I have been to Greece countless times over the years and passed through its capital airport but had never had a chance to explore Athens itself or visit its many archeological sites including the Parthenon which has been on my bucket list for years. So, on a recent trip to the Peloponnese I decided to extend my trip by a day and get a feel for the city, visit the Acropolis (the site on which the Parthenon sits) and it’s museum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We arrived around noon at our hotel in the Plaka district close to the steps of the Acropolis and immediately headed out to explore the bustling cobbled streets with it’s cafes, artisan shops and stunning neoclassical buildings.  A Greek friend had told us about a little restaurant called Kostes which served the best Souvlaki. She was right and we were served a delicious lunch of Chicken Gyros, homemade pitta bread and tzatziki.

Now fully sustained, it was time to fulfil my dream of seeing first hand one of the original seven wonders of the world.  We headed to the museum where we were met by our guide who gave us an amazing tour of the many artefacts on display capturing the monumental scale and symbolism of an ancient civilisation. It’s astonishing that so much has survived and one can fully understand why all the pieces should be reunited.

You soon realise that the Acropolis is not just the Parthenon as you climb the path to the top.  The first thing you see is the Theatre of Dionysos, (the world’s first theatre) before reaching the summit and then as you climb to the top, The Temple of Athena Nike, The Erechtheion and the Parthenon with its iconic columns.

 

It is frankly a breath taking experience and I felt truly  overwhelmed by the genius and majesty of a bygone age dating back 447 BC. On our decent it was hot but I felt a sense of peace and tranquillity and vowed to be back again.

We had packed in a lot a short space of time.  The finale to our day was dinner at Kuzina, recommended by another Greek friend.  Opposite the Agora with views of the Parthenon, we climbed the four flights of stairs of the restaurant to the roof top.  Dinner was exceptional and I had some of the best meze dishes ever.

Athens, you were amazing, the people, the buzz, the undeniable ancient power house for wisdom and power.  I will be back and for longer next time.