Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece,
is a modern bustling city today, but its history is legendary. Known
as the birthplace of democracy and cradle of Western civilization,
it was named for the goddess Athena. The Acropolis (also called high
city or ‘Sacred Rock’) of Athens is the most commonly
known and one of the eight hills of the city. Its flat-topped rock
rises above Athens to 150m above sea level and the Parthenon and
other temples are situated upon it.
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FCO Country Advice for Greece
Many of the important temples
were rebuilt under Pericles between 460-430 BC, during the Golden
Age of Athens. Attractions on the Acropolis include the Parthenon,
Temple of Zeus, Dionysos Theatre and Temple of Athena. The Parthenon
is a temple of Athena and the most famous monument of ancient Greece
which was believed to have been used as a treasury. The Parthenon
is believed to have been named after a sculpture of Athena called
Athena Parthenos which was symbolic of the goddess’s virginal
status.
The old town area, known as Plaka, is a scenic area
located beneath the Acropolis and a lovely place to explore and stroll.
Famous for its neoclassical buildings, it is one of the top tourist
areas where visitors can also enjoy the tavernas and traditional
Greek music. The trendy area known as Kolonaki Square is in the centre
of Athens and known for its exclusivity and expensive boutiques and
restaurants. In 1896 Athens was the host to the first ‘modern’ Olympic
Games and it again hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 2004.
Athens has plenty of great restaurants and bars
all across the city. A good way to get around, other than by foot,
is via the Metro subway system which also houses displays of artifacts
found during its construction. There are also trams, trains, buses
and taxis. The surrounding islands can be reached by a ferry ride
from Piraeus, the old port. Athens International Airport is a modern
facility located 35km east of Athens which was awarded the European
Airport of the Year Award in 2004.
Not surprisingly, Athens has some wonderful museums.
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens houses a magnificent
collection of Greek art. Other must-sees are the Acropolis Museum
and the Athens Planetarium.
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