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The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a high rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and containing the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon. The word acropolis comes from the Greek words ἄκρον (akron, "edge, extremity") and πόλις (polis, "city"). Although there are many other acropoleis in Greece, the significance of the Acropolis of Athens is such that it is commonly known as "The Acropolis" without qualification. The Acropolis was formally proclaimed as the preeminent monument on the European Cultural Heritage list of monuments on 26 March 2007.

Athens, an ancient and modern city, is clean and decorated with trees throughout.

Shops line the marble pedestrian streets of Athen's shopping district, the Plaka.

A full moon was visible before sundown over one the hills overlooking Athens. Shot from our hotel room.

Our hotel in Athens, the Royal Olympic, is across the street from Zeus's Temple.

Built in 1896 for the first modern Olympic Games, the Olympic stadium looks brand new.

Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.<br><br>
The Evzones, or Evzoni, is the name of several historical elite light infantry and mountain units of the Greek Army. Today, it refers to the members of the Proedriki Froura (Presidential Guard), an elite ceremonial unit that guards the Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Mansion. Though the Presidential Guard is a predominantly ceremonial unit, all Evzones are volunteers drawn from the Hellenic Army's Infantry, Artillery and Armoured Corps. Prospective Evzones are usually identified at the Army Recruit Training Centres during Basic Training; there is a minimum height requirement of 1.86 meters to join, and the soldier must serve a minimum of 6 months with an operational Army unit before beginning Evzone training. The unit is famous around the world for its unique traditional uniform, which has evolved from the clothes worn by the klephts who fought the Ottoman occupation of Greece. The most visible item of this uniform is the fustanella, a kilt-like garment. Their proven valour and peculiar dress turned them into a popular image for the Greek soldier, especially among foreigners.

The Greek Parliament overlooking the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Hotel Grande Bretagne in Syntagma Square

Entrance to the Acropolis Museum. The Museum is voted one of the top 10 museums of the world. It is build directly over ancient ruins which are visible in the foreground.

Sconces, originally from the Parthenon.

Acropolis Museum, 3rd floor. Photography is only permitted on this floor.

Acropolis Museum, 3rd floor. Photography is only permitted on this floor.

Acropolis Museum, ancient ruins beneath the entrance.

Current Gallery: Travel ~ Greece and Turkey 2012 ~ Athens

Photography by: Charles Kaplan

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