Athens isthe capital of Greeceand the birthplace of civilization. The city with the most glorious history was admired by Gods andpeople. Athens is situated in the prefectureof Attica and extends to thepeninsula that reaches up to Central Greece.It is surrounded by mountains Ymmytos, Pendeli and Parnitha, northwards andeastwards, and the Saronic gulf southwardsand westwards. The history of this ancient city starts from XIII-XVI B.C.During the Perikles` Golden Age (V-IV B.C.) Athenswas the main cultural and intellectual center in Europe.
Combination if antiquity and modernity of Athens surprises everybody who arriveshere. Whenever you are in Athens,you will see Acropolis. The Acropolis hill (acro - edge, polis -city), so called the "Sacred Rock" of Athens, is the most importantplace of the city and constitutes one of the most recognizable monuments ofthe world. It is nominated one of the 7th wonders of the modernworld. It is the most significant reference point of ancient Greek culture,as well as the symbol of the city of Athensitself as it represents the apogee of artistic development in the 5th century BC. During Perikles'Golden Age, ancient Greek civilization was represented in an ideal way on thehill and some of the architectural masterpieces of the period were erected onits ground.
The first habitation remains on the Acropolis date from the Neolithic period.Over the centuries, the rocky hill was continuously used either as a cultplace or as a residential area or both. The inscriptions on the numerous andprecious offerings to the sanctuary of Athens(marble korai, bronze and clay statuettes and vases) indicate that the cultof the city's patron goddess was established as early as the Archaic period(650-480 B.C.).
On the way up to Acropolis you will see to the left hand one ofthe most ancient theatres in the world- theTheatre of Dionysos. There is another theatre on the way to Acropoliscalled The Odeon of Herodes Atticus builtduring Roman times, in about 161 A.D. by the roman philosopher, teacher andpolitician, Herodes Atticus. Musical concerts took part here, but nowadays The Athenian festival takes placeevery summer.
On the top of the hill there is Ancient Rock and Museum of Acropolis.To the left hand from the entrance there is the TempleErehteion and infront of you there is Parthenon.Initially on this place there was Monumental ArchaicTemple on ruins of which was built(447-438 B.C.) classical building of white marble- the Templeof Athena Parthenos.In the center of the temple there was the statue of the Athena goddess madeof gold and elephant ivory by the sculpture-Phidias.
The TempleErehteion was dedicatedto the goddess Athena, to the god Poseidon and mythical tsar, Erehteion.There is ancient wood statue of Athena inside the temple. Acropolis becamethe Turkish temple after captivation by Turks. So, Parthenon became themosque and The Temple Erehteion became the harem.
Walking along the streetleading from Syntagma Squareto Acropolis, you will reach the district called, Plaka. You will be surprised by seeing here narrow streets in neoclassical style, cozy gardens and ancientmonuments. Streets of Plaka are full with different kinds of shops where youwill find souvenirs.
Central partof Athens islimited by main squares: Omonia, Syntagma and Monastiraki. This is thebusiness and touristic center of Athens.
Monastirakiarea is famous for numerous antique and souvenir shops. There is Ministry of Education on Mitropoleus Streetand the Metropolis Cathedral thatis in the process of reconstruction now.
Pedestrian Ermou Street that connects Monastiraki and Syntagma squares is full ofnumerous shops and boutiques. There is also very interesting ancient Kapnikarea Church.
The Unknown Warrior Memorial is situated in the center of Syntagma square, which isprotected by National Army soldiers dressed in specific traditional clothes.Change of guard reminds a theater performance and it is really worthseeing.
Behind theMemorial there is the huge Parliament building(King Palace) close to which there is NationalPark of Athens famous for its` exotic and tropical plants. National parkis connected with the luxurious Zappeion Park where you can enjoy your time.
Close to the Zappeion Parkyou will see 17 meter high Templeof Olympian Zeuscolumns. Inside of the temple there was the statue of Zeus and the statue ofAdrian Emperor. Only 15 columns remained from 104 initially existing columns.
Kolonaki is theexpensive and prestigious district of Athens situated to the east from Syntagmathat is overcrowded all day long. Here are situated numerous abbacies ofdifferent European countries, offices of famous lawyers and doctors,luxurious boutiques and restaurants.
Lykabettus Hill is another sightseeing of Athens and the highest point is at 277meters above the sea level. There isSt. George Church. The theatre and the restaurant on the top of the hill.The easiest way to visit Lykabettus is by funicular taking you up fromKolonaki.
Usuallytourists visit Athensonly for couple of days so as to have a look at main sightseeings and then goto unbelievably beautiful islands. Athensis the city of contrasts. You can make yourself busy with exploringhistorical monuments and museum expositions and you can simply walk along thenarrow streets of Athensenjoying good weather and hospitable atmosphere. In the evening time you cango to the Greek tavern where they offer you a wide choice of delicious food.With night time Athensbecomes very noisy, active everybody goes to the traditional performancecalled "Bouzouki". The mood is great; everybody is dancing and enjoyinglife.....
