We drive from the port of Piraeus to the Acropolis in Athens.
Piraeus is one of the largest cities in Greece and one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean since the early 5th century BC.
A view if The Parthenon from the bottom of the Acropolis.
The peninsula, which constitutes mainland Greece, is surrounded by about 1400 islands, of which 169 are inhabited.
Views from halfway up to the Acropolis.
Hadrian's Arch was built by the Roman ruler in the 2nd century.
The architectural remains as seen from the outside are well preserved.
Look at the city of Athens in the background.
The Dionysos Theatre is located just below Acropolis Hill.
Dionysos once hosted plays by Euripedes, Aristophanes, Sophocles, and Aesculus and could hold up to 17,000 spectators.
The gates of the Acropolis.
Inside the gates of the Acropolis.
We have just entered the gates and are now heading up the walkway to enter through the grand entrance.
Part of the Porpylea Entrance before we get to the top.
After a winding pathway and approximately 150 steps we have made it to the top of the legendary hill.
The Parthenon!!
This is the walkway...Very rocky and slippery!
The Parthenon was desinged by Iktinos and utilizes all the archetectural refinements to achieve an extraordinary and unequalled harmony.
It was intended as a sanctuary for Athena (Goddess of War and daughter of Zeus) and a home for her cult image.
Much of the structure is being reconstructed.
The actual pieces are in a museum located on the hill.
The Acropolis was built in the 5th century BC and consists of the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechteion and the Propylaea.
It attracts over 3 million tourists a year.
People lived on the Acroplois.
You can see a lot of the reconstruction work.
Notice what the women wore.
The originals are in the museum.
The back of the Parthenon.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus.
The Temple of Zeus.
See, we are at the Parthenon!
The Odeon Theatre is located at the bottom of the Acropolis Hill.
The Odeon of Herald Atticus ampitheater was built in the second century AD.
It has been reconstructed and is used during the summer to host Athens Festival performances.
An olive tree.
We have now entered the museum where we see the original structures and artwork.
Notice the color is still visable
The Parthenon went from Catholic to Muslim ruling depending on who was in control.
Throughout history, Athens has been one of the most important and influential cities of the western world.
The peak of this civilization occurred during the 70-year Golden Age in the fifth century BC.
It was during this period that great strrives were made in architecture, literature, math, science, philosophy and medicine.
History gave witness to some of the most celebrated men of our time including Sophocles, Euripedes, Hippocrates, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.
Oops! We must race back and catch the bus.
The Athens of the 20th century is a bustling modern city with overcrowded streets, traffic jams, pollution, and characterless modern cement buildings.
The city has been criticized for lack of overall planning during an enormous population growth in the 19th & 20th centuries.
When Athens became the Capital of Greece in 1834, it was a mere village of 6,000 residence.
The Athens today is home to 4.5 million people and covers an area of 165 square miles.
The Panathinion Stadium was constructed in 1896 for the first modern Olympiad.
With minor repair work it held the 2004 Olympics.
The Parthenon from the stadium.
A view of the Acropolis from Plaka.
Plaka is the older area of the city located on the north slope of the Acropolis.
You can walk the narrow cobblestone streets with winding staircases and old mansions, or take a rest in one of the numerous tavernas.
This area was the core of the city in the 19th century.
It's an excellent place for wandering around, as cars are not allowed on the walks and alleyways.
Shops and restaurants are abundant!
A view of the Roman Agora.
Mike had to make a quick stop on this street for an ice cream!
The kitty cats owner.
We are now entering the Roman Agora or market.
This is the Tower of the Wind and is one of the most well preserved monuments in Athens.
The follwoing pictures are closeups of the tower.
It was built in the 1st century BC nd used as a water clock, sun dial, and weather vane.
Each of the eight sides of the octagon has a relief depicting the wind that blows from that direction.
The toilets.
The Roman Agora is located on the west side of the Plaka.
It was the commercial center of the city at the time of Theseus.
Its most notable feature is the Gate of Athena Archegetis with an inscription that reas it was dedicated in 10BC and erected with funds from Julius Caesar and Augustus.
We stopped for a drink before we dot back on the bus. Bad beer!
Wow! Look at the salt on that marguerita!
Ahh, now that's a nice drink after a long day in Athens.
Yikes!!
Our favorite Lithuanian bartender!!
Dan the bar man!