Athens is one of the most famous cities in Greece when it comes to mythical and historical travel. From the Parthenon and Acropolis to the birthplace of Democracy, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Athens. In the heart of the city, you can find amazing culture, friendly locals, and stunning views, but there is so much more that can be discovered. This week we will dive into where to find the undiscovered gems in Athens.
First Cemetery of Athens
The oldest cemetery of modern-day Athens blends the modern and ancient worlds and is only 200 years old. It is built using Ancient Greek and Neoclassical or Romantic architecture. Many prime ministers, prominent Greek artists, actresses, poets, and musicians have been buried here. Like many places, it is one of the most haunted places in all of Athens, and there is even one ghostly haunt that was the former wreath bearer that can be seen sitting next to a wreath, completely oblivious to human presence.
Tower of the Winds
An ancient weather station dedicated to the eight Greek gods of wind was the first meteorological station in the world. It is made of sundials, a water clock, and a weather vane. The beautiful octagonal structure is made almost entirely from Pentelic marble and has a different Greek god on each façade. Below each face, there was a sundial that was still casting faint shadows, and on top of the original structure, there was a bronze weather-vain that pointed in the direction of the wind. Finally, possibly one of the coolest features is an internal water clock driven by water flowing down from a large well under the building. This was used on cloudy days or at night when the sundials were ineffective.
Anafiotika
This tiny neighborhood on the north slope of the Acropolis will transport you to a remote Greek island because of the Cycladic architecture. As you meander through this beautiful neighborhood, you won't find any coffee shops, cafes, or souvenir shops. You'll find stunning houses, beautiful churches, and narrow streets. The history of this tiny town is in jeopardy because of Archeological digs and being bought by the Greek Government, so the locals that you will find have been in the neighborhood for generations.
Mount Lycabettus
If you thought funiculars were only found in the alps, Athens is here to prove you wrong. In the 1960s, a rail car was built to take travelers to the tops of Mount Lycabettus. The top of the mountain sits just 908 feet above sea level. The original cars were decommissioned in 2002, and new cars were re-introduced, and now 37 people can be transported to the top of the mountain at one time. Once at the top, you'll discover panoramic views of the city and can even climb to the Chapel of Saint George, which was first used by a Monk in 1834 and sits on the grounds of an ancient temple dedicated to the God Zeus. If you are hungry or looking for a rest, you can find a café and restaurant.
Now that you know four off-the-beaten-path attractions, you can add to your list of destinations in Athens to round out your trip. Schedule an online consultation with me to learn more about planning your perfect trip to Athens.