Athens, Greece: Top Sights

The Acropolis, especially its most visible part, the Parthenon, dominates sightlines across Athens and is the first port of call for most visitors. Built in the 5th century BC, it has been at various times temple, whorehouse, church and mosque. While the view from the Parthenon is breathtaking, it suffers from one major deficit - you can't see the Parthenon itself. Correct this problem by visiting Likavitos, Athens' highest hill which is reached via funicular railway and provides world beating views of the whole city. Near the Acropolis is the Archaia Agora, ruins that were once the central square where great philosophers chewed the cud. Nowadays it's a fine museum on ancient Greece. Roman Athens is represented especially by the triumphant militarism of Hadrian's Arch, built in the 2nd century AD and by Irodion, another 2nd century structure but this time a theatre built in a mixture of Greek and Roman styles. Byzantium influences are best viewed at the Vizantino Museo to the east of the centre which houses some beautiful pieces from the 14th century and beyond. The centre of modern Athens is Syntagma (Constitution Square) where you'll find the Greek Parliament, and the sumptuous gardens of Ethnikos Kipos.

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