Greece 2014 Adventure Day 10: Part 3

Before we headed off to the Temple of Zeus we turned into Vasilisis Amalias Street and headed to stop A6 the Parliament and National Gardens. The huge National Gardens where on our right side.

We can also find the stunning Zapion Exhibition and congress hall building here.
 


 

 

 

The gardens are really lovely and very peacefull!!

We then turned off into Vasilisis Sofias street and drove past the Greek Parliament. Where we were swept back in time. The guards where dressed in beautiful traditional dress!

 /stop A6: The Greek Parliament:This neoclassical building which is still the Parliament of the Greeks today was built between 1834 and 1838 as the palace of the first kings. The Monument of the Unknown Soldier, with the two guards is called “Evzones” who are the presidential guards.
 

Stop A7: Benaki museum:
This was a beautiful white building that had a lot of character. We did not have time to go inside.







we then dropped past the Presidential Residence now in Irodou Attikou street. the guards were wearing a different traditional uniform this time. the Presidential Residence looks very large and the gardens are very green and lush.
 

Our next stop: Stop A8 Panathenaic Stadium: This beautiful marble stadium was built in the 4th century BC. It has been restored twice and its capacity in 70,000 spectators In the 1896 the first Modern Olympics Games were held here.
 

Close to the ancient stadium on Vassileos Konstantinou street we found Stadiou Square and Ardittou Hill.

 

We then turned into Vasilissis Olgas street and the Temple of Zeus was once again in our sight. We were close to the district of Mets. Not far from Ardittou Hill is the 1st Cemetery - the first Cemetery in Athens. This place is a wonderland of white statues exquisitely carved with great care. You will be forgiven for taking hundreds of photographs as their beauty and history is overwhelming. a piece of ancient times, of antiquity for the modern traveller to behold and enjoy.
 

 

 

this is a truly incredible place!!

we were about to get off the bus again and be blown away by the huge columns of the Temple of Zeus!!

......to be continued.

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