Greece Trip - Late Morning visit to Agora

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After a good long time on Acropolis were we visited the famous Parthenon (much restoration is taking place at the Parthenon. It was mostly intact until 1687, while the Ottomans were in power the Venetian seized Athens and shelled the Parthenon where the Ottoman were keeping their gunpowder almost destroying the marvelous structure), Erectheion and Dionysus, to name a few. We walk along the Apostolou Pavlou to the Agora. The Agora was Athens’ ancient marketplace, founded in the 6th century BC. This was the heart of the city for 1200 years. This is were Socrates addressed his public and where democracy was born. It was the center for all civic activities, including politics, philosophy, religion, commerce and athletics. It’s really an amazing place to visit and to think about what life was really like 2600 years ago. The temple of Hephaestus is in the Agora, this is the best preserved ancient Greek temple in all of Athens.

We walk back towards the hotel through Plaka, a charming and quint medieval neighborhood with cobblestone streets. This is where we find ourselves time and time again. It’s quiet and we feel most comfortable walking these streets. It’s a bit touristy in the summer, we are told, but this time of year we find many locals and a few fine restaurants.

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Photos

Agora
Pieces from Athens' ancient marketplace

Byzantine Church at Agora
This Byzantine church was build over the ruins of the Nymphaion, an elaborate 2nd century fountain house.

Look inside Hephaestus
Hephaestus, the best-preserved Classical temple in Greece.

Tim in Agora
The Temple of Hephaestus

Statues
Statues in front of Oden of Agrippa at Agora.

Statues
Ancient Status in Agora.

Plaka Neighborhood
The lovely walking streets of Plaka.

Plaka Neighbors
Relaxing in Plaka.

Comments

[CM]

Souvenirs?
The Plaka looks really neat; bet you picked up some unique souvenirs in the shops here.