We took a cruise on Silver Seas “Silver Spirit” in October/November 2024 departing from Fusina, Port for Venice (Italy) and visiting Trieste (Italy), Ravenna (Italy), Opatija (Croatia), Split (Croatia), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Bari (Italy), Corfu (Greece), Heraklion (Greece), Santorini (Greece) and finally docking in Athens (Greece).
Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the world’s oldest cities, with a recorded history spanning over 3,400 years. It is widely regarded as the cradle of Western civilisation and the birthplace of democracy, largely due to its significant cultural and political achievements in ancient times.
Athens was the heart of ancient Greece, a powerful civilisation and empire and it is the birthplace of democracy, where citizens first participated in governance. The city was a centre for philosophy, with famous thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The city is named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare in Greek mythology and is known for being was also a hub for the arts, literature, and science.
Athens is a city where ancient history and modernity coexist, offering visitors a unique blend of cultural heritage, vibrant urban life, and stunning landscapes.
Hellenic Parliament
The Hellenic Parliament is the supreme democratic institution in Greece, representing Greek citizens and exercising legislative power. It is a unicameral body, consisting of 300 members elected for a four-year term. The Parliament is located in the historic Old Royal Palace on Syntagma Square in Athens.
Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary
The Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary, commonly known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens or simply Mitropoli, is one of the most important religious landmarks in Athens, Greece. It serves as the primary church of the Archbishop of Athens and all Greece, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens is not only a religious centre but also a symbol of Greek Orthodox faith and national identity.
Roman Forum of Athens (Roman Agora)
The Roman Forum of Athens, also known as the Roman Agora, is an ancient archaeological site located in the heart of Athens, Greece. It was built during the Roman period and served as a commercial and administrative center, complementing the older, adjacent Ancient Agora, which was the focal point of Athenian public life in the Classical period.
Acropolis
The Acropolis of Athens is one of the most iconic and significant archaeological sites in the world. Perched on a rocky hill overlooking the city of Athens, it is a symbol of ancient Greek civilization, democracy, and classical architecture. The Acropolis has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and attracts millions of visitors each year.
The most famous structure on the Acropolis, the Parthenon is a temple dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the patron goddess of Athens. Built between 447 and 432 BCE during the Golden Age of Athens under the leadership of Pericles, it is a masterpiece of Doric architecture. The temple is renowned for its refined proportions, intricate sculptures, and the use of optical illusions to create a sense of perfection.
Panagía Kapnikaréa Church
The Panagía Kapnikaréa Church (also spelled Panagia Kapnikarea) is one of the most beautiful and historically significant Byzantine churches in Athens, Greece. Located in the heart of the city on Ermou Street, a bustling shopping area, this small church is a serene oasis amidst the modern urban landscape. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Panagia) and is a fine example of Middle Byzantine architecture.
Passionate Photographer …. Lost in Asia
Stuart Taylor of HighlanderImages Photography has been making images for over 40 years focusing on Asia with a documentary/photojournalistic style.
Stuart is available for a variety of assignments in subject areas of photojournalism, commercial, architectural, real estate, industrial, interior design, corporate, urbex, adventure, wilderness, and travel.
E-Mail : staylor@highlanderimages.com