Athens. A magical city. The city with the most glorious history in the world, is worshipped by gods and people. The enchanting capital of Greece has always been the birthplace of 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 superb architectural masterpieces.
Athens is situated in the prefecture of Attica and reaches up to the peninsula right down to Sterea Greece. It is built in a low land surrounded by mountains Ymmytos, Pendeli and Parnitha, northwards and eastwards, and to the Saronic cove southwards and westwards. The sun is shining over Athens all year around. 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 south Africa.
Athens is constantly inhabited since Neolithic Age until our days. 5th century was the time of its ultimate bloom, when morals and civilization surpassed city limits and became the mother land of west civilization. In the centuries followed many conquerors tried to take over Athens. In 1834 Athens was chosen to be the capital of the newly established Greek State and the town that now hosts more than 4,5 million people, was constructed around the walls of Acropolis. Today it is the political, social, cultural, financial and commercial center of Greece.
Athens is a city with different aspects. A stroll around the famous historic triangle (Plaka, Thission, Psyri) the oldest neighborhoods, reveals the coexistence of different eras. Old mansions, other well-preserved and other worn down by time. Luxurious department stores and small intimate shops. Fancy restaurants and traditional taverns. All have a place in this city.
The heart of Athens is beating in Syntagma Square. Where Parliament and most of the Ministries are. But apart from the center, there are other areas with tourist development such as Monastiraki, Kolonaki, Lycabettus Hill and a few kilometers from the historic center Faliro, Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni, where you can enjoy the sea breeze. Or you can head up north to Marousi, Melissia, Vrilissia and Kifisia and smell the fresh air.
In Athens and Attica you will find the most important archaeological sites (Acropolis, Odeion of Herodes Atticus, Olymbion, Roman Market, Panathinaiko Stadium - Kallimarmaro, The Temple of Poseidon in Sounio, etc), as and the neoclassic imposing buildings, true ornaments ( Greek Parliament, Athens Academy, University of Athens, etc). Don't miss visiting the museums hosting unique treasures of our cultural inheritance (Archaeological Museum, Martial 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 mother land was a great success.
The capital is famous, more than any other European capital, for its nightlife. Athens by night totally transforms. The options for entertainment satisfy all tastes. The famous bouzoukia are the leaders in Athenian entertainment. While theaters all around Athens offer a different type of entertainment. Athens is a divine city. Let yourselves to its magic...
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