During the large-scale excavations carried out with state-of- the-art
instruments for the long awaited Athens Metro, more
incredibly interesting ancient monuments and artifacts have surfaced.
The Metro, although only partly finished, has greatly improved the
life of Athenian commuters. But besides providing stress-free transportation,
it has also created several underground museums at most of the new
stations. At Syntagma, for example, one can admire the stunning cross-section
of the ground, illustrating the various eras that once flourished
in Athens. There are also cases of ancient objects found during the
work on the station. Many people also are drawn particularly to the
turn-of-the-century photographs of Syntagma square,
which speak louder than words about the changes the capital of Greece
has undergone in its most recent past. At the newer Acropolis
station, visitors can admire a different permanent exhibit: copies
of the Parthenon's eastern frieze, wonderfully depicting goddess Athena's
creation, together with many other of the most important Parthenon
sculptures that enrich the British Museum of London. The station pays
homage to the late Melina Mercouri, the well-known
actress who - as Minister of Culture - had made it her life s goal
to get these so-called Elgin Marbles back to Athens.
Melina is shown sitting in front of the Parthenon in a large photograph,
while another most impressive picture on display at the station shows
hundreds of ancient vases being unearthed as the huge crane moved
the earth while digging for the station.
 |
It is not only the works of the various ancient
creators and craftsmen that adorn the various stations of the
Athens Metro. The compositions of modern, well-known Greek artists
may also be admired. Yannis Moralis work can be seen at Panepistimiou
|
| station, Zongolopoulos flying umbrellas hang at
an atrium on the Syntagma stop, Chryssa's creation is at Evangelismos,
while at Dafni, Dimitris Mytaras bas-reliefs inspired by the
4th century BC depiction of the fighter Dexileos cover an area
3 x 11 meters and dominate the station. These are just an example
of the many important artworks that can be admired at the Metro
stops, which have created small underground art museums in various
parts of the city, forcing even commuters who would never consider
going to an art gallery or museum to get a glimpse of what they
have been missing. |
back to athens
sightseeings
See also: museums,
nightlife, Athens
transportation
|
