The Cathedral of Athens, protagonist of the royal wedding, and other essentials in the Plaka neighborhood

September 27, 2024

20

It is not surprising that the greek capital It is one of the most desired destinations by travelers in the world. Because despite that classicism that fascinates us so much, being a historical city, the cradle of democracy and the place where the great arts flourished, despite all those centuries of history that it drags with it, Athens is also a modern city in constant reinvention.

A European capital that has a double portion of art, that which amazes at every step in its streets, and that of the good living of its people, that which is contagious from the first moment when you walk through its most popular neighborhoods.

The Cathedral of Athens, protagonist of the royal wedding, and other essentials in the Plaka neighborhood — Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens where the wedding between Theodora of Greece and Matthew Kumar takes place on Saturday, September 28.

Accustomed to being the focus of all eyes, This weekend Athens will shine especially with the wedding of Theodora of Greece. The daughter of Kings Constantine and Anna Maria of Greece, and cousin of King Felipe VImarries this Saturday the 28th with the American lawyer Matthew Kumar and does so in the Athenian capital, with events that will be held in some of the most beautiful places in the capital. We review these scenarios and other essential ones in case you decide to visit Athens this fall.

THE METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL

It is not among the buildings that travelers have in mind when they arrive in Athens, because they are especially fascinated by places of classical culture. But the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Saint Mary well worth a stop. It is located in the Plaka neighborhood, at the foot of the Acropolis, and it is the largest church in Athens and the place chosen by the couple for their Orthodox union ceremony. For years it has witnessed great events and celebrations, such as the wedding of Kings Juan Carlos and Sofia, in May 1962, as well as the wedding of King Constantine and Queen Ana María, parents of the current girlfriend.

The cathedral impresses wherever you look at it. Its construction began in 1842, although it took more than 20 years to complete and materials from more than 70 churches are used different ones that had been abandoned. Outside with huge dome (24 meters high) and two twin bell towers They attract attention, as well as its façade, a mix of neoclassical and Greco-Byzantine styles.

A visit to the interior is also possible (as long as there is no celebration, the visit does not require entry), where the relics of two martyrs: Agia Filothei and Patriarch Gregory V. We must pay attention to the frescoes on the walls and the sculptural works that we find in its three naves.

THE PLAKA NEIGHBORHOOD

Once you have visited the cathedral, it is time to discover the neighborhood in which it is located, one of the most charming in Athens. It is about the old neighborhood of Plaka, in the downtown area and at the foot of the eternal Acropolis. A place that seems designed to get lost and wander through its cobbled streets and small squares always bustling with people, browse the many shops with all kinds of souvenirs and then sit in one of those restaurants that have their terraces on the same stairs.

What to see in the Plaka neighborhood

Before embarking on tasting the local cuisine, it is worth visiting some of the essentials of this neighborhood, like the lovely Church of St. Nicholas Rangavás or the little one Agios Eleftherios, next to the cathedral.

In the heart of Plaka you can discover the lantern of Lysicratesin commemoration of the award for having created the best theatrical work in Athens in 334 BC. C. They say that it is good luck to visit it, although perhaps they are referring to the luck of being in Athens…

Lantern of Lysicrates in the Athenian neighborhood of Plaka, Greece — On your tour of the charming Plaka neighborhood, you should not miss the Lantern of Lysicrates, next to the agora.

Also the Tower of the Winds, with its octagonal shape and built of marble, which was built in the 1st century BC. C. something like a huge weather vane. And next to it the Roman agora, of which remains of some columns are preserved.

Inside Plaka you will find Anafiotika, an area full of one-story whitewashed houses in white and blue reminiscent of Andalusia. They were built in the 19th century and it is a quiet area to walk.

Area of traditional Anafiotika houses, in the Plaka neighborhood of Athens — The Anafiotika area is reminiscent of Andalusian towns with its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and full of flower pots. A place to walk through, where you can breathe tranquility.

To visit museumsthe one with Greek popular instruments is in this neighborhood, as well as the Frissiras Museum or the university museum. Next to the neighborhood, the most famous museum in the city, the Acropolis (acropolis-tickets.com), located at the foot of the Parthenon, is the ideal place to discover everything about Greek culture, which no traveler wants to miss.

Shopping afternoon

The Adrianou street It is one of its main arteries and the place to go in search of small shops of all kinds, clothing, ceramics, souvenirs, art galleries… the same as the Filomosu Eterias square, the heart of this neighborhood, with shops, bars with views of the Acropolis and a good atmosphere.

Adrianou Street, the main commercial artery of the Plaka neighborhood in Athens — Adrianou Street, the main commercial artery of the Plaka neighborhood.

He Flea Market (Flea Market), next to Monastiraki Square, it opens on Sunday mornings, another of those essentials for shopping lovers and for those who want to know what a Greek market is like. Something like a huge bazaar where you can find everything.

To indulge in the ‘tavern’ (the good kind)

There will be few things more authentic than sitting in one of the typical taverns of Monastiraki and the alleys of the Plaka neighborhood. It is the place where you can taste some of the more traditional Greek dishes, like the salad with feta cheese, the moussakacasserole fish and seafood, or the delicious Greek skewers called souvlaki (meat marinated with herbs and grilled and accompanied by tzatziki sauce) and are almost addictive.

A 'Taverna', typical restaurants in the Plaka neighborhood in Athens — Typical restaurant in the Plaka neighborhood, with tables with checkered tablecloths and located on the stairs.

To take the typical ouzothe Greek national drink (an aniseed liquor that is drunk as an aperitif), the taverns of the Lisiou and Miniksileous streets, on some of the terraces above the stairs.

For those who seek charming cafes, the street to take note of is Kydathineon or Platia Square, surrounded by cafes.

And to know the typical ‘taverns’ with traditional dishesthe Saita Tavern (C. Kydathinaion), with a traditional and family atmosphere, where you can order their stews or delicious cod. Another option is Vyzantino Tavern, with good fish. And for a cocktail, the rooftop Mostrou restaurant (C. Mnisikleous 22), the views of the Acropolis are wonderful. Surely the next morning the desire to visit the most iconic place in the city will have increased.

Source link