March 29, 2005
March 29 Photos: Neha
The group arrives to Greece in the early morning hours but not without a sufficient load of luggage. Quite a few of us regretted not packing light, myself included, as we had to roll our heavy bags through the streets of London and in the airports. Jackie is seen here keeping a watchful eye over our bags at the airport while the rest of the group had scattered to use the bathrooms or exchange our pounds to euros.
The group stands in front of a small Byzantine era church listening to our guest lecturer for the day, Leda Costaki, discuss its history as well as the blending of architecture from different periods present. The building contains a frieze depicting Dionysos but also contains the crosses associated with Christianity.
This photo shows the Cathedral of Mitropoleos. The Cathedral is a prime example of how the Greeks incorporate components of former buildings into current ones. The Cathedral encompasses components of two former churches that stood on the spot.
Leda Costaki pointed out this small church to indicate how modern builders must plan the construction of their buildings around past architecture or foundational remains. The small church is overshadowed by the larger building, which looms over it.
The former royal palace and now the Parliament building is shown. This particular location of the building was chosen because one would be able to see the Acropolis from it. It was important to the builders of the former palace to have a visual connection with the past.
The group sits on the stone steps leading up to the parliament building in order to hear Leda Costaki describe how the city plan created after Athens was chosen to be the capital city. She is seen here drawing a layout of the city.
During the building of the new Metro line in Athens, workers uncovered many ancient remains which were rescued and then exhibited in the Metro stations as seen here. The group stands before a display containing the remains of ancient water drainage pipes while Leda Costaki describes the ancient water drainage and road systems.
The group paused to examine the Arch of Hadrian built in 132 AD which was built to commemorate the Roman emperor’s visit to Athens.
The Monument of Lysicrates, raised in 334 BC is seen here. The cylindrical marble structure is one of the first examples of the Corinthian order exhibited on an exterior of a monument. The monument was later incorporated into a monastery. According to an inscription near the monument, was restored in 1892 by the French.
The group walks up the south slopes of the Acropolis and catches their first view of the Parthenon. Two choragic monuments can also be seen at right. These monuments have triangular capitals indicating that tripods once stood on top of them.
The group is seen here gazing at the remains of the Odeion of Perikles. The interior walls of the Odeion, seen in the far left, were rebuilt with conglomerate after being destroyed in the 4th century BC.
On the south slope of the acropolis lies the Theatre of Dionysus which is pictured here. The seats originally stretched all the way back into the base of the acropolis. The Theatre of Dionysos was not only used for dramatic performances but also for public assembly. In the center of the Theatre lies the remnants of the altar of Dionysos.
The remains of the Sanctuary of Dionysos can be seen here. The remains in the far right are those of the 4th century temple while the remains on the left are those of an earlier temple. The Sanctuary of Dionysos is directly adjacent to the Theatre of Dionysos.
Leda Costaki discusses the restoration of the Asklepieion as well as its history. The Asklepieion was a popularly visited complex as it was viewed as a site of healing. Its modern remains have to be supported by metal poles while the site is being restored.
The group stops to examine the bust of Melina Mercouri, a well-reputed actress and former cultural director who was a major proponent in the movement calling for the return of the Elgin marbles to Greece. Caleb was so excited that he actually whipped out his camera to take a picture.
Katherine and Jackie stop for a quick break while walking up Lykavittos Hill and pose for a photo. After a long day of walking around the city of Athens and the Acropolis, some of us need to have mini-breaks while climbing up the hill.
While walking up Lykavittos Hill, most of the group marveled at the amazing views they saw of the city, which was made more beautiful by the sun setting. The long trek up the hill was well worth the sight, as one could see all reaches of the city as well as some of its most famous monuments In this image, one can seen the Parthenon in the distance as well as the Aegean sea..
After recuperating from the long hike up Lykavittos Hill, the group poses for a quick shot in order to commemorate the event.