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neoclassical marvel—the ‘Lantern of Di- visitors a glimpse into Athens’ daily life
mosthenes’—remains a striking tribute during the late Ottoman period, its halls
to Athens’ golden age of drama. Not far echoing with the whispers of history.
behind, the pathway designed by Dimitris Nearby, the Dionysiou Areopagitou
Pikionis around the Acropolis and Philo- Promenade provides perhaps the most
pappos Hill is a sublime example of mod- scenic walk in Athens—a perfect fusion of
ern design meeting ancient stone, a blend history and modern life. It links Hadrian’s
of the old and the new that respects the Arch to the slopes of Philopappos Hill,
city’s topography and history while guid- with uninterrupted views of the Parthe-
ing visitors on a contemplative journey non juxtaposed with contemporary cafés
through time. and the hum of city life.
Further down the hill, the Benizelos Yet, as one ventures beyond the central
Mansion, a grand 18th-century residence monuments and into areas like Monasti-
built upon the bones of even older struc- raki and Psirri, Athens reveals its per-
tures, serves as a testament to Athens’ sonality in more unconventional ways.
layered architectural evolution. It offers Monastiraki Square, a perpetual hub of
i GR E E C E TR A V E L
