GREECE

Location - Mediterranean Europe; Capital - Athens; Population - 12 million; Currency - Euro

I spent a couple of days in Athens on my way to Cyprus, and was surprised to find that I quite enjoyed it - April 2009

Greece joined the Eurozone in 2001

Watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside the House of Parliament, Athens

Parliament overlooks Syntagma Square, Athens

There's some fancy footwork going on at this ceremony - Athens

Syntagma Square is at the heart of Athens

Making my way to the funicular railway up Lykavittos Hill - Athens

Taking the steps to the funicular - Athens

At the summit of Lykavittos Hill is St George's chapel - Athens

St George's chapel, Athens

Lykavittos Hill has an outdoor cafe where you can admire the superb 360° views of the city - Athens

Just below the horizon to the right of the tree is the Acropolis - Athens

A rather hazy view of the Acropolis and the Mediterranean - Athens

It's possible to take a path to the top of Lykavittos Hill - Athens

There's some buzzing cafes set in the various pedestrian-only sections of central Athens

Kolokotroni Square is on the way to Omonia, on Stadiou, Athens

The remaining columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which was eventually completed in 132AD - Athens

Hadrian's Arch was built in honour of Roman Emperor Hadrian in 131AD - Athens

Close to Hadrian's Arch is this statue on the edge of the National Gardens, Athens

The Acropolis looms large over Hadrian's Arch - Athens

Take a walk up Filopappou Hill for these views of the Acropolis - Athens

Apparently the Theatre of Herodes Atticus is sometimes used for performances - Athens

Theatre of Herodes Atticus - Athens

The Erechtheion forms part of the Acropolis - Athens

..but it's the Parthenon which is the Acropolis' most famous building - Athens

The Parthenon was completed in 438BC - Acropolis, Athens

The Acropolis was declared a World Heritage Monument in 1987 - Athens

The Elgin Marbles were controversially removed from the Parthenon by Lord Elgin in 1801 and are on display at the British Museum in London - Athens

There's a crane and major scaffolding along one side of the Parthenon, Athens

There's more fantastic views of Athens from the Acropolis

You can just about make out St George's chapel sat on the top of Lykavittos Hill, Athens

Looking straight down from the Acropolis, Athens

If there's not a human traffic jam at the Propylaea you can take this photo of the Ancient Agora.
Alternatively, get a bit closer and climb the rock outcrop on the left - Athens

One of the main buildings of the Ancient Agora is the Temple of Hephaestus - Athens

Temple of Hephaestus, Ancient Agora - Athens

The Panathenaic Stadium (middle left) and the Temple of Olympian Zeus (bottom right) are visible from the Acropolis - Athens

The Panathenaic Stadium hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 - Athens

Across the train tracks from the Ancient Agora is a market area with many bars & restaurants - Athens

Filipou Street, Athens

The 1st century Tower of the Winds dominates the Roman Agora - Athens

The Plaka district of Athens

Website and content Copyright © 2008-2011 Mark Wilkinson. All rights reserved.

LINKS

www.visitgreece.gr - Greek tourist board

www.greektourism.com - Greek tourist board (USA & Canada version)

www.athensinfoguide.com - guide to Athens

www.greeka.com

I am not responsible for the content of external websites.