Athens is the capital of Greece, famous for its historical monuments, museums, culture, and beautiful scenery.
Athens is a city with glorious history, a city worshipped by gods and people, a magical city. The capital of Greece has always been a birthplace for civilization. It is the city where democracy was born. The most important civilization of the ancient world flourished in Athens and relives through some of the world's most formidable edifices.
The Acropolis (acro - edge, polis - city), the so-called Sacred Rock of Athens, is the most important site of the city and constitutes one of the most recognizable monuments of the world. It is the most significant reference point of ancient Greek culture, as well as the symbol of the city of Athens itself. It represents the culmination of artistic development in the 5th century BC. During Perikles' Golden Age, ancient Greek civilization was represented in an ideal way on the Acropolis hill and some of the architectural masterpieces of the period were erected on its ground. The Propylaea are the monumental entrances to the sacred area dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of the city. Built by the architect Mnesicles, their design was avant-garde. To the south-west of the Propylaea, on a rampart protecting the main entrance to the Acropolis, one finds the Ionian temple of Apteros Nike.
Athens is situated in the prefecture of Attica and extends to the peninsula that reaches up to Central Greece. It is surrounded by mountains Imitos, Penteli and Parnitha, northwards and eastwards, and the Saronic Gulf southwards and westwards. The sun is shining over Athens practically all year round. The climate is ideal for tourism, with mild winters and very hot summers. Athens is located a few kilometres from the port of Piraeus, the central commercial port of the capital, and the shores of southern Attica. Athens is constantly inhabited since the Neolithic Age.
The 5th century was the time period of its ultimate bloom, when moral values and civilization surpassed city limits. In the centuries that followed, many conquerors tried to take over the city. 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 hill. Today, Athens is the political, social, cultural, financial and commercial centre of Greece. Cheap flights make it affordable and easy to reach for vacation or business.
Athens is diverse. A walk around the famous historic triangle (Plaka, Thission, Psyri) in the old neighbourhoods, reveals the coexistence of different eras. Old mansions, some well-preserved and others worn down by time. Luxurious department stores and small intimate shops, fancy restaurants and traditional taverns. The heart of Athens beats in Syntagma Square, where the Parliament and many Ministries are located. Monastiraki, Kolonaki and Lycabettus hill attract thousands of visitors all year round. A few kilometres from the historic centre, one can enjoy the sea breeze in Faliro, Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni.
Athens and Attica host many important archaeological monuments (Acropolis, Odeion of Herodes Atticus, Roman Market, Panathinaiko Stadium or Kallimarmaro, The Temple of Poseidon in Sounio). In the capital you will admire many imposing neoclassic buildings, true ornaments of the city (the Parliament, Athens Academy, the University, the National Library). Don't miss visiting the museums hosting unique treasures of the Hellenic cultural inheritance (Archaeological Museum, Military Museum, Byzantine Museum). The capital is also famous for its nightlife. Athens by night changes totally. The options for entertainment satisfy all tastes. Athens is a divine city.