Lonely Planet: The top-10 museums in Athens that should not be missed

Lonely Planet published on its website the following tribute to the top-10 museums of Athens, which should not be missed by visitors of the Greek capital:

The leading ravel site notes that "culture is without a doubt the strongest selling point of Athens, and rightly so. The ancient city has known art, science, philosophy, mythology, theatre and democracy for millennia, and this mind-boggling heritage is now safely housed in its countless museums. They vary in size and theme but they all have their own charm and allure."

Here are the museums that you shouldn’t miss if you’re visiting the Greek capital:

Acropolis Museum

The crown jewel of the Greek capital’s cultural scene and one of the most important museums in the world, the Acropolis Museum welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors each year. All surviving artefacts from the Acropolis – in Greek possession – are exhibited under its roof, divided into five key historical periods. The building’s ‘orchestrated simplicity’, according to its architects Bernard Tschumi and Michalis Photiadis, serves the purpose of focusing the visitors’ emotions and intellect on the works of art. On the balcony cafe, directly facing the sacred rock, you can enjoy what may well be the most uplifting coffee or snack in Athens.

National Archaeological Museum

Without a doubt Greece’s largest and most significant collection of findings from the Neolithic period, Bronze Age, Cycladic, Mycenaean and Roman eras, the National Archaeological Museum is housed inside a stunning neoclassical building. The museum’s five permanent collections comprise thousands of spectacular objects that you’ll need hours to savour in order to delve into the beauty of the ancient Greek world. Before leaving, stop for a coffee at the museum’s lovely garden cafe, surrounded by sculptures and lemon and olive trees.

Byzantine & Christian Museum

One of Kolonaki neighbourhood’s top sights, the Byzantine & Christian Museum is housed in a charming mansion with a scenic courtyard, which once belonged to the Duchess of Plaisance, a French-American supporter of Greek independence. A visit here is an absorbing glimpse into the life, traditions and above all religion during the Greek Byzantine and medieval times, with plenty of icons and frescoes on display.

National Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum of Cycladic Art

Benaki Museum

National Historical Museum

Museum of Islamic Art

Museum of the City of Athens

War Museum

Read more at lonelyplanet.com

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