3 Days Walking in Athens
Walking in Athens brings the legends of Greeks to life. For hundreds of years this was the heart of maybe the most powerful empire in history. Although the Athenians were arguably the greatest city-state of the empire, the uniquely indestructible Spartans would likely have a different opinion.
Rivalries aside, much respect is owed to the Greek minds responsible for the beginning of western civilization through massive contributions to sports, mathematics, science, philosophy, literature, art, and the birth of democracy. Nearly 2,000 years later, what’s leftover from the uniquely impactful Athenians is a slightly crumbled collection of Greek bravado that permeates the imagination of its admirers.
The Acropolis
Sitting upon a rocky foundation and elevated above the rest of Athens lies The Acropolis. The imposing yet intricate infrastructure speaks volumes about the power the region once wielded. The great leader Pericles was the brains of the blueprint, constructing several architectural masterpieces including the still visible Parthenon, Propylaia, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike.
Many years of war with the Persians and other challengers led to several iterations of rebuilding the symbolic citadel, including the current restoration project which slowed greatly due to economic struggles.
Parthenon
The Greeks dedicated the most striking temple of the Acropolis to the goddess Athena. Sculptors and craftsmen traveled from all over the country to contribute to its artistic genius. The Parthenon.
It is the symbolic legacy of the Greek Empire, and regarded as a bold testament to their uncompromising commitment to the idea of democracy.
Erechtheion
Adjacent to the Parthenon is another ornate gem vastly constructed of marble. The Erechtheion was valued as a temple for religious rituals. The entrance is lined with six ionic columns known as the Porch of The Maidens, which are the most striking display of the temple’s artistry.
Temple of Athena Nike
The least imposing of temples within the Acropolis is the Temple of Athena Nike, which was used to worship mythological deities of war. The interior includes a pit in which it’s believed the Greeks would cast figurines of the gods and pour libations in their honor.
Propylaia
The grand entrance to the Acropolis is known as the Propylaia. The approach reveals rows of marble steps which guide visitors through an impressive maze of marble columns, designed in both Ionic and Doric forms. This gateway provides a proper first impression to the extraordinary architectural commission of the great leader Pericles.
Eat Like Greeks | Walking in Athens
Yes, there’s more to do while walking in Athens than marvel at its past. Any sane person knows that traditional Greek food can compete with cuisines of any culture. Souvlaki. Olives. Spanakopita. Moussaka. Feta. Tzatziki. Olives. Gyros. And of course, you can’t leave without a fresh Greek Salad.
The hotel I stayed at was in the old neighborhood of Plaka, perfect for exploring the Acropolis and Ancient Agora. Even better, the hotel has a terrace where a mother and daughter cook up delicious local breakfast for visitors as they admire the Acropolis. I doubt I’ll ever find a Greek Omelette to rival the one I enjoyed every morning on that terrace. (Still gonna try.)
Ancient Agora
A short walk down from Acropolis is the Ancient Agora of Athens. The agora was a place of gathering in the form of a marketplace, places of worship, and a variety of local residences. Two of the most impressive remnants include The Stoa of Atallos and the Temple of Hephaestus.
The Stoa of Atallos
Designed with a colonnade facade that stretches for days, the structure is another architectural gem of the Athenians. The marketplace which consisted of over 40 shops is thought to have existed on each floor at the Stoa of Atallos.
Temple of Hephaestus
Certainly a rarity while walking in Athens, the Temple of Hephaestus has been mostly untouched by wars and decay. The surrounding area was full of potters’ workshops and metal-working shops. The incredible monument is another testament to the vision of the influential leader, Pericles. Christians called it their place of worship as a Greek Orthodox church for more than ten centuries.
Exarcheia | Walking in Athens
Central Athens is host to the self-governing community of Exarcheia, where over 1,000 refugees cling to safe haven. Many of these migrants have fled from countries of the Middle East, appreciating the neighborhood for having far better conditions and quality of life than most refugee camps.
The area was long known as the neighborhood of intellectuals, over time becoming more radicalized by the desire to live without government. It is also the grand stage of several anti-government protests, aimed both domestically and internationally.
A stroll through the area will reveal murals of all types…happy, sad, and several in the crazy category. The boldest of the politically charged sentiments reads “Robar Bancos Es Justicia”, meaning that “robbing banks is achieving justice”.
The Greek government is doing all it can to upend the essence of the anarchist community and drag it back under its umbrella. Most of the refugees living there are under constant threat of evictions from ever-invading Athens police. In less than an hour I walked by a handful of police huddles, likely in preparation to diffuse protests or execute raids…or both.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
At the base of the Acropolis is the massive amphitheater known as Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The structure in its prime form was slathered in marble and ceramic works of art, and large enough to entertain over 6,000 people. Visitors today can still catch a live classical theatre performance.
Sepolia | Walking in Athens
I have a slight infatuation with basketball, so it shouldn’t be any surprise I was walking in Athens for hours to find the neighborhood where Giannis Antetokounmpo grew up. Sepolia is located on the outskirts of Athens. It was here that the son of Nigerian immigrants grew fond of the roundball, later becoming the NBA MVP playing for my hometown team, the Milwaukee Bucks.
The story many people don’t know is that Giannis was unrecognized by the Greek government for many years, not attaining citizenship until he was drafted into the NBA. I think his uncertain past was crucial in forging a feasibly more certain career in Milwaukee, where we’ve embraced the talents and even more impressive, the character of the Greek Freak.
Theater of Dionysus
Commonly known as the prototype Greek theatre and dedicated to the god of drama, the Theatre of Dionysus was the first of its kind designed for an orchestra to support the dramatic live performances witnessed by Greeks of many generations. It welcomed over 17,000 enthusiasts each production.
Greek Basketball
The Athenians are afforded the entertainment of two major professional men’s basketball clubs, Panathinaikos BC and Olympiacos BC.
I planned to catch both teams in their respective European action, but unfortunately the former squad had been banned from hosting fans at the game.
The fan ban was quite the surprise for me. But after taking in a riveting Olympiacos overtime win where grown men belligerently thrusted insults at officials and harmoniously bellowed the club war cries, I grasped a better understanding of the anomaly.
