National Garden
It opens in the morning until sunset and is considered to be an oasis in the center of Athens. The National Garden extends over 160 sq. m and there you can find 500 different species of plants, bushes and trees from all over the world. Its plantation was accomplished during the period from 1838 to 1860 and it was the Palace garden. It has four entrances: from Vassilissis Sofias Av., Herodes Atticus Str., Vassilissis Amalias Av., while its forth entrance connects National Garden with Zappeio Park. Walk around its pathways, listen to the birds singing and sit on a bench to rest. In the National Garden you can also see a lake with ducks, a small zoo, Botanic Museum, a small traditional coffee house, children library, playground, some ancient monuments and busts of famous personalities of modern Greece.
Sightseeing:
Zappeio Mansion. This impressive mansion was designed by Th. Hansen and constructed the period from 1874 to 1888. The last few years, in this "Conventions and Exhibitions Mansion" many important episodes of Modern Greek History took place: European summits, election results and important political announcements. At the same time, many exhibitions and concerts are hosted here. In front of Zappeio Mansion are the statues of Zappa cousins who financed its construction, while the homonym garden extends around them. Many Athenians go to Zappeio Park especially on Sundays. Right next to it operates a luxurious coffee place and a summer cinema.
Riggilis Area
An impressive Athens area with luxurious buildings, villas and rich vegetation. It is located in the area between Vassilissis Sofias Av., Riggilis Str., Vassileos Kontstantinou Av. and Herodes Atticus Str. and is considered to be a glamorous area due to its location (close to the old Palace, today's Presidential Mansion).
Sightseeing:
Presidential Mansion (Herodes Atticus Str.). It is the former Royal Palace, of neoclassic style and with elements of eclecticism (1890-1897), designed by E. Ziller. Initially, it was used as the residence of the heirs of the throne, later as a Palace and after 1974 as the official residence of the President of Democracy. It is surrounded by an impressive garden and is guarded by Evzones who wear typical traditional Greek costume.
Maximou Mansion (Herodes Atticus Str.). It is the Prime Minister's official residence and office. It was designed in 1924 by An. Chelmi and accomplished after his death by his wife and her new husband D. Maximo. It is surrounded by a small garden.
The statues. At the end of Herodes Atticus Street (opposite Kallimarmaro Stadium) are the three most beautiful public sculptures in the city: Discovolus, a bronze statue by K. Dimitriadis (1927), marble Wood-Chopper (by D. Filippoti, 1872-1875), for which athlete B. Giannoulis posed, and G. Karaiskaki Statue, a bronze monumental statue (4.40 m height) by M. Tobros (1963-1966), where the equestrian Greek hero is represented.
Panathenaiko (Kallimarmaro) Stadium
This really impressive site, built from white marble in a shape of horseshoe, is located opposite of the National Garden. The first stadium, constructed in the same location, was made of wood (330 B.C.). The marble construction, the exact replica of which is today’s stadium, was built by Herodes Atticus. It was the place of sports games, which were organized during Panathenaea celebration. Today’s Stadium, which can seat 60.000 spectators, was built the period from 1869 to 1870 and hosted the first Olympic Games organized in modern history (1896). Around the stadium is the lush green Ardittou Hill, popular area for walking.
Mets
One of the most elegant districts in Athens. It was uninhabited until the 1870’s. It took its name from the homonym beer bar that operated at that time and for many years it was an entertainment area. Until the 1950’s Ilissos River was crossing the area (today’s Arditou Str.). Nowadays, it is a quiet area, which covers the area between Ardittou Hill and the 1st Cemetery (through the pedestrian Logginoy Str.). There are small coffee houses in the central street of M. Moussourou area, while it is worth to walk in other typical streets of the area (Nik. Theotoki, Trivonianou, Dikaearchou, Balanou etc). By walking in Kleitomachou, Archimidous and Ebedokleous streets you can reach the small Varnava Square with many coffee places, traditional taverns and luxurious restaurants. By taking Agras Str. you can go back to Panathenaiko Stadium.
