Acropolis Stay in Athens: Immerse Yourself in 2,500 Years of History
Acropolis is one of the most famous archaeological sites of the world, with millions of visitors each year. It is such an important monument that you cannot visit Athens but not the Acropolis; it’s like you’ve never been to Athens at all. Apart from the site, there is an extraordinary neighbourhood that offers everything tourists may need and, therefore, Acropolis stay in Athens is considered as a must-do experience. To be honest, Athens’ accommodation near the Acropolis isn’t the best choice for every traveller; it’s the best one for cultural enthusiasts.
Greece is the perfect destination for cultural tourism, while Athens lies at the top of the list; the whole city is an open museum, an archaeological site that counts more than 2,500 years of history. Countless museums and small archaeological sites are located there, making each cultural traveller’s dream come true. During your vacations in Athens, there is no doubt that you will pay a visit to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, the Theatre Herodus Atticus and the Ancient Greek Agora. However, if you consider yourself as a cultural traveller, you must definitely explore the hidden gems of the city; archaeological sites and museums are less renowned but equally unique. Could you think of anything better?
Archaeological Site of Kerameikos
Kerameikos was the first public cemetery of ancient Athens. It was a sacred place for the Athenians, where Pericles delivered his well-known speech, “Epitaphios”, to honour the heroes that died during the first year of the Pelopponesean war, one of the biggest wars in ancient Greece. Many sculptures and memorial stones of great beauty were found there, as ancient Greeks used to honour their dearly departed with pieces of art that praised their heroic acts. Most of these artifacts are kept in the Museum of Kerameikos and the National Archaeological Museum. Nowadays, visitors can walk the same routes that ancient Athenians did, as the archaeological site lies at the same place it was during the Classical Period.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
One of the best things about choosing to stay in Acropolis, Athens is the proximity from almost every cultural experience. The Temple of Olympian Zeus (or the Columns of Olympian Zeus as locals use to call it) was the biggest temple of the ancient world and was dedicated to Zeus, the head of the Olympian gods. It is a verdant oasis in the center of the city; a precious gem located among big and noisy avenues. Unfortunately, due to natural disasters and human intervention, today we can only see a small part of the temple. However, even in this way its greatness is obvious. Don’t forget to pay special attention to the carvings; they are chronicles used to keep track of noteworthy events during the Ottoman rule.
National Archaeological Museum
During your Acropolis stay in Athens, you must devote several hours to relish the exhibits of the National Archaeological Museum. Trust us; it is worth every second. With more than 11,000 exhibits, it is the largest museum in Greece and one of the most important museums worldwide. The museum itself has a long history, as it survived during the World War 2 and managed to rescue the majority of its exhibits from the Nazies. Moreover, the building is a typical model of neoclassical architecture, designed by Ludwig Lange and Ernst Ziller. Its vast collections expand from prehistory to late antiquity, offering visitors a panorama of ancient Greek culture.
Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art is located in one of the most beautiful buildings in Athens. Yet, that’s not the reason why we recommend visiting the museum. Its collections focus on the Cycladic ancient culture that flourished in the island complex of Cyclades. The vases, tools and overall artifacts discovered prove the greatness of this culture. However, the most impressive findings are the figurines, instantly recognized thanks to their uniqueness; their abstract forms have inspired several modern artists. No matter how aware of the ancient Greek culture you are, don’t miss the opportunity to see these astounding collections! Plus, you can enjoy your coffee or dessert at the wonderful café or buy creative souvenirs from the shop.
National Historical Museum
The National Historical Museum is located in the building of the first Greek parliament. Its permanent exhibition narrates the history of Modern Greece, that is from 1200 A.C. and afterwards. Only one visit in this museum and you will get in touch with significant historical events only a few people are aware of, like the period of Ottoman and Latin rule, the Greek War of Independence in 1821, the Reign of King Otto and George I and the Burning of Smyrna in 1922. This museum is a necessary dive into the recent years of Greek history, a must-do experience for each real cultural enthusiast.
