If you’re into visiting historical sites, especially ruins, there’s no better place to visit than Athens. Not only are the people friendly, but the sites are phenomenal. I did not know what to expect when I arrived in this wonderful city beyond carefully mapping out the distance to the places I would visit. I stayed about ten minutes walking distance from Parthenon since I had predicted that would be the main attraction. I could hardly contain my excitement being that my flight had arrived too early in the morning for my hotel room to be ready or for Parthenon visiting hours. Luckily, The Royal Olympic Hotel, where I stayed, provides a spare bathroom with a shower near the pool precisely for the predicament I found myself in that day. I was exhausted as I had just arrived from a visit to Ireland (more on that another day), but I was able to get ready and explore the perimeter. The hotel staff was very helpful, safely stored my bags in their luggage room, and off I went to explore. I was starving, so I headed upstairs to their terrace restaurant for breakfast and I did not expect what I was about to see. The most magnificent views of the Temple of Zeus were right in front of me while Parthenon stood to my left. It was like traveling back in time and playing a part in a majestic, ancient dream. I had done my research so I had viewed some photos on the hotel’s website pertaining to the astonishing sight that lay before me, but witnessing these historic ruins in person while I enjoyed my delicious Greek meal was a completely different experience. I should add that the view is even more striking at night when the monuments are lit. I just kept thinking, ‘somebody pinch me, but not too hard.’ The other prevalent thought in my mind was that of awe as I imagined how seeing these amazing historic structures on a daily basis must make the Greeks feel. I suppose they grow used to it, but I wonder what they would think of these marvels if only they could see them through my eyes. At the very least, I imagine they feel proud to be Greek.
Now that my belly was full, I was ready for my expedition around Athens. I was full of energy and remember walking and asking around how much further until I reached Parthenon on the much anticipated and famous Acropolis Hill. I walked through Plaka and passed the Acropolis Museum, a few artists, and some great shops I was destined to visit eventually after I found what I was looking for – the steps up the hill. This was it! I was about to make one of my wishes come true, but not before waiting in line and exchanging twenty euros for this great experience. Not a bad deal and there are people in line who offer tours. I opted out of the tours, but people seemed to enjoy their guides as did I from time to time when we happened to cross paths. I recommend the tours, but I had only brought a limited amount of money to cover the entrance fees to Parthenon and the museum since I try not to carry around too much cash while on vacation. As I climbed up the hill, the ruins began to reveal themselves. It was such a spectacular moment and needless to say, I managed to become trigger happy with my iPhone and Nikon cameras. In my defense, so did everyone else.
One of the first views on the hill is that of the Acropolis Hill Amphitheater, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, which was built in 161 AD by a wealthy Athenian to memorialize his wife. Concerts were held in this theater and it accommodated around 5,000 people. It is a beautiful historic building to see and it’s even better to know that events are held in this structure to this day merging different eras for a similar purpose – to entertain. This is simply mind blowing and another great fact to know if one were to live in Athens. I can only imagine that the mundane becomes extraordinary when visiting this historic treasure.
Another memorable sight one can appreciate from Acropolis Hill, and is certainly not to be forgotten, is that of the city of Athens. One can enjoy 360 degree views of the city overlooking all the ruins. Other archeological sites may be spotted from this perspective, but most impressive are the magnificent mountain ranges that lend themselves as the perfect backdrop for this beautiful and picturesque city.
Photo by Shirley Marcano
These iconic statues, known as the Caryatids, on Acropolis Hill belong to Erechtheion and are another piece of history that I was looking forward to seeing. The current statues on the building are exact replicas and the original ones are kept at the Old Acropolis Museum in Athens where they are well taken care of these days. I was able to see these in person. However, one of the statues is missing and is held at the British Museum in London.
Seeing the Parthenon building concluded my Acropolian adventure. This historic building was crafted of Pentelic marble while its foundation was made of limestone sometime between 447 to 432 BC. Parthenon was built to honor the goddess, Athena, and it served as the treasury building to the Athenians for some time. To know that this building has been standing for as long as it has is quite impressive and it was interesting to imagine what it must have been like to walk inside its magnificent walls many centuries ago. It’s no surprise that so many buildings in the present have been modeled after this archeological wonder.
This image of me demonstrates my sentiment for Athens, its history, the people, and the Acropolis Amphitheater. If I could add anything to this experience, it would be to attend a concert and listen to great music in that little historical gem right behind me. I think I would feel like Athena herself. Now, THAT would be divine!
