| Athens. The city with
the most glorious history in the world, a city worshipped
by gods and people, a magical city. The enchanting capital
of Greece has always been a birthplace for civilization. It
is the city where democracy was born and most of the wise
men of ancient times. The most important civilization of ancient
world flourished in Athens and relives through some of the
world's most formidable edifices.
Who hasn't heard of the Acropolis
of Athens? Photos and history of the most famous archaeological
monument in Europe have made the world tour causing feelings
of admiration by thousands of people. Acropolis is nominated
to be one of the 7 wonders of modern world. In fact the trademark
of Athens is one of the favorites. The Holy Rock of Acropolis
dates back to the 5th BC, the famous Golden Age of Periklis.
Athens met times of bloom and decline, but still shines under
the Attic sky gazing the future. Still sparkling like the
marbles of Parthenon and the limpid white of Pentelic marble.
Athens is situated in the prefecture of Attica and extends
to the peninsula that reaches up to Central Greece. It is
surrounded by mountains Ymmytos, Pendeli and Parnitha, northwards
and eastwards, and the Saronic gulf southwards and westwards.
The sun is shining over Athens all year round. The climate
is one of the best in Europe, with mild winters and very hot
summers, ideal for tourism. It is located just a few kilometers
from the port of Piraeus,
the central commercial port of the capital, and the shores
of southern Attica.
Athens is constantly inhabited since Neolithic Age. The 5th
century was the time of its ultimate bloom, when moral values
and civilization surpassed city limits and became the mother
land of western civilization. In the centuries that followed,
many conquerors tried to take over Athens. In 1834 Athens
was chosen to be the capital of the newly established Greek
State. The city that now hosts more than 4,5 million people,
was constructed around the Acropolis walls. Today it is the
political, social, cultural, financial and commercial center
of Greece. Cheap flights make it affordable and easy to reach
Athens for vacation or business.
Athens is a city of different aspects. A walk around the famous
historic triangle (Plaka,
Thission, Psyri) the old neighborhoods, reveal the coexistence
of different eras. Old mansions, well-preserved ones and other
worn down by time. Luxurious department stores and small intimate
shops, fancy restaurants and traditional taverns. All have
their place in this city.
The heart of Athens beats in Syntagma
Square. Where Parliament and most of the Ministries are.
Monastiraki, Kolonaki and Lycabettus Hill attract thousands
of visitors all year round. A few kilometers from the historic
center in Faliro, Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni,
you can enjoy the sea breeze. Or you can head up north and
enjoy the fresh air at the more classy neighborhoods of Marousi,
Melissia, Vrilissia and of course Kifisia.
Athens and Attica in general have the most important archaeological
monuments (Acropolis, Odeion of Herodes Atticus, Olymbion,
Roman Market, Panathinaiko Stadium or Kallimarmaro, The
Temple of Poseidon in Sounio, etc). In the capital you
will admire many imposing neoclassic buildings, true ornaments
of the city (The Greek Parliament, Athens Academy and University,
etc). Don't miss visiting the museums hosting unique treasures
of our cultural inheritance (Archaeological Museum, Military
Museum, Byzantine Museum, etc).
Athens has always attracted peoples' attention. During the
2004 Olympic Games proved that,
despite all the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, she
never - not once - lost the talent. The return of Olympic
Games to their birthplace was a great success.
TThe capital is famous, more than any other European capital,
for its nightlife. Athens by night
totally changes. The options for entertainment satisfy all
tastes. The famous "bouzoukia" are the leaders in
the Athenian entertainment. While the numerous theaters all
around Athens offer a different type of entertainment. Athens
is a divine city. Let it enchant you...
|
I have lived in Athens for 7 weeks and worked there as a volunteer at the Olympic
Games. Later I returned again for 2 weeks...
