Plaza life.
explore, enjoy, cherish Athens
Fall
2015 FREE PRESS | ISSUE 5
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Welcome A luxury hotel, ideally located at Syntagma Square, in the heart of the business and shopping districts and within walking distance from the Acropolis and the Old City of Plaka. Modern style and elegance in a most relaxing atmosphere of casual chic. Just as atmospheric and comfortable are the rooms and suites tastefully decorated in earthy tones with a number of suites benefitting from a breathtaking and scintillating view of the Acropolis and Stadiou Street. Its prominent location gives one the chance to hop on any bus, metro, trolley, tram, or hire a taxi and within minutes get to one of the major Museums, such as the Acropolis Museum, archaeological sites and tourist attractions that this great city has to offer. Discover the charming boutiques, patisseries, art galleries and cafés in the area, return for a delicious lunch or dinner at “The Parliament” restaurant and enjoy amazing cocktails at the most unique Explorer's Bar.
Suites • Bringing Luxury to your life
discover greek gastronomy in our hotel’s breakfast
Deluxe rooms •
The Deluxe guestrooms will bedazzle visitors with their incredible view, since they are all facing Syntagma Square, the Acropolis, Stadiou Street and Voukourestiou luxury shopping Street
The Parliament restaurant •
Newly renovated! Its classy appearance, featuring elegant furniture and sophisticated décor creates an inviting and most tranquil setting for unforgettable dining experiences.
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Located in the lobby area, it offers an excellent variety of coffees, homemade desserts, selection of Greek delicious wines, finger food etc.
The aim of the “Greek Breakfast” program is to offer our Guests the opportunity to discover the gastronomic wealth of our country, while tasting at breakfast, the innumerable Greek delicious products and dishes, which are at the heart of the Mediterranean Diet.
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Plaza Lounge OUTDOOR Relax and enjoy a glass of Greek wine! Choose your favorite brand and a delicious pairing for full enjoyment. Glass of wine starting from â‚Ź5.00 Glass of wine & delicious pairing from â‚Ź7.00 Offer available from 6pm till late at night
The PARLIAMENT Restaurant is proud to introduce the lava stone roasting technique, which allows guests to experience their choice of seafood or meat, cooked to their satisfaction on a lava stone at their table. Stone baking is a primeval roasting technique, which does not require any kitchenware use. The concept derives from the fact that stone rapidly accumulates heat, which is released slowly and evenly all over its surface. Through this procedure, a crust is formed, which secures and withholds the food juice, aroma and nutrients, while its taste remains simple and authentic. The ability of the stone to maintain high temperature contributes to the food not needing incessant flaming or smoking, thus reducing the danger of exposure to harmful substances. Stone baking is considered utterly dietetic, as neither oil nor fat is used.
LUNCH Mediterranean BUFFET MENU
Delicious Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh ingredients. Our attractive Buffet menu at the Parliament Restaurant includes an assortment of mouthwatering recipes created with modern-style cooking techniques, as well as fresh salads, seafood and decadent desserts.
â‚Ź 24
PER PERSON
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Free time 2. The Acropolis museum The program "A day at the Acropolis Museum" invites visitors to spend a day at the Museum enjoying a range of activities. Take a stroll through the exhibition and address all inquaries you may have speak to a Museum Archaeologist - Host. From the second floor balcony take a glance to a special and unexpected view of the Archaic Gallery. Visit the Parthenon Gallery on the third floor with its unique views of the Acropolis. 15 Dionysiou Areopagitou str., 117 42 Athens www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en
3. National Archaeological Museum,
Athens
1. Ancient Agora Located to the northwest of the Acropolis, the ancient Agora of Athens was once a marketplace and civic center. The people gathered here to browse all kinds of commodities. It was also a place to meet others and talk about politics, business, current events and the nature of the universe and divine. The ancient Greek democracy can actually be traced to this ancient spot. It’s a wonderful area to look at the cultural beginnings of Athens. Overlooking the Ancient Agora from its elevated position on the hill of Agoraios Kolonos, the Temple of Hephaistos was built in the 5th century BC. Similar in style but smaller than the Parthenon, the temple consists of 34 Doric columns that support a still partially intact roof. It is the best preserved temple in all of Greece thanks to its conversion into a church in the 7th century.
For visitors who love art exhibitions, there is no better place to visit in Greece than the National Archaeological Museum. Multiple collections can be found here from contemporary artists all the way back to antiquity. The museum also has a large collection of artwork dating back to the Neolithic Age. The collections include small vases, working tools, clay vases and other small artifacts that are some of the oldest archaeological finds dating back to the 7th millennium. Over thirty rooms, sculptures from every century can be viewed. 44 Patission Street, Athens 10682 Opening hours from April 1st 2015: Monday - Sunday: 08:00 - 20:00 The National Archaeological Museum is closed on: 1st January, 25th March, Orthodox Easter Sunday, 1st May, 25th - 26th December http://www.namuseum.gr/en
4. Parthenon, Acropolis The Parthenon is located on the Acropolis on a hill that overlooks Athens. The temple was built to honor the goddess Athena Parthenos, the patron of Athens, to thank her for protecting the city during the Persian Wars. Originally designed by the famous sculptor Phidias, the Parthenon originally held all kinds of treasures, but the main attraction was a huge statue of Athena that was made out of chryselephantine also known as elephant ivory and gold. The Parthenon dates back to 447 BC, and it was actually built over another temple that is often referred to as the Pre-Parthenon.
5. Temple of Olympian Zeus The Temple of Olympian Zeus is known as the largest temple in Greece. The massive ancient complex took nearly seven centuries to complete. Building originally began in 515 BC by order of Peisistratos, but work stopped on the temple as it was seen as oppressive as Peisistratos and his son were seen as tyrants by the Athenians. Work resumed in 175 BC but was halted 10 years later when the Roman architect Cossutius died. Under emperor Hardian in 132 BC, the temple was finally completed and dedicated to Zeus Olympios. The temple stands today mostly as a reminder of Greek history, but only 15 of 104 huge columns remain. The columns each rise 17 meters (57 feet) into the air and once surrounded a cella where two large statues were once placed
6. Erechtheion The Erechtheus or Erechtheion is a temple made from Pentelic marble. It’s located on the Acropolis, and it’s one of the legendary pieces of Greek architecture. Its construction dates back to c. 421 and 405 when the earlier temple to Athena was destroyed by the Persian invasion. The Erechtheum was once a sanctuary dedicated to Athena Polias, Erechtheus and Poseidon. Visitors can access the shrine to Athena by going through the eastern portico. The northern portico leads to the western cella. The Porch of the Caryatids can be found through the southern portico. The six draped female figures can be found here that support the entablature, which is the Erechtheion’s most defining feature.
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Shopping in Athens, especially during Sales seasons, will give your shopping days a different touch while enjoying your Holidays in Greece!
Shopping Plaka One of the most popular tourist attractions in Athens is the Plaka District, which resides under the Acropolis and spreads out to Syntagma. This region is almost like an island within the city, and it’s the perfect way to experience authentic Greek culture. The area is quite private and boasts truly unique scenery with several cafès, ancient trees, green leaf canopies and stone walkways. The area is well-known for its food, boutique shops and cafès. Along Kydathineon Street, visitors find the Jewish Museum, FolkArt Museum and Saita Taverna, which serves delicious cod fish (in Greek, bakaliaros) and grilled meats.
Ermou Street Ermou Street, in the heart of Athens, begins from Syntagma Square and ends at Monastiraki. It is the most famous shopping promenade and one of the best choices in Athens for clothing, accessories and quality souvenir shopping. Especially if you are looking for shoes, Ermou Street is the best choice as it offers a great number of shoe stores.
Stadiou & Voukourestiou street quality shopping Two lavish Streets that cover the entire elite shopping experience. Both streets are very close to Syntagma square in the posh Kolonaki area, where you will find the high-end boutiques of Athens. Since the 1950’s Voukourestiou Street was famous for the trendy American and European goods as well as gold, and jewelry shops. Here are some of the brands you will find on this elaborate street. Baccarat, Bally, Bulgari, Burberry, Cartier, Chopard, Ermenegildo Zegna, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Frey Wille, Hermès, Mulberry, Louis Vuitton, Mont Blanc, Prada, Chanel. A sophisticated area of the city that also offers a variety of cafés and bars were after a day of shopping you can relax and enjoy a drink or snack.
Kolonaki For brand name shopping Kolonaki is the place you’re looking for. All the great fashion brands, the best jewelries and all the designer trends of each season gathered together in a small area in the center of Athens, near Syntagma Square.
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n m u t au
1. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center – Visitors Center As the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) nears its completion, the Visitors Center is offering an ever-growing number of activities, all of which are designed to reflect, as always, the new landscape being created in Faliro Bay. Lectures, workshops, concerts, creative and innovative activities comprise a program that, using the Visitors Center as its base, is aimed at engaging visitors in a creative dialogue with the project and, by extension, at shaping the future character of the SNFCC. Do not miss the photography exhibition (30/10 – 15/11) on the details of one of the largest energy canopies in Europe, designed by Renzo Piano: a construction and engineering marvel, the presence of which will be a thrilling addition to the city’s skyline. Check out the calendar of events at http://www.snfcc.org/visitors-center/events For more information tel.: (+30)210 8778 396 /-398, or email: visitorscenter@snfcc.org www.snfcc.org www.facebook.com/SNFCC
2. CONCERT HALL GARDEN Panos Mouzourakis' concert Joyful music, famous Greek & foreign hits. Other Participants: Pantelis Abazis, Eleonora Zouganeli, Kostis Maraveyas, Lavrentis Machairitsas, Lakis Papadopoulos 25 SEPTEMBER 2015/20:30 THE ATHENS CONCERT HALL Vass.Sophias & Kokkali, Athens megaron.gr
3. “MAMMA MIA” AT BADMINTON 08 October 2015 -18 October 2015 |Badminton Theater One of the most famous musicals, the global phenomenon that won the hearts of all the people around the world, visits Greece in October! A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a wedding on a Greek island that will remain unforgettable! More than 54 million people around the world have worshiped the characters, history and of course the music of Mamma Mia! The sunny, happy story coined by Catherine Johnson unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter decides to discover the identity of her father. This makes her contact three men from the past of her mother, three possible dads. The narrative songs of ABBA, which were the canvas of history are inextricably tied to the musical, creating a captivating story of love, joy, laughter, friendship, which arouses viewers around the world, giving them “the time of their life!” Badminton Theater, 157 73 Athens - Olympic Properties Goudi (Alsos Goudi) - Tel. (+30) 210 88 40 600 http://abcd.gr/en/show/mamma-mia/
4. SVETLANA ZAKHAROVA AND VADIM REPIN “MUSIC AND DANCE” A meeting of two holy figures of art, a unique performance on the stage of Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Prima ballerina assoluta, the leading dancer Svetlana Sakharov, accompanied by one of the most famous violinists in the world, the great Vadim Repin, will present a unique music and dance show on the stage of Odeon of Herodes Atticus. A performance full of energy, rhythm and feeling accompanied by an excellent chamber-string orchestra of distinguished Greek soloists, the members of whom were chosen by Repin himself. Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Herodeion - Acropolis Dionysiou Areopagitou St. Athens Thursday 17 September 2015 Tel. (+30) 210 32 41 807 http://greekfestival.gr/en/home
5. EXHIBITION OF THE ATHENS BIENNALE 2015 -2017 The opening of the Athens Biennale 2015 -2017 begins on the 25th of June 2015 with the installation of two large-scale works at the Bageion hotel. Rhinoceros by Nikos Kessanlis, 1997, is displayed in the former ballroom, and in the facade of the building the sign Άντερ Κονστράξιον, (Under Construction), 2015, by the Underconstruction Group. The exhibition will last until October 1st 2015. The four-storey building of the former hotel Bageion, an excellent example of Athenian urban architecture, dates back to the late 19th century. Ernst Ziller built the hotel between 1890 and 1894, after a donation provided by Ioannis Bagas. The Bageion is located on Omonoia Square, an area that was the centre of secular life and the commercial point of the city until 1930s. In the early 1920s, the Bageion became a spiritual refuge for the young writers of the time (for instance, Mitsos Papanikolaou, Napoleon Lapathiotis, Tellos Agras, Minos Zotos, and Nick Saravas) and became an important place where a new generation of Greek Literature was formed. Bageion Hotel 18 Omonia Square, Athens, 1 September – 1 October 2015 Opening Hours: Thursday-Friday: 16:00-19:00, Saturday: 12:00-16:00 http://athensbiennale.org/en/
6. The Athens Marathon 08/11/15 Athens Marathon invites the world to support Greece. The Athens Marathon will continue to go ahead as planned on 8 November although an elite field won't be invited due to costs. The “Athens Marathon. The Authentic” will still go ahead this autumn albeit in a slightly different form to normal on 8 November. In the light of the economic challenges facing the country and its people, the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) has decided to forego inviting an elite field in the marathon in order to concentrate on a race for mass runners, including the 5km and 10 km road races which complete the day’s programme. Parts of the money saved will be used to further improve services and entertainment for the mass runners. A record number of 16,000-plus runners are expected to take to the classic course from the town of Marathon to the 1896 Olympic Stadium in the heart of Athens which was the route used for the 1997 World Championships and 2004 Olympic Games. In total 43,000 runners are expected to take part in all the running events on offer. http://www.athensauthenticmarathon.gr
7. SANTIAGO CALATRAVA: THE RENAISSANCE OF THE CHURCH OF ST. NICHOLAS AT “GROUND ZERO” Τhe renaissance of the church of St. Nicholas at “Ground Zero” not only replaces the one destroyed on the 11th of September when so many people lost their lives, but it is also brought into the context of the new “Ground Zero” area with a very special role as the only non-secular building.The building is a landmark, being the National Shrine of the Greek Orthodox Church of America and it is designed as a place open to everyone, regardless of the religion, a place for worship, pray, meditation and welcoming. Doric columns that support a still partially intact roof. It is the best preserved temple in all of Greece thanks to its conversion into a church in the 7th century. 19 September 2015-25 October 2015 Mouseio Benaki Vas. Sofias kai Koubari 1 Tel: 2103671000 Wednesday: 09:00 to 17:00 Thursday: 09:00 to 23:59 Friday: 09:00 to 17:00 Saturday: 09:00 to 23:59 Sunday: 09:00 to 15:00 http://www.benaki.gr/index. asp?lang=en&id=202020001&sid=1734
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