Unbeatable views
From atop the Acropolis we get spectacular views, stretching to the Aegean sea, of the various neighbourhoods of Athens: the ancient Agora, Plaka, Monastiraki and Philippopolis Hill.
The magnet:Agora
Beneath the revered hill of the Acropolis lies the ancient Agora, all in ruins —quiet reminders of what was once a vast and intricate marketplace. Here stood an assembly of administrative buildings, temples, altars, shaded arcades, and fountains around an open square. It was here that ordinary citizens gathered to debate, shape policy, and cast votes on the laws that guided Athens.
The Agora was not just a center of commerce and governance. The city’s mint, where silver currency was struck, operated here.
Opposite the Acropolis
Another direction presents to us a conspicuous monument that sits atop Philippopolis hill close to the Agora. It was built for a most beloved man, one of Athen’s most important benefactors.
It is believed that Socrates, the philosopher, was imprisoned in the rock-cut chambers on the slopes of this Hill .
Not so ‘Little Monastery’?
Yet another reveals Monastiraki with its unmistakable church domes.
Plaka placates
The entrance gate we took to the Acropolis( right beneath it) is in Plaka, the oldest section of Athens. Close by are the temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Gate. The whole area, being pedestrians only, is rather quiet. It's hard to believe that once it was a nightclub district. Strictly enforced government rules successfully reduced the racket of loud music. Now there are plenty of souvenir shops and restaurants. Even though the area has become commercial, it retains a quiet charm.
Anafiotika: a secret island of defiance
As we climb, the air cools and the city noise tapers into a distant murmur. Whitewashed houses are squeezed together, their walls cracked with age, their paths uneven underfoot. Bougainvillea pours over in bright cascades over rooftops and balconies. The passages narrow into a disorienting maze. Have we wondered too far? Then, a dead end—and suddenly, it’s there. The Acropolis, the ‘high city’ rises above us.
Legend says Anafiotika was built in the 19th century by stone masons from the island of Anafi, who came to Athens to work and secretly constructed their homes at night, defying authority. Stone by stone, they recreated a fragment of their island life—hidden, resilient, and enduring.
Syntagma Square marches on with pom poms
We walk from Plaka to Syntagma Square, which lies at the heart of Athens, as the old Royal Palace—now the Greek Parliament – does. We see soldiers on guard and sense that something is going to happen as the crowd slowly swells.
We are in for a treat. The guards, the Evzones,are moving! Within minutes a spectacular show takes place just a few feet away. The ritual of changing the guards takes place with meticulously choreographed moves synced to the marching band.
Their feet are clad in clogs topped with black pom poms, Once they concealed blades!. Feet are raised high. When they descend with a cracking sound the ground vibrates while the pom- poms sway every which way!
The rhythm continues to haunt us as we amble through the rest of the square in which parades and celebrations are held. It bustles with life. Behind the tomb is a garden, an oasis in the middle of a bustling area, which has an interesting story behind it.The event marked a turning point in history that made Greece what it is today.
Monastiraki: tourist hot spot
Yet another square that appealed to us from atop the Acropolis for its flat domed building. We are surrounded by eager tourists, patrons of the flea market, roof top restaurants and cafes. The old meets the new. Not only are we treated to views of the Acropolis but also landmarks from the various eras viz Byzantine (Pantanassa Church), Ottoman( Tzistarakis Mosque) and Roman(Hadrian’s Library).
We pass by a hat shop that draws the attention of the grandchildren. We quietly steer them away so we have time to see the Olympic Stadium on their bucket list.
