Ochi Day

This is the day of the National Anniversary of Greek Independence, sometimes called World War II National Holiday. On October 28, 1940, Mussolini presented an ultimatum to the Prime Minister of Greece, Ioannis Metaxas, to allow free passage of the Italian army through the Greek-Albanian border. This would allow Italian occupation of strategic areas in Greece.

Metaxas is said to have responded to the ultimatum with “Ochi!” or ‘No’ in Greek. This brought Greece into WWII on the side of the Allies, making it, for a time, Britain’s only ally against Hitler. It is speculated that had the Prime Minister not responded with ‘No!’ to Mussolini, WWII may have lasted much longer and Hitler might have had the opportunity to invade Russia in spring, rather than his disastrous attempt in winter.

At the Acropolis, there was a ceremony marking the holiday prior to being open to the public and I saw the procession on my way in!

Acropolis

The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city. It is home to several ancient buildings of historical significance, including the Parthenon.

Athenian statesmen Pericles is credited for developing the idea of creating a monument to thought and the arts in the 5th century B.C. which ultimately became the Acropolis.

Parthenon

The most iconic structure of the Acropolis was dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos “Athena the Virgin”, whom the people of Athens considered their patroness. It began construction in 447 BC and it is considered one of the most important surviving buildings of Classical Greece.

It is in a constant state of preservation and reconstruction, so scaffolding and cranes were on several sides of the structure when visiting.

Erechtheion

This structure on the North side of the Acropolis was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon and was a built in the last 20 years of the 5th century B.C.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

This Roman theater structure on the southwest side of the Acropolis was built by the wealthy public benefactor, Herodes Atticus, in 161 A.D. as a memorial to his late wife, Rigilla.

Temple of Athena Nike

The smallest temple of the Acropolis, this temple was dedicated to the goddesses Athena and Nike in 420 B.C.

Views at the Top

Greek Cooking Class

I decided to do an evening cooking class that started in the local markets to collect what we would be making for dinner. The meat market was a touch unnerving, 😂 but thankfully, the meal was heavy on veggies. 😉

Also, the desert, orange pie, which is made from yogurt and filo dough, though underwhelming to look at, was sooooo good!! I took a slice home from the class and am seriously thinking about attempting to make it at Christmas time! 😋

Monastiraki Flea Market

Near the food markets where I took the cooking class is an interesting section of streets selling everything from food, to sporting goods to lamps, all mostly second hand.

Syntagma Square

Also called ‘Constitution Square’, is the central square in Athens. The Old Royal Palace faces the square and is home to present day Greek Parliament.

Located just in front of the Old Royal Palace is a monument to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, honoring all fallen Greek soldiers of battles past. It is constantly guarded by Evzones, the elite force of the Greek Army. Their uniforms are inspired by the typical Greek soldier of the 19th century.

The City

Walking around the city, it was neat to be able to catch glimpses of the Acropolis between streets and through the trees.

Behind Syntagma Square is a National Garden that had a lovely fountain with live turtles swimming around it.

There is graffiti throughout the city, often near cordoned off areas of old ruins, which felt like a unique dichotomy. I was impressed with the number of bright murals along busy walking paths as well.

As in other places around Europe, there were often cats wondering or sleeping in random spaces in Athens. I found this whole group hanging out the morning I walked to the acropolis, and this guy outside my kitchen window. 😂

Thanks again for checking out the blog! More to come =)