Athens: Academia, Antiquity, and Architecture (Part 2)

Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion

High above the Aegean Sea, at Cape Sounion (43 miles SSE of Athens), the southernmost tip of the Attica Peninsula, the Temple of Poseidon (444-400 BC) was erected by the ancient Athenians, under the reign of Pericles. 

Poseidon, God of the Sea

Cape Sounion is famous for a very popular Greek myth. In accordance to the legend, believing his son, Theseus, had been killed in a competition with the Minotaur of Crete, King Aegeus, of Athens, took his own life, and jumped into the sea that bears his name, after spotting the black sails on the returning ship, as Theseus had forgotten to hoist white ones, signifying his victory.

The Aegean Sea

A more recent 'legend’ states that the Romantic poet, Lord Byron, carved his name on one of the temple’s marble columns, when he visited Sounion twice, from 1810 to 1811, on his Grand Tour of Europe. The poet’s name is, indeed, engraved on the stone, but it has yet to be proven that the inscription was, in fact, his own.

Lord Byron's Inscription

Heading back towards the capital, this outdoor mall, near Spata, boasts a neoclassical style, complete with pastel hues and shady pergolas, a perfect spot to cool off with a refreshing drink, after some serious power shopping! 

On a thickly forested hilltop in Athens, we visited a beautiful monastery, with panoramic views of the city below.

Hanging in the hot, mid-morning sun, the church bells, still and silent, were off duty until evening mass.

As we took our last stroll through the downtown core, we were delighted to stumble upon a fall flower exhibit, which dotted the wide city square with rich, bright blooms and enthusiastic admirers.

Well, that was our trip to the capital and it was a nice distraction from the regular routine. Back on the island, the temperature has dropped and the layering of clothes has increased. So, light the fire, bake the cake and let the cocooning begin! 

Varkiza, a suburb, south of Athens

Thanks for visiting!

Poppy

All images: Poppy View, 
except where otherwise noted

Athens: Academia, Antiquity, and Architecture

The Propylaea, ceremony hall

Last week we travelled to the capital to attend our daughter’s commencement. It seemed most fitting that Libby receive her bachelor’s degree in Classical Philology at the Propylaea, the beautiful headquarters of the University of Athens, which also serves as a ceremony hall and rectory.

The National Library

It was quite an emotional day with speeches, family and friends, and of course, a hearty Greek meal of traditional meze, local wine and rich dessert.

Plaka

Plaka

And coffee, lots of coffee. Brewed strong, Greek coffee is thick and aromatic, with a signature frothy topping, called 'kaimaki', served in an espresso sized cup, thus, café hopping is a must if one is to skip siesta in favour of sightseeing and a swim!

Plaka, perhaps the birthplace of the original chalk paint? :)

Libby’s graduation gave us the opportunity to, 
once again, explore Athens’ ancient treasures. 

The Temple of Hephaestus

Surrounding Plaka

Whether they date from as early as antiquity (8th century BC to 600 AD), or the last 200 years, the city’s impressive architecture is appreciated both by tourists, who travel the world to visit and study mystical ancient temples, and the Greeks themselves, who, especially in these times, need to be reminded of the admirable accomplishments of their ancestors.

 

Plaka

Plaka

Plaka

Wandering the narrow labyrinth-like streets of Plaka, also referred to as the ‘Neighbourhood of the Gods’, as it is situated directly below the Acropolis, we were enchanted by its unmistakable neoclassical style of geometrical finery and chalky palette.

Plaka, and the Acropolis above

Plaka

Plaka

Plaka

Plaka

Among all the residential beauty, the restored Stoa of Attalos (159 -138 BC) can be found, with its impressive columns of marble and limestone.

Stoa of Attalos

One might say that this ancient stoa, which is basically a covered promenade, can be compared to a modern day outdoor mall, as it housed a shopping centre, offices, and galleries, as well as a space for religious gatherings.

Stoa of Attalos

The masterpiece of the ancient agora, or marketplace of Athens, has to be the Temple of Hephaestus, or Theseion, as it stands strong and tall on Agoraios Kolonos hill, still looking very much like it did when it was erected (449-415 BC), in honour of Hephaestus, the patron god of metal work and craftsmanship.

Temple of Hephaestus

Stay tuned for part two of our trip, as we trek up to the clouds, where myth meets mystery, and a British poet of the past, who penned his love for this land and its people, kept company with Poseidon, leaving his own traces of immortality, high above the sea. 

Athens

Thanks for visiting!

Poppy