Greece offers some of the world’s most culturally rich locations – Delphi’s ancient ruins still look magnificent today – while Emperor Marcus Aurelius himself praised Herodes Atticus’ Odeon (for which he provided patronage), which still stages astonishing plays and performances today.
Temple of Hephaestus
The Temple of Hephaestus in Greece is one of its most captivating and well-preserved ancient monuments, dating back to 5th century BCE and dedicated to Hephaestus as one of his gods of fire and metalworking. Metopes depicting Theseus and Hercules add another fascinating layer.
This temple was converted into an Orthodox church during the 7th century AD and dedicated to Saint George Akamatis. Due to Ottoman rule, during Saint George’s name day only the temple would open for services – giving rise to Athenians jokingly dubbing it “the lazy church”.
The Temple of Hephaestus, designed by architect Iktinos and constructed entirely out of marble, stands as an outstanding example of Doric architecture. One of Athens’ first marble temples with six and thirteen Doric pillars decorated with friezes depicting copies of Parthenon columns as well as statues depicting Hephaestus and Athena Ergani; its location within Thesesio district makes it easily accessible via metro stations of Thissio and Monastiraki makes this monument all the more accessible.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Herodes Atticus’ Odeon stands as one of the greatest and most revered theatre structures from antiquity. Constructed on the slope of Acropolis by wealthy magnate Herodes Atticus as a memorial to his late wife Aspasia Annia Regilla, it featured three-storey stone front walls and roof made with costly cedar of Lebanon timber shingles.
Pausanias, an ancient Greek traveler wrote of this theatre as one of the finest of its type. Renovated in 1950 and seating up to 5,000 people today, since reopening it has become the center stage for Athens Festival every May through October and has also played host to such legendary musicians as Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hatzidakis as well as international superstars Luciano Pavarotti Maria Callas Nana Mouskouri among many more.
Experienced performances at the Odeon are truly extraordinary, so to ensure you don’t miss it book your tickets and tours ahead of time. Please note that due to no heels policy comfortable flat shoes are mandatory.
Fortress of Nafplio
Nafplio’s Fortress of Palamidi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and cultural icon for Greece, constructed by Venetians during the 17th century as one of their military forts and offering breathtaking views over Nafplio and beyond. Additionally, during Greece’s War of Independence during the early 19th century it served as one of its toughest prisons; It even played host to hero of Greek Revolution Theodoros Kolokotronis!
The castle consists of several independent bastions connected by walls. The central bastion, Aghios Andreas, takes its name from a small barrel-vaulted church that occupies its courtyard; other major bastions include Leonidas in the north, Miltiades to its northwest and Achilles to its east.
Nafplio Fortress should be on any itinerary to Greece. As one of its cultural symbols of resistance and resilience, its timeless beauty stands as testament to this country. Open year-round; summer tends to be its busiest period so visiting during off-peak times is optimal if possible.
Anafiotika
Anafiotika was built as a small enclave north of the Acropolis during the nineteenth century by island villagers from Anafi. When Greece gained independence, these craftsmen moved to Athens seeking work helping rebuild and erect King Otto’s palaces – many settled in Anafiotika creating houses that combined traditional Cycladic architecture with Mediterranean aesthetics.
Today, roughly 45 homes remain and many are inhabited by descendants of the original settlers. These pristine white houses feature tiny balconies, jasmine vines and basil flower pots – an absolute treat! Walking along streets without names is also enjoyable but remember these are people’s homes so respect gates and fences as you pass.
Be sure to wear comfortable footwear on your visit as the terrain can be uneven and potentially treacherous. After touring Acropolis, head back down into Plaka for some shopping or cafe-hopping before stopping in at Ayio Symeon Church with its 17th-century Neoclassical architecture – definitely worth seeing!
