Greece 2014 Adventure Day 10: Athens Tour Part 1

We chose to take the Athens open tour “hop - hop off” tour. When we arrived at our hotel we discovered a large stand filled with an overwhelming hoard of information pamphlets and I picked the only one on an open bus touring thinking it was the red inner city bus tour that we also have here back in South Africa.

I have to confess I was a little disappointed as I had already inquired about the red city buses while still in SA and when they did come flying past they looked as though they were having a lot more fun than we were and a permanent and vibrant party mood was evident.

Their upper open deck was covered with a sun top which came in handy when it rained for about 30 minutes. 

We on the other hand had to scurry to the lower part of the bus and missed out on several photo opportunities and missed out on getting a better view of the city in some parts. 

 

 I discover that there were actually three “hop on – hop off” tour bus operators, the concept is fantastic which ever one you chose to use. You have complete freedom to choose where and when you would like to hop off and take a longer look. Every 30 minutes another bus comes along at the many designated bus stops (23 to 27 of them). You pay your for ticket which is valid for 24 hours, wither on line or when you get onto the bus. You are able to “hop on – hop off” as many times during this 24hrs as you wish. Just keep your ticket with you and show the driver each time you "Hop-on" At some of the destinations we ended up staying for an hour or so. We were also able to stop and have lunch and then hopped back on again to our next adventure.

 

 

These tours cover the city of Athens and Piraeus from open top doubled decker buses. We were able to get in touch with Greek civilization both its history and architecture both ancient and modern and in-between! On board you are issued with headphones which enable you to listen to an audio guide in your language of choice. I was annoyed to find many of the ports not working so we had to keep jumping seats until we found one that was working. The sights are many and it would really take days actually more like weeks, before you were able to thoroughly tour each one. The great thing about the open bus tours is you are able to get within an arm’s length so to speak of these sights without stepping of the bus. I have grouped them together and the one that we actually got to tour will be on their own page. We started our "hop-on Hop-off" adventure at the National Archaeological Museum.

 
Gazi:  is a neighborhood close to the center of /Athens host to many trendy arty style bars. Over the last couple of year it has developed into one of the trendiest Athenian neighborhoods packed with people ready to enjoy the areas many restaurant bars clubs art galleries and theatres.

 

 
We drove through the Metaxourgio District while at Omnia Square and Karaiskaki Square.

Stop: 11: Omonia and Kotzia Square:

Omonia and Exarcheia are among Athens’ oldest, most well-worn districts. Though neither qualifies as beautiful both are steeped in history, some of it quite recent. In 1973 the Polytechnic student uprising in Exarcheia was crushed by the junta, but it did eventually led to the fall of the hated military dictatorship, the students left behind a neighborhood full of cafés alive with political debate, this is also the best place to hear rembitika, the gritty Greek blues. Below Exarcheia is seedy, clamorous Omonia, and just beyond is the colorful marketplace district. In the area around the station you can also see the Central Market (42 Athinas str.) the enormous meat, fish and spice markets are a sensory overload that shouldn't be missed by any but the most squeamish. Kotzia Square beyond the Athens Market on Athinas street is the Platia of the Dimarcheo, or city Hall Square, the government center for Athens. The square which is known as Platia Ethniki Andistassis (National Resistance) or more popularly Kotzia Square is one of the most impressive squares in Greece and is surrounded by some beautiful neo-classic buildings from the turn of the century.

Stop 12: Karaiskaki Square 

This is a small park located in Athens. Has some dramatic and unusual sculptures. 

 

we were now driving through the Psiri District while visiting Monastiraki Thession (Stop 13) and Kotzia Square City Hall (Stop 14).

Stop 13: Monastiraki Thession:

Plateia Monastiraki (Monastiraki square): A beautiful church and monastery has been on this site since at least the 10^th century. The current church was built in 1678. The monastery once owned many of the surrounding buildings which were later destroyed, but the area’s name Monastiraki means “little monastery” still derives from its glory days. The Pantanassa church or church of the Dormition of the Virgin, is well worth a visit.

Monastiraki: A crowded, busy part of the city where a constant big bazaar takes places. Some columns from the Hadrian’s library are in site, a mosque which has been turned into a library and a beautiful small church are some of the interesting monuments to be found here.

Flea Market

 

 

 Pantanassa church or church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary

                                                     
  Hadrian’s Library – roman Emperor Hadrian built this sumptuous library in AD131. It had a marble courtyard, mosaic floors, concert areas and a small area for storing library scrolls, all surrounded by exquisite Corinthian columns. Following an extensive excavation and restoration project part of the site is now open to the public.

 

Psiri: A picturesque area with a strong local colour and unique character, very close to Monasttiraki sq. Old traditional taverns am most with live music, delicious dishes.

 

We were now off to our next visit: Stop 14 Kotzia Square City Hall.

Stop 14: Kotzia Square City Hall:

Kotzia Square is south of Omonia Square and north of Monastiraki Square. It has around 131 hotels located near it.  Kotzia square is in front of the City Hall of the Municipality of Athens and it has the e busts of famous Athenians (Perciles and Solon). It has lots of pigeons!!!

It was built in 1874 and used to be known as Loudovikou square. During the 2004 Summer Olympics it was used as the start and finish venue for the Athens historic centre circuit for both the men’s and women’s road races. 

In the middle of the square you will find several classical antiquities which have only recently been uncovered. This includes a large part of an ancient road, some tombs and a small building. The square is also outside the ancient Archarnian Gate of Classical Athens.

to be continued in part 2.........