Art & culture

Image by Maria Porfyriadi

World-famous gallery holder Larry Gagosian, after having established numerous galleries of Modern and Contemporary Art in the United States, as well as Europe and Asia, recently inaugurated his very first gallery in Athens.

The exhibition I visited in December 2009 (as per the picture above) was “Leaving Paphos Ringed with Waves” by Cy Twombly, an American artist who is well known for his “painterly abstraction” but starting January 12th until March 10th, 2012 the gallery will be hosting another incredibly interesting exhibition by an English artist, Damien Hirst, called the Complete Spot Paintings.

Being just steps away from Syntagma (Constitution) Square and the Parliament, it can be a refreshing break from one’s strolling around the city. For more details visit their website.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Gagosian Gallery | Art & culture, Festivals & events | Free
Merlin 3 | Kolonaki | +302103640215
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 18:00

Image by Marilena Salamanou

Kerameikos is not only a station on the blue line of the Metro. Kerameikos is the most important ancient cemetery of Athens that used to be the borderline of the ancient city. When you enter the site, time starts to move at a different pace.

You forget the noise of Pireos street where all these cars are passing by and you just relax looking at the turtles that take rest under olive trees. You can loose yourself among margareta flowers and ancient statues.

There is also a museum with interesting exhibitions – you can enter both Kerameikos and its museum for free. It is located really central at Ermous street close to Thiseio Station.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Kerameikos | Art & culture, Relaxing
Ermou 150 | Monastiraki
10:00 – 15:00 daily

Image by Marilena Salamanou

Everyone has walked on Ermou street as it is the most commercial street of the city.

But how many travellers have discovered Karageorgi Servias and Kolokotroni? Two really interesting parallel streets of Ermou. Bars, restaurants, pastry shops and bakeries are hidden there.

At the beginning of Karageorgi Servias there is Matsoukas store. Candies (I love the one with ouzo),”pastelia” and “chalvadopites” and alcoholic drinks like koniak or colourful liquors can be found there.

Walk straight ahead and you will find the chocolate paradise!

Keep walking and after a few minutes you can find all these small stores that sell buttons, fermouars and other knitting accessories.

Turn right at Aiolou and after a while you will find Kolokotroni -one of my dearest streets all over the city. I love its vibe! If you feel hungry on your left hand there is “Krinos “-a traditional restaurant where an old man cooks for you. I always feel like I’m at home there! Try the stuffed tomatoes with rice!

This walk can end if you turn left at Karitsi street. New places for night life – bars, theaters and galleries are located at Karitsi square .

Lose yourself in this neighborhood – it’s worth it!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Kolokotroni & Kar.Servias | Art & culture, Bars, Relaxing, Shopping, Snacks
Kolokotroni & Karageorgi Servias | Syntagma
24 hours daily

Image by Maria Porfyriadi

Located right in the middle of the National Gardens of Athens, Zappeion has proudly been standing tall for 121 years!

At the 1906 Summer Olympics, it was used as the Olympic Village. Its architecture follows the neoclassical style; while its propylaea are built in Corinthian style, as evident by the marble atrium of the picture.

Zappeion used to be called the “small parliament” due to the fact that the surroundings of its premises were the meeting point of many elderly intellectual Athenians discussing the crucial political subjects of the time.

Nowadays, Zappeion hosts numerous cultural activities & exhibitions and if you’re lucky you can come across an interesting one, such as a book fair, a wine tasting event or the famous tourism exhibition. Even a cocktail party in the atrium!

A charming spot for a leisure walk amidst green gardens and spectacular natural surroundings. A stunning mansion to explore, with over 25 distinct rooms and the beautifully made caryatid-like columns!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Zappeion | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Relaxing | Free
Zappeion exhibition hall | Syntagma | +302103223509
Daily

Image by Petros Sideris

I know… I know tourists are commonly advised to put on their most comfortable pair of sneakers and foot-slog the whole city in order to grasp the true vibe and spirit of it. But if you happen to find yourself in Athens, on a lazy day perhaps, you can still offer yourself a good treat with no sweat.

The route is about 2 km and I normally start from the Temple of Olympian Zeus, continue under the Acropolis and end at about the Temple of Hephaestus in Thisio.

The entire street is paved with slabs and offers exquisite views of the Hill of Filopappou, the Ancient Agora and of course the Parthenon.

It’s a very scenic route, from start to finish, away from the crowded centre. Ancient remains are visible through the trees as you walk alongside the street, which can be at times quieter than others, but even at its busiest, you still don’t have to walk amidst cars & congested streets.

On the junction of Dionysiou Aeropagitou and Vyronos streets you can see the statue of General Ioannis Makrygiannis, one of the most significant fighters of the War of Independence of 1821, and the stone building of Weiler on the opposite side. Right on the next block is the New Acropolis Museum and by making a small diversion you can also enjoy the sight of the Odeon of HerodesAtticus, the ancient Greek theatre, built in 161 AD.

No need for sneakers. Just eyes wide open and a euphoric mood perhaps…

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Dionysiou Aeropagitou | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Dionysiou Aeropagitou | Monastiraki
24 hours daily