Athens – The open air museum

If when in Rome be a Roman, in Greece, are we Greek? At the edge of the sea, Athens is so large that it is difficult to see the Mediterranean.With touches of Roman architecture, the Greek capital hides in every corner the weight of its millenary history. But make no mistake, here it is always uphill and – almost like an ode to its ancestors – every visitor to the city gets closer to heaven.

Athens is a bit like its history, it doesn’t sleep or is forgotten.

It is a city that invites you to discover it on foot or by bike, if you like challenges. If you prefer, the underground is always a viable option. There is even an underground connection from the airport to the city centre, but I assure you that you will have a lot more fun if you get your legs moving.

A perfect tour can start at Syntagma Square, one of the main squares in Athens, where the Parliament is located. From there, walk by the Temple of Olympian Zeus. A curiosity about the temple is that, although it went through an earthquake during the Middle Ages, which destroyed part of the majestic temple, you can still see the colossal size of the monument.

To visit the Acropolis, set aside about 2 hours, as the space is very large and you will want to stop to know, in detail, each of the chapters of this history.

Don’t lose your strength and make a stop at Arch of Hadrian, a huge door that resembles an arch of the Roman neighbours, formerly with a direct connection to the Temple. Follow the temples of Acropolis to the Parthenon, the eternal symbol of Greece and democracy, seen as one of the greatest cultural monuments in the history of mankind. To visit the Acropolis, set aside about 2 hours, as the space is very large and you will want to stop to know, in detail, each of the chapters of this history.

The Athens Flea Market is the perfect place to get souvenirs for those dearest to you.

When descending towards the Athens Flea Market, the perfect place to get souvenirs for those dearest to you, take the opportunity to stop at the Agora of Athens. Did you know that one of the great symbols of Greece is the Greek eye? Also known as the Turkish eye or nazar, this amulet is present in many souvenirs and is known to ward off negative energies and protect against curses. Beliefs aside, strolling through the market is an opportunity to bring a little history home.

A last stop is the social heart of Ancient Greece. The greatest symbol of the identity of urbanism in the polis, it served as a space for socialising between citizens, but, above all, it was the place that gave rise to justice and democracy in the moulds we know them today.

Athens is a bit like its history, it doesn’t sleep or is forgotten. The Greek capital has a very fast pace and what is really difficult is keeping up with the dynamics of cars, motorcycles and electric scooters. A millenary space that grew around the Acropolis and expanded through streets and alleys.

Today, with around 3.3 million inhabitants, Athens is a capital used to the diversity of tourism and the tolerance of its philosophical heritage.

▶What to do

Tour the city on foot to discover ancient Greece – the Olympic Stadium, the Agora or the Acropolis. The city is steep and most of the attractions of ancient Greece are in places where it is best to bring comfortable shoes.One of the great tourist options are cruises to the smaller islands that surround the city.

▶How to go

Any route you choose to take leaving Maputo will involve stopping over. One of the options could be the route Maputo – Lisbon and from the Portuguese capital there are daily flights to Athens. Qatar Airways or Ethiopian Airlines could be other possibilities. Upon arrival in Athens, you have several public transport options such as the underground or direct buses to the city centre, although it takes about an hour. If you prefer to go by taxi, the fare will be around €40 (about 3,000 MZN). With a time difference of one hour compared to Mozambique, you will gain one hour on arrival. Just don’t forget to update your watch when you get back.

▶Where to stay

The St. George Lycabettus Hotel is at the top of the Greek sites with the best views over the city of Athens. Located on top of a hill, the hotel offers a privileged look over the Acropolis on the 6th floor.

▶Where to eat

There’s nothing quite like feeling what’s traditional. Trust the gods and go down to the city centre. In the alleys near the Agora, half hidden in Psiri, you will find one of the most picturesque gastronomic spaces in Athens: the Klimataria Tavern. The simplicity of the space and the comfort of the food make Klimataria an all-hours restaurant. Typically Mediterranean, the cuisine of the Taverns offers everything from moussaka – the typical Greek dish, of Arabic origin, consisting of eggplant and ground beef – to a delicious octopus cooked in red wine. You won’t be hungry but if you do, the Greeks always serve a generous piece of bread and tzatziki sauce.

Issue 71 Jan/Feb | Download.