Socrates' Prison Cell

This cavelike structure at Philoppapos Hill in Athens served as a prison cell for Socrates - the great philosopher of ancient time. It is here where he was held before his death sentence in 399 BC, by forcing him to drink the poisonous plant - hemlock. Due to the passage of time, the original barricade at the entrance was ruined. In 1999, it was secured by steel bars to protect the inner cell from unavoidable entry. Trivia: Socrates was born and lived in Athens. He was the teacher of Plato, who was the teacher of Alexander the Great. He was charged with corrupting the minds of the people and worshipping false Gods. Socrates' death marked the dawn of western philosophy. (Athens, Greece / 2009)

Philoppapos Monument

Situated on a hill which was later called Philoppapos Hill, this monument was built between 114-116 AD to honor a Syrian prince who was overthrown by the Romans, exiled from his own native country, settled in Athens (Greece), became great benefactor of the city and assumed civic and religious offices. The 12-meter high monument consists of large apse-shaped wall on the pedestal of porous limestone. It has adorned with sculptures of Philoppapos and some of his ancestors. Due to its strategic location, the hill is also a fovorite place for kite flying during windy summer season. (Athens, Greece / 2009)

Spetses Island

The island, though small in size excites the visitors with its lush, pine-forested landscape gaining its name as "island of fragrances" due to its many aromatic plants. The port, which is sorrounded by beautiful bars and cafes that serve drinks until dawn, is a nice place to enjoy a drink at night while watching small lights of the fishing boats in the harbour. The island has a lovely architecture with impressive and picturesque old buildings. The beaches, though not as beautiful as in other islands, offer a soft golden sand, multi-coloured pebbles and clear water, and are shadowed by verdant trees. Water taxis are used to reach the beaches. Riding the horse carriage is very romantic, as it feels like you are a prince/princes in the medieval time (Spetses, Greece / 2009).

Temple of Poseidon

Cape Sounion is famous not only because of its great beaches, the sunset on the Saronic Gulf, but also of the remnants of the great Temple of Poseidon (the Greek God of the Seas). Having been associated with the seas, it is deemed fit to construct the temple at the water's edge. This ruined ancient temple was made of marble and has 42 doric columns, but only 16 remains today. (Attiki, Greece / 2008).