through the other places I checked out in Athens whilst I was there last year. On my first full day I visited the Acropolis and after that I went for a long walk around Athens starting in Plaka and its little sub-suburb (?) of Anofiotika. Down further past Roman ruins, a museum featuring musical instruments, out to the Metropolitan Cathedral, and also the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.

The next day I took a day trip to the monasteries of Meteora, which I’ll be bringing to you next week ish, and then the following day I went out to see a couple of other things in Athens, which I have included in this post.

I got around Athens only by public transport (metro) and walking, and despite the hills and there not being a lot of shade, I thought it was an enjoyable city to wander by foot. Looking for a cheap feed? Well in general most eateries were cheaper than cities in other ‘western’ European nations. Variations on souvlaki are the go and you can eat well for around 10 to 15 Euros. There are plenty of places with tables outside with views of Athens and a good chance to people watch as well, although these may charge a little more for this experience.

But today, such as they are, a simple list and brief precis of each of the places on said list.

Anofiotika

This little neighbour next to, or inside the larger neighbourhood of Plaka, is on the far side of the Acropolis as you walk down from the top on the opposite side to the main entrance. I started my wander by coming out a different entrance than the one entered from and I am not sure that you can enter there (where I exited) although looking at Google Maps there is a ticket office there.

Anofiotika is small, and is characterized by white walls and spots for great views of this side of Athens. Mixed in is a lot of street art, although whether this was all within the confines of Anofiotika I wasn’t sure of, if not then technically they could be in Plaka. There are many thin alleys, some with steps to connect houses as Anofiotika is on the side of the hill that houses the Acropolis at the top. Be aware if you want to visit that it sees a number of tourists and that it is a place where people live, and walk it with respect.

Holy Church of the Holy Unmercenaries of Kolokynthis – Metochion of the Holy Sepulchre

This church in Plaka, almost in Anofiotika, is small and sits in the middle of its own courtyard and is definitely worth visiting even if its size is not impressive. It’s a 17th-century Orthodox Church and is stunning on the inside. Again, people come in and out for a pray so be mindful should you visit.

Roman Agora/Roman Ruins

So not to far from the above church, walking down the hill from the Acropolis, I came out to the Roman Ruins which are somewhat large and fenced off because you need to purchase a ticket (around 10 Euro I think, maybe 15). These are the Roman Agora (market) and it’s most very basic ruins, a few columns and a gate standing at the entrance, and a couple of small buildings too. I did NOT pay to enter. If it was much cheaper I probably would have, but you get such a good view from all sides because the fence is pretty open I didn’t see the need. There are many such ruins in Athens as well if you have the time to really explore the city, you could visit a few – some are Greek, some are Roman.

Museum of Greek Folk Instruments

This museum was around 10 Euros and I thought sounded unique and kind of cool. A lot of interesting instruments inside, but it was smaller than I expected, I was the only visitor and there wasn’t anyone playing/demonstrating the instruments which would have been great. Not far from the Roman Agora.

Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary

Built between 1842 and 1862, this church doesn’t actually feel quite as old as that. But it’s impressive enough to check out – it was built using the marble of 72 demolished churches.

Monument to the Unknown Soldier

This monument is not massive or super impressive, but it is guarded through the day if you’re lucky like I was you may get to see the changing of the guard. This is directly in front of the Hellenic (Greek) Parliament building which is worth a photo or three.

Zappeion Gardens

So there are gardens behind and around the Hellenic Parliament, including Botanical and National Gardens. These then lead to the Zappeion Gardens. All the gardens are beautiful, with statues and ruins interspersed with a lot of greenery. The Zappeion Hall is a large building that’s rather impressive too, and at times the gardens feel a bit more like central Europe than Greece. Large gardens over all, perfect to spend time in.

Hadrian’s Arch

Just outside the Temple of Olympian Zeus is this free standing arch, under the watchful gaze of the Acropolis. It was built around 131AD to honour the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Finally, this temple is basically just ruins. There are a few columns, its construction begun in the 6^th century BC but it was not completed for over 600 years when the Roman Empire controlled Athens. Designed to be the biggest temple (in the world I presume) today it really is just ruins bar one section and a few standing columns. I paid 20 Euros to enter and frankly, I thought I was ripped off! Again, you can get a reasonable view from outside. I would recommend saving your Euros.

Well folks, thanks for reading today. Next time to the beautiful and almost mythical monasteries of Meteora. Take care wherever you are in the world – May the Journey Never End!