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Athens | |
Further Distractions |
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Athens,
Further Distractions The Ethnikós Kipos (National Gardens) are a welcome green haven in the centre of the city. The gardens have peacocks and a small botanical museum. Another calm spot is the Kerameikós Cemetery (currently closed for refurbishment although due to reopen in April 2004), named after the patron saint of potters and ceramics and dating from the 12th century BC. Tombstones range from the grand to the poignantly simple. There is also a small museum on site, which houses the originals of some of the more valuable tombstones that have been replaced with replicas in the actual cemetery. Ethnikós Kipos Amalias, Syntagma Tel: 21072 11178. Transport: Syntagma metro. Opening hours: Daily dawn–dusk. Admission: Free. Kerameikós Cemetery and Museum Ermou 148, Kerameikós Tel: 21034 63552. Transport: Thissio metro. Opening hours: Daily 0800–1900 (summer); Tues–Sun 0830–1500 (winter). Admission: &Euro;2. Mikrí Mitrópoli (Little Mitrópolis) Although Megáli Mitrópoli (Great Mitrópolis), which serves as Athens’ cathedral, dominates the square of the same name, visitors may well prefer Mikrí Mitrópoli (Little Mitrópolis), an exquisite 12th‐century church with a mystical atmosphere and charming name – Panaghía Gorgoepiíkoös (the Madonna who swiftly hears). Mitropoleos Square, Pláka Tel: 21032 21308. Transport: Monastiráki metro. Opening hours: Daily 0700–1300. Admission: Free. |