Breakfast with a view

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Stunning view of The Acropolis whilst eating breakfast. 

Mythodea – Vangelis

This concert by Vangelis in Athens, in sight of the Acropolis in the stunning setting of the Temple of Zeus, was for the Nasa Mars mission of 2001.

Theatre of Dionysus

Theatre of Dionysus

The slopes of the Acropolis are important for its many springs and have been inhabited since prehistoric times. There are many archaeological remains, one of the most important the Theatre of Dionysus on the southern slope, entrance almost opposite the Acropolis Museum.

It was here that classical Greek drama was born and flourished.

Nearby the Sanctuary of Dionysus and bronze foundries. Further along the slope Odeon of Herodes Atticus, used for music.

The Acropolis

Parthenon

After the Acropolis Museum, where I was much longer than intended, I thought climb the Acropolis. I found open 0800 to 1500, and was now gone three o’clock.

I decided to go for a walk. I found another entrance was open.

The man told me I had to go and buy a ticket. I told him I had one. He grudgingly let me in and told me they cleared the top at 4-40 and had to be out by 4-50. Less than an hour, but I decided to go in.

Acropolis Museum

Acropolis Museum

Old Athens beneath museum

Nearest Metro Acropolis, and follow the signs, though for me, around the corner.

On entry to the museum, pass over glass, beneath can be seen excavations of old Athens.

I thought tickets I had to various sites would let me in but no. Entry 5 euros.

As you walk in, rows and rows of Greek vases, most in very good condition.

Excellent scale models of the Acropolis and ancient Athens.

Lots of statues. Like being in an art gallery.

Top floor very clever. Layout as the Parthenon, with statues, frieze.

Very impressive. A must visit.

Ayios Demetrious Loubardiaris

Ayios Dimitrios Loubardiaris

A church stood at this site, or regarded as a sacred site, to guard the entrance into the city through the gate in the wall.

The church is dedicated to Saint Demetrius and took the name “Loubardiaris” because around 1650 the following peculiar event took place:

On the eve of 26 October, a thunder bolt hit the Turkish garrison commander, Yusuf Aga, who had installed a loubarda (big canon) at the Acropolis Propylaea because he was planning to attack the Christian believers on Saint Demetrius day.

The lightening hit and killed the garrison commander and the faithful were able to honour the Saint in the church.

The church was restored in the 1950’s by a local architect and planner who also laid out the paths.

Located below the Hill of The Nymps, the Hill of the Muses, below The Acropolis.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

An ampitheatre along Dionysiou Areopagitou Street on the slopes of the Acropolis.

Built in 161 AD by the Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla.

Restored in the 1950s, used today for concerts.

Dining out in Plaka

dining out in Plaka

Plaka is a area of Athens below the Acropolis.

A maze of old streets I had wandered during the afternoon. I was on my way up to the Acropolis. I followed a street, that narrowed, that turned into steps, tiny houses clinging to the hillside. It curled back upon itself and I found I was back where I started.

I gave up. Instead wandered around Plaka, many restaurants, coffee shops, all very busy, street musicians.

I sat with a girl and her dog.

I decided to return that evening with a couple of Chinese friends.

They had already eaten but decvided to join me.

We found a very lively restaurant.

Three small pork chops, which were excellent, but served with cold rice, cold chips, and the service was appalling.

Breakfast with a view

The Acropolis: breakfast with a view

Temple of Zeus: breakfast with a view

A view of the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, and all of Athens and the surrounding hills.

From the rooftop restaurant of The Athens Gate Hotel. Ranked as No 4 Roof Top Views of the World. Who am I to argue with that?

Dining with a view of the Acropolis

dining with a view of the Acropolis

Dinner tonight was at a roof top restaurant with stunning view of the Acropolis.