Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 210 322 8193; Prytaniou 1, cnr Epiharmou, Plaka; 8am-noon & 5-8pm; Akropoli, Monast-
iraki)
This lovely 11th-century church was part of the palace of the Rangavas family, who
counted among them Michael I, emperor of Byzantium. The church bell was the first in-
stalled in Athens after liberation from the Turks (who banned them), and was the first to
ring in 1833 to announce the freedom of Athens.
Church of Sotira Lykodimou
BYZANTINE CHURCH
(Fillelinon, Plateia Rallou Manou, Plaka; Syntagma)
Now the Russian Orthodox Cathedral,
this unique 11th-century church is the only octagonal Byzantine church and has an im-
posing dome.
FREE MUSEUMS
throughout Greek history.
www.instruments-museum.gr
; Diogenous 1-3, Plaka; 10am-2pm Tue & Thu-Sun, noon-6pm
Wed; Monastiraki)
Displays and recordings of a wide selection of traditional
instruments and costumes, including those of the great masters of Greek music.
Concerts are held in the courtyard on weeknights in summer. A restored hammam
in the gift shop is one of the few surviving private Turkish baths in Athens.
tp://odysseus.culture.gr
; Tositsa 1, Exarhia; 8.30am-3pm Tue-Sun; Viktoria)
The
most significant collection of Greek inscriptions on a veritable library of stone tab-
lets next to the National Archaeological Museum.
210 324 3987;
www.cityofathens.gr
; Hatzimihali Angelikis 6, Plaka;
9am-1pm & 5-9pm Tue-Fri, 9am-1pm
Sat & Sun;
Syntagma)
Stunning Plaka mansion with interesting periodic ex-
hibitions.
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