Athens: The Greek Legacy
Athens is an ancient city in Greece. It is a historically prominent city with thousands of years of history in monuments and sites. The city is home to preserved landmarks from the 5th century BC. Athens is also the birthplace of democracy and many 21st-century liberal ideas. It is home to the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is no shortage of terrific stories in the city. People have a deep sense of the richness of this city and its historical relevance. These long years have given birth to many cultures. Egyptians, Minoans, Mycenaens, and Phoenicians make this an amalgamation of different traditions and myths. Ideas of philosophies, science, and other structural studies have influenced Athenians significantly. Their forward-thinking and ability to adapt to change paved the way for different schools of thought. Various architectural styles have shaped this city. The Neoclassical architecture has made the hills of Lycabettus and Acropolis inherently unique and aesthetic.
Athens is also heaven for food enthusiasts and people interested in trying new and unique dishes. Baklava, Dolmades, Gyros, Moussaka, Spanakopita, and Souvlaki are some of the most mouth-watering dishes. Try these organic flavours at Savvas, Artensis, and Liondi Traditional Greek restaurants. Athens is an ideal place to relish the Greek palate and the rich ancient history of the land. You can book Pune to Athens flights on the IndiGo website. IndiGo offers these direct flights on regular basis for the best experience possible.
Places to visit in Athens
The places below can help you make the most out of your trip to Athens.
- Acropolis: The Acropolis is on a rocky outcrop above the city. This place is architecturally rich and home to many stories. A guided tour can help you understand the relevance of this citadel and its evolution over the years. The Acropolis has to be on the top of your itinerary for the trip to Athens.
- Acropolis Museum: It is natural to be more curious about different artefacts that have survived in the Acropolis over the years. The Acropolis Museum is the next go-to place with its large glass panes and modern architecture making it easier, entertaining, and appealing to everyone.
- Temple of Hephaestus: A beautiful ancient Greek temple, it is a doric peripteral on the northwest side of the Agora of Athens. Hephaestus, is the Greek God of blacksmiths. The Temple is a perfect homage to the contributions of the working-class people and their spiritual resemblance. The metaphorical depiction of the Gods here is unlike any other.
- Panathenaic Stadium: Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, is the historical site where the first-ever Olympic event happened. This historic event took place in 1896 and was the birthplace of everything the Modern Olympics has achieved. The stadium has remained a symbol and hope for novelty, inspiration, and the spirit of sportsmanship. It is made entirely of white marble, which makes it look exquisite.
- Parthenon: Parthenon is the site of the remnants of the monumental Greek building. The revenant white marble columns and a perfect sense of proportion make it an architectural masterpiece. Parthenon has survived a few major earthquakes in the last few centuries. It shows the prowess of the workers who made this building possible. It was the chief shrine of Athena.
- Plaka: Plaka is the oldest neighbourhood in the city of Athens. The narrow cobblestone alleys give a brilliant depiction of Greek architecture. There are aesthetic jewellery and several clothes shops in this neighbourhood. Many other shops for souvenirs and ceramics make it an ideal shopping place. You can also visit the medieval churches and try authentic Greek food in Cafe Plaka to enjoy your time.
- National Archaeological Museum: National Archaeological Museum holds the cultural and historical Athenian treasury like no other museum. It possesses a few of the rarest Greek artefacts. Several classical pots and statues make it precious. The bronze statue of Emperor Augustus holds quantitative importance as he was the first Roman Emperor.
Important things to remember for a trip to Athens
- Carry handy cash with you in the city. It would make your shopping experience easier.
- Many restaurants usually serve dinner at 10 pm. So plan your day accordingly.
- Book an experienced tour guide. You can learn a lot about this land's history.
- Metros connect the city wonderfully. You can visit all the historical sites via this medium.
Athens International Airport (ATH)
Athens International Airport (ATH) is the main airport for the city and the largest international airport in Greece. There are two terminals at the Athens Airport. An underground link connects them. Several services like lounges and shopping centres are available. Taxis, metros, and car rentals are easily accessible around the airport. They connect this airport wonderfully to the rest of the city.
Athens visa requirements
Indian citizens require a short-term visa to visit Greece. This short-term visa is also commonly called the Schengen visa. A Schengen visa/Athens visa is valid for 90 days. These are the documents required to apply for this visa:
- Your recent passport-size photographs.
- A valid passport.
- A return ticket. It should show the date of departure.
- Evidence of hotel bookings.
- Travel insurance to cover medical expenses.
- Testimony for financial support.
- A detailed Itinerary. It should show the duration of your stay in the city.
- A cover letter.
