WELCOME TO ATHENS !

 Last year, I've been to Greece for the first time in my life, and what a better start than Athens for visiting this beautiful country?!

Athens is the largest city in Greece, cradle of Western civilization, with a rich past, the city is today the political, economic and cultural heart of the Hellenic Republic, which it hosts most institutions, such as the Parliament, the Áreios Págos (Supreme Court) and the seat of the Government.

We speak of one of the oldest cities in the world, with a human presence attested from the Neolithic. Founded around 800 BC on the Acropolis hill - by the hero Theseus, according to legend - the city dominates Greece during the 1st millennium BC.

The city today has no less than 700,000 inhabitants, 3 million if we take into account the Greater Athens which extends to the port of Piraeus, the largest passenger port in Europe!

Are you ready for a little visit with me ? ^^

"At Athens, wise men propose, and fools dispose."

Let's start this little visit of Athens with the Parlement, Vouli ton Ellinon. And the Old one.

National Gardens, such a colorful and beautiful garden! And Zappeion inside the Gardens too

Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro (beautiful marble), is a multi-purpose stadium in Athens. It is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. After being refurbished, it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896 and was the venue for 4 of the 9 sports. It was used for various purposes in the 20th century and was once again used an Olympic venue in 2004. It is the finishing point for the annual Athens Classic Marathon. It is the last venue in Greece from where the Olympic flame handover ceremony to the host nation takes place.

At Panepistimio, you can find the central element of the trilogy of the architect Theophil Hansen: these three impressive buildings. The National Library of Greece, The Academy of Athens and The University of Athens. Simply stunnings!

Let's continue to the Ancient Agora and his Agii Apostoli Solaki Church

Ok it's time to go to the Acropolis and his famous Parthenon!

From there you have a wonderful view over Athens, it's magical! You can see also the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Propylaea, the Parthenon and Erecthion.

The Parthenon is a former temple on the Athenian Acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron. Construction began in 447 BC when the Athenian Empire was at the peak of its power.

Here you can see the Acropolis at night and the Acropolis Museum

Let's continue the visit with two beautiful churches of Athens, the Church of St. Catherine and the Cathedral of Athens

The streets of Athens

Corinth Canal

Let's go to the Peloponnese, a little bit outside of Athens.

The Corinth Canal is a canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, thus effectively making the former peninsula an island. The builders dug the canal through the Isthmus at sea level; no locks are employed. It is 6.4 kilometres (4 mi) in length and only 21.4 metres (70 ft) wide at its base, making it impassable for most modern ships.

Theater of Argos

The Theater of Argos , with a capacity of around 20000, was one of the largest ancient theaters in Greece. It was built in the early 3rd century BC.

Here you can admire The Lion Gate! It was the main entrance of the Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae, southern Greece. It was erected during the 13th century BC in the northwest side of the acropolis and is named after the relief sculpture of two lionesses or lions in a heraldic pose that stands above the entrance. The Lion Gate is the sole surviving monumental piece of Mycenaean sculpture, as well as the largest sculpture in the prehistoric Aegean.

On the second picture, the Tomb of Agamemnon is the best preserved of the ancient 'beehive' tombs at Mycenae in Greece. It is also known as the Treasury of Atreus. Constructed during the Bronze Age around 1250 BC.

And a cute Mycenaean View ^^

Nafplio

Nafplio is a seaport town in the Peloponnese in Greece that has expanded up the hillsides near the north end of the Argolic Gulf. I was in love with the streets of this city!

Athenian Riviera

All Stars Arena O.A.K.A

The Olympic Stadium of Athens, built for the last Olympic Games is a true jewel of architecture! Having fun with my friend Mary inside it! (click on her name for more beautiful pictures of Athens)

The Lycabettus

The highest place of Athens, let's climb there and watch the best view on the city!

Bye bye Athens, it was a pleasure to discovered you,

I hope to see you soon!

GREECE TIPS:

• Language: Greek
• Money: Euro
• Calling Code: +30