Acropolis of Athens, Plaka, Syntagma square, Monastiraki, Psiri, Panathenaic Stadium, First National Cemetery of Athens
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Athens is a city where you feel the entire crisis of Greece. Once a flourishing capital, located in the southern part of the Attica peninsula, it now presents a gloomy sight of semi-ruined remnants at the heart of European civilization. But that’s only how it appears at first glance.
Of course, first and foremost, the city is intriguing for its history. The Acropolis, Agora, and Parthenon – words familiar since childhood, evoking the mythology of Ancient Greece. It’s an immense museum of ancient architecture under the open sky. The country’s political situation has left a strong imprint on the modern appearance of Athens. In the center, everywhere, you’ll find abandoned and semi-ruined buildings, along with plenty of street art, makeshift markets, refugee camps, numerous scooters, and chaotic traffic on the roads.
In the historical center of Athens, there are several interesting neighborhoods where you can have a great time, enjoy delicious food, take leisurely walks, visit craft shops or galleries, listen to street musicians, and catch the rays of the setting sun.
The ancient Plaka district with its winding narrow streets is nestled at the foot of the Acropolis. Here, you’ll find numerous cafes, restaurants to suit all tastes, souvenir shops, and crowds of tourists wandering around the historical center of Athens, between Syntagma Square and Monastiraki Square.
Right next to the Plaka district, you’ll find the Psiri neighborhood, a favorite spot among the Athenians themselves, where there’s more street art, youthful art scenes, and fewer tourists. Psiri boasts a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars, modern establishments, art installations, and taverns with live music.
In recent years, the field of contemporary art has been thriving in Athens, gradually emerging from a period of crisis and depression. Numerous art spaces and workshops have sprung up, and the city is adorned with millions of graffiti. Some refer to Athens as the cultural hub of Europe or “the New Berlin.”
The Panathenaic Marble Stadium in Athens is the only stadium in the world entirely constructed from white marble. After its reconstruction in 1896, it hosted the first modern Olympic Games in history. The stadium is still used for sporting events and is open to the public on regular days for jogging and tourist visits. Additionally, on some occasions, the stadium serves as a concert venue.
The First National Cemetery of Athens was established in 1837. This memorial complex is located near the city center, making it the final resting place for only the most prominent figures. The site resembles more of a city park with numerous marble sculptures amidst olive and conifer trees.
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