Athens Walking Tour: Monastiraki, Plaka, Ancient Sites, Shops

Today's Athens walking tour in 4k, we begin at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens and end at the Arch of Hadrian. In between, we meander through the Plaka neighbourhood, Monastiraki Square, and see Ancient Sites, including the Tower of the Winds. So, go look for your best toga, tie up your sandals and let's Go Explore Greece.

00:00 - Start
00:42 - Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
03:00 - Metropol Cafe
04:52 - Pandrossou Street Market
07:35 - Monastiraki Square
08:10 - Hadrian's Library
10:32 - Roman Forum of Athens
11:50 - Nia Vardalos from My Life in Ruins
14:38 - Tower of the Winds
16:45 - Plaka Neighbourhood
22:54 - Choragic Monument of Lysicrates
29:05 - Arch of Hadrian

Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
Built in 1862 using marble from 72 demolished churches. It's seen state funerals, royal weddings, and visits by almost every state dignitary and country leader you can think of. And, it's even got the relics of two saints tucked away below.

Statue of Archbishop Damaskinos Papandreou
He served as Archbishop of Athens and All Greece during the German occupation of Greece during World War 2, and was a vocal opponent of the Nazi occupation, and saved the lives of many Jews.

Metropol Cafe - Mitropoleos, Athina 105 56, Greece

Pandrossou Street and Pandrossou Market
It runs from the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens into Monastiraki Square. There are lots of shops selling everything from touristy items to expensive jewellery, musical instruments, and clothes. Don;t forget to barter.

Acropolis of Athens
A quick glance upwards from Pandrossou Street shows us a breathtaking view of the Acropolis of Athens, which stands as a testament to the city's ancient glory. I have some great offers on tickets below, including the Acropolis of Athens Skip the Line - https://bit.ly/47Yq3hU

Monastiraki Square
The name "Monastiraki" translates to "little monastery," derived from the tiny 10th-century Pantanassa Church or the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos. It's often referred to simply as the Monastiraki Church.

Hadrian's Library
Built in 132 AD by Emperor Hadrian, this was the place where Athens' most learned and leather-sandaled gathered. With its papyrus scroll rows, it was Greece's main lending library. There was also a courtyard, galleries, and a reading room. Over the centuries, it's also been used as a fortress, shelter and even a venue for theatrical performances.

Roman Forum of Athens
The famous Gate of Athena Archegetis stands at the Roman Forum of Athens entrance. Built around 11 BC by the Roman emperor Augustus. Here, the Romans introduced the Athenians to the joys of shopping malls, with a marketplace.

Balcony Scene from the film My Life in Ruins (11:50)
This is where Nia Vardalos emerged during a scene from the comedy film My Life in Ruins. Obviously, she's more well-known for writing and starring in the film trilogy My Big Fat Wedding.

Tower of the Winds
Also known as the Horologion of Andronikos Kyrrhestes, it was built in the 1st century BC by the Macedonian astronomer Andronikos Kyrrhestes. It's the world's oldest weather station, part sundial, part weather vane, part water clock, powered by water from the Acropolis of Athens.

Plaka Neighbourhood
It is often lovingly referred to as the 'Neighborhood of the Gods.' because it's just a stone's throw away from the Acropolis of Athens.

There's Anafiotika, the island village in the city's heart, where you'd be forgiven for thinking you've magically teleported to the Cyclades. Here's a link to a video I did all about it - https://bit.ly/YouTubeAnafiotika

Choragic Monument of Lysicrates
Located in the famous Plaka Neighbourhood, Built around 334 BC to commemorate a victory in a choral competition at the Dionysia Festival, which was held in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility.

Arch of Hadrian
Also known in Greek as Hadrian's Gate, is a monumental gateway that resembles a Roman triumphal arch. It was erected in Athens in honour of the Roman Emperor Hadrian around 131-132 AD.

I hope this walk with me tour gave you a travel guide to exploring Athens. It's not just a walk and talk through Athens but an invitation to Go Explore Athens and discover the free things to do in Athens. Full of travel tips, this Athens walking tour 4K, serves as both a travel vlog and a travel guide, offering insights into the city's rich history, from the archbishopric of Athens, to churches in Athens.

Youtube Videos
Monastiraki Square - https://bit.ly/3Tpn0Jz
Monastiraki Flea Market - https://bit.ly/3Tyymfq
Anafiotika - https://bit.ly/YouTubeAnafiotika
Brettos Bar - https://bit.ly/3Tpn0Jz (17:17)

Tickets
📜 All Things to Do in Athens - https://bit.ly/47Vf7l2
📜 The top 22 Attractions - https://bit.ly/3Tw4xfZ
📜 The Athens Pass - https://bit.ly/4818AVW
📜 Acropolis of Athens Skip the Line - https://bit.ly/47Yq3hU