Ruins in Athens

Caitlin and I arrived in Athens yesterday after a long day of traveling. We are staying at the Pan Hotel, which is a nice, small boutique hotel in Syntagma Square. While the room is small, the location is amazing--we are literally 15 minutes from the major ruins in Athens.

We started our day at the Acropolis at 9am, which was good because we just beat the huge tour crowds. First we entered through the Temple of Athena Nike, which is currently under construction. Next we walked by the Erechtheion, which contains the famous six Caryatid scupltures. Then we were off to the Parthenon, the most impressive ruin in the Acropolis. Inside stood the greatest sculptural feat from the artchitect (Phidias): a 12 m gold and ivory statue of Athena. Unfortunately, the statue was destroyed many centuries ago.

The next ruins site we visited was the Agora, the marketplace of ancient Greece. Here stands the best preserved Greek temple, Hephaesteion.

We then trekked up Philopappos Hill, to get the best views of the Acropolis. On the way we passed by Socrate's prison.

We finished the day by visiting the temple of Zeus. Unfortunately, only 15 of the 100+ columns from Greece's largest temple remain. Now we are off for drinks and then dinner, before heading out to Mykonos on Friday.

Caitlin in front of the Parthenon


Ancient Theater of Dionysus