Between Syntagma and Monastiraki, at Mitropoleos street, you will find Metropolis, the Cathedral of Athens.
The construction of the church began in 1842 and until its completion both the plans and the architect changed, so the final building has a very special architectural character. The Metropolis was completed in 1862 and since then is the main temple of Athens, being dedicated to the Annunciation of Our Lady. Here many great religious ceremonies took place, such as weddings and funerals of kings, politicians and other very important persons.
Right next to Metropolis is the very interesting but smaller temple of Panagia Gorgoepikoos and Agios Eleftherios (yes it has two names). The temple dates back to the 12the AD century and is distinguished by its large number of ancient pieces from earlier monuments that are embedded in its exterior.
The Zappeion Megaron is in the center of Athens, next to the National Garden. The palace is named after the national benefactor Evangelos Zappas, who undertook all the cost for its construction.
The building was founded in 1874, based on the plans of the architect Theophil Hansen and, after several delays, it was finally inaugurated in October 1888. The Zappeion Megaron is a neoclassical building of 25 rooms with a patio in the center, while the columns located at its entrance are of Corinthian order.
The mansion was originally destined to contribute to the revival of the Olympic Games, and to serve as an exhibition hall. Eventually its uses were much more. In 1896, during the first modern Olympic Games, Zappeion Megaron held the sport of fencing. Since 1936 and for the following 40 years, it hosted the national radio station of Greece. Following its founding, Zappeion Megaron has hosted countless exhibitions and events of all kinds. In May 28, 1979 a significant part of the history of Greece and the Megaron was written here. With the signature of the then prime minister Konstantinos Karamanlis, Greece joined the European Union (then EEC) .
Although initially only the mansion was called "Zappeion", it finally gave its name to the rest of the surrounding garden, which includes fountains, playground and the restaurant-bar and outdoor cinema "Aigli". A walk in Zappeio is a must for anyone visiting Athens.
Lake Vouliagmeni is in Vouliagmeni area, which is in the southern suburbs and 25 kilometers from the center of Athens.
Lake Vouliagmeni is a natural lake with brackish water and warm temperature that never drops below 22 degrees Celsius. The crystal clear waters of the lake are considered to be healing and are therefore chosen by many people suffering from rheumatism and other problems. It is important to mention that in order to protect the waters and their quality, it is strictly prohibited to swim wearing any kind of sunscreen. In your first dive you will be greeted with small cute pinches by the lovely tiny fishes that live in its waters. Hooray a natural fish-spa!
Lake Vouliagmeni was created 2000 years ago, after an underwater cave's roof partially collapsed, and has a depth of just 16 meters. The rest of the cave is still there and is a center of attraction for cavers. Due to the high risk, its entrance is fenced and swimmers are banned from approaching.
In Vouliagmeni Lake, you can enjoy a wonderful relaxing bath all year long, in an environment of great natural beauty. You will also find a café-restaurant ,where many events or even weddings are organized.
More information concerning Lake Vouliagmeni can be found in www.limnivouliagmenis.gr and the number 210 8962237.
Mount Hymettus is on the east side of the Attica basin.
Hymettus is a large and quite long mountain, with lush vegetation in several places and limestone rocks in others. The highest peak of Mount Hymettus is in an altitude of about a thousand meters. In antiquity, at the foothills of Hymettus many temples were built, while from its marble quarries many monuments were built, mostly in the Roman times.
The visitor can approach Hymettus, both from Athens and from Southern Suburbs and East Attica. Many Athenians and visitors choose Hymettus for a pleasant ride by car up to a point and from there on foot or even by bicycle. The spectacular view of Athens and Attica is more than enough.
If you go to Hymettus from central Athens, do not forget to visit the Monastery of Kaisariani, while if you go from Eastern Athens and specifically from Paiania, you can visit the Cave Koutouki.
Only 42 kilometers from the center of Athens is one of the most beautiful mountains of Attica, Parnitha.
The highest peak of Parnitha is Karabola, in an altitude of 1413 m. Parnitha also has more than 15 peaks that have a height of more than 1,000 meters, making it an ideal destination for hiking near Athens
In one of the peaks of Parnitha (Mavrovouni) lies the Casino Mont Parnes, which can be reached either with car or with the modern teleferic, while you have the chance to enjoy a unique view of Athens from above. Parnitha has two mountain refuges, Bafi and Flabouri, that can be used by those who want to spend the night on the mountain.
Not only Parnitha has been declared an area of particular natural beauty, but also a significant part of it is a National Forest, while being simultaneously in Natura 2000. The climate of Mount Parnitha is considered to be extremely healthy and thats another reason why you should choose it for your ride or walk. If you can, do not forget to visit the small but very beautiful cave of Pan. Among several animals and plants, in Parnitha also live many of the typical red fawns that have become something like a hallmark of the mountain.
Unfortunately, in 2007 a great part of the green mountain was burned in one of the most destructive fires in Greece. Even so, Parnitha is still an excellent mountain for excursion, exploration and climbing at its beautiful peaks.
Amphiaraeion is situated in Horopos, 48 km from Athens.
The Amphiaraeion was a sacred place and an oracle, dedicated to the ancient hero Amphiaraos who, according to legends, had great prophetic and healing power. Founded in the 5ththe century BC, it operated as both an oracle and an infirmary. Here used to be organized the Big Amfiaraeia in honor of the namesake deified hero.
Today in the archaeological site you can see the ruins of the Doric temple and the ancient stone theater of the 2nd century B.C.that has a very well preserved stage. What's more, you have the chance to see the remains of the grand lodge of the Temple and the altar.
