Our full day in Athens started early with a quick pastry for breakfast on the way to the Acropolis for our early 8 am entry to beat the crowds.

Ancient Greek temple with large Doric columns made of stone standing under a clear blue sky The structure shows significant weathering and architectural details Scaffolding is visible inside indicating restoration work with large stone blocks scattered in the foreground

Parthenon

It was a 20 minute walk from the side, or Dionysus Theater, entrance, past the Odeon of Herodes Atticus up some incredibly uneven stairs, slippery marble walkways, and incredible views of Athens to the Propylaea which serves as the grand entrance to the Acropolis.

Ancient stone amphitheater with tiered seating partially overgrown with grass a large stone wall and tall trees are in the background the structure has sections that appear to be undergoing restoration or maintenance with scaffolding visible the sky is clear and adds to the stark contrast in this black and white photograph

Dionysus Theater

Black and white photograph of an ancient amphitheater with tiered stone seating curving around a central stage area A backdrop of a large stone wall with arched openings stands behind the theater The cityscape stretches out in the distance with buildings and a forested hill visible

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

A man with a white beard and a woman with her hair tied back both wearing sunglasses and dark clothing are smiling at the camera. They sit in front of ancient stone ruins with tall columns. Other people are seen walking up steps to the left.

Ancient stone structure with large columns under a clear blue sky People are walking up a path toward the entrance surrounded by uneven rocky terrain The architecture features tall pillars and horizontal beams showing signs of age and weathering The scene conveys a sense of historical significance

Propylaea - Entrance

Ancient stone structure with tall columns and a partially reconstructed roof against a clear blue sky. A few tourists are walking and taking photos near the building, some standing on a wooden pathway. The scene shows bright sunlight, suggesting a warm and clear day.

Propylaea

A panoramic black and white view of a cityscape featuring densely packed buildings sprawling across the lower half of the image. A hill with a prominent structure on top rises in the middle distance surrounded by trees. In the lower right corner an ancient amphitheater is partially visible amidst the greenery. The sky is clear.

Ancient Greek temple fragment with weathered stone columns and detailed carvings depicting figures and scenes along the entablature under a clear blue sky some sections appear worn or missing showcasing historical age and architectural detail.

A large Greek flag waves on a flagpole with the sun shining through it People are gathered on an ancient stone structure underneath the flag looking out over the city in the background with clear skies above

A monochrome photo depicts the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens with a crowd of tourists exploring the ancient site. The stone columns of the Parthenon stand prominently in the background while people walk and gather around the rocky terrain under a clear sky with scattered clouds.

A sprawling cityscape in black and white with densely packed buildings extending to the horizon Hills rise in the background under a clear sky

Six Caryatid statues stand in a row, supporting the roof of the Erechtheion on the Acropolis of Athens. Each statue is intricately carved, depicting draped female figures in classical Greek style. The background shows an expansive cityscape under a clear blue sky, highlighting the historical architecture.

Erechtheion

After spending a couple of hours on the Acropolis we made our way back down the hill heading to Syntagma Square and the Hellenic Parliament to watch the changing of the guard. Planning on attending the full ceremony which includes the official ceremonial parade of the Evzones, we thought we were getting there early, as recommended for the grand Sunday ceremony. As we walked up the steps a crowd of probably 2000 people were already there before us.

A soldier stands guard in traditional uniform beside a blue-roofed guard post in front of a stone wall featuring a relief of a reclining figure. Greek text carved into the wall includes INHKENHFE EXTPOMENH ANNON and ANAPX EIΠANON ΦAΣAΓHTAΦ and more. Potted plants and red flowers sit in the foreground.

A crowd of people gathers in front of a large neoclassical building with multiple windows and a Greek flag flying on top. The scene is set against a partly cloudy sky. Some people are taking photos and watching the activities in front of the building.

We stopped for lunch at Kosmikon before strolling through Plaka, Monstaraki, and the Roman Agora and wandering through the streets back to our hotel.

A historic stone building with an arched entrance and two brown doors each featuring a cross design is in front of a clear blue sky. A person wearing sunglasses a striped shirt and jeans stands casually to the right of the entrance hands clasped. Lush greenery grows beside the building.

A rustic arched doorway with weathered wooden double doors is flanked by two wall-mounted lamps. The surrounding wall is aged and cracked, with a marble plaque displaying faint text and a cross at the top. Weathered stone steps lead up to the entrance.

A historical stone tower stands prominently under a partly cloudy sky featuring detailed carvings near the top depicting figures in flowing garments. Surrounding the structure are ancient stone ruins and grassy areas. A small group of people can be seen near a tree in the bottom right corner.

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