Many tourists who visit Athens stay in the Plaka. It is quite close to the Acropolis, the Agora., and the Temple of Zeus.. Furthermore, there are convenient subway and bus connections to the port. Finally, there are numerous shops for buying food and trinkets to bring back home. It is all quite convenient for tourists. (One travel author, in jest, said that this was to keep the tourists in one section of Athens so the Greeks could enjoy the rest of the city.) At night, the Parthanon lights up the night sky high above the Plaka, making an impressive sight. The Plaka is a nice place to spend a night as well. There are numerous tavernas and shops to wet your pallet and to watch the hoards of tourists walk by. I will admit on one of my trips to Greece I intentionally spent my last evening in the Plaka to by things to bring back to the states.

      When you are wandering around the Plaka, you will come across various parks and an odd assortment of ruins. The Roman Forum, takes up a corner of the Plaka as well. There is also a wide assortment of Byzantine churches (built by the Byzantines) most likely dating all the way back to when Medieval Athens was built. Wandering south, towards the Monstraki flea market area you come across a church that was converted to a Mosque. However, the most notable church is the Megalos Metropolitan. The Big Cathedral. It is a modern church with a nice park in front of it and beautiful icons on the outside. But be warned, this is the Cathedral of Athens. You must be dressed modestly (no shorts, tank tops or miniskirts) to get in.

I hope you enjoy the photos. Any comments, please E-mail me, .