A Day at the Acropolis and Monastiraki Square

 During my second week living in Athens, Greece, some friends from Loyola Maryland, and new ones I met along the way, and I visited the famous Acropolis of Athens, followed by an exploration of Monastiraki Square.

The Acropolis is an ancient citadel, which is essentially a fortress strategically built on high ground to serve as both a religious and defensive stronghold. It is home to some of the most iconic structures of Greek history, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike. Built in the 5th century BCE, the Acropolis was a center of Greek civilization, democracy, art, and culture, and today, it remains one of the most significant landmarks in the world. Its breathtaking architecture and historical importance make it a must-visit site for travelers.

 

Before visiting, I only knew of the Acropolis as a symbol of Greece, but I wasn’t fully aware of its rich history and purpose. Seeing it in person was an inspiring experience. The sheer size and remarkable preservation of the ancient pillars amazed me, especially considering how well they have withstood the test of time. While some areas required modern metal reinforcements to support damaged sections, much of the original structure still stood strong.

 

We were lucky to visit on a warm, sunny day, and as the sunlight hit the beige marble of the Parthenon, it appeared to glow with a golden hue, making the experience even more amazing. Standing at the top of the Acropolis and looking out over the city of Athens was truly unforgettable, seeing the houses and city for miles while the Greek flag waved behind me was truly a moment that deepened my appreciation for the Greeks. 

One highlight that particularly stood out to me was the Erechtheion, which is known for its Caryatid Porch, which features six sculpted female figures as supporting columns, with fascinating artistic detail. The women are presented in long robes, standing strong yet gracefully looking over the mountain, 

Unlike other Greek temples, its asymmetrical design was built to accommodate the sacred sites and uneven terrain of the Acropolis and was dedicated to both the Gods Athena and Poseidon,.  One disappointing thing is the original Caryatids are now preserved in museums, with replicas standing at the temple, yet still was beautiful to see. 

After exploring the Acropolis, we headed to Monastiraki Square, and it was very chaotic, in the best way possible. The place was packed with street performers, market vendors, and, sadly, a fair share of scammers trying to hand out bracelets or ask for money. It was wild, though, because my friend somehow managed to convince one scammer to just give him a bracelet for free, which left all of us completely shocked. Everywhere we turned, something was happening whether it was kids playing instruments, dancers moving to traditional Greek music, and street food vendors filling the air with the amazing smell of grilled souvlaki and fresh-baked loukoumades.

 

We spent time wandering through the flea markets, where you could find everything from vintage watches and old stamps to handcrafted decorations and Polaroid pictures capturing snapshots of Athens. The touristy shops had the usual souvenirs with evil eye charms, postcards, and magnets yet they mixed in some more unique, locally made pieces. It was the perfect mix of authentic culture and classic tourist shopping which was a great way to end the day.