National Garden Of Athens
Things to Do in Athens
It is said that the heart of every great city is best tempered and refined by a large centrally located park. Such is the case with the National Gardens in Athens. Like most city-based parks, the National Garden of Athens boasts about 500 species of plants, and wildlife the likes of peacocks, ducks and turtles, but its claim to fame is that among the flora and fauna, resting next to the pathways and ponds, are casually situated ancient relics such as Corinthian columns and capitals.
As such, this central botanical oasis is much more than a spot for fans of flowers. Spanning 15.5 hectares (38 acres) the gardens are situated close to a metro station for ease of access, just to the rear of the Greek parliament buildings. The National Gardens are open sunrise to sunset year-round and are for all members of the public to enjoy.
In addition to the plants (of course, including lofty palm trees), waterways and bridges, visitors will enjoy sculpture, colonnades, sundials, mosaics, and even a monument to Lord Byron, the English poet and politician, who joined the Greek War of Independence (dying there of disease in battle) and is regarded as a national hero in that country.
The National Garden of Athens is a delightful respite, a shift from all of the hard stone relics to a softer, living-breathing place to unwind or walk and dream. This is Athens’ answer to life balance.
Things to Do in Athens
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