--------- Cultural City-breaks in Athens -----Greek Language Courses

Useful Information about Athens ;

an ideal destination for a city-break or Greek Language Course

Bezoekadres: OMILO, Pan. Tsaldari 13, 151 22 Maroussi (Athens) - GREECE

Postadres: OMILO, P.Box 61070, 151 01 Maroussi (Athens) - GREECE

Tel (+ 30) 210- 61.22.896 Fax (+30) 210-61.22.706

e-mail: andreadj@otenet.gr-- web: http://www.omilo.com/

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General Information--- The Name of Athens--- Walks--- Museums--- The Athens Metro--- Music Day Excursions--- On the Internet
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1. ATHENS, GENERAL INFORMATION

Athens is not only known throughout the world for its ancient culture but certainly also for its contemporary culture. The arts have played an important role in Athens and Greece from its early history on and its long standing traditions are continuing to the present day. Museums keep the old history alive while a vast number of theaters, concert halls, music �boîtes�, new art museums, big and small exhibition galleries make new cultural history. In Athens the old and the new often go hand in hand.

Since 2004, when the Olympic Games were organized again in Athens, the city acquired a new look, and became even more attractive.� The pedestrian zones became more than double, many squares, buildings and museums were renovated, new museums opened their doors, archeological walks are organized, the metro lines were extended and improved and Athens has a new airport (connected by a train and metro bringing you to the city in 30 minutes).

Athens is a city with many faces and as the capital of Greece, it is the mainspring of the country�s economic, social and cultural life.� Built on the cross-roads of eastern and western world, the city never fails to impress its visitors. Full of contradictions and a typical Mediterranean capital, it is a colorful place, which never sleeps.

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2. How Athens got ist name?�

The myth explaining how the City of Athens was named

The tale is both unusual and charming. One morning, according to Greek mythology, Poseidon, god of the sea, saw a new city being built in Attica which was to be called Kekropia. The first king of the new city, after whom the settlement was to be named, was Kekrops, a son of mother Earth (Gaea), who had the tail of a serpent in place of his lower body. Poseidon met the king on the Acropolis and asked to be made protector of the city, and for it to take the name Poseidonia. In order to convince him, he struck the Acropolis with his trident, causing a salt-water spring to emerge. This was Poseidon�s gift to the people of the new city. Poseidon said that each time Kekrops was to set out on a long journey he should listen carefully to the spring; if he heard the sound of the sea, then the omens were considered to be bad, as the ships would run into a storm during the course of their voyage. When he had offered these gifts, the god of the sea left the kingdom of Attica.

But a little while later, Athena, the goddess of wisdom, appeared before Kekrops. She too asked to be made patron goddess of the city, and for it to be named Athens (Athena in the Greek) after her.

She promised that if this were to happen, the new settlement would become the city of beauty and knowledge. She would ensure that letters, the sciences and the arts would all blossom, and that the spirit of freedom in the city would overflow to light up the world. Then she struck the Acropolis with her spear and up sprang an olive tree laden with fruit. The goddess of wisdom promised that the whole of Attica would be filled with this tree, that its fruit would feed the inhabitants of the region, its oil would light their way, and that the olive branch would become a symbol of peace. Kekrops liked the gifts of Athena very much, and he wanted the city to become the cradle of civilisation for all the world, but he was in a difficult position � he did not want to displease the Earthshaker Poseidon.

The god of the sea, who had become very angry, appeared again on the Acropolis and tried to uproot the gift of Athena, but she bravely blocked his path. The clash of these two gods seemed inevitable, but Zeus, the supreme ruler of the gods, appeared and stopped them.

Zeus decided to call the gods there so that a decision could be taken by all. The twelve Olympian Gods, six men and six women, met on the Acropolis, and Kekrops promised that he and the people of Attica would abide by their decision. The voting began, and all the goddesses voted for the new city to be named after Athena, while the gods voted for it to take the name Poseidon; Zeus, however, did not take anyone�s side, and so Athena won by one vote. The city was named Athens, but Poseidon could not accept the decision, nor could he check his anger. He flooded the plains around the city with huge waves. Terrified, the inhabitants consulted the Oracle at Delphi to find out what they should do to appease the angry god.

The Pythia, the priestess of the oracle, replied that the women of Athens would have to be punished for Poseidon�s anger to pass. She said that they should lose their right to vote, and that children should no longer take the name of their mothers, which had been the custom until then, but of their fathers. This was carried out, and so it was this oracle that brought an end to the perios of matriarchy.

But apart from Pallas Athena, the people of Athens also honoured Poseidon by dedicating a resplendent temple to him at Sounion, part of which still survives today.

Walking and Exploring the Center of Athens

If your travel guide insists that Athens is not a walkable city then you�d better check its publication date. If it was written before 2000, it is telling the truth: at the end of the 20^th century, Athens was the least pleasant city for pedestrians in the whole of Europe. You always ran the risk of stumbling into an illegally parked car where you least expected it, or of tripping over otherwise adorable little Vespas which fit, in true Greek style, anywhere and everywhere.

But Athens has changed! Today the capital is reversing decades of neglect, and thanks to the work done for the Olympic Games, and to the ambitious program for the unification of Athens� archaeological sites, more and more vital space is being handed over to the pedestrians. The jewel in the crown of the whole enterprise is the huge pedestrianised walkway to the east of the Acropolis. A little over three km long, it links the most important archaeological sites in the city, from Hadrian�s Gate to the Ancient Kerameikos Cemetery, and is quite rightly the pride and joy of modern Athens.

Modern city life unfolds around the archaeological sites of Athens. The squares of the centre, the commercial centre with all the stores and recreational areas, such as the National Garden and Zappeion. And even more museums, exhibition areas, theatres, cinemas�

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Unification of the Archaeological Sites.

What looked like a virtual reality program became a reality! As part of the Unification of the Archaeological Sites of Athens, the State�s large and long-term project about the historical centre of Athens has been realised. We see beautiful buildings, which have grown old and dirty, shine once again in their glory. �Obscure� archaeological sites, such as Kerameikos, create an organic whole with the Ancient Agora, the Acropolis and old districts of the city. From Gazi and Kerameikos to the Panathenaic Stadium a network of pedestrian zones unifies all the archaeological sites into a �Long Walk�.

The monuments are beautifully lit in the night, the billboards are being removed from the buildings, the squares at the centre are shaped based on the plans of great architects, in other words Athens became beautiful again.

At the Acropolis.

You can walk at the Anafiotika district, a district that reminds one of the Cyclades islands. As a matter of fact, they were built by people from Cyclades (the island of Anafi) who came to settle in Athens. It was decided that these houses would remain in their original condition. There are many churches worth visiting at Plaka. You can also visit the Observatory (Nymph Hill), a characteristic example of neo-classical architecture. If you wish to visit the surrounding hills, Philoppapos, Nymphs and Pnyka you will walk through a pleasant green landscape on the paved roads made by the architect Pikionis. At Philoppapos, at the theatre of Dora Stratou, performances with Greek traditional dances are given every summer.

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At the Ancient Agora

Finishing your visit at the Ancient Agora you can have a soft drink at one of the coffee shops at Adrianou Street, gaze at the people passing by, the peddlers selling rare stuff, from telecards to engravings, and the musicians that add a musical dimension to your walk.

You can also walk around the flea market at Monastiraki and see the modern picture of the bazaar and the market of the city. On Sunday morning the flea market is at its peak. Look among the old copies of comic books, records and old wooden furniture, but be careful before you buy !

At the old district of Psiri, where a lot of small industries used to be, there are a lot of restaurants, bars and places where you can see live performances. So, this district has changed into an endless entertainment area.

If you wish to continue your exploration of the market in Athens, walk along Ermou street, one of the most important commercial streets of Athens. If you wander along the bystreets of Ermou, at the old commercial centre, you will find an image of Athens that could have emerged out of an old Greek film. Stores with textiles, buttons, threads, spangles and feathers reflect the periods of time in which women had the time to sew. You will also see the shop windows with precious stones, gold and silver. At Evripidou street (vertical to Aeolou and Athinas) let your nose guide you: spices and decoctions make you think you are in the Orient.

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At Kerameikos.

Opposite the archaeological site of Kerameikos lies the cultural centre of the Municipality of Athens, Technopolis. It is housed at the industrial area, which from 1857 to 1983 was the gas factory, or Gazi as it was called. Modern painting exhibitions, sculptures, as well as many cultural events are organised there.

Another area of the Municipality of Athens is in close proximity, at 66 Irakleidon street. It is the cultural Centre �Melina Mercouri�, which is housed at a beautiful stone building that used to be the Poulopoulou hat factory. At the hall of the first floor you will be able to see what a district of Athens was like in the beginning of the 20^th century. At this area, exhibitions and other events are organized. As part of the Unification of the Archaeological Sites a large �Cultural Park� is being created next to the archaeological site with areas suitable for various events.

At the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Stadium.

The large green areas of Athens, The National Garden and Zappeion park lie opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Walking in the garden with the rich vegetation is something beautiful. You will see many trees and flowers, while you can also visit the Botanic Museum.

You can also make a short walk at Herodou Attikou street with the Presidential Mansion, to see the change of guard of the Evzones, the Presidential Guards. Of course the most ceremonial change of guards takes place front of the Unknown Soldier monument.

Walking down the Herod Atticus Road you will see the marble Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Modern Olympic Games were held in 1896..

In the wider area, around the Panathenaic Stadium, there are a lot of museums worth visiting:

Benaki museum, The museum of Cycladic Art, The Byzantine Museum, The National Gallery.

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You should also visit the First Cemetery (Anapafseos street), where you can see many works of sculpture.

4. STROLLING AROUND IN ATHENS NEIGHBORHOODS

PLAKA � MONASTERAKI

Situated at the base of the Acroplis, Plaka and Monasteraki are two ancient, historic, romantic and all-time classic Athenian neighbourhoods popular with visitors. It is surrounded by monuments that tell the history of the area. That this is the oldest district of modern Athens is clear from its complex street layout. Ancient and Byzantine buildings have been incorporated into the district.� Plaka offers lively, traditional places to enjoy greek culture year-round. In the spring and summer months, many of the restaurants in Plaka are set up in outdoor gardens where the aroma of jasmine mixes with traditional Greek melodies. Just a bit further down is Monasteraki, an area with many ouzeri and traditional souvlaki places.

Plaka and Monasteraki�s flea market, are ideal for antique shopping � and not only ! Souvenirs, folk art and traditional Greek wares, such as pottery, worry beads, handmade leather sandals, bags, woven rugs and tablecoths, linen and carpets that suit every purse.

The multicultural Athinas Street (between the Omonia and Monasteraki metro Stations) is the site of the city�s two largest markets, Varvakeios market (fish and meat market) and the vegetable market, which give a particular popular flavour in the street.

Explore the streets off Athinas Street for a view into the Athens of the , where small storekeepers maintain their exclusive shops of sorts from leathers to metal and glass works.� Gourmands scoop into the barrels of olives, herbs and spices along Evripidou Street.

KOLONAKI

The neighbourhood of the � elite � Athenians, it has traditionally housed top designers and expensive retail boutiques. You can find fashionable boutiques for haute couture and prêt-a-porter clothing, shoes and accessories by talented Greek and foreign designers

Greek design houses are located around the main square known as Plateia Kolonakiou.� Part of the shopping fun in Kolonaki is stopping for a cup of coffee and poeple watching, or enjoying a meal at one of the many fashionable restaurants.

Kolonaki is also a dining and entertainment destination catering to the city�s urban working professionals, who enjoy and after-work cocktail at many of its bars that are open � and busy � until after midnight.

Close to the Kolonaki Square you will find the splendid Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art.

The Lycabettus Hill is approximately 300 meter high and offers a view over the entire city. THe summit can be reached via a circular road, pathways or the funicular.

EXARCHEIA

THe district of Exarcheia was created between 1870 and 1880 at the confines of the city. It has been the residence area of many intellectuals and artists and has constituted a meeting point of social and political groups.At Exarcheia square there is one of the oldest summer outdoor cinemas of Athens, the � vox �.

Exarcheia is where to go for smaller, bohemian style bars and restaurants that cater to artists and college students.

PSYRRI

Psirri, just a few blocks from Athina Street and the tourist Plaka area, is one of the oldest districts in Athens. Until a few years ago, it was a low-class Athenian neighbourhood with many small-industry workshops. Today, it presents a totally different aspect, since it has emerged as the hidden jewel of Athenian nightlife.� At first it was an alternative choice to the Plaka and Gazi areas, but soon it rose to be the mainstream option of both Greeks and foreigners.

One could easily describe the Psyrri area as the vibrant �ghetto� of entertainment. It�s hard to imagine when you park your car or get out of the Monastiraki Metro station that the area is practically bursting with life. The options are innumerable:� Psirri is full of fine restored buildings, restaurants, bars, clubs,� theatres and art galleries.

The scene is set for an ideal night out with buzzing vitality, car-free pedestrian walks, colourful and youthful crowds, Greek and foreign music melting in a harmonious blend, fast food, fine restaurants, tastes and smells inspired by places from all over our global village.

To that you can of course add the chance you will have to catch a glimpse of the picturesque Acropolis. Truly, an experience you can enjoy with all your senses.

For more information : www.psirri.gr

GAZI -� Iera Odos

A modern take on Athens would not be complete without a visit to the industrial district of Gazi. The neighbourhood is known for its many new galleries, contemporary bars, restaurants and greek nightclubs. The area is trademarked by the industrial design of its venues as many of them are housed in remodeled factories.

Gazi was named after the former Athens gas factory and power plant located on Pireos Street which operated from 1862 to 1984.

VOTANIKOS

The past and the present always go hand in hand in Athens.

In the Votaniko area, right on the remains of the Holy Road (Iera Odos), the important road that linked the ancient city with Elefsina, is one of the liveliest nightlife venues to be found in the modern city : The ATHINAIS

The regeneration of this run-down neighbourhood began in 2002 with the creation of �Athinais�.

An old silk factory bearing the name �Athinais�, which was also used as a shelter during the Second World War, has been transformed with style, care and attention into an entertainment centre. Here�s where you can choose to have a quiet night out on the town, but where you can also slip into a lively nightlife scene if you change your mind later on. The advantage of �Athinais� is that it lies close to the city centre and offers everything you might want on a trip out � food , drink, a cinema, bars with DJ sets, even a museum. The first thing that impresses visitors is the restoration work done on the 7,000 square metre building complex. Its architectural characteristics, such as its visible stonework and iron window frames, belong to the industrial aesthetic of the first half of the 20^th century. The lighting has been carefully chosen, and creates a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere.

If you are not all that hungry then your visit can start with the Museum of Ancient Cypriot Art.

The Athinais centre also has an art shop selling copies of the artefacts on display in the museum, as well as art objects, jewellery, and novel gifts.

Right next to the art shop are two excellent restaurants.� After your meal you can catch a film at the centre�s cinema, or you can enjoy a drink at the �Red Perfect Bar�, where DJ�s play sets of the latest music.�

Athinais, 34-36 Kastorias street, Votanikos, tel: 210-3480000�

A Selection of Museums

Athens has many museums from outside archaeological sites to many fascinating museums dealing with different themes. The National Archaeological Museum holds a world famous collection of ancient artefacts, and you could easily spend a day or two there. The Byzantine Museum and National Historical Museum covers more recent times when Athens was part of the Byzantine Empire.

But as you admire the ancient wonders, don�t forget the contemporary art scene.

The last 5 years Athens opened its doors to many new contemporary art museums and galleries. Exhibitions range from large to small and are located in beautiful buildings, in the heart of Athens.

Producing a selection is difficult with so many interesting institutions to choose from (we counted more than 40�), but here follows a small selection.

THE ACROPOLIS MUSEUM

(Located inside the Archaeological site of the Acropolis. From 2008 onward the New Acropolis Museum will open its doors)

This small size museum is stuffed full of masterpieces, all found on the citadel since 1834. Hightlights include the rich collection of Archaic sculpture (pedimental sculpture, �korai� or �maidens, and horsemen), the pieces showing the transition to the Classical period (such as the �Mourning Athena� relief, and the Kritios Boy statue), the works by the sculptor Pheidias and four of the original six Caryatids (one is in London, the other is under restoration; the ladies you see on the Erechtheion�s pretty Caryatid Porch today are copies).

Acropolis site, tel: 210-3214172

Opening hours: Monday 11.00-15.00,�� Tuesday � Sunday 08.30-15.00

Included in the ticket for the Acropolis and its surrounding sites (Ancient Agora, Kerameikos, Olympeion, Roman Agora, Theatre of Dionysos).

THE NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM.

One of the richest museums concerning ancient Greek art in the world. Its collections are representative of all the cultures that flourished in Greece from the prehistoric age until the later age of Turkish dominance . Quite simply an overwhelming �must see�!

44, Patission street, tel:210-8217717

Opening hours: Monday 13.00 � 19.30, Tuesday-Sunday 08.30-15.00

www.culture.gr

THE BENAKI MUSEUM(s)

A magnificent and world-renowned collection of art founded by 19^th century benefactor, Emmanuel Benaki. It is housed in one of the best-preserved neoclassical buildings of Athens. The exhibits are distribute into three categories (archaeological collection, Byzantine and modern art) and occupy more than 30 rooms.

The Benaki Museum consists of several museums and collections : The �Main� Benaki Museum, a new and more contemporary annex in Gazi and� The Museum of Islamic Art in the Kerameikos district

Main Building : 210-3671000

www.benaki.gr

THE BYZANTINE AND CHRISTIAN MUSEUM.

Housed in the magnificent Villa Ilissia built for the Duchess of Plaisance in 1848, the recently extended and recognised Byzantine and Christian Museum shows the development of Greek and Christian art and architecture from the fourth to the nineteenth centuries. Masterpieces of Byzantine and post-Byzantine culture, including icons, sculptures and wall-paintings, about here, all displayed with a particular sensitivity for their original contexts. Ardent fans of the ancient world may be interested to know that the Lyceum, one of the great gymnasia of Ancient Athens and the site of Aristotle�s famous philosophical school, was found next to the museum in 1997.

22, Vas. Sophias Avenue, tel: 210-7211027

Opening hours : Tuesday-Sunday 08.30-15.00, Monday closed

MUSEUM OF THE ANCIENT AGORA OF ATHENS � STOA OF ATTALUS

The museum documents the history and works uncovered in the area of the Agora. The heart of Ancient Athens, the Agora was the centre of political, commercial, administrative and social activity as well as religious, cultural and judicial centre.

Monasteraki : 210-3210185

THE NICHOLAS P. GOULANDRIS FOUNDATION � MUSEUM OF CYCLADIC ART.

All the ancient Greek art collections of this private museum, which include pieces from the third millennium BC through to the sixth century AD, are worth a peek, but it is the prehistoric Aegean material here that is truly spectacular. With its impressively large number of marble figurines so coveted in art circles (and at auction), and its ceramic and metal artefacts, the Goulandris Cycladic Collection offers a superb insight into both the Bronze Age Cyclades, and the sources of inspiration of the great artists of the twentieth century, including Picasso, Giacometti and Brancusi.

4, Neophytou Douka street, Kolonaki, tel: 210-7228321-23

www.cycladic-m.gr

Opening hours: Monday & Wednesday � Friday 10.00-16.00, Saturday 10.00-15.00, Tuesday & Sunday closed.

FOUNDATION OF THE HELLENIC WORLD

One of the newest and most progressive of Athenian museum and cultural complexes, it uses interactive technology and digitally advanced technology to promote and exhibit Hellenic culture.

254 Pireos Street, Tavros 210-4835300

Closed Tuesday and Sunday

www.fhw.gr

THE MUSEUM OF GREEK FOLK ART.

The rich collections of this excellent museum date from 1650 to the present day, and include examples of traditional pottery, embroidery, metalwork, woodcarvings, shadow theatre puppets, and costumes. Of particular interest is the collection of paintings by the Greek primitive artist Theofilos Hatzimichail. The museum also has an annexe in the former Mosque on Monastiraki Square, which houses a beautiful collection of pottery dating to the first half of the twentieth century. The building itself is of interest; built in 1759, it still bears traces of its original wall-paintings.

Main museum: 17 Kydathineon street, Plaka, tel: 210-3226979

Mosque annexe: Monastiraki Square, tel: 210-3242066

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 08.30-15.00, Monday closed

FRISSIRAS MUSEUM

The museum was founded in December 2000 and is housed in two renovated buildings in Plaka. The central building houses parts of the permanent collection, which includes more than 3000 paintings and sculptures dedicated to the human figure by Greek and other European artists.

3&7b Monis Asteriou Street, Plaka� Tel. 210-3234678

www.frissirasmuseum.com

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

This Museum began its operation in 2000 and houses paintings, installations, photography, video, new media, architecture and industrial design. The whole building is scheduled to be finished in 2007.

(Former Fix Factroy)

www.emst.gr

The Athens Metro

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6. THE ATHENS METRO

During the construction of the underground-network (started in 1992) more than fifty thousand ancient treasures were excavated. These artefacts are now exhibited in the entrance halls of the underground stations. The objects, of which some have been replaced by replicas, span a period of Athenian history from the Neolithic period (6500 B.C.) to modern history. Amongst the collection to admire are marble and bronze statues, ceramics, cobbled streets, aquaducts, inscriptions and a mass grave with the victims of the bubonic plague (430-420 B.C.) Some stations were literally dug out with bare hands in order to preserve and to prevent damaging these precious treasures.

The central station right under Syntagma Square is the most impressive. Here you can admire utensils such as vases, weights, pots and pans. A train ride becomes an extensive journey through 26 centuries of Athenian life, as next to the archaeological findings you can also admire the works of Greek contemporary artists.

Music

Athens Nightlife and Music Scene

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7. ATHENS NIGHTLIFE

The Greek capital is named after the ancient goddess Athena, whose favourite animal was the owl. It may be a coincidence but it is actually quite apt as the owl is a fitting symbol for the city�s nocturnal nature. Athens is famous for its vibrant nightlife. The Athenians like to party and will do so almost every night of the week.� The choices are many and they appeal to all tastes and lifestyles. In general, things get started very late: after 9.30� pm for music concerts and dinner and after midnight for bars and clubbing.

Early in the evening, you may want to check out a concert or an ancient Greek drama being presented at the Herod Atticus � a theatre dating back from the time the play was written! Or maybe even see a world �famous orchestra playing Mozart at the Megaron, one of the finest modern concert halls in Europe. There is also a nightclub circuit and ethnic music scene here quite unique from anywhere else you will find in the world.

You also may want to begin your evening at one of the many excellent restaurants or typical Greek tavernas. Many of the best tavernas are found around the scenic Plaka area (old town) with it�s cosy little walking streets under the Acropolis. The atmosphere in most of these establishments is usually unpretentious, friendly, and serving delicious traditional food.

Some neighbourhoods where bars are plentiful and hot all year are : Exarcheia for more bohemian and student populated haunts; Kolonaki where you will find a wide variety of contemporary and chic bars; Psirri, Plaka and Thiseion for traditional Greek evenings with live music.

Greece is one of the few countries where you can watch a movie under the stars.� Outdoor grounds have been transformed into wonderfully designed outdoor cinemas. Decorated with garden flowers and plants, the offer services and facilities such as bars and cocktail tables to enjoy your drink while you watch the movie.� The movies are played in their native languages with Greek subtitles.

To truly experience modern Athenian nightlife, we recommend spending a few hours at a Greek nightclub (with the traditional Greek bouzoukia), visit a Greek concert or go to a tavern with Geek life music. It is part of the fun to sing along, dance on the stage and on the tables until the morning hours.�

Book in advance and take a nap before going out!

WHERE TO GO TO LISTEN TO A CONCERT?

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The �Herodeion Theatre� , south of Acropolis, was built in 161 AD. The Roman nobleman, Herodes Atticus � a politician and philosopher, - built it for his wife. The acoustics are fantastic. The Herodeion is the main venue for performances held by the Athens Festival, including operas, music and dance.

It is an unforgettable experience to visit a concert, see theatre or a ballet performance in this splendid theatre.

For more information : The Athens Festival, Panepistimiou 39

Tel. 210-9282900�� www.hellenicfestival.gr,

�www.culture.gr

Lycabettus Theatre

The open theatre, found atop Lycabettus Hill and under the stars, is one of the most picturesque places to watch a performance or a concert. It is a favourite Athens destination that often combines a romantic stroll along the hill�s winding paths. Each year it hosts many performances and concerts.

For more information :� The Athens Festival www.hellenicfestival.gr

www.culture.gr

The Athens Concert Hall (Megaron Mousikis Athinon)

The Athens Concert Hall was a significant and welcome addition to Greece�s culture scene. Since its inception in 1991, it has been recognized as one of the finest concert halls in Europe.� The event calender includes jazz, ballet, opera, recitals and concerts.� The concert hall is known for its luxurious interior and modern exterior design.

More information : Vassilisis Sofias and Kokkali Street Athens : 210-7282333

www.megaron.gr

Hell

Daytrips in or from Athens

Daytrips in Attica

Athens belongs to the province of Attica (In Greek �Attiki�). Also the Saronic islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra belong to the province of Attica.

Mt. Parnitha

20km north of the city, you can go to the National Park of Mt. Parnitha and enjoy a peaceful nature with the rest of the Athenians. Mount Parnitha is the highest of Attica mountains (1400 meter) and in its huge pine wood forest you will have the chance to see over 800 different kinds of herbs and plants.

There are a lot of trails to follow and in case you have a car, there is a road to the mountain, but you can also take the cable car, know as "teleferic", for a fantastic view and great sensations. Mt. Parnitha offers a lot of smaller peaks, on which you can find snow during winter. If you are a hiker you an visit the mountain shelters of �Bafi� and �Flambouri�.

You can get there by public transport. Bus no. 714 leaves from Vathis square and takes you to the top in about 2 hours. (tel. 185)

Moni Kaissarianis

This monastery, built in the 11^th century AD, is set in an idyllic location on the slopes of Mount Hymettos. The monastery was built over the ruins of a Roman temple which in turn was built over an ancient Greek one.� Except from the monastery, this place, 5km east of Athens' centre, the Park surrounding the monastery is a wonderful place to go and relax, go for mountain hikes and enjoy the wildflowers. At the same time you can have a wonderful view over Athens and Attica.

City bus No 224 which departs from Kaningos Square will take you to the Kaisariani cemetery, approximately 3 km from the monastery. From there walk straight ahead and the path will lead you to the monastery and the woods.

Cape Sounion

Here is the magnificent site of the Temple of Poseidon, built in 444 BC, at the same time as the Parthenon. This is the place where the ancient Greeks worshipped their mighty god of the seas, Poseidon. The site is overlooking the sea (at 65m high), having thus, an incredible view. It was constructed with local marble and the 15 remaining columns (of the original 34)� are Doric. Better visit it early in the morning and avoid week end in summertime to feel the quite splendour of the site. To the north-east are the few remains of a 6th-century temple dedicated to Athena.

The temple is an hour�s drive from central Athens and both the site itself and the route leading to it are worth it.� Also a favourite place to enjoy the wonderful sunset.

You can take a bus from Mavromataion Street (near the Archeological Museum).

Elefsina

The town of Elefsina, 23 km from the centre of Athens, is not really beautiful because it is now an industrial area, surrounded by oil refineries and factories of �Eleusis� glorious past, the mythology concerning the worshipped gods and archaeological site itself, have to offer much more than meets eye of the uninformed visitor.�

During classical times, on a huge annual festival, thousands of pilgrims walked in procession along the Sacred Way, from the Acropolis to Eleusis, wanting to be initiated into the Eleusian mysteries.The site's museum is really helpful to understand the ruins left from the Sanctuary.

You can take the bus 880 from Panepistimiou street or go by train (the train going to Korinthos)

Aegina Island

One of the Saronic Gulf islands, and easy to visit for a day trip (one and a half hour by ferries and 35 minutes by hydrofoils). According to mythology the island was named after the river god Asopus's daughter, abducted by Zeus who took her to this island to love her. She gave birth to Aeacus, grandfather of the famous Achilles.

Aegina's town is lovely and an ideal place to eat, take a walk or a bath for the day. There is also a museum to visit as well as the interesting Doric Temple of Apollo and the splendid temple of Aphaia.Ferries and hydrofoils (for a very quick trip) for Aegina are leaving almost hourly from the port of Piraeus.

Poros Island

Less crowded than its neighbour Aegina, the island of Poros still offers some good restaurants and a wonderful view over the mountains of Argolis. It is a very popular weekend destination for most of Athenians (as all the islands near Athens are) and it has a quite pretty town with white houses.

Ferries often leave from Piraeus (up to 8 ferries per day), passing by Aegina and Methana to go to Poros. The trip is about three hours. For a quicker trip (40 minutes), there are hydrofoils (called Flying Dolphins) .

Hydra Island

Hydra is the most graceful of the Saronic Gulf islands. No motorised transports are allowed in Hydra, which makes it a peaceful and quite place to enjoy a walk, a coffee, a meal or a drink. Hydra Town is particularly lovely, with white and pastels houses perched on the rocky hillside surrounding the natural little harbour and a lot of waterfronts cafes. Quite expensive, Hydra is a place attracting mostly healthy visitors and Athenians. It is also offering some nice art exhibitions from famous Greek or international artists.
Ferries leave daily from Piraeus to Hydra. It is a three and a half hour trip via Aegina, Methana and Poros or two hour trip with Flying Dolphins.

2. Daytrips out of Attica

Full day trip to Argolis : Corinth-Mycenae-Nafplion-Epidaurus

-The Corinth Canal, built between 1882 and 1893 , cut through solid rock, is over six km long and 23 meters wide. The vertical sides rise 90 meters above the water. It�s an impressive sight, particularly when a ship is passing.

-You can visit the ruins of ancient Mycenae, which was the palace-fortress of Agamemmom, King of Argos. A kingdom which, for 400 years

(1600-1200 BC), was the most powerful in Greece. Visit the Lion�s Gate, the Cyclopean walls, the Royal Tombs, etc.. The city of Mycenae consisted of a fortified citadel and surrounding settlement. giants described by Homer in the Odyssey.

-Nafplion is the capital of the prefecture of Argolis and has been a major port since the Bronze Age. Nafplion is one of Greece�s prettiest towns. In the old town, narrow streets with elegant houses and gracious neoclassical mansions are dominated by the towering Palamidi Fortress. It has several medieval fortresses, offering wonderful views.

-Epidaurus, 30 km east of Nafplio, is one of the most renowned of Greece�s ancient sites. Epidaurus was a sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of medicine.

Today, the theatre (4^th century BC), not the sanctuary, pulls the visitors to Epidaurus. It is one of the best preserved of classical Greek theaters, renowned for its amazing acoustics. A coin dropped in the centre can be heard from the highest seats up to 15.000 people.

Full day trip to Delphi:� �Arachova - Delphi - Ossios Loukas

-Arachova is built on a rocky spur of Mountain Parnassos, 12 km from Delphi on the main Athens-Delphi road. It is a charming town. In the little alleys bordering the main street, stone houses cling to the steep hillside. The main street is flanked by shops selling embroideries, hand-woven goods, flokati rugs and various other souvenirs.

During the winter season, Arachova is also a trendy ski resort.

-Delphi is one of the most important archaeological sites and one of the most beautiful sights in all of Greece. It is the city of the oracle, built in a magnificent setting on Mount Parnassos. The ancients regarded Delphi as the centre of the world, for according to mythology Zeus released two eagles at opposite ends of the world and they met here. Delphi reached its height in the 4^th century BC as a sanctuary dedicated to Apollo, when multitudes of pilgrims came to ask advice of its oracle.

You will see the Sanctuary of Apollo, the ancient theatre, the stadium,and its magnificent museum collection.

-On the way back to Athens you can visit the Monastery Ossios Loukas, which is in an idyllic setting, with breathtaking vistas from its terrace. Its principal church contains some of Greece�s finest Byzantine frescoes. The monastery is dedicated to a local hermit who was canonised for his healing and prophetic powers.

and on the internet......

9.�� �and on the Internet

On the web site of the Foundation of the Hellenic World �Hellenic History on the Internet� , there is a lot of information about Classical Athens. At the address

http:/www.fhw.gr/chronos/05/en/index/html you can find information about the social structure in ancient Athens, as well as facts about economy, politics and culture.

On the web site of the �Association for the Unification of the Archaeological Sites at http:/www.astynet.gr you will find a lot of information about the development of the relevant changes and many models presenting the future image of the city.

On the web site of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, at http:/www. culture.gr you will find, among other useful facts, information about the museums and monuments, as well as the educational programmes of the Ministry.

On the web site of the Municipality of Athens at http:/www.cityofathens.gr you will find a historical timetable and a useful guide of the city with many interesting places.

The web-site www.athensinfoguide.gr gives you a lot of information about everything related to Athens!