A few kilometers before
entering Athens we meet Paiania, the birthplace of the orator Demosthenes. Situated at the
foot of Hymettus, it is worth visiting the private museum of Vorre with its very
interesting collection of sculptures and paintings by Greek modern artists. In the same
area is the Cave of Paiania -or cave of Koutouki- one of the most beautiful in Greece with
a surface area of 3.800 sq.m.
Attica's new airport is under
construction in the area of Spata and will open within the next few years, thus relieving
the present airport of Hellinikon. At the foot of Hymettus the Monastery of Kaisariani was
built in the 11th C. and was dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. While it
was under construction Roman remains were discovered, a sign that that there were more
ancient buildings at the site of the monastery. Except for its historical value and the
interesting wall-paintings of the church, the visit to the monastery give us the
opportunity to get to know the green-filled hill of Hymettus. At Kaisariani -in Vironas-
we can see the outdoor theatre of Melina Merkouri in which notable concerts and
performances are held during the summer months.
Continuing to explore Attica towards the northern suburbs, at the center at Vas. Sofias
Street we pass in front of the Megaron of Music (the Music Hall), Athens' latest
acquisition and one the most complete in Europe in which notable music events are
arranged. Going towards Kifisia Ave. near Kalogreza, we meet Athen's Olympic Stadium, one
of the most modern in the world with 75.000 seats and a track made of tartan. It has
modern electronic installations and fields and courts for football, tennis and volleyball.
Approaching Kifisia we pass through some of Athens' finest suburbs. In front of us we have
the mountain of Penteli throughout our journey - a mountain famous since antiquity for its
white marbles used in the constructions of many temples.
After Kifisia we meet some of the most exclusive suburbs of Athens, namely Ekalli,
Drosia, Kastri, etc., all having impressive villas hidden amongst the trees. Passing by
the area of Dionyssos we arrive at Marathonas, a village closely connected with the
ancient history of Athens. We can visit the museum and the Tomb of Plataion, a monument to
those who were killed in the battle of Marathon in 490 BC. Except for its archaeological
value Marathon is also known to Athenians for its lake and artificial barrier which,
together with Lake Ylike in the Veotea district, supply the capital with drinkable water.
The area has several swimming spots, and you can choose between calm and peaceful
beaches and others full of people, Marathonas, Schinia, Ramnounta or Nea Makri and Ag.
Andreas to the east. To the east
lies Rafina, famous for its harbor and seafood taverns. From the harbor of Rafina there
are daily connections to the islands of the Cyclades and New Euboea (Marmari and
Karistos).
The visitor to the Acropolis can today let his imagination complement the defects and
the missing periods of time. During the past several decades serious efforts have been
made to preserve and to re-erect some parts while other have been transferred to the
Museum of the Acropolis -such as for example the Caryatidsand have been replaced by casts.
The museum houses many findings from excavations made at the Acropolis and which are
exhibited in chronological order in nine halls, thus giving us a picture of Athens'
brightest period in history.
A few kilometers before
entering Athens we meet Paiania, the birthplace of the orator Demosthenes. Situated at the
foot of Hymettus, it is worth visiting the private museum of Vorre with its very
interesting collection of sculptures and paintings by Greek modern artists. In the same
area is the Cave of Paiania -or cave of Koutouki- one of the most beautiful in Greece with
a surface area of 3.800 sq.m.