Mission Accomplished!
It was one of the prime objectives of this trip: My daughter, at 12, to build memories that will last a lifetime up on The Rock. Today, she has experienced the awe of standing behind the Parthenon, up on that magnificent Rock, the Akropolis (“The edge of the City”).
Big “thank you” to the Admiral who accompanied us and to Apostolos who drove us downtown Athens. Words cannot describe how thankful I am to Eleni, for patiently and masterfully guiding Paress throughout this Journey at the Akropolis Museum. Eleni, your in-depth knowledge, style and tactics are impressive to say the least, and very inspiring. Thank you.
Paress had a blast! I asked repeatedly throughout the day: “What did you like the most?” to always get the same response: She fell in love with The Ladies (The Karyatides), and she couldn’t get over the fact that 50-60% of the Parthenon sculptures were stolen by the British, who refuse to return them to their natural home to this day, and instead keep them in the British Museum.
Related Links:
- Syntagma Square
- The Akropolis
- Herodes Atticus Odeon
- The Parthenon
- The Erechtheion
- The Akropolis Museum
- Panathinaikon Stadium
- Archaic Period
The Rock
Syntagma Square
Guarding the monument of the "Uknown Soldier" 24/7.
Syntagma Square
Guarding the monument of the "Uknown Soldier" 24/7.
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square
Guarding the monument of the "Uknown Soldier" 24/7.
Syntagma Square
Guarding the monument of the "Uknown Soldier" 24/7.
Syntagma Square
Guarding the monument of the "Uknown Soldier" 24/7.
Syntagma Square
Guarding the monument of the "Uknown Soldier" 24/7.
Syntagma Square, change of guard
We were lucky to witness a change of guard.
Syntagma Square, change of guard
We were lucky to witness a change of guard.
Syntagma Square
The Greek Parliament. Most of the recent Greek drama was unfolded here.
Syntagma Square
The Greek Parliament. Most of the recent Greek drama was unfolded here.
Syntagma Square
The Greek Parliament. Most of the recent Greek drama was unfolded here.
Syntagma Square
The Greek Parliament. Most of the recent Greek drama was unfolded here.
Syntagma Square
The Greek Parliament. Most of the recent Greek drama was unfolded here.
At the Akropolis foothills.
Hot day!
At the Akropolis foothills.
It was hot!
At the Akropolis foothills.
Where is my water!
On the way to Akropolis
On the way to Akropolis
Waiting for tickets. TIP: Purchase tickets beforehand. (Ask your hotel.)
On the way to Akropolis
Waiting for tickets. TIP: Purchase tickets beforehand. (Ask your hotel.)
On the way to Akropolis
Odeon of Herodes Atticus - Ηρώδειον
Beneath The Rock but with an excellent view from up there. Famous performers here incude Maria Callas, Frank Sinatra, Nana Mouskouri, Luciano Pavarotti, Vangelis, Yanni, Andrea Bocelli.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus - Ηρώδειον
Built in 161 AD by the Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus - Ηρώδειον
Odeon of Herodes Atticus - Ηρώδειον
Propylaia - Προπύλαια
Pro (Before, preceeding) Pylaia (from Pyli, Entrance) This is the magestic entrance to the Akropolis
Propylaia - Προπύλαια
Pro (Before, preceeding) Pylaia (from Pyli, Entrance) This is the magestic entrance to the Akropolis
The Pathenon, Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon (of the Virgin), dedicated to the godess of Athena, pure/virgin, parthenos, thus The Parthenon.
The Parthenon, First view
Placed on a strategic position on The Rock, the Parthenon demands respect and gives the chills to ancient pilgrims and modern visitors alike.
The Pathenon, Παρθενώνας
Construction began in 447 BC when the Athenian Empire was at the height of its power. It was completed in 438 BC although decoration of the building continued until 432 BC.
The Pathenon, Παρθενώνας
Dedicated to the Goddess of Athena.
The Pathenon, Παρθενώνας
The Pathenon, Παρθενώνας
The amount of restoration work done on the monument is staggering!
The Pathenon, Παρθενώνας
The Erechtheion - Ερέχθειον
This is the home of the six Karyatides, the beautiful Ladies that gave soul to the supporting columns of the monument.
The Erechtheion - Ερέχθειον
The Karyatides columns we see on The Rock are actually replicas. The originals are in the Akropolis Museum. Once is missing, along with tons of other Parthenon marbles. British Museum.
The Erechtheion - Ερέχθειον
Stunning beauty. Βuilt built between 421 and 406 BC.
The Erechtheion - Ερέχθειον
Nice!
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
Monumental restoration effort in progress.
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Στήλες Ολυμπείου Διός. View from the Akropolis.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Στήλες Ολυμπείου Διός. View from the Akropolis.
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
Athens from the Akropolis
Athens - A modern city all around The Rock.
Athens beneath.
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
On the Akropolis
Erechtheion, back side
The ceiling was made of decorated, large marble square tiles.
Erechtheion, back side
Column detail.
Erechtheion, side view
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Ο Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Ο Παρθενώνας
Propylaia - Προπύλαια
On the way down.
Propylaia - Προπύλαια
On the way down.
Propylaia - Προπύλαια
On the way down.
Propylaia - Προπύλαια
On the way down.
Ancient Market - Η Αρχαία Αγορά
Akropolis view from the Areios Pagos.
Ancient steps leading to the Areios Pagos.
Very slippery! There is a modern metal staircase nearby.
Akropolis - On the way down
Akropolis - On the way down
Akropolis - On the way down
Photo booth with graphiti
Stunning entrance.
Aristocrat house
Just an old house, I think. Perhaps 100 years old. Well, in Greece this is not old at all. The nearby Parthenon is 2500 years old...
Akropolis Museum
Entrance
Akropolis Museum
Construction crews found yet more antiquities. The left them intact. Glass floor.
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Eleni's guidance.
Akropolis Museum
Eleni was amazing!
Akropolis Museum
Thank you Eleni!
Akropolis Museum
Paress was hooked.
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
These are the original statue-columns from the Erechtheion. One is missing; British Museum. Please return the marbles.
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
The dress details are staggering. All carved in marble.
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
Each one is different.
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
"Where is the 6th one?"
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
Each has a different hairstyle, which also enhances the supporting feature of the statues.
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
One spot is empty, waiting for the return of the sixth sister where she belongs. Currently in the British Museum. Britain refuses to return her.
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Model of the Parthenon decorations
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Last floor, dedicated to the Parthenon.
Akropolis Museum
Last floor, dedicated to the Parthenon. Outside the window the actual monument on the Rock.
Akropolis Museum
Last floor, dedicated to the Parthenon. Outside the window the actual monument on the Rock.
Akropolis Museum
Last floor, dedicated to the Parthenon. A life size mockup of the monument, with all decorations where they appeared on the original monument.
Akropolis Museum
Last floor, dedicated to the Parthenon. 50-60% of the recovered marbles (white clay replicas shown here) are currently at the British Museum. Britain still refuses to return them. Darker color are the originals. SHOCKING!
Akropolis Museum
Paress was like: "What do you mean they stole them and they won't return them!"
Akropolis Museum, Missing Parthenon marbles. WHY!
Last floor, dedicated to the Parthenon. 50-60% of the recovered marbles (white clay replicas shown here) are currently at the British Museum. Britain still refuses to return them. Darker color are the originals. SHOCKING!
Akropolis Museum
Stunning view of The Rock.
Akropolis Museum
Eleni explaining and teaching.
Akropolis Museum
Eleni at work.
Akropolis Museum
Model of the Parthenon decorations.
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Paress hiding behind ancient coins.
Akropolis Museum
Magic Ball. Another ancient Greek invention.
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Stunning view of the Karyatides.
Akropolis Museum
Archaic period, 800 BC – 480 BC
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Panathinaikon Stadium, 566 BC.
First Modern Olympics, 1896, took place here.
Panathinaikon Stadium, 566 BC.
70,000 spectators. All made of marble.
Panathinaikon Stadium, 566 BC.
70,000 spectators. All made of marble.
Panathinaikon Stadium, 566 BC.
Panathinaikon Stadium, 566 BC.
Deree College, 25 years later!
What a moving experience! Thank you Apostolos for driving us there.
Deree College, 25 years later!
First time back in 25 years.
Deree College, 25 years later!
Returing with my daughter. A moving experience.
Deree College, 25 years later!
Deree College, 25 years later!
Front gate.
Deree College, 25 years later!
Agia Paraskevi foothills.
Athens in the background, The Akropolis
Agia Paraskevi foothills.
Agia Paraskevi foothills.
Agia Paraskevi foothills.
Agia Paraskevi foothills. Fire-truck standing-by.
Greece suffers from many forest fires. Fire-truck standing-by atop Athens.
Agia Paraskevi foothills.
Monasteri door.
Agia Paraskevi foothills.
Monasteri door.
Agia Paraskevi foothills.
Automated fire-extinguishing systems
At Apostolos and Eleni`s house
Glyka Nera.
At Apostolos and Eleni`s house
Stray cats, which become domesticated. Everywhere in Athens. Living outside, of course. Chasing snakes and other harmful animals. A great symbiosis with humans.
Private elevator
Apostolos had it installed. Even music going up. lol!
Apostolos and Eleni
Apostolos and Eleni
Apostolos, a proud father.
His son, a fighter pilot, was featured in a poster distributed country-wide to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Greek air-force.
Apostolos, a proud father.
Apostolos' son, a fighter pilot, was featured in a poster distributed country-wide to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Greek air-force.
At Apostolo`s home.
At Apostolo`s home.
At Apostolo`s home.
At Apostolo`s home.
Beautiful balconies.
At Apostolo`s home.
At Apostolo`s home, down at the street
At Apostolo`s home, down at the street
Happy birthdays and namedays
Syntagma Square
Guarding the monument of the "Uknown Soldier" 24/7.
Syntagma Square
Guarding the monument of the "Uknown Soldier" 24/7.
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square
Guarding the monument of the "Uknown Soldier" 24/7.
Syntagma Square
Guarding the monument of the "Uknown Soldier" 24/7.
Syntagma Square
Guarding the monument of the "Uknown Soldier" 24/7.
Syntagma Square
Guarding the monument of the "Uknown Soldier" 24/7.
Syntagma Square, change of guard
We were lucky to witness a change of guard.
Syntagma Square, change of guard
We were lucky to witness a change of guard.
Syntagma Square
The Greek Parliament. Most of the recent Greek drama was unfolded here.
Syntagma Square
The Greek Parliament. Most of the recent Greek drama was unfolded here.
Syntagma Square
The Greek Parliament. Most of the recent Greek drama was unfolded here.
Syntagma Square
The Greek Parliament. Most of the recent Greek drama was unfolded here.
Syntagma Square
The Greek Parliament. Most of the recent Greek drama was unfolded here.
At the Akropolis foothills.
Hot day!
At the Akropolis foothills.
It was hot!
At the Akropolis foothills.
Where is my water!
On the way to Akropolis
On the way to Akropolis
Waiting for tickets. TIP: Purchase tickets beforehand. (Ask your hotel.)
On the way to Akropolis
Waiting for tickets. TIP: Purchase tickets beforehand. (Ask your hotel.)
On the way to Akropolis
Odeon of Herodes Atticus - Ηρώδειον
Beneath The Rock but with an excellent view from up there. Famous performers here incude Maria Callas, Frank Sinatra, Nana Mouskouri, Luciano Pavarotti, Vangelis, Yanni, Andrea Bocelli.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus - Ηρώδειον
Built in 161 AD by the Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus - Ηρώδειον
Odeon of Herodes Atticus - Ηρώδειον
Propylaia - Προπύλαια
Pro (Before, preceeding) Pylaia (from Pyli, Entrance) This is the magestic entrance to the Akropolis
Propylaia - Προπύλαια
Pro (Before, preceeding) Pylaia (from Pyli, Entrance) This is the magestic entrance to the Akropolis
The Pathenon, Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon (of the Virgin), dedicated to the godess of Athena, pure/virgin, parthenos, thus The Parthenon.
The Parthenon, First view
Placed on a strategic position on The Rock, the Parthenon demands respect and gives the chills to ancient pilgrims and modern visitors alike.
The Pathenon, Παρθενώνας
Construction began in 447 BC when the Athenian Empire was at the height of its power. It was completed in 438 BC although decoration of the building continued until 432 BC.
The Pathenon, Παρθενώνας
Dedicated to the Goddess of Athena.
The Pathenon, Παρθενώνας
The Pathenon, Παρθενώνας
The amount of restoration work done on the monument is staggering!
The Pathenon, Παρθενώνας
The Erechtheion - Ερέχθειον
This is the home of the six Karyatides, the beautiful Ladies that gave soul to the supporting columns of the monument.
The Erechtheion - Ερέχθειον
The Karyatides columns we see on The Rock are actually replicas. The originals are in the Akropolis Museum. Once is missing, along with tons of other Parthenon marbles. British Museum.
The Erechtheion - Ερέχθειον
Stunning beauty. Βuilt built between 421 and 406 BC.
The Erechtheion - Ερέχθειον
Nice!
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
Monumental restoration effort in progress.
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Στήλες Ολυμπείου Διός. View from the Akropolis.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Στήλες Ολυμπείου Διός. View from the Akropolis.
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
Athens from the Akropolis
Athens - A modern city all around The Rock.
Athens beneath.
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
On the Akropolis
Erechtheion, back side
The ceiling was made of decorated, large marble square tiles.
Erechtheion, back side
Column detail.
Erechtheion, side view
The Parthenon - Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Ο Παρθενώνας
The Parthenon - Ο Παρθενώνας
Propylaia - Προπύλαια
On the way down.
Propylaia - Προπύλαια
On the way down.
Propylaia - Προπύλαια
On the way down.
Propylaia - Προπύλαια
On the way down.
Ancient Market - Η Αρχαία Αγορά
Akropolis view from the Areios Pagos.
Ancient steps leading to the Areios Pagos.
Very slippery! There is a modern metal staircase nearby.
Akropolis - On the way down
Akropolis - On the way down
Akropolis - On the way down
Photo booth with graphiti
Stunning entrance.
Aristocrat house
Just an old house, I think. Perhaps 100 years old. Well, in Greece this is not old at all. The nearby Parthenon is 2500 years old...
Akropolis Museum
Entrance
Akropolis Museum
Construction crews found yet more antiquities. The left them intact. Glass floor.
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Eleni's guidance.
Akropolis Museum
Eleni was amazing!
Akropolis Museum
Thank you Eleni!
Akropolis Museum
Paress was hooked.
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
These are the original statue-columns from the Erechtheion. One is missing; British Museum. Please return the marbles.
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
The dress details are staggering. All carved in marble.
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
Each one is different.
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
"Where is the 6th one?"
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
Each has a different hairstyle, which also enhances the supporting feature of the statues.
Akropolis Museum, The Karyatides
One spot is empty, waiting for the return of the sixth sister where she belongs. Currently in the British Museum. Britain refuses to return her.
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Model of the Parthenon decorations
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Last floor, dedicated to the Parthenon.
Akropolis Museum
Last floor, dedicated to the Parthenon. Outside the window the actual monument on the Rock.
Akropolis Museum
Last floor, dedicated to the Parthenon. Outside the window the actual monument on the Rock.
Akropolis Museum
Last floor, dedicated to the Parthenon. A life size mockup of the monument, with all decorations where they appeared on the original monument.
Akropolis Museum
Last floor, dedicated to the Parthenon. 50-60% of the recovered marbles (white clay replicas shown here) are currently at the British Museum. Britain still refuses to return them. Darker color are the originals. SHOCKING!
Akropolis Museum
Paress was like: "What do you mean they stole them and they won't return them!"
Akropolis Museum, Missing Parthenon marbles. WHY!
Last floor, dedicated to the Parthenon. 50-60% of the recovered marbles (white clay replicas shown here) are currently at the British Museum. Britain still refuses to return them. Darker color are the originals. SHOCKING!
Akropolis Museum
Stunning view of The Rock.
Akropolis Museum
Eleni explaining and teaching.
Akropolis Museum
Eleni at work.
Akropolis Museum
Model of the Parthenon decorations.
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Paress hiding behind ancient coins.
Akropolis Museum
Magic Ball. Another ancient Greek invention.
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Stunning view of the Karyatides.
Akropolis Museum
Archaic period, 800 BC – 480 BC
Akropolis Museum
Akropolis Museum
Panathinaikon Stadium, 566 BC.
First Modern Olympics, 1896, took place here.
Panathinaikon Stadium, 566 BC.
70,000 spectators. All made of marble.
Panathinaikon Stadium, 566 BC.
70,000 spectators. All made of marble.
Panathinaikon Stadium, 566 BC.
Panathinaikon Stadium, 566 BC.
Deree College, 25 years later!
What a moving experience! Thank you Apostolos for driving us there.
Deree College, 25 years later!
First time back in 25 years.
Deree College, 25 years later!
Returing with my daughter. A moving experience.
Deree College, 25 years later!
Deree College, 25 years later!
Front gate.
Deree College, 25 years later!
Agia Paraskevi foothills.
Athens in the background, The Akropolis
Agia Paraskevi foothills.
Agia Paraskevi foothills.
Agia Paraskevi foothills.
Agia Paraskevi foothills. Fire-truck standing-by.
Greece suffers from many forest fires. Fire-truck standing-by atop Athens.
Agia Paraskevi foothills.
Monasteri door.
Agia Paraskevi foothills.
Monasteri door.
Agia Paraskevi foothills.
Automated fire-extinguishing systems
At Apostolos and Eleni`s house
Glyka Nera.
At Apostolos and Eleni`s house
Stray cats, which become domesticated. Everywhere in Athens. Living outside, of course. Chasing snakes and other harmful animals. A great symbiosis with humans.
Private elevator
Apostolos had it installed. Even music going up. lol!
Apostolos and Eleni
Apostolos and Eleni
Apostolos, a proud father.
His son, a fighter pilot, was featured in a poster distributed country-wide to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Greek air-force.
Apostolos, a proud father.
Apostolos' son, a fighter pilot, was featured in a poster distributed country-wide to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Greek air-force.
At Apostolo`s home.
At Apostolo`s home.
At Apostolo`s home.
At Apostolo`s home.
Beautiful balconies.
At Apostolo`s home.
At Apostolo`s home, down at the street
At Apostolo`s home, down at the street
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