Wish You Were Here In Athens

OVERVIEW

Wish you were here in classical Athens, when marble temples were rising on the Acropolis and the city was redefining what a polis could be. Explore some of Athens’ most architecturally important ancient buildings and discover how their construction reflected the city’s urban evolution. Even in the ruins, the monuments built on the Acropolis around the 5th century B.C. still symbolize the classical spirit and civilization of Greek antiquity. Fortified walls have surrounded the summit of the Acropolis for more than 3,300 years and the buildings within – most famously the Parthenon – were built to last and even withstand earthquakes. Hadrian’s Library, constructed nearby in the 2nd century A.D., represents Roman emperor Hadrian’s plan to rebuild Athens. A short walk will bring you to the Kapnikarea, an 11th-century Greek Orthodox church with austere stone walls and a simple rectangular layout. After learning about its construction and distinct Byzantine design, you will spend free time in the bustling Monastiraki neighborhood, where contemporary life unfolds beside archaeological sites. Throughout the experience, captivating visuals and historical photos help you see how Athens has changed over time, turning the route into a quiet kind of time travel for the soul.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Stand before the Acropolis monuments and imagine the Athens you wish you could have seen, while learning how they were cleverly constructed to last.
• e historical photos that clearly show how Athens’ urban landscape has evolved across the centuries.
• View the exterior of Hadrian’s Library for an understanding of the Roman influence.
• Learn about the Byzantine features that distinguish the 11th-century Kapnikarea church.
• • Independently explore Monastiraki, a vibrant neighborhood where everyday life and archaeological sites share the same streets.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.