Athens
Mont Parnes
The Mont Parnes Cable Car in Athens offers a scenic and thrilling ride to the Casino Mont Parnes and its accompanying hotel, perched high on Mount Parnitha. The cable car glides over dense forests and rugged terrain, offering stunning views of the city of Athens and the Attica region below. This modern aerial tramway is not just a means of transportation but also a popular attraction for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The Mont Parnes Casino, established in 1961, is Greece’s oldest and one of the most prestigious casinos. Alongside it stands a luxury hotel, offering guests an elegant stay with breathtaking mountain and city views. The hotel boasts premium amenities, including fine dining, spa facilities, and access to the casino, providing a perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation.
The surrounding area is part of Parnitha National Park, a protected region rich in biodiversity. The park features extensive hiking trails, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can spot wildlife like deer and birds of prey, and enjoy serene moments in the unspoiled wilderness. The combination of luxury, natural beauty, and adventure makes the Mont Parnes experience a unique getaway from the hustle and bustle of Athens.
The Mont Parnes Casino, established in 1961, is Greece’s oldest and one of the most prestigious casinos. Alongside it stands a luxury hotel, offering guests an elegant stay with breathtaking mountain and city views. The hotel boasts premium amenities, including fine dining, spa facilities, and access to the casino, providing a perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation.
The surrounding area is part of Parnitha National Park, a protected region rich in biodiversity. The park features extensive hiking trails, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can spot wildlife like deer and birds of prey, and enjoy serene moments in the unspoiled wilderness. The combination of luxury, natural beauty, and adventure makes the Mont Parnes experience a unique getaway from the hustle and bustle of Athens.
Garden of the Byzantine
The Garden of the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens is a tranquil oasis redesigned in 2004. It features Mediterranean flora, including olive trees and aromatic herbs, reflecting Byzantine horticultural traditions. The garden includes thematic sections with water elements like ponds and fountains, symbolizing the life-giving properties of water in Byzantine culture. Pathways and benches invite visitors to explore and relax. This serene space complements the museum's extensive collection of Byzantine art, offering an educational and contemplative experience in the heart of the city.
Picture link
National Art Gallery, Athens
The National Gallery in Athens, Greece, showcases an extensive collection of Greek and European art, spanning from the 19th to the 20th century. Located in the historic center of Athens, it boasts an impressive array of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art. The gallery's highlights include masterpieces by prominent Greek artists such as Nikos Gyzis and Nikolaos Lytras, as well as notable European painters like El Greco and Vincent van Gogh. Its diverse exhibitions offer visitors a rich cultural experience, providing insight into the evolution of art in Greece and its connections to broader European movements.
Running Through Athens
Due to copyright conflicts, this video can only be viewed on the YouTube website. see link below to YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbmb6u9hIzc
Embark on a thrilling journey from Piraeus to Athens Center along a bustling multi-lane Street in this exhilarating time-lapse. Brace yourself for the whirlwind of chaotic traffic as motorbikes dart and weave through lanes, navigating the bustling thoroughfare. Experience the adrenaline rush as the cityscape transforms from the industrial Area of Piraeus to the vibrant chaos of Athens' urban center. Captured in 318 seconds.
Kesariani, view of Piraeus and Athens
The view from Kesariani offers a captivating panorama of Athens and Piraeus. Nestled on Mount Hymettus, this vantage point provides a breathtaking perspective of the sprawling urban landscape merging with the azure Aegean Sea. In the daytime, the cityscape dazzles under the Mediterranean sun, with iconic landmarks like the Acropolis standing proudly amidst modern structures. As dusk descends, the city transforms into a sea of twinkling lights, casting a mesmerising glow against the darkening sky. Below lies Piraeus, the bustling port city, its harbor dotted with ships and ferries connecting Greece to the world. From Kesariani, one can witness the dynamic rhythm of Athens and Piraeus, a testament to the rich history and vibrant energy of Greece's capital region.
Olympic Swimming Hall
The Olympic Aquatic Centre, located in Athens, was a key venue during the 2004 Summer Olympics. Situated in the Athens Olympic Sports Complex in Marousi, a suburb of Athens, the Aquatic Centre hosted swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo events. The centerpiece of the complex was the main swimming pool, which had a capacity of 17,500 spectators. Its distinctive design featured a roof resembling the shell of a turtle, symbolizing the ties between ancient and modern Greece.
The area surrounding the Aquatic Centre underwent significant development in preparation for the Olympics. Marousi, already a bustling commercial and residential hub, saw infrastructure improvements, including the expansion of transportation networks and the construction of new facilities to accommodate athletes and spectators. The Games provided a catalyst for urban renewal, leaving a legacy of modernized infrastructure and enhanced amenities for residents and visitors alike. Today, the Olympic Aquatic Centre stands as a testament to Athens' hosting of the Games and continues to serve as a venue for national and international sporting events, contributing to the city's rich sporting legacy.
Ochi Day 2023
Ochi Day, on October 28, commemorates Greece's heroic rejection of Italy's demand for surrender without a fight in World War II in 1940. Prime Minister Metaxas' "Ochi" (No) became a symbol of resistance. Greeks fought bravely, which influenced the course of the war. Parades, military shows and school festivals celebrate this day across the country. It is a symbol of national unity, pride and remembrance of the victims of war.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohi_Day
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_cruiser_Georgios_Averof
Xmas Athens 2023
Christmas in Athens is completely different than in the northern, colder regions of Europe. Even if it's well over 15 degrees Celsius, you still want to wear a down-filled jacket - after all, it's winter! The many light installations and the abundance of Christmas decorations are really impressive. Some pictures were taken in the Gazi district in the former gasworks
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gazi,_Athens