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For most visitors the highlight of a visit to
ATHENS
(AthAna in modern Greek) is the stunning vestiges of the ancient, Classical Greek city, most famously represented by the
Acropolis
and its surrounding archeological sites. Even on a brief visit, however, it is a shame to see Athens purely as the location of ancient sites and museums. Although the
neighbourhoods
may lack the style and monuments of most European capitals, they are worth at least some exploration. The old nineteenth-century quarter of
PlEka
, in particular, is a delight, with its mix of Turkish, Neoclassical and Greek-island architecture, and an array of intriguing little museums devoted to traditional arts, ceramics and music. Just to its north, the
bazaar
area, around AthinEs and EElou, retains an almost Middle Eastern atmosphere in its life and trade, while the
National Gardens
, elegant
KolonEki
and the hill of
LykavitEs
offer respite from the maelstrom. Further afield, but still well within the limits of Greater Athens, are the monasteries of
KessarianA
and
DhafnA
, the latter with Byzantine mosaics the equal of any in Greece.
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