Athens: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 02:45, 30 December 2004

Revision as of 03:12, 9 January 2005

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The classic museums like the [[National Archaeological Museum, Athens|National Archaeological Museum]] (which holds the world's greatest collection of [[Greek art]]), the Benaki Museum (including its new Islamic Art branch) [www.benaki.gr], the Byzantine Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art (strongly recommended for its collection of elegant white metamodern figures, more than 3,000 years old) [www.cycladic-m.gr] have all been renovated in view od the 2004 Olympics. A new Acropolis Museum is being built [ http://www.culture.gr/2/21/215/21502/e21509c.html] according to a design by acclaimed architect Bernard Tschumi [http://www.culture.gr/2/21/215/21502/e21509c.html]

As for the night life, central Athens has a great number of multiplex as well as romantic open air garden cinemas, more theatres than any other European city (including ancient marble ones that are home to the Athens Festival from June to July) and many music venues including a state of the art Music hall known as "Megaron" [www.megaron.gr] that attracts world-famous artists all year round. The coastline -now connected to the city centre with a gleaming new tram way- boasts a series of exciting venues next to the beaches where, during the day, Athenians swim and sunbathe. The Psirri district - aka Athens' 'meat packing district'- has acquired many new bars and restaurants and is a center for young Athenians. The Plaka remains the traditional tourist destination, with many tavernas featuring 'traditional' music, but the food, though good, is expensive compared to other parts of the city. The chic Kolonaki area, near Syntagma Square, is full of boutiques catering to well healed-heeled customers by day and bars and restaurants by night. Some rundown central areas (south of Omonia Square) are mainly peopled by immigrants and are full of colorful if modest ethnic restaurants and shops. Casinos operate on Mount Parnitha (accessible by car or cable car) and the near town of Loutraki (accessible by car or suburban railway).

An entirely new attraction is the massively upgraded Olympic Stadium Complex (known by its Greek initials OAKA). The whole area has been remodelled by the Spanish architect [[Santiago Calatrava]] with monuments, gardens, futuristic passages and a characteristic new blue glass roof which was added to the main Stadium. A second olympic area, next to the sea at Faliron, also boasts futuristic stadiums, shops and an elevated esplanade.