Pictures of Greece
In early June 2007, I went to Athens, Greece for work. Of course, while there we all did some sight-seeing. Here are some pictures from that trip.
Acropolis
The first evening we were in Athens we visited the Acropolis and walked around it (but could not go in due to the late hour). We spent the entire next day in the Acropolis, the Ancient and Roman Agoras, and the National Archaeological Museum. Here are some photos from those excursions.
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| The Theater of Dionysis, looking out to the seating from near the stage. The Acropolis proper is in the background. | The Theater of Dionysis, looking from the seating to the stage. This is where many of my favorite plays were first performed. |
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| The Propylae, the gates to the Acropolis. From the front. | Parthenon, seen from near the Propylae |
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| The Erechteum, specifically the Porch of the Maidens. Note the pillars. | The Erechteum, again. From in front. |
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| View of Athens (and the sea beyond) out from the Propylae | The Tower of Winds, an early observatory, side view. |
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| The Tower of Winds, an early observatory, front view. Note the dog sleeping in the shade. | Acropolis, back-lit by the setting sun |
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| Acropolis, lit by the setting sun | Wider view of Acropolis, lit by the setting sun, seen from Areopagus Hill |
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| The Temple of Hephaestus and the Ancient Agora, seen from Areopagus Hill | Enjoying a sunset on Areopagus Hill |
Cape Sounion
On afternoon, after the meetings where over for the day, we took a bus ride down to Cape Sounion. The bus took about an hour (and costed a few Euros), but it was totally worth the view. The entire trip was along the coast with gorgeous views, plus the Temple of Poseidon was impressive (with its own magnificent view).
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| The Temple of Posiden on Cape Sounion, not far from Athens. | The Medeterranean from Cape Sounion, note the scenic islands. |
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| Temple of Posiden, closer up | Family of quail that apparently live around the temple somewhere. Very cute. |
The Temple of Olympian Zeus and Lycabettus Hill
We took a half-day trip back to downtown Athens to see the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Byzantine Museum (I quite liked), and to climb Lycabettus Hill. (Actually, we half-climbed the hill. Then we took the funicular railway the rest of the way.)
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| The Temple of Olympian Zeus | The Acropolis, viewed over and around the Temple of Olympian Zeus |
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| Hadrian's Arch, looking toward the Acropolis | The Acropolis, seen from Lycabettus Hill |
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| Me, with Acropolis behind me, from Lycabettus Hill | |
Mycenae
On our last day, we rented a car (van?) and drove down to Mycenae to see what remained of the Bronze-Age city of Agemmenon. (When I say "we" drove, I mean, "Phil Nicholson drove and Matt Hedmann navigated." Many thanks to both of them for their efforts.) The city was, of course, very much in ruins, but it was still fascinating to visit. (I recommend it! Note, however, that Phil and/or Matt may not be available to drive for you.) Having taken Greek Archaeology in college and having Matt and Phil along as guides really helped, though.
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| Mycenae on a hill, seen from a distance | The Lion Gate, the main entrance. |
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| The "Cyclopean" walls; kind of cool for this CICLOP(S)ean to visit | The famous Grave Circle A, origin of many of the more famous artifacts |
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| View from Mycenae, looking toward the Mediterrenean | Another view from Mycenae, looking toward the hills |
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| Cistern, with water. Well, mostly water | Tomb of Clytemnestra, with Greek theater built over it |
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| Tomb of Agamemnon/Treasury of Atreus, entrance. It's huge. | Tomb of Agamemnon/Treasury of Atreus, from inside looking out. |
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| Venetian fortifications at Nafplio; I really liked looking at these. | |
John Weiss Last modified: Wed Jun 20 20:19:49 Mountain Daylight Time 2007