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	Quicktime	:		Medium - Large - Fullscreen			Map of the Acropolis
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Parthenon. Its stylistic conventions have become the paradigm of Classical architecture, and its style has influenced architecture to this day. The Parthenon epitomizes all the ideals of Greek thought during the apogee of the Classical era through artistic means. The idealism of the Greek way of living, the attention to detail, as well as the understanding of a mathematically explained harmony in the natural world, were concepts that in every Athenian’s eyes set them apart from the barbarians. These ideals are represented in the perfect proportions of the building, in its intricate architectural elements, and in the anthropomorphic statues that adorned it.

The Athenian citizens were proud of their cultural identity, and conscious of the historical magnitude of their ideas. They believed that they were civilized among barbarians, and that their cultural and political achievements were bound to alter the history of all civilized people. The catalyst for all their accomplishments was the development of a system of governance the likes of which the world had never seen: Democracy.

Democracy, arguably the epitome of the Athenian way of thinking, was at center stage while the Parthenon was built. This was a direct democracy where every citizen had a voice in the common issues through the Assembly that met on the Pnyx hill next to the Acropolis forty times per year to decide on all matters of policy, domestic or foreign.
© Ancient-Greece.org Republished by permission

Architects: Iktinos and Kallikrates.
Date of construction: 447-432 B.C.
Cost of Construction: 469 talents (1 talent = cost to build one trireme, the most advanced warship of the era, also equal to one months salary of the ship's crew. The annual gross income of the City of Athens at that time was 1,000 talents)
Length: 69.50 m. (227.96 ft)
Width: 30.88 m (101.29 ft)
Materials: Pentelic marble, limestone foundation

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The intriguing work of architecture known as the Erechtheion shares the spotlight with the Parthenon on the Athenian Acropolis. However, the Erechtheion features something special that sets it apart from the famous temple of Athena Parthenos, and that is its stunning Caryatid Porch (this porch, incidentally, is sometimes referred to as the Porch of the Maidens).

Caryatids are statues that serve both a decorative and structural function (here the caryatids stand on the south side of the Erechtheion). These graceful supports were carved to resemble beautiful maidens. And with their delicate hanging folds of drapery the series of six caryatids cleverly mimic the fluting of an Ionic column.

In addition to the compelling Caryatid Porch, the Erechtheion also has some other noteworthy features. Legend has it that the monument marks the spot on the Acropolis where the mythological contest between the gods Athena and Poseidon took place. According to myth, the two deities were competing to decide which one would claim Athens as their city - Athena brought forth an olive tree, while Poseidon created a salt water spring. And the site of the Erechtheion has shrines sacred to other legendary figures, including Erechtheus, Kekrops, and Bootes.
©Loggia.com

Click here to view a zoomable 1-Gigapixel image of the Erectheion

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During excavations for the construction of the Athens metro, a plethora of archaeological finds came to light. One of the finds is the Roman baths near the intersection of Amalias Ave. & Queen Olga Ave. It was built in late 3rd or early 4th century AD and stands in excellent state or preservation. It is especially impressive at night as the lighting makes it stand out from the surroundings. A metallic canopy protects the site from the elements.

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Named after Hermes, the messenger of the ancient gods and patron god of commerce, Ermou is a pedestrian-only street that starts at Syntagma Square and continues all the way to Monastiraki. It is one of the most commercial and lively streets of Athens during the day. There are lots of very nice stores for ladies clothing, cosmetics, shoes and fabrics. You'll also find lots of street vendors (especially at night) selling knockoffs of brand name designer merchandize at a fraction of the regular price. Men be warned: if you try to walk Ermou St with female company, better not be in a rush, it'll take a while with all the stops at the various stores. The special ambiance of Ermou St continues into the night with lots of people walking to Monastiraki and bands and street musicians are a common sight.

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Located in the Roman Market (Agora) in Plaka at the foot of the Acropolis, the octagonal Tower of the Winds (Aerides) is the most appealing and well preserved of the Roman monuments of Athens, keeping time since the 1st century BC. It was originally a sundial, water clock, and weather vane topped by a bronze Triton with a metal rod in his hand, which followed the direction of the wind. Expressive reliefs around the octagonal tower personify the eight winds, called Aerides by Athenians.

If you take an evening stroll to Plaka, include this location in your route. As you can see in the panorama, there is a restaurant right outside the gates of the Roman Agora. I haven't tried it but the quality of the food would be a secondary consideration to me. The atmosphere is awesome!

Roman Agora on the web
• Culture.gr - Short presentation by the Ministry of Culture
• Frommer's - Article