I am trying to avoid making errors twice. Like going to Israel and not seeing Jerusalem the first time I was there. It took me another eight years to rectify this situation (I also have this one friend who reminded me about this constantly). Same goes for Athens and the Acropolis, at least here I have the excuse that I was really, really young at my one and only visit to this great city. And at that time I definitely had other interests than heading up the Acropolis hill to see a lot of old stones. But as time passes one gets wiser (but never older) and this time I put the Acropolis on top of my must-see list.
So on after touring Plaka (the old town of Athens) in the morning, a short nap and recovery swim at my hotel, I was ready for the Acropolis at sunset. See it from afar had already wet my appetite to get a closer look. And wasn’t a pandemic the best time to see such a usually very crowded place?
the Acropolis from my breakfast place @Athens
It was a short walk from the hotel to the entrance, but an even longer one inside. Plus there was already lots to see on the way up. I missed a guide here, someone who could have made all these old stones come alive. So the best I can therefore do is to leave you with my pictures. Likes this one of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
somewhere on the Acropolis with a view on an ancient theater and the city @Athens
A bit further and you arrive at this imposing set of stairs which leads you up to the top of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. The temple dedicated to Athena Parthenos (Virgin) is from 480 B.C. It still looks in good shape for its age.
the Parthenon in all its glory @Athens
Walking around this huge structure takes a while and there is little, to no shade during the day. So I have to say, coming in the early evening up here was a wise decision. The temple is monumental from the other side as well.
the Parthenon from the other side @Athens
Of course more stuff sits on top, like the Erechtheion, a temple dedicated to Athena and Poseidon. On one side it has the porch of Maidens, six female figures, which serve as supporting columns.
the Erechtheion with the Porch of Maidens in front @Athens
Once I had my fill of old stones I left the Acropolis through the other on the northwestern side and walked over to the Areopagus, the hill of Ares.
the Areopagus, a hill on the northwest side of the Acropolis @Athens
From here you have the best view on the Acropolis for sunset. It took a while for the sun to set, but time passes quickly when you have something to read, and it’s definitely worth sitting there for a bit.
the Acropolis at sunset @Athens
On my last morning I headed to the National Archeological Museum to see the best of the Greek culture. While the collection is extensive, not all rooms were open to the public due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, there was enough exhibits to grab my attention, although I missed a figurine from Milos.
National Archeological Museum @Athens
could be either Zeus or Poseidon with thunderbolt or trident in his right hand @Athens
Agamemnon’s mask @Athens
In case you need to know who Agamemnon was, please click here. The museum is a real treasure trove for history buffs. But also if your interest doesn’t go beyond the normal, it’s a fantastic collection. Yours, Pollybert
