It is true that the city has gone through major changes during the centuries, but somehow it managed to preserve its authenticity.

The historical center of Athens can be considered an open-air museum thanks to the multitude of remains that can be admired there.

The place that perfectly portraits the energy of the glorious past of Athens is definitely the Acropolis. The Holy Rock of Athens, as the Acropolis is called, rises majestically in the heart of the city and is considered the most important symbol of the Greek ancient culture. This fortified citadel is blessed with 21 important remains of Greek temples, edifices and buildings.

My favorite places and also the most well-preserved in the entire complex are: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaia, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

1.The Parthenon is a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, who is considered the patroness of Athens. This cultural monument is the most significant edifice of the Ancient Greece that still stands today. Displaying features of both Doric and Ionic architectural styles, the entire sanctuary is surrounded by massive columns and it is considered a fine example of Greek architecture.

The Parthenon had a tumultuous history and it passed through several stages during the centuries. For example the edifice used to serve as a treasury of the Delian League and later it became the symbol of the Athenian Empire.  In the 5^th century CE it was converted into a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and after the Ottoman conquest it was turned into a mosque. It is definitely a surprisingly interesting evolution.

2.The Erechtheion is also an ancient temple dedicated to Athena and Poseidon. Displaying an interesting and complex design, with a lot of Ionic architectural details, this temple is in my opinion the most beautiful and the best preserved in the entire area. My favorite part of this temple is the famous Porch of the Caryatids. Also named the Porch of the Maidens, this interesting structure has six support columns designed as six female figures.

As well as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion went through a tumultuous evolution over time. It used to be a church in the Byzantine period, a palace in the Frankish period and the residence of the Turkish commander’s harem in the Ottoman period.

3.The Propylaia is the monumental gateway to the Acropolis of Athens or the main entrance to this sacred place.  This structure consists of a number of rooms and gates which are linked with porticos and stairs. Surrounded by massive columns and walls and displaying a blend between the Doric and Ionic architectural styles, the Propylaia was considered one of the most innovative buildings of the Classical Antiquity.

It was the only building that survived the Greek, the Roman and the Byzantine periods. The Propylaia used to serve as the palace of the Acciaioli family during the period of the Duchy of Athens.

4.The Temple of Athena Nike is a small temple named after the Greek goddess with the same name. The temple was actually built in order to worship Athena as the goddess of victory and wisdom. The name Nike means victory in Greek.

Situated on the right side of the Propylaia, this is the first structure which was entirely built in the Ionic architectural style. The temple was surrounded by a railing covered with different architectural motifs representing Athena’s life.  The original fragments of the frieze that used to decorate the temple are now exposed in the British Museum and the Acropolis Museum.

5.Another interesting building situated in this complex is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. As the name suggests, this theater was built by Herodes Atticus in the memory of his wife Aspasia Annia Regilla.

Built on a steep slope, in the shape of an amphitheater, the original theater had three stone walls and a wooden roof and it was used as a stage for music concerts.  The remains of the Herodeon, as it is also called, host nowadays different outdoor music concerts and theatre performances.  It seems that this building hasn’t lost its main purpose.

To conclude, in case you haven’t visited the Acropolis yet you should definitely plan a trip there. This will be a great opportunity to admire the remains of the most important Greek temples, edifices and buildings.

The post 5 emblematic places on the Acropolis of Athens appeared first on HikerTips.

I am talking about those places loaded with a special type of energy, whose value is pointed out by their important role in history. These places can have a great impact on you, especially if you are a history and an art lover.

I have recently visited the Acropolis for the second time and I must say that it was indeed a wonderful feeling. Situated on a rocky outcrop, above the city of Athens, the Acropolis is an ancient fortified citadel which hosts the most important remains of some Greek edifices, temples and buildings. Rising right in the heart of Athens, the Holy Rock of Athens, as it is called, is the most important reference point of the Greek ancient culture.

The word “acropolis” comes from the Greek akron which means extremity and polis which means city. Even if this complex of buildings was repeatedly destroyed during the wars that took place in Athens, it was rebuilt each time. The Acropolis went through a tumultuous period until the end of the 19^th century, when things fell into place for this Greek citadel. That was the moment when the reconstruction process began and the ancient appearance of the citadel started changing.

Some of the original sculptures and objects were sent to the most important museums in the world. So, don’t be surprised if among the sculptures and objects which can be admired on the Acropolis, there are also copies! This is not such an important aspect and it doesn’t affect the beauty and the energy of this place.

There are actually 21 remains that can be admired in the citadel. The Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Temple of Athena Nike are among the ones that are worth mentioning. In my opinion these five are also the most well-preserved and interesting buildings in the entire complex.

Another interesting aspect is that visiting the Acropolis you will have the chance to admire a spectacular panoramic view over the entire city.

To conclude, the Acropolis of Athens is definitely a place which deserves to be added on anyone’s trip list.

The post The Acropolis, the Holy Rock of Athens appeared first on HikerTips.

This is a nice place where you will have the chance to combine relaxation with a lot of entertaining activities such as: beachside activities, shopping, visiting beautiful historical and religious places or just walking down its coquettish streets. I would say that Paralia Katerini is a perfect destination for all ages and budgets, because you will find everything you need there:  reasonable prices, cheerfulness and hospitality.

In my opinion Paralia Katerini is not a spectacular place but it is a good way to discover the amazing Greece. Its perfect location, on the east coast, makes it very easy for the tourists to visit a lot of other charming places in Greece. There are a lot of travel agencies in this village which organize tours to various tourist attractions. These agencies use tour guides and offer very good prices. Here are in my opinion the most beautiful and interesting trips you can take if you are in Paralia Katerini:

1. Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities, is a spectacular place which hides amazing tourist attractions such as: the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Poseidon, Agora, the Theatre of Dionysus and the Port of Piraeus. It will be a great experience to discover the beauty and the uniqueness of Athens.

2. Skiathos is a stunning island which displays amazing landscapes, an impressive architecture and beautiful beaches. You will have the chance to admire wonderful places on this island such as: Boutzi, which is a small peninsula, the Museum of Alexandros Papadiamantis, the Monastery of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, Kastro, a beautiful and old fortress and the gorgeous harbor.

3. Meteora is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Greece. The six amazing monasteries built on top of the rocks are incredibly beautiful: the Monastery of Saint Stephen, the Monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapausas, the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, the Monastery of Varlaam, the Monastery of Rousanou and the Monastery of Great Meteoron.

4. Mount Olympus, the Castle of Platamonas and Palaios Panteleimonas are beautiful places that will awaken your senses and will take you on a journey with wonderful landscapes, Greek traditions, history and culture.

5.Thessaloniki is a lovely city and also a shopping paradise. If you have a real passion for shopping you should definitely visit Thessaloniki because you will have the chance to purchase quality products at good prices. After a great shopping experience, there is nothing better than a walk down the peaceful streets of the city.

As you can see, Paralia Katerini is a good way to discover the beauty of Greece and I am sure that you will think the same after your own wonderful experience there.

The post Why is Paralia Katerini a good way to discover Greece appeared first on HikerTips.

Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities, has to be understood, felt and admired, not just visited. In my opinion the sights that a tourist should not miss are: the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Poseidon, Agora, the Theatre of Dionysus, the Port of Piraeus and I would add (even though it doesn’t fall into the category of tourist attractions)the Evzones -the ceremonial changing of the guards that takes place in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“The Holy rock of Athens” or the Acropolis, a symbol of wealth and beauty, is the most important complex of temples in Athens. Situated right in the center of Athens ,”the upper town”, as it is called, was the platform where many important or major events took place. This place seems to be loaded with a special type of energy.

The Temple of Poseidon and the Temple of Zeus are two sanctuaries made of marble columns, two monuments built for the gods. Even though these massive columns are hardly standing today, their beauty is the history that tells their story.

Agora is the center of the ancient Athens, the market that hosted different religious, political and commercial activities. This place will give you the chance to experience the unique Greek atmosphere.

The Theatre of Dionysus is the first stone theatre in the world. This theatre was dedicated to the God of wine and fertility.

Leaving behind the sphere full of historical and religious significance, the Port of Piraeus offers a time of peace and reflection over the beauty of Athens. The port of Piraeus is the largest Greek seaport and also one of the largest seaports in the Mediterranean Sea.

A walk down the narrow streets of Athens could wake a tourist up from his dream with gods and goddesses, temples and ruins.

As I have already said, you should not miss the Evzones –the ceremonial changing of the guards that takes place in Syntagma market. The soldiers put on quite a show and create the perfect occasion for you to take a few lovely pictures.

The post Discover Athens, a lovely city appeared first on HikerTips.