Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
1
Byzantine & Christian Museum
RELIGIOUS ART MUSEUM
This outstanding museum - on the grounds of former Villa Ilissia, an urban oasis - presents
a priceless collection of Christian art from the 3rd to 20th centuries. Thematic snapshots of
the Byzantine and post-Byzantine world are exceptionally presented in expansive well-lit
multilevel galleries, clearly arranged chronologically with English translations. The collec-
tion includes icons, frescoes, sculptures, textiles, manuscripts, vestments and mosaics.
(
210 721 1027;
www.byzantinemuseum.gr
; Leoforos Vasilissis Sofias 22, Kolonaki; adult/child €4/free;
9am-4pm
Tue-Sun;
Evangelismos)
Top Tips
›
The Benaki has expanded into several branches to house its vast, diverse collections, which host a full schedule of
rotating exhibitions, posted on its website.
›
The Benaki Museum Pireos Annexe (
Click here
)
in an impressive former industrial building is tops for art.
›
Museum of Islamic Art (
Click here
)
holds a top-notch collection.
›
N. Hadjikyriakos-Ghika Gallery offers insight into the great artist's life and work.
Take a Break
The Benaki's
cafe
(mains €12-16; Evangelismos) is renowned for great food in an open dining room, stretch-
ing out onto a terrace overlooking the national gardens and the Acropolis. Locals often come to the museum just
for lunch!
Otherwise, pop over to Plateia Kolonakiou to a cafe like Da Capo (
Click here
)
.
2
Museum of Cycladic Art
This exceptional private museum boasts the biggest independent collection of distinctive
Cycladic art and holds excellent periodic exhibitions.The 1st-floor Cycladic collection, dat-
ing from 3000 BC to 2000 BC, includes the marble figurines that inspired many 20th-cen-
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
