Do & See - Athens
National Archaeological Museum
Here you will find Ancient Greece’s most spectacular pieces. One room contains Schliemann’s finds from Mycenae. The famous frescoes from Santorini are on display. There is also a fine collection of idols from the Cyclades, and ceramics. Address: Patission 44, Museio
Subway: Victoria
Phone: +30 210 8217717, 8217724
The Acropolis and its surroundings
The Parthenon, the temple of Athena, is the major attraction. There is also the Erechteion, whose columns are statues of the female Caryatids, though the original statues have been replaced by copies because of air pollution. On the southern slopes of the Acropolis lies the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman theatre with room for as many as 5,000 spectators. It is used during the annual Athens Festival for world-class ballet and music performances. The Dionysus Theatre lies beside Herodes Atticus, and almost all the tragedies and comedies of Ancient Greece were written for this theatre. Subway: Acropolis
Agora
This was both a marketplace and a political centre. The Agora is dominated by the Stoa of Attalus and the Theseion, or Hephaisteion, dedicated to the god of metalworking and also to Theseus, one of the heroes of Greek mythology. Address: Monastiraki
Subway: Monastiraki
Benaki
A history museum with many objects from the Stone Age up to the War of Independence against the Turks. In the annexe there are often very interesting separate exhibitions. Address: 1 Koumbari St. & Vas. Sofias Ave.
Phone: +30 210 367 1000
Internet: www.benaki.gr
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Until 2006, it is being housed in temporary premises at the Megaron Mousikis Concert Hall, but will then move back to the former brewery FIX. Plenty of video art and experimental installations. Address: Vass. Sofias/Kokkali, Ambelokipi
Subway: Megaro Mousikis
Phone: + 30 210 - 9242111 - 2
Internet: www.emst.gr
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