Greetings from the Acropolis

I’ve had these pictures ready to go for some time but I just couldn’t get my thoughts together to write this post.  Maybe it’s because I was never a fan of history and what little I learned about Greek history and mythology is long forgotten,  but every time I sat down to write,  it felt like I was back in school and writing a 500 word essay on the Acropolis.  My writing could never do this historical experience justice, so in cases like these, I’ll just let the pictures (and a few captions) do the talking.

•I always associated the Acropolis with one building (the Parthenon), but it’s actually an ancient city with various temples and theaters, so it required A LOT of walking. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, don’t forget to wear sneaker or hiking boots because it’s a long and treacherous climb to the top!

•This theatre was of particular interest to me since my beloved Yanni’s Live at the Acropolis concert was held here (don’t judge!) . I was always under the impression that the concert was actually held among  the ancient ruins, so seeing this modern theatre in person was a bummer, but I wouldn’t refuse an invitation here either. It’s a gorgeous venue and the perfect place to enjoy music under the stars.

•My favorite thing about the Acropolis was grandness of the buildings against the backdrop of the sky.  The structures are larger than life and it’s hard to believe that these were actually made by human hands without the facility of modern technology. It’s a sight to behold.

•At  the top of the Acropolis you’ll find several temples, the most famous being the Parthenon – the temple dedicate to the Greek goddess Athena. The temple was under reconstruction as evidenced by the cranes and scaffolding. The photographer in me was not happy with these modern eye sores.

•One of the rewarding things about climb all the way to the top in the midday sun was being able to see  the entire city of Athens.  Before visiting, I always assumed the Acropolis was located  in some distant mountain in the middle of nowhere.  So when I learned that  it was located in the town (a 10 minute walking distance from Syntagma Square), I was shocked.  All the other ancient temples are also scattered around the city making it really interesting to walk around, especially at night.  My friend described it best as a scene from “I am Legend”  – the mix of the old and new makes it a truly fascinating city to explore.

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September 2, 2011 - 4:22 am

Sabine - Beautiful pictures. I always loved Greek mythology, but never visited the Acropolis. One day!

September 2, 2011 - 5:41 am

elly - Oh lady, it looks amazing! The Parthenon is on The List and I can’t wait to see it. And Rome was a bit like that, with the ruin/modern city mix. I found it a bit odd at first, to be shopping and then you come around the corner and oh! There’s the Trevi Fountain in all it’s amazing 17th century glory. Bizzare, but brilliant just the same, I think. I like that idea that the locals can enjoy such fantastic history in their everyday ordinary :)

September 2, 2011 - 7:16 am

Rosie - Wow, your photos are fantastic! As an avid history fan, I’ve always wanted to visit Athens, and these are just making me more eager!

September 2, 2011 - 7:27 am

Keeley - Okay, you’ve sold me… I officially have Greece on my travel wishlist. I have no idea how I’m going to get there or how I’ll know what do to, but I’m going!

September 2, 2011 - 8:08 am

Julie - That is really amazing…I’ve heard about the magic there. So, yup I’m back and slowing getting back into the swing of things. I swear I could travel constantly if I could just have my dogs and my house with me!!

September 2, 2011 - 8:29 am

Amy - Oh, those photos make me giddy; I can’t even imagine seeing it in person. It must have been amazing! And isn’t that funny? Ancient neighoring modern. It was that way in Visby (home of a famous walled “city” in Sweden). I totally expected it to be off by itself; instead, you walk through town … suddenly you hit a huge stone wall … and you’re transported to the middle ages. :)

September 2, 2011 - 9:37 am

daisymay - What a great place and great photos, it looks amazing! I really want to be able to travel more when we can!

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September 2, 2011 - 9:38 am

Sarah - Dodeline Design - Maddy, these photos are incredible!

September 2, 2011 - 9:38 am

Rachel @ The Redhead Fashionista - Wow! It looks incredible! These photos are fantastic, as they always are! The last two photos of all the buildings is slightly overwhelming. There’s just so much stuff! Next time you go on vacation you have to take me!! :P

Have a great weekend, Maddy!

September 2, 2011 - 10:02 am

Life with Kaishon - Oh my goodness Maddy! What a beautiful, beautiful city. I love the way you captured it!

September 2, 2011 - 11:32 am

Leia - It’s absolutely breathtaking!

September 2, 2011 - 11:49 am

Hannah B - I hate to discriminate but this is possibly my favorite post you’ve done about Greece so far. It has something to do with taking me back to some of my favorite college classes…theatre history! I love the picture of the theater! I remember studying in detail every single nuance and characteristics of ancient Greek theatre and I loved it! Plus, I love the history of Greece and seeing the ancient ruins is awesome. Hope I can see it in person some day!

September 2, 2011 - 1:26 pm

christina Klas - Absolutely amazing. SO much history there. I love it. A beautiful city and beautifully captured.

September 2, 2011 - 1:47 pm

Christina Lee - wow wow wow–amazing!

September 2, 2011 - 3:04 pm

Camila Faria - Breathtaking Maddy! It must be really amazing to see this incredible view in person. Maybe someday…

September 2, 2011 - 5:58 pm

Mindy - beautiful photos! i love the detail you captured and the progression of the photos kept making me want to see more. that arena reminds me of red rocks in CO…only a lot less red :)

September 3, 2011 - 12:31 pm

jazzy elizabeth - SO stunning. x hivenn

September 4, 2011 - 10:27 am

Buckeroomama - That outdoor theatre –wow! What an experience it must be to attend a concert there.

Athens’ (and Greece’s) tourism board ought to pay you for the posts that you did about your holiday there. You make me SO want to visit. =)

September 4, 2011 - 2:45 pm

Angelia Sims - Fantastic photography of Greece. I love the detail!! Some of these almost look like HDRs. And the history is fascinating. :-)

September 4, 2011 - 5:08 pm

PvdH - what beautiful photographs! I love love love athens! The food, the people… (even though the city is not really beautiful, i find it so so charming!)

September 4, 2011 - 11:43 pm

camille - you two look so good together! the place is sooo adorable! i love ruins, there’s something so mysteryous about them!
and Yanni?? really??? lol just teasin’ ya! ;)

September 5, 2011 - 11:07 am

Lee Oliveira - OMG.. next time.. Take me with you!!
This place is fenomenal..
Lee x

September 6, 2011 - 3:05 am

lemonzest - aahhhh maddy,, how lucky you guys can visit that place.. that’s beautiful one..
and hey what camera do u use? i love the photos, they are gorgeous and bright.

September 6, 2011 - 9:55 am

Audrey Allure - Wow, these images are just incredible!

September 6, 2011 - 11:02 am

The Guilty Hyena - This enchanting place reminds me of Rome, I’ve always been fascinated with Rome and Athens, both share an astounding history of civilization, both had similar paths of creation and conquest. If this place is anything like Rome, I’ve got to visit Athens one day.

September 6, 2011 - 2:38 pm

Elle sees - Amazing pics as always my dear!

September 6, 2011 - 10:54 pm

Nadette - and as usual, your photos are breath taking. Don’t worry, I’m not judging you on Yani, I totally watched that concert a million times on PBS and loved it!

September 7, 2011 - 3:57 pm

Tiera - Absolutely stunning. You’re making me want to visit Europe!

September 12, 2011 - 8:04 am

lou - wow. i didn’t know that the acropolis was such a huge place. on photographs you only see the big partheon and actually think that is the acropolis. weird. your photos look wonderful though. all of them make me want to visit greece one day!

September 14, 2011 - 9:36 pm

Chavonne - LOL at Yanni, really? Im like you when it comes to certain parts of history but i have learned to appreciate it. These pics are great as always