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Tag Archives: Empire

Athens, Greece: A Living Museum

5 September 202323 September 2024

Athens was once the center of civilization….the pulse of the world and believed to be the center of the universe.   Today it is a living museum, full of archaeological sites and artifacts.  A city steeped in history and a love for philosophy and science.  In Athens, you can walk in the footsteps of countrymen who have made an impact on the world in areas such as medicine, architecture and mathematics.   Over the years, Athens was a city to conquer and has suffered a few setbacks, but this ancient civilization, even today, has always managed to forge ahead.

DSC_0800 - Syntagma Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Our first stop on our tour of Athens was Mars Hill.  Traveling by bus from the airport, we passed  a few sites which our guide pointed out, starting with Syntagma Square.  Located northeast of the Plaka, a popular city neighborhood, the square stands in front of the neoclassical Parliament building.

Also referred to as Plateia Syntagmatos, this beautiful courtyard was once a part of the Royal Palace of Greece’s first king, King Otto I.  Organized demonstrations took place here leading to the country’s historic constitution of 1843 in which they gained independence from the Ottoman Empire.

Today, the Evzone Guards, an elite unit of the Greek military perform the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  The uniforms of the guards have historical significance.   The pompoms on the shoes go back to the ancient Mycenaeans.  The 400 pleats in the winter skirts resemble the number years that the Greeks were under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.

At five minutes before each hour, the guard changes, providing a presentation of the crossing of the guard.  On Sundays at 11AM, visitors can witness a full crossing of the guard ceremony complete with marching band.DSC_0824, Temple of Olympian Zeus

Taking a right from the Parliament building we came upon the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch.  The Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympieion), measuring 360 feet by 145 feet when it was completed, towered 56 feet high.  Construction began during the rule of Peisistratos and was completed by Hadrian, the Roman Emperor in 131 AD, taking over 700 years to complete.

Only 15 of the original 104 Corinthian columns remain. The structure once displayed colossal statues of  both Zeus and Hadrian.  DSC_0875 - Hadrian's Arch

Close to the area of Lysicratu is Hadrian’s Arch which was once a dazzling white structure topped with Corinthian columns.  The arch was built in 131 AD by the Roman Emperor, Hadrian who is also credited for completing the temple.  On the arch side facing the traffic (west) is an inscription, “This is Athens, ancient city of Theseus” and on the east, “This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus”.   The east side was a gateway to Roman structures which included the Temple of Olympian Zeus,  also completed by Hadrian.  It represents the division between Classical Greece and the Roman Province.

DSC_0848, Church of Agios Eleftherios

The Church of Agios Eleftherios was once a meeting place for the archbishops of Athens when the Ottomans prohibited them from meeting in the church within the Parthenon.  Known as the “old cathedral”, this place of worship has been around since the 13th century.

DSC_0921 - Panathenaic Stadium

In the district of Pangratti is the Panathanaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro, “beautiful marble”), the “stadium of the first modern Olympic games”.  It has since been refurbished through funding by Evangelis Zappas and George Averof.

DSC_0918, George Averoff Statue, Athens, Greece

There is a statue of George in the square near the stadium.

DSC_0928, Hiking up Mars Hill

Known as the Areopagus, Ares’s Hill as well as Mars Hill, this amazing climb provides impressive views of historic Athens as well as a remarkable vantage point to photograph the Acropolis.  This location is most popularly known as the place where the apostle Paul shared his Christian faith with local Greek intellectuals.

DSC_0927 - Mars Hill View

A panoramic View from Mars Hill, from left to right, are structures such as Ancient Agora and Thissio Park.  The Plaka would be located towards the center and the Acropolis to the right.  Tickets to the Acropolis are also valid for visiting the Greek and Roman Agoras, Hadrian’s Library, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Theatre of Dionysos and the Kerameikos Cemetery.

IMG_1429, Amazing View from the Acropolis

From Mars Hill, the Temple of Hephaestos, is the most intact Doric temple in Greece.   It is dedicated to the god of iron workers, blacksmiths, those that worked with fire who created items such as tools, statues, jewelry and armor.  It was transformed into a Christian church, the Chapel of St. George (of the dragon) which may have helped in keeping the temple in its current state.

From Mars Hill, we were now ready to explore oneof the most magnificent temples of Greek architecture, The Acropolis.

Have you visited the spectacular city of Athens?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading about my day in Athens and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Syntagma Square
Athens 105, 57, Greece

Temple of Olympian Zeus
Athens 105, 57, Greece

Hadrian’s Arch
Athens 105, 57, Greece

Church of Agios Eleftherios
Acharnon 384, Athina 111 43, Greece

Panathanaic Stadium
Vasileos Konstantinou Anevue (opposite the statue of Myron Discobolus)
Athens, 116 35, Greece

Areopagus
Theorias 21, Athina 105 55, Greece

Ancient Agora
Adrianou 24, Athina 105 55, Greece

Thissio Park
Apostolou Pavlou, Athina 105 55, Greece

Hadrian’s Library
?, Areos 3, Athina 105 55, Greece

Theatre of Dionysos
The Acropolis
Mitseon 25, Athina 117 42, Greece

Kerameikos Cemetery
Ermou 148, Athina 105 53, Greece

Temple of Hephaestos
Athens 105 55, Greece

Chapel of St. George
Thrasillou 18, Athina 105 58, Greece

Acropolis
Athens 105 58, Greece

Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athina 105 55, Greece

Where to Stay:

AVA Hotel and Suites
9-11 Lyssikratous Street, Plaka,
Athens, Attiki, 105 51  Greece
Telephone:  +30 21 00325 9000

Where to Eat: 

2Mazi Restaurant
48 Nikis Street, Plaka
Athens, Attiki, 105 51  Greece

What to Eat:

    • Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
    • Greek Salad
    • Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
    • Gyros
    • Lamb
    • Local Olives
    • Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
    • Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
    • Pomegranates
    • Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
    • Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
    • Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
    • Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
    • Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.

What to Read: 

  • The Odyssey, by Homer
  • The King Must Die, by Mary Renault
  • Little Infamies, by Panos Karnezis
  • My Family and Other Animals, by Gerald Durrell
  • Uncle Petros and Goldbach’s Conjecture, by Apostolos Doxiadis
  • Freedem and Death, by Nikos Kazantzakis
  • The Dark Labyrinth, by Lawrence Durrell
  • The Names, by Don DeLillo
  • Atticus the Storyteller’s 100 Greek Myths by Lucy Coats and Anthony Lewis

Photo Guide for Athens, Greece:

  • Acropolis
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus
  • Ancient Agora
  • Dromeas “Running Man” Sculpture
  • Changing of the Guard (Evzones)
  • Panatheniac Stadium
  • Anafiotika Neighborhood
  • Mount Lycabettus
  • Lake Vouliagmeni
  • Pentelikion Waterfall
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Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas

19 February 201921 September 2024

083 Entrance to Caesar's Palace

The colossal palace complex of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas represents the opulence and luxury that only the Romans could have envisioned.  Adorned with Romanesque statues and artwork, this fine resort could have easily been a summer home for the rulers of Rome, one of the world’s greatest empires.  The mega-resort first opened in the 1960s with its over-the-top reconstruction of the European city’s most memorable monuments, statues and fountains.

100 Trevi Fountain Replica at Caesar's, Exterior

The Trevi Fountain outside of the Forum Shops

Caesar’s Palace would not adequately represent Rome without its Colosseum offering entertainment from such acts as singers Celine Dion and Elton John as well as comedian headliner Jerry Seinfeld. The high-tech version of Rome’s ancient arena seats 41,000 with state of the art lighting systems and sound.  While some may not be able to afford the venue’s entertainment, there are a group of animatronic statues that provide free hourly shows called the Fall of Atlantis & Festival Fountain Show.

The main dining attractions of Caesar’s Palace include three star Michelin chef, Guy Savoy’s restaurant, Gordon Ramsay’s Hell Kitchen (opened January 2018) and Pronto by Giada (opened early 2018).   In addition to its dining and nightlife, it is no surprise that the Forum Shops are also a major attraction within the casino hotel.

094 Colossal Statues in the Shopping Plaza, Caesar's

Shopping at Caesar’s Palace

The most dramatic entrance into the Forum Shops is through The Strip.  Gargantuan statues and a grand staircase welcome the shopping goddess to over 160 boutique shops to include expensive designers such as Fendi and Armani as well as specialty boutiques and a three story H&M.

102 Amazing View of Caesar's

Caesar’s Palace Fountains

After a day of shopping, a girl’s best friend is the Qua Baths and Spa. In addition to its spa services, a $25 day pass at the Roman Baths includes the opportunity to feel the heat in the cedar sauna or enjoy the cold of the arctic room.

Late into the night, the resort’s OMNIA nightclub, Pure, is known for its patio providing a view of the strip as well as its DJs spinning the latest chartbusters.  Alternatively, for a laid-back atmosphere, drinks at the Spanish Steps are a must.

What is your favorite Las Vegas hotel and why?  I would love to hear about your experiences in Las Vegas, especially if you stayed at the luxurious Caesar’s Palace, so leave a message in the Comment section below!  Happy Travels!

Caesar’s Palace is located at 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South.  For more information about the resort, you can contact their website at www.caesarspalace.com.

086 Replica of Trevi Fountain

Replica of the Trevi Fountain in Rome

089 The Show of the gods

Fall of Atlantis & Festival Fountain Show

090 Caesar's Aquarium

Aquarium with Fish Swimming among Roman Ruins
084 Artwork inside Caesar's Palace

Mosaic Like Artwork Depicting Roman Chariot Racing
085 Statues and Domes at Caesar's Palace

 Romanesque Statues
088 Caesar's Palace Interior

 Replica of the Parthenon of Rome

099 Exterior Fountain at Caesar's

 Replica of one of Rome’s Famous Fountains

103 More Fountains at Caesar's, LAS

 Beautiful Fountains of Caesar’s Palace

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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