Athens Photo Marathon

We start our Photo Tour under the shade of the Acropolis by walking on Dionysiou Areopagiti Street; one of the city’s most popular and scenic pedestrian promenades, where the modern Greek capital links with its ancient sites. It is named after Dionysius the Areopagite, the first Athenian convert to Christianity after Apostle Paul’s sermon, according to the Acts of the Apostles. Our Photo Walk will take us to emblematic archaeological sites, a 16th-century picturesque little church and viewing areas, and also introduce you to the neoclassical and modern architecture of the buildings along the vibrant pedestrian walkway that changes its name to Apostolou Pavlou as we head towards the hip Thisseio area. You will be able to capture the local street life, street artists, Athenian archaeological landmarks, views of the Acropolis and classic Athenian architectural details. Our route will introduce you to art deco style Athenian buildings, the Acropolis Museum, the Theater of Dionysus where competitions took place for the best dramas in honour of the pleasure god and the Herodes Atticus Theater; the 2nd century A.D once cedar-roofed “Irodion” at the foot of the Acropolis that holds today Athens’ festival performances on balmy evenings.

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We continue our Walk by visiting the Acropolis. Seeing the Acropolis is essential and the epitome of a visit to Athens. Live the experience of photographing one of the most iconic monuments of the world up and close! Additionally, we throw in some Street Photography taking advantage of the tourism scene and the crowds consisting of very interesting characters that provide photo opportunities and interesting juxtapositions. Also, great panoramic views of the city of Athens will give a nice background to it and impressive urban landscape photos.

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Following Athena’s Street, we reach Athens’ Central Food Market (Varvakios Agora). This chaotic, colourful market in Athens is a magnet for photographers. It keeps an edgy vibe of Athens making it different to other European cities markets. It’s not the prettiest area, but it has a character to spare. Athenians of all social and economic statuses come here to choose from olives and cheese to seafood and spice; this market has it all. The most interesting part is probably the meat market section, with hanging carcasses under bright orange light bulbs giving a surreal atmosphere. Some of the butchers come from generations of butchers who have had stalls in the market for a century. Browse around listening to their loud voices as they call out their prices. The Athens’ Central Food Market will get you “life as it is” photos! (snacks all along the way)

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We carry on to Omonia Square. Omonia has been a very beautiful round square in the past, full of green and with a spectacular fountain and has been considered the heart of the city, but it’s been affected today by urban decay, drugs, and prostitution. Omonia may look a little sketchy and dodgy (not to worry, you are with a very aware and observant local!) but it also happens to be one of the most interesting neighbourhoods in Athens, with plenty of people full of character walking around. Not very far from the touristy areas, but with a very noticeable, authentic change, it’s still a primary district for commercial and social activity. The area of Omonia will provide us with real Athenian life photos.

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We take the Metro to Syntagma Square. The impressive building of the Greek parliament is here. The history of the impressive building of the Hellenic Parliament is intimately linked to the history of the Modern Greek state. Initially, the building served as the palace of Kings Otto and George I. It became the Parliament and Senate building a hundred years after it was constructed and still houses the Hellenic Parliament today. Through all those years, the building has undergone a series of changes and has been modernised. Every hour the Change of the Guards takes place in front of the building by the Evzones, a special unit of the Hellenic Army, also known as Tsoliades, that guard the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Hellenic Parliament and the Presidential Mansion. Through the historical movement of Greece, the Evzones have become symbols of bravery and courage for the Greek people. The duties of the soldiers are part of a ceremonial nature. Every soldier guards for about an hour, 3 times in total every 48 hours. Throughout these 60 minutes, they have to stand perfectly still until it is time to switch to another guard. During the changing, they work in pairs so they can perfectly coordinate their moves. The steps that the official ceremony requires at the time of changing are carried out slowly to protect their blood circulation after 60 min of immobility. The soldiers of the Presidential Guard are selected according to their height, excellent physical condition and psychological state as well as character and morality, as they follow a hard training before they become part of this honorary unit. The training lasts for one month and includes exercises to keep the body and mind still. Apart from staying still, the soldiers must also not make any face or eye move and must not show any expression.

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For an unforgettable closure of our Photo Walk, a taxi will take us in a few minutes to Lycabettus Hill, the highest point in the city that offers 360° spectacular views of Athens to photograph panoramically under the magical Athenian sunset light.