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Green Park ATHENS
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The National Archaeological Museum (NAM) is such a vital part of our neighborhood that it has given its name (“Museio”) to the entire area. With more than 11,000 objects spread out over 8,000 square meters of interior space, this is one of the world’s most important repositories of ancient art and the largest such institution in Greece. Housed in a beautiful neoclassical 19th-century building, NAM is home to some to the most iconic ancient artifacts ever unearthed.
Wander through the centuries, from the 6th millennium BC to the 4th century AD, marveling at exhibits from prehistoric Thira and the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations through to the archaic, classical and Hellenistic eras, as well as rare discoveries from ancient Egypt, sculptures, figurines, pots and metalwork tools. Among the most well-known exhibit items is the “Spring Fresco,” created in the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri on Santorini before that community was buried by an volcanic eruption; the early Cycladic marble figurine called “The Harpist of Keros” (2800-2300 BC); the gold funerary “Mask of Agamemnon” from Grave Circle A in Mycenae (16th century BC); a giant bronze statue from 460 BC that has been identified as depicting either Zeus or Poseidon; pieces of the mysterious Antikythera Mechanism (150-100 BC); and a monumental sculpture of a young horse rider known as the “Jockey of Artemision” (140 BC).
Before leaving the museum, be sure to take a look at its interior garden, restored a few years ago and planted with many indigenous plants and herbs, including oregano, thyme and dittany.
1277 Einheimische empfehlen
Archäologisches Nationalmuseum
44 28is OktovriouThe National Archaeological Museum (NAM) is such a vital part of our neighborhood that it has given its name (“Museio”) to the entire area. With more than 11,000 objects spread out over 8,000 square meters of interior space, this is one of the world’s most important repositories of ancient art and the largest such institution in Greece. Housed in a beautiful neoclassical 19th-century building, NAM is home to some to the most iconic ancient artifacts ever unearthed.
Wander through the centuries, from the 6th millennium BC to the 4th century AD, marveling at exhibits from prehistoric Thira and the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations through to the archaic, classical and Hellenistic eras, as well as rare discoveries from ancient Egypt, sculptures, figurines, pots and metalwork tools. Among the most well-known exhibit items is the “Spring Fresco,” created in the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri on Santorini before that community was buried by an volcanic eruption; the early Cycladic marble figurine called “The Harpist of Keros” (2800-2300 BC); the gold funerary “Mask of Agamemnon” from Grave Circle A in Mycenae (16th century BC); a giant bronze statue from 460 BC that has been identified as depicting either Zeus or Poseidon; pieces of the mysterious Antikythera Mechanism (150-100 BC); and a monumental sculpture of a young horse rider known as the “Jockey of Artemision” (140 BC).
Before leaving the museum, be sure to take a look at its interior garden, restored a few years ago and planted with many indigenous plants and herbs, including oregano, thyme and dittany.
Occupying a large square, the Ancient Agora of Athens was the center of the city’s social, political and economic life. Athenians would gather here every day to engage in a broad spectrum of activities: political contacts, religious ceremonies, commercial transactions, administrative duties, contests, trials and discussions of every imaginable type. Around this square, most of the public buildings were gradually constructed: the Bouleuterion (council house), the offices of institutions and officials, the public archives, the mint, courthouses. There were also a number of long stoas which, together with the trees in the area, provided shade for people wishing to walk or talk. Here and there stood shrines and altars of political significance, as well as works of art and monuments reminding Athenians of the city’s glory, magnificence and power.
581 Einheimische empfehlen
Agora
24 AdrianouOccupying a large square, the Ancient Agora of Athens was the center of the city’s social, political and economic life. Athenians would gather here every day to engage in a broad spectrum of activities: political contacts, religious ceremonies, commercial transactions, administrative duties, contests, trials and discussions of every imaginable type. Around this square, most of the public buildings were gradually constructed: the Bouleuterion (council house), the offices of institutions and officials, the public archives, the mint, courthouses. There were also a number of long stoas which, together with the trees in the area, provided shade for people wishing to walk or talk. Here and there stood shrines and altars of political significance, as well as works of art and monuments reminding Athenians of the city’s glory, magnificence and power.
On account of its location and terrain, this rocky hill to the south of the Acropolis was chosen as the meeting place of the legislature known as the Ekklesia, i.e. the popular assembly of all Athenian citizens, who would gather to vote on laws drafted by the Boule. Those attending the meetings would stand and listen carefully to the speakers – usually public figures – before forming a personal opinion based on the arguments put forth and voting in favor or against the respective proposals, usually by a show of hands. The hill was first established as a meeting place by Cleisthenes and subsequently remodeled during different phases to accommodate between 5,000 and 13,000 citizens. It was on the Pnyx that Pericles in the mid-5th century BC proposed to the people of Athens his great building program that focused on the Acropolis. It was also where Alcibiades in 415 BC argued with Nikias about whether Athens should launch a military expedition to Sicily. However, it was rarely full and the state devised various ruses to overcome people’s indifference to political matters. One such stratagem is described by Aristophanes: at the time set for the commencement of proceedings on the Pnyx, two slaves would walk around the crowded Agora each holding one end of a rope soaked in red paint. They would approach any citizens loitering there, who would reluctantly begin the ascent of the hill rather than have their clothes stained.
131 Einheimische empfehlen
Pnyx
On account of its location and terrain, this rocky hill to the south of the Acropolis was chosen as the meeting place of the legislature known as the Ekklesia, i.e. the popular assembly of all Athenian citizens, who would gather to vote on laws drafted by the Boule. Those attending the meetings would stand and listen carefully to the speakers – usually public figures – before forming a personal opinion based on the arguments put forth and voting in favor or against the respective proposals, usually by a show of hands. The hill was first established as a meeting place by Cleisthenes and subsequently remodeled during different phases to accommodate between 5,000 and 13,000 citizens. It was on the Pnyx that Pericles in the mid-5th century BC proposed to the people of Athens his great building program that focused on the Acropolis. It was also where Alcibiades in 415 BC argued with Nikias about whether Athens should launch a military expedition to Sicily. However, it was rarely full and the state devised various ruses to overcome people’s indifference to political matters. One such stratagem is described by Aristophanes: at the time set for the commencement of proceedings on the Pnyx, two slaves would walk around the crowded Agora each holding one end of a rope soaked in red paint. They would approach any citizens loitering there, who would reluctantly begin the ascent of the hill rather than have their clothes stained.
The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture is a treasury of Greek art, history and culture that should not be missed. Housed in the impressive neoclassical family mansion (an attraction in its own right) of the Benakis clan, the museum’s vast permanent collection will take you on a journey from prehistoric times to the 20th century, exploring all facets of Hellenism. Ancient artifacts and Byzantine icons, elaborate traditional garments and items of jewelry, paintings and mosaics, and even everyday objects, such as an iron axe from Epirus used to prune olive trees, a baglamas (long-necked bowl lute) from Crete and an early 18th-century violin from Asia Minor, compose a captivating national cultural narrative.
On the top floor of the museum is their newly renovated café-restaurant with fine views over the downtown area.
564 Einheimische empfehlen
Benaki-Museum
1 KoumpariThe Benaki Museum of Greek Culture is a treasury of Greek art, history and culture that should not be missed. Housed in the impressive neoclassical family mansion (an attraction in its own right) of the Benakis clan, the museum’s vast permanent collection will take you on a journey from prehistoric times to the 20th century, exploring all facets of Hellenism. Ancient artifacts and Byzantine icons, elaborate traditional garments and items of jewelry, paintings and mosaics, and even everyday objects, such as an iron axe from Epirus used to prune olive trees, a baglamas (long-necked bowl lute) from Crete and an early 18th-century violin from Asia Minor, compose a captivating national cultural narrative.
On the top floor of the museum is their newly renovated café-restaurant with fine views over the downtown area.
the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Villa Ilissia, the former winter palace of French noblewoman Sophie de Marbois-Lebrun, the Duchess of Plaisance (1785-1854).
This impressive building dating from 1848, which looks like it belongs in a knight’s tale, houses much of the museum’s collection, comprising 25,000 artifacts from different parts of Greece, Asia Minor and the Balkans, and spanning the period from the 3rd century AD to the 20th century. Of particular interest is the 4th-century statue of a male figure with a lamb on his shoulder, similar to the ancient Greek statue known as the “Moschophoros,” or “Calf Bearer,” but here representing Jesus as the good shepherd, as well as the marble plaques engraved with pagan and Christian symbols. If weather permits, a stroll through the museum’s beautiful gardens is a treat.
231 Einheimische empfehlen
Byzantinisches und Christliches Museum
22 Leof. Vasilissis Sofiasthe Byzantine and Christian Museum in Villa Ilissia, the former winter palace of French noblewoman Sophie de Marbois-Lebrun, the Duchess of Plaisance (1785-1854).
This impressive building dating from 1848, which looks like it belongs in a knight’s tale, houses much of the museum’s collection, comprising 25,000 artifacts from different parts of Greece, Asia Minor and the Balkans, and spanning the period from the 3rd century AD to the 20th century. Of particular interest is the 4th-century statue of a male figure with a lamb on his shoulder, similar to the ancient Greek statue known as the “Moschophoros,” or “Calf Bearer,” but here representing Jesus as the good shepherd, as well as the marble plaques engraved with pagan and Christian symbols. If weather permits, a stroll through the museum’s beautiful gardens is a treat.
The Pedion tou Areos is the most extensive public garden in the municipality of Athens, an oasis of calm nestled in the urban environment of the city center. This green space is shared by statues of kings, busts of Greek revolutionary heroes, and crowds of residents from the neighboring Kypseli, Gyzi and Omonia. After many years, the locals are rediscovering it as a vibrant cultural venue that periodically hosts art installations, concerts and festivals.
232 Einheimische empfehlen
Pedion tou Areos
The Pedion tou Areos is the most extensive public garden in the municipality of Athens, an oasis of calm nestled in the urban environment of the city center. This green space is shared by statues of kings, busts of Greek revolutionary heroes, and crowds of residents from the neighboring Kypseli, Gyzi and Omonia. After many years, the locals are rediscovering it as a vibrant cultural venue that periodically hosts art installations, concerts and festivals.
The Museum of Cycladic Art focuses on the civilization that flourished in the central and southern Aegean archipelago between 3200 and 2000 BC, and on the iconic Cycladic marble figurines produced by that society. Unique in form and ingenious in their simplicity, these masterpieces significantly influenced modern art and design. Other noteworthy exhibits include the rare “cup-bearer” figurine, the statue of the “Mother Goddess” measuring 140 cm, and the one-off “Dove Vase,” a disc-shaped marble plate with 16 carved doves, possibly used in rituals and considered one of the most remarkable artifacts bequeathed to us by the Cycladic marble sculptors.
527 Einheimische empfehlen
Museum für Kykladische Kunst
4 Neofitou DoukaThe Museum of Cycladic Art focuses on the civilization that flourished in the central and southern Aegean archipelago between 3200 and 2000 BC, and on the iconic Cycladic marble figurines produced by that society. Unique in form and ingenious in their simplicity, these masterpieces significantly influenced modern art and design. Other noteworthy exhibits include the rare “cup-bearer” figurine, the statue of the “Mother Goddess” measuring 140 cm, and the one-off “Dove Vase,” a disc-shaped marble plate with 16 carved doves, possibly used in rituals and considered one of the most remarkable artifacts bequeathed to us by the Cycladic marble sculptors.