Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PLAKA, MAKRIGIANNI AND KOUKAKI
The winding medieval alleyways of Plaka, the old quarter below the Acropol-
is, are easily the most charming part of Athens. Naturally, they are also the
most visited, and in midsummer some streets can be packed with touts and
cheap gift shops. But Plaka is also very good at concealing places of un-
touched delight. The working-class areas of Makrigianni and Koukaki are
shaking off old dust, and must-see museums, four-star restaurants and
ultra-hip clubs are appearing.
1. ACROPOLIS
The sacred rock of the Acropolis dominates Plaka, and its different temples are
clearly visible from all angles throughout the neighbourhood. Legend holds that it
was on this rock that Athena (for further details see
The Naming of Athens
)
won
dominion of Athens from Poseidon, and it has been devoted to worshipping the god-
dess since 650 BC. (For further details see also
Acropolis
.)
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2. NEW ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
Designed by internationally renowned architect Bernard Tschumi, this all-glass $100
million showpiece officially opened in mid-2009. Replacing the Acropolis Museum,
the
New Acropolis Museum
was built with the intention to provide a fitting home
to Greece's greatest treasures: the marble sculptures and architectural features that
once adorned the Acropolis, especially the mighty Parthenon. (For further details see
also
New Acropolis Musuem
.)
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