Acropolis - The Ancient Centre

Rising up from the modern day districts of Plaka, Aerides and Anafiotika, with the glorious white marble of the Parthenon glistening at its peak, the Acropolis stands sentinel above the ruins of ancient Athens. To the north-west are the remains of the Ancient Night view of the

Acropolis Agora, marketplace of that long ago city and today a shaded, green area topped by the beautifully preserved Temple of Hephaistos. North-west again is the Keramikos cemetery with its eerie Street of Tombs, and sprawled along the Acropolis’ southern slopes, Greek and Roman ruins – the Theatre of Dionysos, Stoa of Eumenes and Odeion of Pericles – sit side by side; an enduring reminder of the city’s Golden Age. From the breezy heights of Filopappou Hill there are splendid panoramic views of the archaeological sites clustered

amidst the modern city. Plaka is the historic heart and tourist hub of Athens. Its narrow cobbled streets, lined with souvenir shops, hotels, restaurants and cafes, lead the way to the steep streets and ochre-white buildings of Anafiotika, huddled beneath the Acropolis. The area is also home to several delightful small museums, amongst them the Kanellopoulos Museum and Museum of Greek Popular Instruments.

Important to visit

• The Acropolis newly illuminated at night before the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games on 13th August 2004; the work of acclaimed lighting artist Pierre Bideau.
• A summer performance of music, theatre or dance at the historic open-air Odeion of Herodes Atticus on the south-slope of the Acropolis.
• A picnic in the shade of the ruins of the Ancient Agora, propped against an ancient column or amidst the rubble of its many buildings. 

Acropolis - Omonia - Kolonaki - Syntagma - Psychiko - Kifissia - Piraeus - Glyfada