THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

A monument over which a guard of honor keeps vigil. The 11 AM changing of guard on Sundays is a picturesque small ceremony.

SYNTAGMA SQUARE

Below of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier stretches the most central square in Athens lined by a large number of pastryshops, which are usually filled with a lively crowd of Athenians and foreigners.

THE GREEK HOUSE OF PARLIAMENTS

This is a neoclassical building overlooking the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Formerly used as the residential palace of Greece's first King, Otto [1832-1862], it houses since 1933 the Greek Parliament. Adjoining the building is the National Garden stretching as far as The Zappeion Exhibition and Congress Hall, which stands in its own park.

THE HILL OF LYCABETTUS

Clad in pinewoods and crowned by the picturesque white chapel of St. George the hill provides a fine panoramic view over the entire city. There is a restaurant and pastryshop on the top. Access is by funicular or footpath.

PLAKA

As soon as you start walking around Plaka's stone- paved, narrow streets, you will have the feeling that you are traveling back in time. This is Athens' oldest and most picturesque neighborhood. You will be delighted by the beauty of the neo-classical colors of its houses, their lovingly tended little gardens, the elegance, and the total atmosphere of the area. In Plaka, even the air is different; lighter, clearer, scented, like a gift from the gods. When you decide to take a walk around it be sure to bring a map along, because Plaka is a labyrinth and you may get the feeling that you are lost in its maze of narrow streets and alleyways. No need for alarm though. It is easy to orientate yourself: uphill is the Acropolis and downhill are Syntagma and Monastiraki.

MONASTIRAKI

This is in reality an extension of Plaka. It is the part of the city with the greatest number of antique dealers and gift shops of every kind.

ILIOU MELATHRON

Formerly the home of the celebrated archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in Athens and stands at the upper end of Panepistimiou Street. On the same street, a little further down, are the neoclassical buildings of the Academy, the University and the National Library.

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