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ATHENS |
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For most visitors the highlight of a
visit to ATHENS (Athína in
modern Greek) is the stunning
vestiges of the ancient, Classical
Greek city, most famously
represented by the Acropolis
and its surrounding archeological
sites. Even on a brief visit,
however, it is a shame to see Athens
purely as the location of ancient
sites and museums. Although the neighbourhoods
may lack the style and monuments of
most European capitals, they are
worth at least some exploration. The
old nineteenth-century quarter of Pláka
, in particular, is a delight, with
its mix of Turkish, Neoclassical and
Greek-island architecture, and an
array of intriguing little museums
devoted to traditional arts,
ceramics and music. Just to its
north, the bazaar area,
around Athinás and Eólou, retains
an almost Middle Eastern atmosphere
in its life and trade, while the National
Gardens , elegant Kolonáki
and the hill of Lykavitós
offer respite from the maelstrom.
Further afield, but still well
within the limits of Greater Athens,
are the monasteries of Kessarianí
and Dhafní , the latter with
Byzantine mosaics the equal of any
in Greece.
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