Athens - The Parthenon
I have to begin my tips on Athens with The Parthenon. When I think of Athens, The Parthenon is the first visual image that comes to my mind. To many it is the symbol of Athens. When I arrived in Athens I took a taxi to my hotel. From the information on the internet I had read in advance, I knew my hotel was near the base of The Acropolis. However I was not prepared for the view until I actually arrived. I stayed at the Hotel Phidias. The name of the hotel alone connects to The Parthenon. Phidias acted as the supervisor of the the archtectural and artistic works of the Acropolis. The first thing I saw before entering my hotel was the monumental Parthenon overhead. I could think of no better first impression for my Athens visit.
Of course The Parthenon is one of the most influential buildings of all times. Everyday when I walk to work I pass directly in front of The U.S. Supreme Court, which owes its design to The Parthenon. When I watched the Olympics on television in 2004 every night they ended the broadcast with a view of the Acropolis and The Parthenon shining in the night lights. It was that vision that made me decide to visit Athens. So my trip to Athens begins and ends right here with the Parthenon.
There is a 12 Euro charge to enter The Acropolis. The entrance ticket also allows you access to several other historical areas including the Ancient Agora.
