We left Villa Marily for Santorini Airports after Subuh prayer. Flew to Athens with Ryan Air (Ticket about €82 per head (I thought it was quite expensive considering the distance of Santorini and Athens which are not that far :P).
Awesome view of Santorini from up above!! Subhanallah!
Antio Santorini! Good bye Santorini!
*definitely gonna miss you!*
Chaírete Athens! Helloooo Athens :))
Another city in my wish list, masyaAllah, can't describe how excited I was! :D
Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. Also known as historical capital of Europe, with a looooong history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. I was so looking forward to see the famous Acropolis! :D
Once landed in Athens, we took a cab and went straight to our hotel, Metropolis Hotel.
We were allowed to check in early, alhamdulillah :) The hotel is a small cozy hotel with an Acropolis view in the prime central location of the Plaka district. Convenient and nice location, very helpful staff - highly recommended!
After refreshing ourselves in our room, we did not wait long to start exploring the city.
First destination... of course the Acropolis which is just a walking distance from our hotel ;)
Can you see Acropolis on top of the hill?? Yeah... we walked all the way up the hill on foot! No kidding :D
The Roman of Agora. located at the bottom of the hill...
And we continued walking all the way up...
Amazing view of city of Athens can be seen on our way up
Bought tickets and before entering the main gate to Acropolis. During peak season, this place can be over crowded... thanks god, we were there on a not-so-peak-season :D
Bought some refreshments at the shop in front of the ticket booth... BIG MISTAKE! It's extremely expensive here! Memang kena katok lah! Menyesal pulak beli as only mineral waters can be brought up to the Acropolis area.
A short break under an olive tree before entering the Acropolis gate.
Okay guys, finish your drink fast! Otherwise, cannot enter the Acropolis :P
Entered the gate and more walking up the hill to see the ruins of the Parthenon.
I could say that the climb up to the Parthenon is not so bad as the steps are gradual.
On the way up, we enjoyed a spectacular view of the ancient Theatre of Dionysos. Also known as the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, this superb theatre was originally built in AD161. It was restored in 1955 and is used today for outdoor concerts.
Approaching Propylaea - the gate and main entrance to the Acropolis.
As you can see in this pic, the Acropolis is under a massive restoration project.
And here is the Propylaea!
Built in 437-432 BC, they form the entrance to the Greece holy district and are flanked by halls in the north and south, but the most southern one never has been finished.
Awesome view of Athens city from up the hill!
...and then we see the famous grand Parthenon!!!
It's currently under massive restoration project.
One of the world's MOST famous building! Icon of Greek! It's just amazing to finally be able to see it with my own eyes, subhanallah! Thank you Allah….
The Parthenon is the Acropolis' central monument. It was designed by the architects Kallikrates and Iktinos, primarily to house the statue of Athena Parthenos (maiden) that was sculpted by Pheidias.
Taking 15 years of construction to create this artwork, the temple was dedicated to the goddess in 438BC. Built as an expression of the glory of ancient Athens, it remains the city's emblem to this day.
Such an amazing view from up the hill of Acropolis!
The Erechtheion
Built between 421 and 406 BC, the Erechtheion is situated on the most sacred site of the Acropolis. It is said to be where Poseidon left his trident marks on a rock, and Athena's olive tree sprouted, in their bathe for possession of the city. Named after Erechtheus, one of the mythical kings of Athens, the temple was a sanctuary to both Athena Polias, and Erechtheus-Poseidon.
These statues of women were used in place of columns on the south porch of the Erecheion.
After leaving Acropolis, we walked and began exploring the city :) First mission - cari halal food!! :P
Opsss… singgah beli fridge magnet dulu. Quite cheap...
*to be continued *
