Attractions: Tower of the Winds, Plaka, Kerameikos Cemetery
What else will surprise us Athens?
Greece - one of the countries that attract the tourists a variety of entertainment: vacation on the beach, hiking, walking through the ancient streets. But most people visit Greece as the true cradle of Western civilization.
Coming here, you will plunge into a kind of world where trying to get on the centuries-old traditions and the modern pace of life.
You see it by visiting the Greek capital, where among a large number of transportation, new buildings and branded stores increasingly difficult to feel the spirit of ancient Greece majestic. This fact is a tourist must take as a given, and then a trip to ancient Athens and the world will be without frustration.
His heyday of Greece, particularly Athens, reached during the reign of Pericles. It is in the V century BC then rapidly began to develop science and culture. In the capital of Greece worked Aeschylus, Herodotus, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and other prominent figures. But of the times of glory suggest ancient buildings erected with the grandeur of the Acropolis and other attractions.
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Acropolis - is history
The main attractions for which to visit Athens, located in the acropolis. It annually attracts thousands of tourists to witness the temples, theaters and a monumental gate. Almost the entire complex of buildings was built in the fifth century BC. Much has changed since then - from the former greatness remains very small. But seeing the sights of the acropolis even then, dilapidated as it is easy to imagine the power that possesses Athens and Ancient Greece.
The most famous and majestic temples are considered the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. The first was built in honor of the goddess Athena. Once near the Parthenon statue of the goddess. Time (as well as the people themselves) did not spare the temple. It was almost destroyed in the XVII century by the Venetians, who fought against the Turks. In the XIX century the British have taken valuable attractions - decorating the pediments of the temple, the image of the gods.
Erechtheion is situated on the north side of the Acropolis. His sanctuary dedicated to the king Erechtheus, Athena and Poseidon. The temple is decorated with porticos on the southern side, supported by caryatids - statues of girls. Despite the fact that the original article is thousands of kilometers away from Greece, England, Museum, copies that are installed on the temple, look no worse.
The oldest Greek Theatre, Theatre of Dionysus, also located in the Acropolis, at its southern slope. Since its construction in the IV century BC there were performances, dedicated to the god Dionysus. These were special days when Greece celebrates the feast associated with this deity. But on the west side of the Acropolis is a temple of Nike, wingless Victory. Why wingless? At this goddess had been cut off the wings, so she never left Athens.
If we talk about what the sights worth seeing in the first place after the monuments of architecture, it is the capital's museums. Even those who do not like such a walk will be amazed by the ancient works of art, which has Greece. To feel the atmosphere of ancient Greece, it is enough to visit the National Archaeological Museum. It presents valuable exhibits in the spirit of the time.
As we mentioned, the Erechtheion temple elements are represented in the London Museum. And this is not the only monument of culture, brought in his time outside the country. Such a fate befell the frieze of the Parthenon, and many truly iconic products. It happened in the XIX century, with the permission of the Turkish sultan, who ruled at the time of the Ottoman Empire. The Ambassador of the King of England has taken out all the best in his opinion, the important sights, valuable products and sold to the local museum. Of course, Greece is trying to return the treasures to their homeland, but to no avail.
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Attractions: Tower of the Winds, Plaka, Kerameikos Cemetery
Tower of the Winds is called the world's first weather station, because it is built astronomer Andronicus Kirrskim in the II century BC Tower 12 meters high and 8 meters in diameter, has eight faces, the respective sides of the world. Inside were located sunny and the water clock, the remains of which have survived to this day. Stay friezes adorn the structure and allegory depicting the eight winds.
Plaka - a district, the oldest part of the city of Athens. It is located at the foot of the Acropolis. Yes, there is an infrastructure of shops, tavernas. But that does not stop everyone who came here as much as possible to plunge into the past. For example, a house on the street №5 Scola allow one eye to look in the XVIII century, when Greece was ruled by the Ottoman Empire. It is the building at the time served as a police station. Across the street, Topu, is building, which houses the first University of Athens. Now it is a museum of history.
Plaka is also known to all Orthodox Christians thanks to the church of St. John and Ayion Anargiron, because this is where the sacred fire were transported to the churches of Greece and other countries. In addition to the temple, then there are many other ancient churches.
Kerameikos Cemetery is also the attraction of the city of Athens. Previously, the area was called Kerameon Kerameikos. You do not like that word? Yes, the term "ceramic" is derived from the name is Greek pottery town. It was an area famed for the number of potteries, which is located next to the cemetery. Officially, it exists from the II century BC, but the first burial took place here around 4700 BC
It is in this area, archaeologists discovered a large number of ancient pottery, which are presented in the local museum. To see these sights can be, having been here from April to October - this time Greece takes a large number of tourists.
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What else will surprise us Athens?
The above are the most visited attractions, but not all tourists like to spend time in this way. Many who like walking, visiting cafes and restaurants. For example, few people are indifferent view from the hill Likavitos, walk around the block to Monastiraki, which is full of cafés and small restaurants. If the Acropolis Museum and you will feel the spirit of history, then walk around the city will open to you the modern Athens, something that today people live, their traditions, cuisine, etc.
By the way, the title of the sights can be awarded and the Athenian kitchen, because it is considered the most delicious in Greece.
To explain this love of tourists to the dishes prepared in the Athenian institutions is very simple: The local cuisine combines the most interesting culinary solutions from different parts of Greece. A variety of cheeses, including feta, gravera; pork chops or beef (brizoles), skewers, octopus and, of course, moussaka - everything is cooked in every tavern. Immediately offers excellent home-made wine.
After a nice dinner you can go to the theater or cinema in the open air. If you are inclined to favor the second, go to the area Deksamenis. Surely you have not had to watch reel sitting in the shade of flowering laurel trees and listening to the chirping of birds, right? That is why you need to be sure to go to Athens, not only to visit the sights and relax, as Greece - a wonderful country!
Contents:
Eternal Rome Attractions
Romantic Venice
Business and fashion Milan
Capital of love - Verona
Other attractions in Italy
Beautiful Italy - "living gallery", write a lot about it and dream. The country holds a huge number of cultural monuments and ruins of the ancient Roman civilization. It remembers every corner of the great geniuses of Michelangelo, da Vinci, Raphael, Dante, Boccaccio ... That is why in Italy are concentrated more than half of all European cultural values. And in order to explore all the sights of this magnificent country, and not enough life. Of course, and describe verbally separate cultural area can be infinitely long.
In turn, all these masterpieces in no way inferior to the rich natural beauty of Italy. Snow-white slopes of the Alpine mountains, golden beaches of the Mediterranean and Adriatic coasts, scenic parks and reserves, as well as the clear northern lakes and the southern volcanoes will not leave indifferent to this country any tourist.
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Eternal Rome Attractions
Every city in Italy - certainly a unique world. That there is only one Rome! The heart of Italy - the city to which all roads lead. Estvestvenno, to think about what to see first is the magnificent Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheatre) - the largest Roman amphitheater. Built around the 80th year n. e. It contained a hundred and seventy thousand people of different classes because of its intricate design. Undoubtedly, at the time the amphitheater was a miracle of architectural thought and served as a place for people of various entertainment events, such as gladiator fights.
The mysterious ruins of the Forum - an ancient area of Rome, once there were public events, town fairs and even public trials. The square was the largest sizes of about 500 square meters. m. And it is built along the Sacred Way, which forms the religious ceremony and the warriors returned to the city. Once on the square was a place for the People's Assembly (Komitsium) and for the building, the seat of the Senate (Curia). Today on the site of the Curia is a layout to give tourists an idea of the construction.
In the center of the square is the least popular place - the remains of cleft Curtius. Now they covered the plate, but about 362 BC. e., according to legend, there was formed a giant chasm. Anxious Romans appealed to the oracle who advised throw in the crevice all the most valuable thing they have. People were carrying and threw gold and jewels, but nothing has brought results. Then the soldier threw himself into the abyss Curtius, all in uniform and on horseback. Immediately cleft delayed and made it clear to citizens that the most expensive for the city - it is they do.
About the Temple of Castor and Pollux and Saturn are now resemble a column. And of the Basilica Emilia, is used to market transactions and litigation, can tell only ruins. It is best preserved in the Forum Arc de Triomphe and the Temple of Vesta, where the burned unquenchable fire. Not far from the Temple of Vesta, the remains of the Temple of the Divine Julius, which was burned body of Julius Caesar. More tourists' attention at the Forum attracted the navel of the earth, where, according to legend, was accomplished Romans connection with the underworld, and the Golden Mile, from which starts counting the distance of the Roman Empire.
Palatine Hill. Excavations prove that it has been inhabited since the 10th century. BC. According to legend, on this hill it was found wolf brothers Romulus and Remus. It began to emerge from this great Rome. The most monumental works on the hill is the Flavian Palace. Here you can see the ruins of the baths, the source, the stadium of Domitian, and Farnese Gardens Stole richest museum that tells the story of the hill and meet emperors of different times.
To the north-west of the Capitol, the Palatine Hill rises. The life of ancient Rome was centered here. On Capitol Hill, the Romans repelled an attack by the Gauls, thanks to the famous "sacred" geese out of the temple of Juno. Here minted money and Augustus built the altar of the Lord firstborn after rend the heavens above him. To the left of the altar should pay attention to the wooden Baby Jesus. It is believed that he is able to heal the sick. If at the request of his lips were red, it means that he is able to help, we just need to believe. Otherwise, the case is hopeless. Later Greek monks built a monastery there, and put the Benedictine church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, which quickly gained popularity. From the foot of the hill to the church is a steep staircase. As it is necessary to go on his knees to win the lottery.
As a tourist, it is impossible not to walk past the magnificent Pantheon - a temple of the gods, in which lie the first rulers, kings and Italian is a modest grave of Raphael. The building is unusual because of its massiveness and a huge hole in the dome. Below that in ancient times was a sacrificial altar. There is a legend that the original holes in the dome was not, and struck his evil spirits to hear the sounds of the first mass. Today, Pantheon is crowned beloved and mythical hole only gives a beautiful light effect room.
Another attraction in Italy believe Saint Peter's Square - this is one of the biggest and most famous squares of Rome, although officially it is a large part of the territory of the Vatican City. Named in honor of the area standing next to St. Peter's Cathedral. According to legend, at the place where now the cathedral, was executed by the apostle Peter. Pearl of the cathedral - a unique sanctuary with a passage leading to an underground tomb of the Apostle Peter. Ancient temple once considered the largest in the world, but after 1990 the title was the cathedral city of Yamoussoukro.
In addition to all these unique places in Rome, you can walk on the Campo de 'Fiori, see the Altar of the Fatherland, photographed against the backdrop of fountains Palazzo Venezia and Trevi, climb the Spanish Steps and smell the orange garden on the Aventine. And how not to visit the Vatican with his sights!
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Romantic Venice
The famous city on the water attracts tourists from all over the world. A beautiful city located on 118 islands and is connected to more than 400 bridges. What a romantic does not dream to get into a gondola and go to meet their dreams, contemplating unsurpassed medieval architecture, fabulous palaces and cathedrals. The tour through the city will be remembered for a long time! One has only to see the magical at sunset Cathedral of San Marco! This historical and architectural monument, perhaps, the most visited in Venice. It boasts a unique painted and gilded altar can not every church. Near the cathedral is beautiful in its own area of the same name, which is the center and heart of the city.
All tourists eager to witness one of the most beautiful and unusual buildings - Doge's Palace, for centuries served as the seat of government. The palace is rich in exquisite, precious paintings and, no doubt, will impress any visitor. Another work of art is called the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the Doge's Palace, which hosted litigation and prison. The author of the bridge is a famous Italian architect Antonio Conti. As you can guess the name of the bridge that allowed convicted sighs, the last time looking at the beautiful Venice ...
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Business and fashion Milan
The capital of fashion - Milan - primarily attracts tourists significant events such as fashion shows, grand exhibitions, cultural events ... In this city, be sure to visit the two main attractions: the Duomo and the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Cathedral just attracts tourists from all over the world. The huge structure of rare white marble kandoliyskogo with elegant spiers and an abundance of statues can accommodate up to 4 thousand people! The Duomo - the second largest in Italy.
Construction of the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie lasted about a quarter of a century, and it was built in the XV century. The church is considered to be the most beautiful church of the Italian Renaissance. By the walls of the temple is adjacent monastery, which still kept a work of art - a fresco by Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper." This work, though suffered a lot of restorations, but still cause the visitors a powerful emotional response. It should be noted that access to this masterpiece is not very easy. It should be pre-booked visit, which will last no more than 15 minutes.
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Capital of love - Verona
This city is on a par with Venice can compete for the status of "most romantic in the world." It was here, according to Shakespeare, dramatic events were the sad tale of Romeo and Juliet. Today, Juliet's house - the most attractive place for tourists. All the lovers in a hurry to leave the main recognition on the arch at the entrance to the garden and enjoy the balcony with a pseudo-Juliet, who now and then sends kisses to the camera. Today the house is a museum, which can be reached in a couple of euros, and if you're lucky, see the temporary exhibition. In the city there is also the tomb of the young Juliet in the courtyard of the monastery on Via del Ponthierry.
Despite the romance of Verona is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Attractions of this luxury city considered to be one of the most beautiful in Italy. For example, the Verona Arena (Arena di Verona) era of ancient Rome, which at one time could accommodate 30 000 spectators! The scale he might be compared to the Roman Colosseum. Today the Arena di Verona - the largest opera theater in the open air.
While in Verona, we can not visit the beautiful Cathedral, which has the status of the main Catholic Cathedral. In addition to the refined interior, kept in a very valuable piece of art - the altarpiece "The Ascension of the Virgin Mary", which is remarkable in the fact that the Virgin Mary is not looking to the heavens and the earth, to the common people. Also stored in the cathedral works of art of great value, "Adoration of the Magi" and "The Entombment." Visiting the chapel Madzanti can see the tomb of Saint Agatha.
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Other attractions in Italy
It is difficult to imagine without picturesque Italy Leaning Tower of Pisa at the Miracle field.
The tower, the slope of which now stands at 3, 54 degrees, is a five-meter bell tower of a Catholic cathedral. It was built for 200 years, so the soil sags over time and made the angle of inclination more. Even their attractions boasts resort town of Rimini. In addition to the theme parks you can visit the main attractions: the Tempio Malatestiano, area Brioli with Clock Tower, Plaza del Arengo, Teatro Comunale.
It is very rich in sights of Florence. Renaissance is here in all its architectural splendor. The visiting card of the city is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. World-famous cathedral has brought a huge octagonal dome. Even in the Santa Maria del Fiore kept two priceless paintings - "Lamentation of Christ" by Michelangelo and "Mary Magdalene" by Donatello. And from the observation deck, which is located on the top of the cathedral, it is possible to contemplate the other attractions of Florence. It attracts tourists and unique church of Santa Croce, which houses more than 300 tombs of the great Florentines such as Michelangelo and Galileo Galilei. Very famous landmark - the 84-meter high bell tower of Giotto and the slender tower of the Signoria.
Admire Italy's values can not be exactly as described in their article or book. And to find out only the main attractions of the country, you need to see Italy in all its glory and with his own eyes. That is why the "great museum under the dome of the sky," a huge number of visiting guests!
