| PIRAEUS |
| Dating
back to the middle of the 5th century BC, the port of
Piraeus was largely rebuilt in 1834. Piraeus was known
in medieval times as Porto Leone owing to the enormous
stone lion, which stood at the port entrance. Piraeus is
the busiest port in the Mediterranean. Cargo ships,
cruise liners, naval vessels and private yachts all use
the port from different docks. Ferries to all the Aegean
Islands leave from the main harbour, hydrofoils (known
as Flying Dolphins) leave from both the main port and a
purpose built marina, Zea Marina. (See
Transport/Ferries). Piraeus is good for shopping, the
main street Polytechnion, has a huge variety of stores.
Parking, however, is not easy and traffic always heavy.
If going to Piraeus it is advisable to have someone with
you who knows his or her way around. Piraeus
Archaeological Museum houses objects found in and around
Piraeus. The Maritime Museum on Akti Moutsopoulou has
exhibits that cover 3,000 years of Greek naval history.
Mikrolimano is a
picturesque fishing harbour near to the main port. The
restaurants here are famous for their seafood. Above the
port, on the hill Prophet Ilias, Kastella is the most
expensive residential area in Piraeus. Overlooking the
port and harbour, its narrow streets have some beautiful
old houses and lovely views of the Mediterranean.
|
| SOUNION,
TEMPLE OF POSIEDON |
210
823 0179 |
| The
temple is located 70 kms south of Athens at the end of
the peninsular. It offers spectacular views over the
Saronic Gulf.
The Temple of Poseidon
stands 60m above the sea at the top of a cliff on Cape
Sounion. It is here that the ancient Greeks worshipped
Poseidon, God of the Sea. The Temple was built in the
5th century BC and fifteen of the original 34 Doric
columns are still standing. 400m from the temple, you
will find the sanctuary of Athena Sounias. Lord Byron
first visited Sounion when he was 18 and his signature
is carved on a pillar inside the temple. He wrote a
short poem "Isles of Greece" in which he
refers to Sounion. Two buses serve Sounion from Athens,
one takes the coast route and the other goes inland via
Agia Paraskevi. The terminal for both buses is
Mavromation Street near Pedion tou Areos in Athens.
|
| AEGINA:
THE TEMPLE OF APHAIA |
| This
splendid well-preserved Doric temple was built in 480 BC
when Aegina was at its most powerful. The temple
pediments were decorated with Trojan War sculptures most
of which were spirited away in the 19th century. The
temple stands on a pine covered hill and commands
imposing views of the Saronic Gulf and Cape Sounion. |
| THE
TEMPLE OF APOLLO |
22970
22284 |
| The
Temple of Apollo once stood on the Hill of Koloni. The
hill was the site of the ancient Acropolis and there are
still remains of an early Helladic settlement. The
Temple now consists of one remaining Doric column. The
museum in Aegina is open Tues- Sun 8.30-3pm |
| CORINTH
SITE AND MUSEUM |
| Corinth
occupies a strategic position adjoining the Isthmus of
Corinth. The rejoin was once dominated by the ancient
city of Corinth. Modern Corinth was rebuilt after an
earthquake destroyed the old town in 1858. The town has
a pleasant harbour and warrants a stay because of its
close proximity to ancient Corinth.
|
| ACROCORINTH |
| One
of the finest natural fortifications in Greece. The
ruins are a medley of imposing Roman, Byzantine and
Venetian ramparts. The views from the top are
tremendous. Site open 8am-7pm Tues -Sun [Closes 2pm in
winter] |
| CORINTH
CANAL |
| The
Canal cuts across the Isthmus of Corinth at sea level
and connects the Ionian and the Aegean seas. It was
built between 1881 and 1893 and is cut through solid
rock. It is 6.4km long and 23m wide. The vertical sides
rise 90m above the water. It is an impressive site
particularly when a ship is passing through it. |
| DELPHI
MUSEUM AND SITE |
22650
82312 |
| Ancient
Delphi. One of Greece's most important archaeological
sites and probably one of the most beautiful. Located
near the foot of the south slope of Mt Parnassus, Delphi
was the seat of the Delphic Oracle, the most famous and
powerful of ancient Greece. The oracle originated in the
worship of an earth-goddess and later legend ascribed it
to Gaea. It passed to Apollo; some stories say he won it
by killing the Python, others that it descended to him
peacefully through Themis and Phoebe. The Delphic oracle
was the pre-eminent shrine of Apollo, but in winter,
when Apollo was absent among the Hyperboreans, it was
sacred to Dionysus, who was said to be buried there. The
oracle was housed in the great temple to Apollo, first
built in the 6th cent BC (it was destroyed and rebuilt
at least twice). Persons seeking the help of the oracle
brought rich gifts and the shrine grew very wealthy.
Delphi was visited before entering battle, gifts where
offered and advice taken. Henry Adams once said that
Delphi is ''the Greekest thing of all''. One of the art
works excavated in Delphi is the beautiful 5th cent
bronze statue called the Delphic Charioteer, which can
be seen in the museum. |
| ELEFSINA
MUSEUM AND SITE |
210
554 6019 |
| Ancient
Elefsina. Ruins of the sanctuary of Dimitra where she
and her daughter Persephone were worshipped. Persephone
was kidnapped by Hades and taken to the underworld.
Mythology says that with Persephones annual return, the
seasons changed and winter gave way to the rebirth of
spring. Follow signs to Piraeus, then Corinthos and take
Elefsina turning. Open Tues. - Sun. 08.30 - 15.00. |
| KAISARIANI
MONASTERY |
| Ethnikis
Antistasioes, Kesariani. Built in the 11th century AD,
it is situated on the slopes of Mount Imittos. According
to Greek mythology the god Hephestios often visited the
area. The source of the river Ilissos is on the hill
purportedly sacred to Aphrodite. During its years of
economic prosperity, the monastery was a major cultural
centre with a rich library. The church is built in the
shape of the Greek cross, and is decorated with frescos
dating from the 16th century. Within the monastery, you
will also find a mill, a bakery, a bathhouse and a
refectory. The waters from the fountain were believed to
cure sterility and are still believed to have special
qualities. Just a 20-minute walk away from the monastery
is the Botanical Garden, hosting 3,000,000 pine trees,
cypresses, firs, plane trees, oaks and poplars. Picnic
tables are available. How to get there: By car, take
Kareas ring road and follow signs to where footpaths
begin. City bus No 224 departing every 10 min from
Kanigos Square, takes you to Kaisariani cemetery approx.
3 km from the monastery. |
| EPIDAVROS
MUSEUM AND SITE |
27530
22000 |
| Ancient
Epidavros famed for the sanctuary of Asklipeos, the God
of Healing where the sick came to be cured from the 6th
century BC. Epidavros is renowned for its ancient
amphitheatre with its circular orchestra, (50 tiers for
15,000 spectators) and its perfect acoustics. The
theatre is still used today during the summer festival.
For details, contact the Greek National Tourist Office.
Theatre: 27530 22351, 27530 41249, 27530 22006. Approx.
2hrs drive from Athens; good road once you get through
the Athens or Piraeus traffic, take the turning for
Epidavros from the National Toll Road.
|
| MARATHON
MUSEUM AND TOMB |
22940
55462 / 22940 55155 |
Marathon,
Attica. Approximately 1 hour from the centre of Athens
by car. At the battle of Marathon in 490 BC, the Greek
soldiers, although outnumbered by the Persian fleet were
victorious. Following their victory, Miltiades the Greek
commander sent Pheidippides, a runner from Marathon, to
Athens with news of the victory. He ran all the way and
on arrival at the Athenian Agora he delivered his
message, Nenikikamen (we have won) and then collapsed
and died. In the first modern Olympics of 1896, a
commemorative footrace retraced his 25 mile route. The
race soon became an esteemed Olympic event and its
distance was standardized in 1908 at 26 miles 385 yds or
45.37 kms.
Near the battleground is the tomb of 192 Athenian
soldiers who died during the battle. The museum is small
but houses some important finds. Also nearby are some
lovely beaches (Skinias) with excellent fish tavernas.
The water is shallow and clear and a great day out can
be had combining history with relaxation and a good
meal.
To reach Marathon from the north you should go via Ag
Paraskevi, Stavros and down Marathonos Ave through
Pallini, Pikermi and Nea Makri to Marathon. The tomb is
sign posted. If you get this far, Marathon Lake
(man-made reservoir) is worth a visit; there is a
cafeteria & restaurant. You can drive across the
narrow bridge or park your car and walk across. From the
south follow signs for the Elefterios Venizelos Airport
and either take the Attiki Odos (national toll road) or
at the end of Vari Rd keep straight and follow signs for
Paiania, Koropi, Pallini where you can turn right onto
Marathonas Ave. |
| THE
VORRES MUSEUM |
210
664 4771 |
| 4
Diadochou Konstantinou, Paiania. Set in beautiful
gardens, this museum is divided into two sections. The
first section houses a collection of contemporary Greek
art and sculptures. The second section is housed in a
complex of two traditional village houses and a building
once used for wine pressing. The houses have been
authentically restored and decorated, in keeping with
village tradition, with antiques from various regions of
Greece. |
| MONASTERY
DAPHNI |
210
581 1558 |
Athens'
most important Byzantine monument included on theWorld
Heritage Site list. It is built on the site of an
ancient Sanctuary of Apollo. Its name is derived from
the Daphne laurels, which were sacred to Apollo
Open-8.30-3pm daily |
| MOUNT
PARNITHA |
| This
is the highest mountain in Attica (1,100m / 3,359ft). It
was the most fortified mountain of Ancient Greece. The
Ancient Greeks used to believe that the goat footed god
Pan would come and play his music and dance in the
forests here. Parnitha was first settled in the
Mycenaean period and it was always a key post for the
defence of Attica. Its huge pine forests extend over
300kms2 and over 818 different kinds of plants and herbs
can be found here. There are thousands of trails to
follow and hundreds of small caves to explore. |
| VRAVRONA
ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE AND MUSEUM |
| Markopoulo.
Dedicated to Artemis the Goddess of hunting. At the site
you will find the ancient Greek temple to Artemis and a
15th century Christian church. Only one podium of the
ancient temple remains but the Stoa has been partially
restored. Small but interesting museum housing exhibits
from Vravrona, Anavyssos, Perati and other sites in
Attica. |
| KOTOUKI
CAVE |
210
664 2108 |
| Paiania,
Attika. 3,800 sq m underground cave with a multitude of
stalactites and stalagmites; arguably the most
interesting cave in Greece. It is to be found on the
east face of Mt Hymettos at a height of 540 m. Guided
tours only, booking necessary. Well worth a visit. |
| ANCIENT
MYCENAE MUSEUM |
27510
76585 |
| Argolis.
Ancient Mycenae was the most powerful kingdom in Greece
for 400 years (1600-1200BC). Mycenae is synonymous with
Homer. In his epic poems, The Iliad and the Odyssey, he
writes of ''Well built Mycenae, rich in gold'' and he is
considered to five admirable glimpses of the culture of
the late Mycenaean civilization of the 12th century BC.
The Citadel of Mycenae is well worth a visit. The famous
Lion Gate, which led into the city, and the Treasury of
Atreus, the largest of the beehive tombs outside the
walls of the city, are the most notable of its ancient
remains. |
| NAFPLIO
MUSEUM |
27520
27502 |
| Nafplio
was once the capital of Greece, after liberation from
the Turks. Can visit here in a day, but it is worth
staying over night to visit Tolo and surrounding areas.
The castle is worth a visit with its 999 steps and
spectacular views from the top. |
| KOMBOLOI
MUSEUM |
27520
21618 |
| 25
Staikopoulou, Nafplio. The only Komboloi museum in
Greece. |
| OLYMPIA
MUSEUM AND SITE |
26240
22529 |
Olympia,
Peloponnese: Ancient Olympia was a complex of temples,
priests' dwellings and public buildings. Olympia was an
important centre for the worship of Zeus in ancient
Greece in Elis near the Alfios River. It was the scene
for the Olympic Games, which took place every four
years. The great temple of Zeus was especially
celebrated for the ivory, gold-adorned statue of Zeus by
Phidias, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Excavation, which revealed the great temple, also
uncovered the Hermes of Praxiteles, several other
temples within the sacred enclosure called the Altis and
the stadium. The ancient Olympic Games were held in the
summer once every four years in honour of Zeus. Records
cannot verify games earlier than 776 BC but they are
known to have continued until the end of the 4th century
AD when the Roman Emperor Theodosius I discontinued
them. Among the Greeks, the games were nationalistic in
spirit and states were said to have been prouder of
Olympic victories than of winning battles.
The site, now World Heritage-listed, is open 8am-7pm
daily. |
| AMFIAREION
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE |
22905
62144 |
| Kalamos
|