Dionysos Cafe and Restaurant occupies one of the world's most privileged locations. Customers can enjoy the view of the magnificent Acropolis while enjoying their coffee at Dionysos. The view is even better from the restaurant located on the top floor serving Greek and international cuisine. The complex named after the Greek god of wine is the ideal resting place after a visit to the Acropolis. Customers can sit either in the courtyard or on the terraces shaded by tall trees. The café opens for breakfast and stays open until after midnight.
One of the most unusual landmarks of the old town of Plaka is a cyclical marble tower constructed in the 4th century BC. On top of the tower stood a bronze tripod awarded by the city to the Maecenas Lysicrates, who sponsored the winning performance of a musical competition held in 334 BC. The frieze above the inscription depicts the god Dionysos petting a panther in the company of satyrs who are pouring him wine. The monument, also called the "Lantern of Diogenes", was later used as a library, when it became part of a Catholic monastery in 1669.
Hotel Herodion is conveniently located just steps from the Acropolis, the Herod Atticus Theater, the Plaka and adjacent to the new Acropolis museum. From here guests can walk to the archeological sites, to the Acropolis metro stop, to shops and restaurants and to Syntagma square is just 15 minutes away. The service is friendly and attentive and a buffet breakfast is included. Many rooms have great views of the Acropolis. Non smoking rooms available. The rooftop has a sun deck and two Jacuzzis overlooking the Acropolis. The hotel offers business services, internet access, laundry, dining, meeting facilities and more.
This boutique hotel is set in the centre of historic Athens, 200 metres from the Acropolis and 400 metres from the Temple of Zeus.
The 38 guestrooms feature warm decor and modern furnishings; all offer air conditioning, balconies and satellite television.
Guests can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in the restaurant, relax with drinks in the bar, and order from the room service menu.
Closest metro stop: Acropolis.
This Plaka museum houses a splendid collection of Greek folk art. The museum's precious exhibits—the oldest of which date back to 1650—recreate the lifestyle of the Greek people and bear witness to their craftsmanship. The colorful costumes representing each region of Greece are impressive. Visitors can also admire other works of folk art such as embroidery, woodcarvings, silverware, hand-woven rugs, pottery and paintings. The museum also organizes educational programs and a series of seasonal events in order to revive traditional customs connected with Easter, Carnival, Christmas etc. There is also a large archive and library.
The Dora Stratou Dance Theatre sponsors a festival each summer which offers an excellent opportunity for guests to sample this wealth of customs and traditions through a spectacular presentation of Greek folk dances. The dances and songs (from all parts of Greece) are performed by a group of 75 dancers, musicians and singers all decked in traditional costumes. This garden theatre which has a capacity for 900 persons is located at the back of Philopappou Hill, near the Acropolis.
The southern slope of the Acropolis is the site of two ancient theaters. The one dedicated to Dionysos is the world's oldest theatre built in the 6th century BC. A few meters to the west is the Odeon of Herod Atticus, built under Roman rule. The Odeon, standing out for its impressive façade, was constructed by Herod Atticus in memory of his late wife. This majestic semicircular theater holding 5,000 people was inaugurated in 161 AD, but was destroyed a century later. Nowadays, the restored open-air Odeon serves as the city's major theater. The architectural beauty and the location just beneath the Acropolis makes it one of the world's most impressive venues for concerts and performances which are part of the Athens Festival. Check the Athens Festival calendar during the months of June through September. A short walk from the Acropolis metro station.
Neither the neighbourhood nor the façade of the old house at 80 Veikou Street indicates what sort of place the intimate Edodi is. Walking up the stairs to the first floor, you will enter a cosy restaurant occupying several small rooms. Most enjoyable is the personal attention you get at the Edodi. Reading the menu is unnecessary: the staff bring all the dishes to your table and describe them one by one before you decide what to eat. After you have chosen the appetizers, the staff will bring plates with the beautifully arranged raw ingredients of each main dish and explain how these ingredients will be cooked. The dozen or so desserts are also brought before your eyes, making the choice between these tempting delicacies even harder. Reservations required due to limited seating.
Stavlos
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
The building at 10 Heraklidon Street served as the royal stables during the 19th century. Today, it has been transformed into an entertainment complex consisting of a café, a restaurant and a rock club. It is located in one of the oldest and most charming quarters of Athens, just a stone's throw away from the Acropolis. Tables are also set up on the traffic-free street and in the inner courtyard, which is a cool resting place on a hot summer day.
Among the newest museums of Athens is the modern art collection of Vlassis Frissiras. This private museum occupies two beautifully renovated neo-classical mansions in the heart of Plaka, the old town of Athens. Among the 3,000 paintings and sculptures of the collection are works by some of the most renowned Greek artists such as Tsoklis, Moralis, Tetsis, Kessanlis and Psychopedis. European artists represented at the museum include Paladino, Blake and Adami among others. A café is at the disposal of the visitors.
The Children's museum is located in a restored neoclassical building in historic Plaka and is dedicated to children up to 12 years of age. Hands-on interactive exhibits which allow kids to play, research, think, experiment, create and observe. It is suggested to arrive after 12:30p when local school groups will be leaving. Free admission.
Three hills located west of the Acropolis have played a major role in the history of Athens. Next to the entrance of the Acropolis stands Arios Pagos, the seat of the court of ancient Athens. This is where the apostle Paul preached to the Athenians. Further to the west is Pnyx, the birthplace of democracy. It served as the world's first assembly point during the 5th century BC. From here orators delivered speeches from an enormous semicircular platform. It is now the site of a sound and light show running each night from April to October. Philopappou is the tallest of these three hills. It took its name from the monument erected in memory of Roman monarch Philopappos in the 2nd century AD.
The world-famous goldsmith Ilias Lalaounis has always been fascinated by antique jewels. So, it comes as no surprise that many of his designs were inspired by Greek and Asian history. A 3,000-piece collection (including some of his best creations) can be seen at this private museum next to the Acropolis. Visitors can also watch jewelers at work, relax in the café or buy jewelry and other souvenirs at the shop. The museum's offerings are complemented by video screenings and temporary exhibitions.
A private museum space in the heart of Athens, under the shadow of the Acropolis. Housed within a newly refurbished building dating back to 1898, it is a beautiful example of Greece's neoclassical architecture. Within the museum, the most up-to-date security systems has been installed. The museum hosts exhibitions of work by Greek and foreign artists. The works of Francesco Scavullo will be showing during the fall of 2007. The permanent collection includes works of Victor Vasarely and M.C. Escher. The museum also host other events, such as musical performances, literary events, book presentations, scientific and other seminars, corporate presentations, conferences, and lectures beyond those pertaining to the visual arts. Tasteful gift shop and cafe.
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