The best Athens Walking Tour!

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[{"address":"Hellenic Parliament","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":37.97567016239618,"longitude":23.736983549999987},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2Fvouli.jpg?alt=media&token=423c3da4-b9e4-4558-97ed-a25f4e0d6cdb"},{"type":"text","content":"Hello and welcome!\nOur tour starts of course, from the Old Royal House, or widely known as the Hellenic Parliament. You are now staring at the first modern royal palace of Greece, built in 1843. It has been the home of the Hellenic Parliament since 1934. Although, after suffering fire damage in 1909, it entered a long period of renovation. During renovations the King and his family moved to the Crown Prince's Palace, from then on known as the \"New Palace\", one block to the east on Herodou Attikou Street. The palace was designed by Bavarian architect Friedrich von Gärtner for King Otto of Greece, with funds donated by Otto's father, King Ludwig I of Bavaria. Previous proposals had placed the new palace on top the Acropolis of Athens. Construction work started in 1836 and was completed in 1843."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2Foldroyal.jpg?alt=media&token=ad3f18e2-9803-4c07-9fa8-21620b2f1c0f"}]},{"address":"Monastiraki Square","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":37.9763833123965,"longitude":23.72586309999998},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2Fmonastiraki.jpg?alt=media&token=7c96d19f-1ced-4185-83cc-f2e5c1af783b"},{"type":"text","content":"I hope you enjoyed your walk down Ermou street, now, you have arrived to Mnoastiraki square!\n Monastiraki is a flea market neighborhood in the old town of Athens, Greece, and is one of the principal shopping districts in Athens. It is home to clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, and specialty stores, and is a major tourist attraction in Athens and Attica for bargain shopping. The area is named after Monastiraki Square, which in turn is named for the Church of the Pantanassa that is located within the square. The main streets of this area are Pandrossou Street and Adrianou Street.\nI bet you are wondering what the ancient ruins are on right next to you.\nWell, this is Hadrian's Library. Created by Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 132, the building followed a typical Roman forum architectural style, having only one entrance with a propylon of Corinthian order, a high surrounding wall with protruding niches (oikoi, exedrae) at its long sides, an inner courtyard surrounded by columns and a decorative oblong pool in the middle.he library was on the eastern side where rolls of papyrus \"books\" were kept. Adjoining halls were used as reading rooms, and the corners served as lecture halls."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2FHadrian-Library-Athens-Greece-Travel-Blog-6.jpg?alt=media&token=24e396df-b5a0-4631-acb2-ff5769ba2f00"}]},{"address":"Psyri","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":37.97857995740529,"longitude":23.724013915812964},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2Fmonastiraki_psirri_06.jpg?alt=media&token=71024738-6e0a-4ce6-a9f8-952406ef610a"},{"type":"text","content":"After a little walk, you have arrived to one of my personal favorite Athenian Neighborhoods,\nPsyrri!!\nThe lively Psyrri area is located around Heroes' Square, whose alleys are home to restaurants offering meze and live music that includes rebetika (Greek blues). Bars with DJs stay open late, as do taverns serving traditional specialties such as meatballs and country salad. Small craft shops, often decorated with graffiti, sell handmade leather bags, indie fashion and quirky homewares."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2Fpsiri-stil-cafe.jpg?alt=media&token=852f68d7-3d30-4c07-8296-21f4b72fc153"}]},{"address":"Anafiotika","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":37.97245763643815,"longitude":23.727951556506632},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2Fanaf.jpg?alt=media&token=89106fcd-1724-4a6c-a8de-21074e74a919"},{"type":"text","content":"Beleive, I understand how tiring it was to get up there. But trust me, it is definitely worth it.\nYou have now arrived to Anafiotika!\nAnafiotika is a scenic tiny neighborhood of Athens, part of the old historical neighborhood called Plaka. It lies in northerneast side of the Acropolis hill. The first houses were built in the era of Otto of Greece, when workers from the island of Anafi came to Athens in order to work as construction workers in the refurbishment of King Othon's Palace.The first two inhabitants were listed as G. Damigos, carpenter, and M. Sigalas, construction worker. Soon, workers from other Cycladic islands also started to arrive there, to work as carpenters or even stone and marble workers, in a further building reconstruction period in Athens, but also in the following era after the end of the reign of King Otto.\nIn 1922, Greek refugees from Asia Minor also established here, altering the population that was up to that time only from the Cycladic islands. In 1950, part of this neighborhood was destroyed for archeological research and in 1970 the state started to buy the houses. In the modern era, there are only 45 houses remaining, while the little streets from Stratonos to the Acropolis rock are still unnamed and the houses are referred to as \"Anafiotika 1\", \"Anafiotika 2\", etc.\nThe neighborhood was built according to typical Cycladic architecture, and even nowadays gives to visitors the feel of Greek islands in the heart of the city, with white walls and small spaces, usually with the presence of bougainvillea flowers. Houses are small and mostly cubic, small streets that often end up to ladders or even deadends at terraces, where one can sit and enjoy the night view of the city. \"In this oasis of tranquility, nestled beneath the walls of the Acropolis, the intensity of Athens seems miles away\"..."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2Fb3a9ff49-e10d-44c7-be25-bb7c088d5561ad58aceafc83d004ac_a1.jpg?alt=media&token=805b868f-d8c1-4bc2-b627-125671314d09"}]},{"address":"Theatre of Dionysus","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":37.97005946239368,"longitude":23.725359949999998},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2FTheatre-of-Dionysus.webp?alt=media&token=95465e71-6595-4cc7-b744-3607934cdb82"},{"type":"text","content":"Hello again! Hope you had a break,we still have some walking to do. \nI also hope you enjoyed your coffee and food in Anafiotika.\nNow, welcome to the Theater of Dionysus!\nThe Theatre of Dionysus (or Theatre of Dionysos, Greek: Θέατρο του Διονύσου) is an ancient Greek theatre in Athens. It is built on the south slope of the Acropolis hill, originally part of the sanctuary of Dionysus Eleuthereus (Dionysus the Liberator. The first orchestra terrace was constructed on the site around the mid- to late-sixth century BC, where it hosted the City Dionysia. The theatre reached its fullest extent in the fourth century BC under the epistates of Lycurgus when it would have had a capacity of up to 17,000, and was in continuous use down to the Roman period. The theatre then fell into decay in the Byzantine era and was not identified,excavated and restored to its current condition until the nineteenth century.\nBtw, search for the Dionysus cult for a minute and please, enjoy this sight even more know :)"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2Fimage33260%5B2056%5D.jpg?alt=media&token=8d15bd55-4e44-4ef1-b068-16e6b0b987bc"}]},{"address":"Theatro Irodou Attikou","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":37.97101171239416,"longitude":23.724358450000025},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2FThe_Odeon_of_Herodes_Atticus_in_Athens._In_the_distance_Philopappos_Hill.jpg?alt=media&token=3834faee-56cf-4efb-be59-1236a1ad4cd2"},{"type":"text","content":"Here we are, at the legendary Odeon of Herodes Atticus! \nThe Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Greek: Ωδείο Ηρώδου του Αττικού; also called Herodeion or Herodion;Greek: Ηρώδειο) is a stone Roman theatre structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens, Greece. The building was completed in AD 161 and then renovated in 1950.\nIt was built in AD 161 by Herodes Atticus in memory of his Roman wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. It was originally a steep-sloped theatre with a three-story stone front wall and a wooden roof made of expensive cedar of Lebanon timber. It was used as a venue for music concerts with a capacity of 5,000. It lasted intact until it was destroyed and left in ruins by the Heruli in AD 267."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2FOdeon-of-Herodes-Atticus.jpg?alt=media&token=fe1b51d5-795c-4895-8edd-3bae12e53170"}]},{"address":"Acropolis Museum","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":37.96833096239294,"longitude":23.728982200000022},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2Fstringio.jpg?alt=media&token=228fd8a4-98a0-4502-a0e1-088217ab1c04"},{"type":"text","content":"Now of course, the Actopolis museum and the hike up to the Parthenon.\nI don't think you need a description about this.\nPlease, go to the museum, enjoy yourself and the majestic beauty of the Parthenon and of course of the view you will find there.\nSee you at our next stop :)"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2Fparth.jpg?alt=media&token=6ff0412c-4fc7-4ee6-bb10-76dfc3ef6734"}]},{"address":"Temple of Olympian Zeus","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":37.969670612393514,"longitude":23.733243649999977},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2FL'Olympieion_(Ath%C3%A8nes)_(30776483926).jpg?alt=media&token=395310c1-be8e-4b71-b5d8-21a74e3d3520"},{"type":"text","content":"Well hello again! You still in shock after the museum and the Parthenon, right? Yep, I can understand why.\nPlease, buy yourself an iced tea and catch a breath right here, at the Temple of Olympian Zeus!\nThe Temple of Olympian Zeus (Greek: Ναός του Ολυμπίου Διός, Naós tou Olympíou Diós), also known as the Olympieion or Columns of the Olympian Zeus, is a former colossal temple at the center of the Greek capital Athens. It was dedicated to \"Olympian\" Zeus, a name originating from his position as head of the Olympian gods. Construction began in the 6th century BC during the rule of the Athenian tyrants, who envisaged building the greatest temple in the ancient world, but it was not completed until the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, some 638 years after the project had begun. During the Roman period the temple, which included 104 colossal columns, was renowned as the largest temple in Greece and housed one of the largest cult statues in the ancient world.\n\nUnfortunately,the temple's glory was short-lived, as it fell into disuse after being pillaged during a barbarian invasion in 267 AD, just about a century after its completion. It was probably never repaired and was reduced to ruins thereafter. In the centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire, it was extensively quarried for building materials to supply building projects elsewhere in the city. Despite that, a substantial part of the temple remains today, notably sixteen of the original gigantic columns, and it continues to be part of a very important archaeological site of Greece."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2Fdownload.jpg?alt=media&token=e516c12a-f64a-48fe-9729-e696ccbfb0d9"}]},{"address":"Zappeion Hall","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":37.970435182239875,"longitude":23.736773650000007},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2Fnational-gardens.jpg?alt=media&token=ce6867b1-a18f-4166-8c3c-ab32ce5ff599"},{"type":"text","content":"You didn't expect to find that here,huh?\nWelcome to the National Garden,formerly Royal Garden.\nThe National Garden is a public park of 15.5 hectares (38 acres) in the center of the Greek capital, Athens. It is located between the districts of Kolonaki and Pangrati, directly behind the Greek Parliament building (The Old Palace) and continues to the South to the area where the Zappeion is located, across from the Panathenaiko or Kalimarmaro Olympic Stadium of the 1896 Olympic Games. The Garden also encloses some ancient ruins, column drums and Corinthian capitals of columns, mosaics, and other features. On the Southeast side are the busts of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of Greece, and of the Philhellene Jean-Gabriel Eynard. On the South side are the busts of the celebrated Greek poets Dionysios Solomos, author of the Greek National Hymn, and Aristotelis Valaoritis.\nThe Royal Garden was commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838 and completed by 1840. It was designed by the German agronomist Friedrich Schmidt who imported over 500 species of plants and a variety of animals including peacocks, ducks, and turtles. Unfortunately for many of the plants, the dry Mediterranean climate proved too harsh and they did not survive. Other botanists planning and managing the garden include Karl Nikolas Fraas, Theodor von Heldreich and Spyridon Miliarakis.\n\nA part of the upper garden, behind the Old Palace, was fenced off and was the private refuge of the King and Queen. The garden was open to the public in the afternoons.\n\nClose to the garden in 1878 the neo-classical Zappeion Hall was built. It was donated by Evangelis Zappas and designed by Theophil Freiherr von Hansen. Zappas had started the Zappian Olympic Games, a precursor to the modern Olympic Games. The Zappeion was the Olympic village for the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens and also as a venue for the fencing events. Starting in the 1920s, the area in front of the Zappeion was also a major transportation hub for trams and buses. Today it is used for public exhibitions.\n\n"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2Fathens-zappeion.jpg?alt=media&token=d1c555a2-f8e6-43f2-af1a-8046d23d5154"}]},{"address":"Panathenaic Stadium","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":37.969063064471385,"longitude":23.740490049999988},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2Fpanath.jpg?alt=media&token=04a2cdfa-d6fd-487c-be59-057ca41ec537"},{"type":"text","content":"Our last sight, couldn't be anything else than the Panathenaic Stadium!\nThe Panathenaic Stadium is a classical cultural monument of Greece. Its history is directly connected to the Modern Olympic Games, from their revival in 1896 until the Athens Olympic Games in 2004. It is also the place from which the Olympic Flame is delivered to all the Olympic Games, Winter, Summer and Youth, as well as the Athens Authentic Marathon.\nThe Panathenaic Stadium has a long and interesting history that spans throughout the centuries. It was constructed in the 4th century B.C. and was used to host events related to the celebration of the city of Athens, the “Great Panathenaia”. During its long history, the Stadium has seen major changes; in the late 19th century, the Stadium underwent major reconstructions and took its final form."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2FOLYMPICS_KALLIMARMARO_shutterstock_69078241.jpg?alt=media&token=dd26353e-493e-4b52-b340-175a39e2c6c5"}]},{"address":"Exarcheia","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":37.987106518544415,"longitude":23.738937532041316},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2F9-exarchia-F4%20(1).jpg?alt=media&token=7712481b-88ff-46c4-b2f9-e4856155107a"},{"type":"text","content":"After all this walking, I am sure you are in need of a cold pint of beer or just something to drink.\nPlease, enjoy yourself in Exarchia, my personal favorite Athenian neighborhood!\n\nThank you for taking this tour, see you again :)\n\n"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FCMlCLPQNPXjbgUAhQ5Qs%2Ff0.jpg?alt=media&token=1c9f53cb-471d-42ed-b048-a293f71bbe11"}]}]