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Of Tortoises in Sygrou Park

on November 01, 2013

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Animals Athens Periphery

Location: Sygrou Park

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The Old Parliament and the Kolokotronis Statue

A bronze statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis stands in front of the Old Parliament building which now houses the National Historical Museum. The equestrian statue was sculpted by Lazaros Sochos in Paris in 1900 and was erected where it now stands in 1904. Theodoros Kolokotronis was a Greek General, leader of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire, and ranks among the most revered protagonists of that struggle.

The Porch of the Caryatids

Sometimes called the Porch of the Maidens, the South side of the Erechteion is where the Caryatids (women from Karyai served as models hence the name) are located. These are the famous statues/columns of maidens wearing gowns that are flowing in the wind. On site you will get to see replicas while most of the originals are situated in the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the Acropolis (one of the caryatids is currently in the British Museum in London as it was appropriated by Lord Elgin along with the Parthenon marbles).

Monastiraki Square

The Monastiraki square is situated in the historic part of town called Monastiraki at the foot of the Acropolis. It is easily accessible by Metro, and features a Mosque, relic of the Ottoman occupations, the Pantanassa church and the entrance to the flea market. It is usually bustling with life...

Of Cats in Plaka

Walking down from the Acropolis towards Syntagma Square I came across an abandoned house with a charming little garden, home to all these little fellows. The cats have gathered here, probably because someone has been taking care of them, leaving some food, and helping them to survive, as we get closer to the harsher winter days and the end of the plentiful days of summer. The larger cats are taking it easy reveling in the sun while the smaller ones seem to be in a more playful mood...

The Pnyx

The Pnyx is a hill in central Athens (the capital of Greece) facing the Acropolis. As early as 507 B.C. Athenians would gather in their popular assemblies forging the future of the city of Athens. It is one of the best vantage points to admire the Acropolis and take some wonderful pictures. The surrounding area is very green, and is the perfect place to take a breather after having been to the nearby archaeological site(s). It is in its way quite awe inspiring as you imagine the Athenians debating in front of thousands of their fellow citizens creating the first democratic process.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus or Olympeion is a colossal ruined temple in the center of Athens, at the foot of the Acropolis. Construction began in the 515 B.C. under the rule of Peisistratos the Young who was seeking to build the largest temple in the world. The temple was finished in 124/125 A.D. under the rule of Hadrian. Its glory was short lived as it was pillaged during a barbarian invasion in the 3rd Century A.D. and never restored since. In the following centuries the temple was quarried and parts of it were used as building material. The Temple was composed of some 104 Corinthian columns, 17 meters high, of which only 15 remain standing. Hadrian had erected a huge statue of Zeus in gold and ivory but nothing has remained to this day.

The Museum of Paleontology and Geology

The Museum of Paleontology and Geology is situated next to the Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment of the University of Athens and houses a collection of specimens of the geology, fossil fauna and flora of the mainland and the islands of Greece. The museum's collection of fossils has been split into four distinct groups: invertebrates, vertebrates, plants, and micropaleontological remains and the most important fossils are on exhibit for the public. The fossils from Greece range in time from 290 million years before present time to only about 4.4 thousands years ago. The oldest Greek fossils are trilobites and brachiopods from the Permian deposits of Chios. There are also some foreign fossils and casts on display, mainly of large reptiles, to complement the exhibition. For more details check the site: http://emuseums.cc.uoa.gr/~emusweb/paleontology/

Technopolis - Gazi

Technopolis Gazi is an industrial museum that houses a number of ciultural events and happenings. The city's former gasworks, founded in 1857 and occupying 30.000, were revamped in order to hold cultural venues, exhibitions, concerts and seminars. It is right next to the Keramikos neighbourhood and easy walking distance from the Acropolis.

Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square or otherwise Constitution Square is situated in the center of Athens. The square is named after the Constitution that King Otto, the first king of Greece, was obliged to grant after a popular and military uprising on September 3rd of 1843. The Square was constructed at the beginning of the nineteenth centure while the Old Royal Palace which now houses the Greek Parliament stands out at one end. There are quite a few green areas and a number of trees that will offer you their kindly shade during the hot summer days. The large fountain in the middle dates back to the 19th century. The square is close to many of the tourist attractions and points of interest so it is pretty much a stepping stone to anywhere of note in the center of Athens. It is a place of gathering, whether it be for protests or celebrations such as Christmas. It is at the very heart of Athens...

The Byzantine Museum

The Byzantine and Christian Museum is situated Vassilisis Sofias Avenue 22. It houses one of the most important collections of Byzantine artefacts dating from the 3rd Century AD to the late Medieval era. The Museum was fully renovated and a new wing was added for the 2004 Olympic Games which happened to coincide with its 90th birthday. It is a beautiful modern Museum, well worth the visit.

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Of Tortoises in Sygrou Park

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