Ancient Agora and the Acropolis, Athens, Greece

Stoa of Attalos (159-138bc)

The current building was reconstructed in the 1950's.

The Greek work Stoa means covered walkway or hall. It's 120m long and 20m wide.

It's now used mostly as a museum displaying artefacts found on the site. It's very impressive.

Church of the Holy Apostles (1000ad)

Built, destroyed and restored many times during its lifetime. It's one of only two surviving buildings still standing on the Agora site.

My photos are a bit average. I didn't capture it's real beauty here.

Both sites are littered with foundation stones, walls, blocks, aqua ducts and so on. The thing is they all have significance as they were once part of something much grander and importance. You can't tell from photos very well. This is a shot of the typical kind of scene I'm talking about.

Temple of Hephaistos (449bc)

Other than the obvious deterioration, this temple stands as it was built. Little to no restoration work has been carried out. Originally a temple for worship it was later used as a Greek Orthodox Church from the 7th century.

After that it was used as a burial place for non Orthodox Europians, then a museum now finally an ancient monument. The multiple usage is the reason for its well preserved state. And yep there is a selfie. That makes two for the journey 😳

The Odeon of Herodes Aticus (161ad)

This was mind blowing. So cool.

It once had a roof made out of timber but it was destroyed in 267ad.

It's actually used for the Athens festival which runs from May to October each year. There has been in recent times, and still are concerts carried out here. Some artists that have performed here are Luciano Pavaroti, Andrea Bocelli, Frank Sinatra, Elton John and Sting to name a few.

I can only dream of what it would be like to witness a concert here.

This is a shot of the south side of the Acropolis wall. I'm trying hard to capture the size and shear scale of it.

The Parthenon (447bc)

Built and dedicated to the goddess Athena.

It's the most important building to survive from classical Greece.

While it was a temple it was mostly used a treasury. In the 6th century a.d it became a Christian church. Then later a Mosque. It was finally bombarded by the venetians in1687. It continues to undergo restorative work. Yes it's brilliant. And the highest point in Athens.

It felt totally surreal standing on this amazing site. I wasn't just ticking it of the list. I felt privilaged and fortunate.