Layers of Athens- Crowned by the Parthenon

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We had the opportunity to arrive at Athens via air and sea. The arrival at the Athens international Eleftherios Venizelos was without any incidents or something to talk about. However the entry via port of Piraeus was a different story overall. Piraeus,a hilltop district is a colorful and authentic Greek neighborhood that overlooks the sea. The early morning entry into its port with the sun rising behind the hills, the many ferries and yacht anchored, the massive wall graffiti, some run down buildings makes it an inviting welcome into the city of Athens.

Athens is the world's capital of Graffiti. Graffiti is less street art and more a graphic expression of the growing popular discontent of the social, political and financial crisis Athenians live in. And it is no longer just Greeks, but graffiti writers from all over the world display their art. Though  we did not explore more of the murals, it did leave an impression. But what left an major impression during my formative years as an architect was the "  A History of Architecture" by Banister Fletcher. 1700 pages of pure intrigue, fascination and misery, all rolled in one. It was my introduction to Greek architecture. Never had i imagined those long days i toiled over sketches of columns , that i would visit the haven of Architecture , The acropolis one day.


Acropolis stands tall in Athens almost visible from all locations from the city. The various views at different times of the day opens up your imagination and you will want more. The first glimpse we had of the crown Parthenon was via the Bus but over the next few days , we had some amazing glimpses of the one of the most important historical sites in the western world, each with a different point of view.

View from Lycabettus Hill. The highest peak stands at 277m  and one can take a cable car to the top and a gentle walk down to take in the bird's eye view of the various  important sights and ships at distance in the Saronic Gulf
View from a cafe at Monastiraki in the Old town of Athens. A flea market on Sundays , a shopping hub with small shops, cafes and restaurants. A popular place for souvenir shopping.
 View from Panathenaic Stadium.The stadium is the only one in the world built entirely of Marble.
 View of Parthenon and Temple of Athena Nike from the Acropolis Museum. The Museum lies over the ruins of a part of Roman and early Byzantine Athens.

Views from the Temple of Olympian Zeus , A colossal temple with magnificent Corinthian columns
View from ancient Agora

Though history dominates Athens, it is a multifaceted city with lot more to offer. The city which was built in the 5th century has evolved over time and we got to enjoy it during our short visit which i will share over the next few blogs.

May 2017
Athens, Greece

The Travel Connection: Architecture Student
Tip: Enjoy a 360 degree view of life and its sights

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