Population of Athens. Athens - tourist overview

The archaeological study of Athens began in the 30s of the 19th century, but excavations became systematic only with the formation of the French, German and English archaeological schools in Athens in the 70s and 80s. Literary sources and archaeological material that have survived to this day help to reconstruct the history of the Athenian polis. The main literary source on the history of Athens during the period of state formation is Aristotle’s “The Athenian Polity” (IV century BC).

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Formation of the Athenian state

Hellenistic era

During the Hellenistic period, when Greece became an arena of struggle between the major Hellenistic states, the position of Athens changed several times. There were short periods when they managed to achieve relative independence; in other cases, Macedonian garrisons were introduced into Athens. Probably the most disastrous thing for Athens in that period was the defeat in the Chremonides War from the Macedonian king Antigonus II. In 146 BC. e. Having shared the fate of all of Greece, Athens fell under the rule of Rome; being in the position of an ally city (lat. civitas foederata), they enjoyed only fictitious freedom. In 88 BC. e. Athens joined the anti-Roman movement raised by the Pontic king Mithridates VI Eupator. In 86 BC. e. The army of Lucius Cornelius Sulla took the city by storm and plundered it. Out of respect for the powerful past of Athens, Sulla preserved their fictitious freedom. In 27 BC. e. after the formation of the Roman province of Achaia, Athens became part of it. In the 3rd century AD. BC, when Balkan Greece began to be invaded by barbarians, Athens fell into complete decline.

Planning and architecture

Hills

• Akropolis Hill.
• Areopagus, that is, the hill of Ares - west of the Acropolis, gave its name to the highest judicial and governmental council of Ancient Athens, which held its meetings on the hillside.
• Nymphaeion, that is, the hill of nymphs, is southwest of the Areopagus.
• Pnyx - a semicircular hill southwest of the Areopagus; meetings of the ekklesia were originally held here, which were later moved to the Theater of Dionysus.
• Musaeion, that is, the Hill of Musaeus or Muses, now known as the Hill of Philopappou - south of the Pnyx and Areopagus.

Acropolis

Initially, the city occupied only the upper area of ​​the steep Acropolis hill, accessible only from the west, which served at the same time as a fortress, political and religious center, and the core of the entire city. According to legend, the Pelasgians leveled the top of the hill, surrounded it with walls and built an outer fortification on the western side with 9 gates located one after another. The ancient kings of Attica and their wives lived inside the castle. Here stood an ancient temple dedicated to Pallas Athena, along with whom Poseidon and Erechtheus were also revered (hence the temple dedicated to him was called Erechtheion).

The golden age of Pericles was also a golden age for the Acropolis of Athens. First of all, Pericles instructed the architect Ictinus to build a new, more magnificent Temple of the Virgin Athena - the Parthenon, on the site of the old Hekatompedon (Temple of Chaste Athena) destroyed by the Persians. Its splendor was enhanced by the numerous statues with which, under the leadership of Phidias, the temple was decorated, both outside and inside. Immediately after the completion of the Parthenon, which served as the treasury of the gods and for the celebration of the Panathenaia, in 438 BC. e. Pericles commissioned the architect Mnesicles to build a new magnificent gate at the entrance to the acropolis - Propylaea (437-432 BC). A staircase of marble slabs, winding, led along the western slope of the hill to the portico, which consisted of 6 Doric columns, the spaces between which symmetrically decreased on both sides.

Agora

Part of the population, subject to the owners of the fortress (acropolis), eventually settled at the foot of the hill, mainly on its southern and southeastern side. It was here that the most ancient sanctuaries of the city were located, in particular dedicated to Olympian Zeus, Apollo, Dionysus. Then settlements appeared along the slopes that stretch west of the Acropolis. The lower city expanded even more when, due to the unification of the various parts into which Attica was divided in ancient times into one political whole (tradition attributes this to Theseus), Athens became the capital of the united state. Gradually, over the following centuries, the city was also settled on the northern side of the Acropolis. It was predominantly home to artisans, namely members of the respected and numerous class of potters in Athens, hence a significant quarter of the city east of the Acropolis was called the Ceramics (that is, the potters' quarter).

Finally, in the era of Peisistratus and his sons, an altar to the 12 gods was built in the southern part of the new Agora (market), which was located at the northwestern foot of the Acropolis. Moreover, from the Agora the distances of all areas connected by roads to the city were measured. Peisistratus also began construction in the lower city of the colossal Temple of Olympian Zeus east of the Acropolis, and on the highest point of the Acropolis hill - the Temple of Chaste Athena (Hecatompedon).

Gates

Among the main entrance gates of Athens were:

• in the west: Dipylon Gate, leading from the center of the Keramik district to the Academy. The gate was considered sacred because the sacred Elefsinian Way began from it. Knight's Gate were located between the Hill of the Nymphs and the Pnyx. Piraeus Gate- between Pnyx and Museion, led to a road between long walls, which in turn led to Piraeus. The Miletus Gate is so named because it led to the deme of Miletus within Athens (not to be confused with the polis of Miletus).
• in the south: the gate of the dead was located near Museion Hill. The road to Faliron began from the Itonia Gate on the banks of the Ilissos River.
• in the east: the Diochara gate led to the Lyceum. The Diomean Gate received this name because it led to the demo of Diomeus, as well as the hill of Kinosargus.
• in the north: the Akarnian gate led to the deme Akarney.

- a state whose history dates back to 8,000-10,000 years ago, and during this time its capital remained unchanged - Athens. This legendary city has survived many wars and natural disasters, each time being reborn with a new look, but preserving traces of past misfortunes for the edification of descendants. It's no surprise that Athens is full of historical monuments juxtaposed with modern hotels and shopping centers. Such an unusual neighborhood attracts millions of tourists every year who want to relax under the warm Greek sun and become familiar with the history of the country.

Historical reference

The date of formation of the capital of Greece is not known, but the first mention of it appeared in documents dating back to 7,000 BC. During this period, the ruling king was Kekroptus, he is considered the founder of the city of Athens.

There is a legend that the gods themselves competed with each other, wanting the settlement to be named after them. And then the king gave them a task - to make a beautiful and useful gift. The gifts were varied, but many were not particularly beautiful, and some were useless to the people, for example, Poseidon's fountain with water not suitable for drinking. Then Athena gave the city a small tree. It grew and began to bear fruit with olives - a fishery that still remains one of the main ones in Greece. For the most useful gift, the goddess was honored, and the city was named after her.

Growing rapidly, Athens reached the height of its glory by 5000 BC. and maintained this reputation until 300 BC, when science and culture spread throughout Greece. The capital was rightfully considered the cradle of all knowledge, and was so ahead of the nearby provinces that at times it was mistaken for a separate state. This political and living way of life persisted until the advent of our era, when Greece was mired in warriors, and foreign invaders successively replaced each other. Each new ruler took more and more, leaving only a small cultural heritage, so Greece quickly fell into decline. But everything changed at the beginning of the 19th century - the legendary country was freed from the oppression of the Ottomans and was reborn again.

Athens today

In 1833, it was officially announced that Athens was the capital of modern Greece. Its new development was taken up by King Otto of Bavaria, who dreamed that the country would regain its former glory and again become the cradle of science and culture. For this purpose, the world's best architects were summoned to the city, their works laid the foundation for its new appearance. Otto brilliantly succeeded in making his dream come true, because already in 1896 Greece was able to host the Olympic Games. Unfortunately, the wise ruler failed to see this.

In the 20th century, large-scale construction continued, but in addition, archaeological excavations began to restore the heritage of the once greatest country. Favorably signed peace treaties support this direction, expanding the territory of what is now modern Greece almost twice.

The Second World War could have destroyed all the undertakings of the Greek rulers, but this did not happen - after the German occupation, the construction boom began with renewed vigor, and hotels, theaters, museums, and stadiums known to many travelers appeared. At the same time, the modern city harmoniously combines the ancient heritage and technological progress, which has covered all the developed countries of the world like a wave.

Geography

As you know, Greece is located on the mainland and is washed by the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, and its influence extends to some islands. Athens is located in the center of the country and has no access to the sea, but active development will soon lead to the city expanding to the Saronics Gulf. On the other hand, it is limited by a natural barrier in the form of the Attic mountains, so it will no longer be possible to expand the capital even further without creating artificial embankments on the water.

Most modern megacities are built according to a single principle, usually linearity, when the main streets run parallel to each other. But there are places built according to the “sun” type, that is, from its center the main streets branch out like the rays of the sun - this principle was popular in ancient times, and therefore has been preserved in regions with a rich historical heritage. Athens combines both types of development, so it can be very difficult for a tourist to understand the interweaving of streets and alleys.

Experienced travelers recommend stocking up on a map for everyone who comes here to explore the sights, since even local residents cannot always show the way correctly, and without knowledge of the language it will be difficult for them to ask a question.

Population

Athens is notable for being home to a third of the country's population, with young people from the provinces continuing to flock here for education and job opportunities.

According to the 2017 census, the total number of inhabitants of the Greek capital is 3.5 million - and this is only officially registered Athenians, not counting migrants and persons registered in other regions of the country. It turns out that at least 4 million people permanently live in the capital of Greece, and if you take into account the number of tourists, it becomes clear why there is such dense traffic on the streets, not only vehicular traffic, but also pedestrian traffic.

Climate

The Greek capital is dominated by a mild climate, driven from the Mediterranean Sea - hot summer here smoothly gives way to warm autumn, smoothly flowing into a mild spring and again into summer. Winter frosts do occur, but they are so rare that they come as a surprise to local residents every time. Athens in winter will delight tourists who dream of seeing the sights without too much fuss - the main tourist season has long ended, so the streets become much freer.

How to get there

The easiest and fastest way to get to Athens is by airline. The hospitable Eleftherios Venizelos Airport welcomes all inquisitive tourists, and so that traffic is not too noticeable at its work, a metro line leads directly from the terminal. In addition, buses constantly run to popular hotels, and trains are ready to take you to the suburbs.

If the task is to get to the capital of Greece from the sea, the port of Piraeus will help with this. In summer, the ship schedule is stable, but in winter it often changes due to bad weather - this point must be taken into account when planning to get to the nearest islands for a one-day excursion. It may turn out that it will not be possible to return to the mainland on the same day.

For tourists traveling around Europe by personal transport, the route is open through highways and highways. Some roads have better infrastructure than others - it's all on the maps, so it's worth studying the route carefully before starting your trip.

Sea and coastline

Although Athens itself does not yet have access to the sea, the suburb is known for beaches equipped with everything necessary for a good holiday - these include sun loungers with umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, and storage lockers.

To truly enjoy a beach holiday, it is preferable to go here in the summer months. Tourist peak occurs in July and August. To get to the sea, you don’t have to rent a car or pay considerable sums for a taxi - trams and buses run from the city along the entire coastline.

Districts

In total, the city is divided into 7 regions, three of which are not distinguished by an abundance of attractions and good infrastructure - these are residential areas, industrial or under construction, so tourists are not recommended to settle on their territory. The remaining four parts have historical significance and are most often visited by tourists.

Plaka

The area, located in close proximity to the Acropolis, has a special atmosphere and architecture. Along the paved narrow streets there are low white houses made in the Hellas style. The abundance of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops and hotels clearly indicates that this is one of the tourist areas. To get acquainted with the monuments of the times of the Turks or Byzantines, you don’t have to go to any specific place - just walk along the streets and look around.

Monastiraki

It is located on the other side of the Acropolis and is a commercial and historical center. There are architectural monuments such as libraries, towers and mosques here. There is a local market on the territory of Monastiraki, where all kinds of goods are presented, and quality items at low prices can be found in boutiques on nearby Ermou Street. Those who settle in the Monastiraki area do not look for souvenir shops and do not bring magnets from their trips, because there are many more interesting items in the ruins.

Thisio

If you are planning a holiday with children, you should settle in the Thisio area. This is an island of the city rich in parks, which is peaceful and quiet compared to other parts of the capital. Thisio is geographically located a short distance from the center; a well-developed infrastructure allows you to quickly reach any attraction. And if you don’t want to travel far, there are also interesting places and historical monuments within walking distance.

Syntagma

The area is named after the square located in the center of Athens. There is a modern parliament, a history museum and a national park. Many excursions to the sights of the capital of Greece start here.

Safety

Athens, although a historical center, is a modern metropolis with its own laws and orders. Everyone is obliged to comply with them - both local residents and tourists. To avoid getting into trouble, you should familiarize yourself with the basic rules of behavior at the planning stage of your trip.

General rules

First of all, we must remember that crowded conditions always play into the hands of robbers, of whom there are plenty in the metropolis, so you must always keep a close eye on things, especially documents and money, especially in crowded tourist areas. Simple rules of conduct will help you preserve your property:

• It is better to keep the bag in front;
• It is better to place valuable items in the inside pockets of clothing or the front pockets of trousers;
• It is convenient to travel with a backpack, but it is from the back that most thefts occur, so you should not put documents and money there;
• Rallies and demonstrations in Athens are not uncommon, and particularly violent participants are dispersed by the police, so you should not wedge yourself into their ranks;
• On public transport during rush hour, it is recommended to always keep your bag in sight.

Following personal safety rules will help you avoid unpleasant moments during travel and have a good rest.

Where you shouldn't go

In addition to tourist areas and historically important centers, the resort, like any other metropolis, has dangerous areas. Travelers are advised to avoid deserted streets, Omonia Square, the port at night and the area around the train station at dusk.

Neighborhood

If the capital has been explored, it's time to head to the suburbs. The following places are popular among tourists:

• Averof – floating museum;
• Islands of Hydra and Aegina;
• Zoology Park;
• Temple of Poseidon;
• Mount Parnitha.

Some attractions are located near the city, others require a journey of up to 100 km, and boats or yachts deliver to the islands, but no difficulties frighten travelers in their desire to explore as many interesting places as possible and become familiar with the history of Greece.

Ways to get around the city

The well-developed transport system in Athens does not always allow you to get to your destination quickly - traffic jams here can be as long as in other megacities.

Within the city, tariffs for public transport are the same regardless of its type. A ticket can be purchased for 1.5 hours, a day or 5 days, which will cost 1.5, 4.5 and 9 euros, respectively.

Trams

Modern tram cars travel on rails with a total length of 27 km. The main line runs along the coast, and there is also an additional branch to Syntangma. There are three tram routes in total:

• Voula – Neo-Falira No. 3;
• Neo-Falira – Syntagma No. 4;
• Syntangma – Vula No. 5.

A distinctive feature of trams is that they never get stuck in traffic jams, since the rails are laid not along the main, but additional streets, where cars and buses are not allowed to travel.

Buses

There are 100 times more bus routes than tram routes. This is the most common type of transport, helping to get to any point not only in Athens, but also outside the city. To reduce travel time, drivers do not stop at all stops, but only at the request of passengers or if they see a signal from people waiting for transport - this point must be taken into account when making bus trips.

If you plan to travel by public transport frequently. It is better to purchase an appropriate route map to track stops along the way.

Metro

A big plus of the metro, like trams, is the absence of traffic jams. However, the drawback is the same - there are only three branches connecting the main transport hubs:

• Green line from Piraeus to Kifissia;
• Blue from Agia Marina to the Airport;
• Red from Antoupoli to Elliniko.

Residents of large cities with well-developed metro systems are unlikely to get lost in the Athens metro. What is surprising is the lack of turnstiles. Tourists often make the mistake of traveling as a “hare”, not knowing that inspectors are constantly working in the metro, fining free riders.

Mapmetro

• The suburban railway is marked in yellow on the map.
• The airport and port have corresponding aircraft and ship icons.
• The letter T indicates places where the metro intersects with the tram line, that is, you can make a transfer.

Taxi

An official taxi service runs around the city. Traditionally, these are cars painted yellow and complemented by black checkered stripes. Athens taxis do not adhere to any specific models, so the cars can be either economy or premium class. The cars are equipped with a meter that calculates the cost of the trip.

To travel within the city, a passenger will have to pay 0.7 euros per kilometer; when traveling to the suburbs, the tariff increases to 1.2 euros. Additionally, the landing amount is calculated - this is another plus of 1.2 euros. And if a tourist calls a car by phone, but doesn’t catch it on the street, he will have to pay an additional 2 euros. At night, all prices can be safely multiplied by 2.

Of course, traveling by taxi is more convenient than using any other public transport, but taking into account the mileage, the trip will not be cheap, and dishonest drivers quote the final amount as more than it actually is, in the hope that the unlucky passenger will not notice errors in the calculations.

Rent

There are more than enough car rental offices in Athens, but heavy traffic in summer makes this type of transport not a privilege, but a burden. The situation changes radically if you go out of town or see the sights in winter - driving through half-empty streets in a rented car is a pleasure.

Attractions

Thanks to its colorful past, the capital of Greece is rich in art objects and ancient monuments, which tourists and bright minds from all countries come to see. Acquaintance with ancient monuments is carried out both in the capital itself and beyond its borders, and there is not enough time to explore every corner during a standard two-week vacation, so it is recommended to make a list of the most interesting places in advance.

Museums

In total, there are about 2.5 hundred Byzantine and Christian museums and exhibitions in the city, but the most valuable are:

• Agora;
• Museum of Archeology;
• Acropolis;
• Averof;
• Exhibition of Cycladic art.

From May to October, all exhibitions are open to the public every day. During the off-season and winter, viewing hours are greatly reduced, but the attractions still remain accessible to local residents and rare tourists.

Streets

Since many streets have been reconstructed, they are considered historical heritage. And although the small shops sell traditional goods, they are closely intertwined with memorial sites and buildings, so a slow walk along the Plaka area or Ermou Street is enough to get acquainted with the history.

Religious buildings

Athens is famous for its ancient temples and churches, so when you visit here, you can’t help but visit at least one historically significant religious building. Of course, the most famous architectural monument is the Acropolis and the temples located near it.

Followers of Christianity will find it interesting to visit the Church of the Virgin Mary or St. George. The reign of the Ottoman Empire did not go unnoticed for Athens - occasionally mosques can be found in the city, for example, Tsisdaraki.

Monuments

Since the capital of Greece is the cradle of science and culture, there are monuments dedicated to many ancient scientists, such as Socrates or Plato, as well as rulers. The monument to Philopappus, the heir who never accepted the throne, deserves special attention because the Roman Empire seized power. But this did not stop Philopappus from achieving a certain level of power and influencing the life of the city, making it better. Not only was a monument erected in his honor, but the hill where the two-level building stands was also named.

Excursions

Since Athens is a metropolitan metropolis, it is not surprising that excursion tours to every corner of Greece go from here. There are one-day trips to nearby islands and other attractions, and sometimes people go to remote places by plane for 2-3 days.

When planning an active cultural holiday with visits to tourist areas at a considerable distance from each other, experienced tourists recommend taking a minimum of things with them and thinking through the route in advance. The hotel is chosen at the point of current research, so as not to be tied to the same place.

Entertainment

For most guests, cultural relaxation is a priority, although sometimes you want to step back and relax a little. The capital of Greece is ready to offer travelers a variety of entertainment for every taste.

Shopping

People rarely go to Greece for shopping, since the European brands here do not differ in quality and price from those sold in big cities around the world. If you want to buy souvenirs, it is more profitable to do it at the market. True, if you don’t want to bargain, you’ll have to donate a round sum for gifts for friends. This rule applies to both factory-made products and hand-made goods.

Gastronomic holiday

Greek cuisine is rightfully considered one of the most harmonious and healthy, so it is not surprising that cafes and restaurants serving Greek cuisine predominate on the streets. However, in Athens it is not difficult to find popular dishes from around the world. Such establishments as Lalloudes and To Kofenio enjoy particular success.

Nightlife

Nightlife lovers will have plenty to do in the Greek capital. Some of the best nightclubs include Venue, villa Mercedes and Baraonda. The music here does not stop until the morning. Almost all establishments have a moderately strict dress code - guests are required to wear evening attire.

Athens for children

Young tourists will not be bored. Experience has shown that even trips to historical sites are interesting to them. Still, most of all children like water parks, zoos, planetariums and amusement parks, of which there are a lot in the capital of Greece.

Tour guides advise parents who take their children to explore ancient temples and ruins to closely monitor their children so that in their search for new knowledge they do not harm themselves or centuries-old structures.

Helpful information

When visiting Athens, many tourists prefer to abandon the services of travel agencies in favor of an independent holiday. This is an excellent solution, because individual planning will allow you to see many attractions and visit places that are closed to large excursion groups.

The first thing you need to write down in your guidebook is the address and telephone number of the Russian consulate. People come here for questions and problems arising with the Athenian authorities. The consulate is located at: Halandri, st. Tzavela, no. 5. Phones:

• 210-671-19-35;
• 210-671-19-06;
• 210-674-97-08.

The consulate is open only on weekdays in the morning. Russian public holidays are days off for consulate employees.

In addition, independent tourists may need the help of emergency services. It is easy to contact them as follows:

• 104 or 154 – road assistance;
• 170 - anti-terrorist service;
• 108 - coast guard;
• 112 – unified rescue service;
• 197 – emergency care;
• 199 – fire service
• 166 – ambulance;
• 100 – police;
• 107 – 24-hour pharmacy help desk.

The city of Athens reminds tourists to exercise caution and closely monitor their health and property during their holidays. If emergency situations occur, you must contact the appropriate emergency service.

Watch a video about Athens

The city of Athens is located on the territory of the state (country) Greece, which in turn is located on the territory of the continent Europe.

In what periphery is the city of Athens located?

The city of Athens is part of the Attica periphery.

A characteristic of the periphery or subject of a country is the integrity and interconnection of its constituent elements, including cities and other settlements that are part of the periphery.

The periphery of Attica is an administrative unit of the state of Greece.

Population of the city of Athens.

The population of the city of Athens is 3,168,846 people.

What time zone is Athens located in?

The city of Athens is located in the administrative time zone: UTC+2, in summer UTC+3. Thus, you can determine the time difference in the city of Athens, relative to the time zone in your city.

Athens telephone code

The telephone code of the city of Athens: +30 210. In order to call the city of Athens from a mobile phone, you need to dial the code: +30 210 and then the subscriber’s number directly.

Official website of the city of Athens.

Website of the city of Athens, official website of the city of Athens or as it is also called “Official website of the administration of the city of Athens”: http://www.cityofathens.gr/.

Coat of arms of the city of Athens.

The description of the city of Athens presents the coat of arms of the city of Athens, which is the distinctive sign of the city.

Metropolitan in the city of Athens.

The metro in the city of Athens is called the Athens Metro and is a means of public transport.

The passenger traffic of the Athens metro (Athens metro congestion) is 493.80 million people per year.

The number of metro lines in the city of Athens is 3 lines. The total number of metro stations in Athens is 65. The length of metro lines or the length of metro tracks is: 83.30 km.

Athens (Greece) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Athens with descriptions, guides and maps.

Athens city (Greece)

Public transport in Athens includes the metro, commuter trains, trams, trolleybuses and buses. A single ticket is valid for all types of transport. The metro has three lines: M1 (green) - connects the port and northern suburbs through the city center, M2 (red) - connects western and southern Athens, M3 (blue) - connects the southwestern suburbs with the northern suburbs and the airport.

Attractions

The most famous landmark of Athens is the sacred hill - the Acropolis. Here are the amazing ancient ruins of ancient temples that symbolize the heyday of Greek civilization.

The Acropolis is 156 meters high and visible from almost everywhere. In ancient times, there was a royal palace, majestic temples to the gods, religious objects and numerous sculptures here. Most of the main structures of the Acropolis were built during the reign of Pericles (5th century BC) during the heyday of Athens.

The most famous landmark of the Acropolis is the magnificent Parthenon, which, despite time, is one of the best preserved ancient Greek structures in Athens. The Parthenon is considered the largest temple of the classical period of Ancient Greece and is dedicated to Aphrodite. It was completed in 438 BC. The temple is famous for its monumental Doric columns and was decorated with numerous sculptures.

Among the ancient ruins of the Acropolis, the Temple of Nike Apteros, built in 427-424 BC, stands out. and dedicated to Athena the Victorious, the propylaea (the main entrance formed by columns and porticoes), the Erechtheion, a temple built between 421-406 BC. and dedicated to Athena, Poseidon and King Erechtheus.

All structures and ruins of the Acropolis:

1. Hecatompedon.
2. Statue of Athena Promachos.
3. Propylaea.
4. Eleusinion.
5. Bravronion.
6. Chalcotheca.
7. Pandroseion.
8. Arreforion.
9. Athens altar.
10. Sanctuary of Zeus Polyaeus.
11. Sanctuary of Pandion.
12. Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
13. Standing Eumenes.
14. Asklepion.
15. Odeon of Pericles.
16. Temenos of Dionysus.
17. Sanctuary of Aglavra.

The Acropolis Museum is 300 meters away, one of the most important modern buildings in Athens, built of steel, glass and concrete. Priceless finds and antiquities that were found here during excavations are stored here.

An archaeological path leads from the Acropolis into the city, along which you can see other antiquities of Athens, which belong to different periods and cultures. So, at the foot of the hill, there are the ruins of Olympion, a temple dedicated to Zeus. It was the largest building in Ancient Greece. It began to be built in the 6th century BC. and finished only in the 2nd century AD. under the Roman Emperor Hadrian. More than a hundred huge marble columns once supported the grand sanctuary. Only 15 of them have survived to this day.

The Theater of Dionysus is located on the south side of the Acropolis and is considered the oldest structure of its type in Greece. Many of the most famous ancient Greek comedies and tragedies were presented on this stage. The theater, originally built as a temple, dates back to the 6th century BC. It was dedicated to Dionysus, the god of fun and wine, and could accommodate 17,000 people.

The ancient Agora was the market and center of daily life in ancient Athens. Most of the surviving ruins are from the Roman period and date back to the 1st century AD. The agora was surrounded by colonnades and columns. It also hosted sporting events and theatrical performances. To the east is the 12-meter tall Wind Tower.

An excellent view of the Agora opens from the northern wall of the Acropolis.

Arch of Hadrian

Hadrian's Arch was built in 131 AD. and symbolizes the entrance to the ancient city. Not far from the western slope of the Acropolis is the Pnyx Hill. Here the citizens of Athens could exercise their democratic rights. To the southwest of the Acropolis of Athens is the hill of Philopappos, which was known as the Hill of the Muses and preserves several ancient ruins. There is also a tiny 12th-century Byzantine chapel with 18th-century frescoes.

The core of the historical center of Athens is the Plaka district, located on the eastern side of the Acropolis. This area has been inhabited since ancient times. Now it is a labyrinth of narrow, flower-filled, picturesque streets lined with traditional 19th-century houses. Plaka is famous for its provincial atmosphere (sometimes you can’t even believe that this is the center of a bustling metropolis), cute restaurants and historical churches.

From Plaka, the Athenian streets will lead to Monastiraki Square, which is one of the central squares of old Athens with narrow streets and small buildings. A traditional market (Yousouroum) is held in the square. Monastiraki is a popular shopping area with over 2,000 different shops.

Anafiotika is another atmospheric village quarter of Athens, located north of the Acropolis. Here tourists can enjoy traditional Greek food and stroll through the winding Cycladic-style streets. Anafiotika was built in the 60s of the 19th century.

Herodes' Odeon is an ancient Roman theater built in the 2nd century AD. on the steep slopes of the Acropolis by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife. The theater seated 6,000 spectators and was restored in the 1950s.

The Olympic Stadium was built in the 19th century for the first modern Olympics. It seats 50,000 spectators and is the largest sports facility made entirely of marble. The first stadium on this site was built in the 3rd century BC. and rebuilt in 144. In ancient times, the stadium hosted a religious festival dedicated to the goddess Athena every four years.

The Church of Our Lady of Kapnicarea is a magnificent example of 11th century Byzantine architecture. The church is located on one of the central streets of Athens - Ermou.

The Church of the Holy Apostles is a 10th-century religious building on the site of the ancient Agora, built in typical Byzantine style. The inside of the dome is decorated with original frescoes. A significant part of the ancient iconostasis from the 11th century has also been preserved.

Syntagmatos Square is the central square of modern Athens. The Presidential Guard in national costumes stands in front of the Greek Parliament building. The change of guard takes place in front of the Monument to the Unknown Soldier at 11 a.m. daily.

• The National Archaeological Museum is one of the largest museums in Greece, which has one of the largest exhibitions of Antiquity in the world. The 8,000 square meter building contains 11,000 exhibits.
• Byzantine Museum - more than 25,000 exhibits, representing a treasure trove of religious artifacts from the Byzantine period, as well as works of early Christian, medieval and post-Byzantine art.
• Museum of Cycladic Art - ancient artifacts found in the Cycladic Islands and Cyprus.

This is a special city: no other European capital can boast of such a historical and cultural heritage. It is rightly called the cradle of democracy and Western civilization. Life in Athens still revolves around the witness of its birth and prosperity - the Acropolis, one of the seven hills surrounding the city, which rises above it like a stone ship with the ancient Parthenon on its deck.

Video: Athens

Basic moments

Athens has been the capital of modern Greece since the 1830s, the time when an independent state was proclaimed. Since then, the city has experienced an unprecedented rise. In 1923, the number of residents here doubled almost overnight as a result of a population exchange with Turkey.

Due to the rapid post-war economic growth and the real boom that followed Greece's accession to the European Union in 1981, the suburb took over the entire historical part of the city. Athens has become an octopus city: it is estimated that its population is about 4 million inhabitants, 750,000 of whom live within the city's official boundaries.

The new dynamic city was greatly transformed by the 2004 Olympic Games. Years of grandiose work have modernized and beautified the city. A new airport opened its doors, new metro lines were launched, and museums were updated.

Of course, problems of environmental pollution and overpopulation remain, and few people fall in love with Athens at first sight... But one cannot help but succumb to the charm of this amazing mixture of an ancient holy city and a 21st century capital, born of contrasts. Athens also owes its uniqueness to numerous neighborhoods that have an inimitable character: traditional Plaka, industrial Gazi, Monastraki experiencing a new dawn with its flea markets, shopping Psirri entering the markets, working Omonia, business Syntagma, bourgeois Kolonaki... not to mention Piraeus, which is essentially an independent city.

Sights of Athens

It is the small plateau on which the Acropolis is located (4 ha), rising 100 m above the plain of Attica and the modern city, Athens owes its destiny. The city was born here, grew up, and met its historical glory. No matter how damaged and unfinished the Acropolis may be, it still holds up quite confidently to this day and fully retains the status of one of the greatest wonders of the world, once awarded to it by UNESCO. Its name means "high city", from the Greek asgo (“high”, “sublime”) and polis ("city"). It also means "citadel", which, in fact, was the Acropolis in the Bronze Age and later, in the Mycenaean era.

In 2000, the main buildings of the Acropolis were dismantled for reconstruction in accordance with new archaeological knowledge and modern restoration techniques. However, do not be surprised if the reconstruction of some buildings, for example the Parthenon or the Temple of Nike Apteros, is not yet completed; this work takes a lot of effort and time.

Areopagus and the Bele Gate

The entrance to the Acropolis is on the west side, at the Bele Gate, a Roman building from the 3rd century, named after the French archaeologist who discovered it in 1852. From the entrance, steps carved in stone lead to the Areopagus, a stone hill on which judges gathered in ancient times.

The huge staircase that ended the Panathenaic road (dromos), led to this monumental entrance to the Acropolis, marked by six Doric columns. More complex than the Parthenon, which they were meant to complement, the Propylaea ("in front of entrance") were conceived by Pericles and his architect Mnesicles as the grandest secular building ever built in Greece. Works began in 437 BC. and interrupted in 431 by the Peloponnesian War, were never resumed. The central passage, the widest, once topped with railings, was intended for chariots, and steps led to four other entrances, intended for mere mortals. The northern wing is decorated with images dedicated to Athena by great artists of the past.

This small temple (421 BC), created by the architect Callicrates, built on an earthen embankment to the southwest (on right) from Propylaea. It was in this place, according to legend, that Aegeus waited for his son Theseus, who had gone to fight the Minotaur. Not seeing a white sail on the horizon - a sign of victory - he threw himself into the abyss, considering Theseus dead. From this place there is a magnificent view of Athens and the sea. This building, dwarfed by the size of the Parthenon, was destroyed in 1687 by the Turks, who used its stones to strengthen their own defences. It was first restored shortly after the country's independence, but has recently been dismantled again to be rebuilt with all the subtleties of classical art.

After passing the Propylaea, you will find yourself on the esplanade in front of the Acropolis, topped by the Parthenon itself. It was Pericles who commissioned Phidias, a brilliant sculptor and builder, and his assistants, the architects Ictinus and Callicrates, to build this temple on the site of former sanctuaries destroyed by the Persian conquerors. Work began in 447 BC and lasted fifteen years. Using Pentelic marble as a material, the builders managed to create a building with ideal proportions, 69 meters long and 31 meters wide. It is decorated with 46 columns with flutes ten meters high, made up of a dozen drums. For the first time in history, each of the four facades of the building was decorated with pediments with painted friezes and sculptures.

In the foreground was a bronze statue of Athena Promachos (“the one that protects”) nine meters high, with a spear and shield - only a few fragments of the pedestal remain from this composition. They say that the sailors could see the crest of her helmet and the gilded tip of her spear, sparkling in the sun, as soon as they entered the Saronic Gulf...

Another huge statue of Athena Parthenos, dressed in pure gold, with a face, arms and legs made of ivory and with the head of Medusa on her chest, was in the sanctuary. This brainchild of Phidias remained in its place for more than a thousand years, but was subsequently taken to Constantinople, where it was later lost.

Becoming the Cathedral of Athens during the Byzantine era, then a mosque under Turkish rule, the Parthenon passed through the centuries without much loss until that fateful day in 1687 when the Venetians bombarded the Acropolis. The Turks set up an ammunition depot in the building, and when a cannonball hit it, the wooden roof was destroyed and part of the walls and sculptural decorations collapsed. An even more severe blow to the pride of the Greeks was dealt at the very beginning of the 19th century by the British ambassador Lord Elgin, who received permission from the Turks to excavate the ancient city and took away a huge number of beautiful statues and bas-reliefs of the Parthenon pediment. Now they are in the British Museum, but the Greek government does not lose hope that someday they will return to their homeland.

The last of the sanctuaries built by the ancient Greeks on the Acropolis is located on the other side of the plateau, near the northern wall, on the site of the mythical dispute between Poseidon and Athena over power over the city. Construction lasted fifteen years. The consecration of the Erechtheion took place in 406 BC. An unknown architect was supposed to combine three sanctuaries under one roof (in honor of Athena, Poseidon and Erechtheus), having built a temple on a site with significant differences in ground height.

This temple, although smaller in size than the Parthenon, was supposed to be equal to it in magnificence. The north portico is without a doubt a masterpiece of architectural genius, as evidenced by its deep blue marble frieze, coffered ceiling and elegant Ionic columns.

Don't miss the Caryatids - six taller than life-sized statues of young girls supporting the roof of the southern portico. Currently these are only copies. One of the original statues was taken away by the same Lord El-jin, five others were exhibited for a long time in the Small Acropolis Museum (now closed), were transported to the New Acropolis Museum, which opened in June 2009.

Here, do not forget to enjoy the beautiful view of Salamis Bay, located on the western side.

Located on the western side of the Acropolis (161-174), a Roman odeon famous for its acoustics, is open to the public only during the festivities organized as part of the festival in honor of Athena (performances take place almost every day from late May to mid-October). The marble steps of the ancient theater can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators!

The theater located not far from the Odeon, although very ancient, is closely connected with the main episodes of the life of the Greek city. This gigantic structure with 17,000 seats, built in the 5th-4th centuries BC, has seen the tragedies of Sophocles, Aeschylus and Euripides and the comedies of Aristophanes. In fact, it is the cradle of Western theatrical art. Since the 4th century, the city assembly has met here.

New Acropolis Museum

At the foot of the hill (South side) is the New Acropolis Museum, the brainchild of Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi and his Greek colleague Michalis Fotiadis. A new museum built to replace the old Acropolis Museum (near the Parthenon), which had become too cramped, opened its doors in June 2009. This ultra-modern building of marble, glass and concrete was built on stilts, as valuable archaeological finds were discovered at the site when construction began. 4,000 artifacts are displayed on 14,000 sq. m is ten times the area of ​​the old museum.

The first floor, already open to the public, houses temporary exhibitions, and its glass floor allows for observation of the ongoing excavations. The second floor houses the permanent collections, which include artifacts found at the Acropolis from the Archaic period of Ancient Greece to the Roman period. But the highlight of the exhibition is the third floor, whose glass windows give visitors a beautiful view of the Parthenon.

Acropolis metro station

Acropolis metro station

In the 1990s, during the construction of the second metro line, important excavations were discovered. Some of them were displayed right at the station (amphoras, pots). Here you can also see a replica of the Parthenon frieze representing Helios as he emerges from the sea, surrounded by Dionysus, Demeter, Kore and an unknown headless figure.

Old lower town

On both sides of the Acropolis stretches the ancient lower city: Greek in the north, around the market square and the ancient district of Kerameikos, Roman in the east on the approach to the Olympion (temple of Zeus) and the Arch of Hadrian. Recently, all the sights can be seen on foot, passing through the labyrinth of streets of Plaka or going around the Acropolis along the main street. Dionysius the Areopagite.

Agora

Initially, this term meant “meeting”, then it began to be called a place where people did business. The heart of the old town, filled with workshops and stalls, the agora (market Square) was surrounded by many tall buildings: a mint, a library, a council chamber, a court, archives, not to mention countless altars, small temples and monuments.

The first public buildings on this site began to appear in the 4th century BC, during the reign of the tyrant Pisistratus. Some of them were restored, and many were built after the sack of the city by the Persians in 480 BC. The Panathenaic Road, the main artery of the ancient city, crossed the esplanade diagonally, linking the main gate of the city, the Dipylon, with the Acropolis. Cart races took place here, in which even cavalry recruits supposedly took part.

Today, the agora has hardly survived, with the exception of Theseon (Temple of Hephaestus). This Doric temple in the west of the Acropolis is the best preserved in Greece. It is the owner of a beautiful ensemble of Pentelic marble columns and Parian marble friezes. On each of its sides there is an image of Hercules in the east, Theseus in the north and south, battle scenes (with magnificent centaurs) in the east and west. Dedicated to both Hephaestus, patron of metallurgists, and Organ Athena (To the worker), protector of potters and craftsmen, it dates from the second half of the 5th century BC. This temple probably owes its preservation to its transformation into a church. In the 19th century, it even became a Protestant temple, where the remains of English volunteers and other European philhellenes rested. (Greco-philos) who died during the Revolutionary War.

Below, in the center of the agora, near the entrance to the Odeon of Agrippa, you will see three monumental statues of tritons. In the most elevated part of the area, towards the Acropolis, is the restored small Church of the Holy Apostles (about 1000) in Byzantine style. Inside, the remains of 17th-century frescoes and a marble iconostasis are preserved.

The Portico of Attalus, on the east side of the market square, 120 meters long and 20 meters wide, was reconstructed in the 1950s and is now the Agora Museum. There are some amazing artifacts to see here. For example, a huge Spartan shield made of bronze (425 BC) and, directly opposite, a piece of clerotherium, a stone with a hundred slits, intended for the random selection of jurors. Among the coins on display is a silver tetradrachm depicting an owl, which served as the model for the Greek euro.

Roman agora

In the second half of the 1st century BC. the Romans moved the agora about a hundred meters to the east to create their own central market. After the barbarian invasion of 267, the administrative center of the city took refuge behind the new walls of the decaying Athens. Here, as in the surrounding streets, you can still see many important buildings.

Built in the 11th century BC. The Doric gate of Athena Archegetis is located near the western entrance to the Roman agora. During the reign of Hadrian, a copy of the order regarding the taxation of the purchase and sale of olive oil was placed here for public viewing... On the other side of the square, on an embankment, rises the octagonal Tower of the Winds (Aerids) made of white Pentelic marble. It was built in the 1st century BC. Macedonian astronomer Andronikos and served simultaneously as a weather vane, compass and clepsydra (water clock). Each side is decorated with a frieze depicting one of the eight winds, under which the hands of an ancient sundial can be discerned. On the north side there is a small inactive Fethiye mosque (Conqueror), one of the last witnesses to the occupation of the market square by religious buildings in the Middle Ages and later under Turkish rule.

Two blocks from the Roman agora, near Monastiraki Square, you will find the ruins of Hadrian's Library. Erected during the reign of the builder emperor in the same year as the Olympion (132 BC), this huge public building with a courtyard surrounded by a hundred columns was at one time one of the most luxurious in Athens.

The Keramik quarter, located on the northwestern border of the Greek city, owes its name to the potters who made the famous Attic vases with red figures on a black background here. There was also the largest cemetery of that time, which operated until the 6th century and is partially preserved. The oldest graves date back to the Mycenaean era, but the most beautiful, decorated with steles and funerary monuments, belonged to wealthy Athenians and war heroes from times of tyranny. They are located to the west of the cemetery, in a corner planted with cypress and olive trees. Such displays of vanity were prohibited after the establishment of democracy.

The museum displays the most beautiful examples: sphinxes, kouroses, lions, bulls... Some of them were used in 478 BC. for the hasty construction of new defensive fortifications against the Spartans!

To the west of the agora and the Acropolis rises the Pnyx Hill, the meeting place of the assembly of the inhabitants of Athens (ecclesia). Meetings took place ten times a year from the 6th to the end of the 4th century BC. Famous orators such as Pericles, Themistocles, Demosthenes gave speeches here to their compatriots. Later the assembly moved to a larger square in front of the Theater of Dionysus. From the top of this hill the view of the forested Acropolis is amazing.

Hill of Muses

The most beautiful panorama of the Acropolis and Parthenon still opens from this wooded hill in the southwest of the old center - the mythological bastion of the Athenians in the fight against the Amazons. At the top there is a perfectly preserved tomb monument of Philopappos (or Philoppapu) 12 meters high. It dates from the 2nd century and depicts this "benefactor of Athens" on a cart.

To mark the boundary between the old Greek city and its own Athens, the Roman Emperor Hadrian ordered the erection of a gate facing the Olympion. On one side it was written "Athens, the ancient city of Theseus", and on the other - "The city of Hadrian, not Theseus". Apart from this, both facades are absolutely identical; Striving for unity, they combine the Roman tradition at the bottom and the Greek form of propylae at the top. The 18-meter-high monument was erected thanks to gifts from the people of Athens.

The Temple of Zeus the Olympian, the supreme deity, was the largest in ancient Greece - erected, as legend has it, on the site of the ancient sanctuary of Deucalion, the mythical forefather of the Greek people, who thus thanked Zeus for saving him from the flood. The tyrant Peisistratus supposedly began construction of this gigantic building in 515 BC. in order to keep people busy and prevent a riot. But this time the Greeks overestimated their capabilities: the temple was completed only in the Roman era, in 132 BC. Emperor Hadrian, who received all the glory. The dimensions of the temple were impressive: length - 110 meters, width - 44 meters. Of the 104 Corinthian columns, 17 meters high and 2 meters in diameter, only fifteen have survived; the sixteenth, knocked down by a storm, still lies on the ground. The rest were used for other buildings. They were arranged in double rows of 20 along the length of the building and triple rows of 8 on the sides. The sanctuary contains a giant gold and ivory statue of Zeus and a statue of Emperor Hadrian - both were equally revered in the Roman era.

Nestled in an amphitheater with marble steps near Mount Ardettos, 500 meters east of the Olympion, this stadium was restored in 1896 for the first modern Olympic Games to replace and replace the ancient one built by Lycurgus in 330 BC. In the 2nd century, Hadrian introduced arena gaming, bringing thousands of predators for bestiaries. This is where the 2004 Olympic Games marathon finished.

This is the oldest and most interesting residential quarter of the city. Its labyrinth of streets and staircases, dating back at least three thousand years, extends to the north-eastern slope of the Acropolis. It is mostly pedestrian. The upper part of the quarter is perfect for long walks and admiring the beautiful houses of the 19th century, the walls and courtyards of which are densely covered with burganvilleas and geraniums. Plaka is dotted with ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and at the same time there are many boutiques, restaurants, museums, bars, small nightclubs... It can be either quiet or very lively, it all depends on the place and time.

Churches

Although the towers of the Metropolis, Plaka Cathedral (XIX century), located in the northern part of the quarter, inevitably attracts the eye, lower your eyes to its base and admire the delightful Little Metropolis. This small 12th-century Byzantine church dedicated to St. Eleutrius and Our Lady of Gorgoepikoos (“Coming soon to the assistant!”) was built from antique materials. The outside of its walls are decorated with magnificent geometric bas-reliefs. All the priests of Greece gather on the neighboring street, Agios Filotheis, to shop in specialized stores. On the hills of Plaka is the charming little Byzantine church of Agios Ioannis Theologos (XI century), also worthy of your attention.

This museum in the eastern part of Plaka presents an interesting collection of folk art exhibits. After viewing the embroideries on the ground floor and the funny carnival costumes on the mezzanine, in the Theophilos Room on the second floor you will discover wall paintings, a tribute to this self-taught artist who decorated the houses and shops of his native land. Honoring tradition, he wore fustanella all his life (traditional men's skirt) and died in poverty and oblivion. Only after his death did he receive recognition. Decorations, ornaments and weapons are displayed on the third floor; on the fourth - folk costumes of various provinces of the country.

Neoclassical on the outside, ultra-modern on the inside, this museum dedicated to contemporary art is the only one of its kind in Greece. It alternates between a permanent collection, whose main theme is ordinary people, and temporary exhibitions. Visitors are given the opportunity to look at the great events of the 20th century through the eyes of Greek artists.

In 335 BC, after the victory of his troupe in a theater competition, in order to perpetuate this event, the philanthropist Lysicrates ordered the construction of this monument in the form of a rotunda. The Athenians nicknamed it “the lantern of Diogenes.” Initially, there was a bronze prize inside, received from the city authorities. In the 17th century

Anaphiotika

In the highest part of Plaka, on the slopes of the Acropolis, the inhabitants of the Kikpadian island of Anafi recreated their world in miniature. Anafiotika is a block within a block, a real peaceful haven where cars have no access. It consists of several dozen whitewashed houses, surrounded by flowers, with many narrow alleys and secluded passages. Arbors made of grape vines, climbing rose hips, flower pots - life here turns on a pleasant side for you. Anafiotika can be reached from Stratonos Street.

This museum is located in the westernmost part of Plaka, between the Acropolis and the Roman agora, in a beautiful neoclassical building and houses some very quirky and varied collections. (who, however, are united by belonging to Hellenism), transferred to the state by the Kanellopoulos spouses. Among the main exhibits you will see Cycladic figurines and antique gold jewelry.

Museum of Folk Musical Instruments

Located on Diogenes Street, in the western part of Plaka, opposite the entrance to the Roman agora, this museum invites you to discover musical instruments and traditional Greek melodies. You will learn how bouzoukis, lutes, tambouras, guides and other rare samples sound. Concerts are organized in the garden in the summer.

Syntagma Square

To the northeast, Plaka is bordered by the huge Syntagma Square, the heart of the business world, an area that was built according to a plan drawn up the day after independence was declared. The green esplanade is surrounded by chic cafes and modern buildings housing the offices of banks, airlines and international companies.

Here is the Great Britain Hotel, the pearl of Athens of the 19th century, the most beautiful palace in the city. On the eastern slope is the Buli Palace, now the parliament. In 1834 it served as the residence of King Otto I and Queen Amalia.

Subway

Thanks to the construction of the metro (1992-1994) under the esplanade, the largest excavations ever carried out in Athens began. Archaeologists have discovered an aqueduct from the era of Pisistratus, a very important road, bronze foundries of the 5th century BC. (period when this place was outside the city walls), cemeteries from the end of the classical era - the beginning of the Roman era, baths and a second aqueduct, also Roman, as well as early Christian ossuaries and part of the Byzantine city. Various archaeological layers have been preserved inside the station in the shape of a transverse cup.

Parliament (Buli Palace)

The name of Syntagma Square evokes the Greek Constitution of 1844, proclaimed from the balcony of this neoclassical palace, seat of parliament since 1935.

In front of the building there is a monument to the Unknown Soldier, who is kept guard by the Evzones (infantry). They wear traditional Greek costumes: a fustanella with 400 folds, symbolizing the number of years spent under the Turkish yoke, woolen socks and red shoes with pom-poms.

The changing of the guard occurs every hour from Monday to Saturday, and once at 10.30 on Sunday. The entire garrison gathers in the square for this beautiful ceremony.

National Garden

Once a palace park, the National Garden is now a tranquil oasis of exotic plants and mosaic pools in the heart of the city. There you can see ancient ruins hidden among shady alleys, a small botanical museum located in a pavilion, a zoo and a pleasant kafenion with a large covered gazebo.

To the south is the Zappeion, a neoclassical building built in the 1880s in the form of a rotunda. In 1896, during the first modern Olympic Games, it was the headquarters of the Olympic Committee. Zappeion later became an Exhibition Center.

To the east of the garden, on Herodes Atticus Street, in the middle of the park, is the Presidential Palace, a beautiful Baroque building guarded by two evzones.

Northern neighborhoods and museums

The Gazi quarter in the north-west of the city, which lives up to its name and is predominantly industrial, does not at first make a very pleasant impression. The former gas plant that gave the neighborhood its name is now a huge cultural center .

Just to the east lies the very lively quarter of Psiri, home to wholesalers and blacksmiths - and, for some time now, a growing number of bars, nightlife and trendy restaurants. Its small streets lead to the markets and Omonia Square, the heart of people's Athens. From here you can walk to Syntagma Square along two large streets in a neoclassical frame - Stadiou and Panepistimiou.

Neighborhood Monastiraki

Directly north of the Roman agora is Monastiraki Square, which is crowded with people at any time of the day. Above it rises the dome and portico of the Tsizdaraki mosque (1795), which now houses the Plaka branch of the Folk Art Museum.

The nearby pedestrian streets are filled with souvenir shops, antique shops and ragpickers who gather every Sunday at Abyssinia Square for a giant flea market.

Markets

The Grand Athenas Boulevard, linking Monastiraki with Omonia Square to the north, passes by market pavilions. The "belly of Athens", which is in constant activity from dawn to midday, is divided into two parts: fishmongers in the center and meat traders around.

In front of the building there are sellers of dried fruits, and on the nearby streets there are sellers of hardware, carpets, and poultry.

Archaeological Museum

A few blocks north of Omonia Square, on a huge esplanade lined with cars, is the National Archaeological Museum, home to a fabulous collection of art from the great civilizations of ancient Greece. Don't hesitate to spend half a day here, contemplating the statues, frescoes, vases, cameos, jewelry, coins and other treasures.

The museum's most valuable item is perhaps the gold death mask of Agamemnon, discovered in 1876 at Mycenae by amateur archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. (hall 4, in the center of the courtyard). In the same room you will see another important Mycenaean object, the Warrior Vase, as well as funerary steles, weapons, rhytons, jewelry and thousands of luxurious objects made of amber, gold and even an ostrich egg shell! Cycladic collection (hall 6) also a must watch.

As you explore the ground floor and move clockwise, you will walk chronologically from the Archaic period, represented by the magnificent kouroi and kora, to the Roman period. Along the way, you will see great masterpieces of art from the classical era, including a bronze statue of Poseidon caught in the sea near the island of Euboea (hall 15), as well as statues of the horseman Artemision on a war horse (hall 21). Tombstones abound, some of them quite impressive. For example, huge lekythos - vases two meters high. It is also worth mentioning the friezes that decorated the temple of Atheia on Aegina, the friezes of the temple of Asclepius (Aesculapius) in Epidaurus and the magnificent marble group of Aphrodite, Pan and Eros in room 30.

On the second floor, collections of ceramics are exhibited: from items from the Geometric era to delightful Attic vases. A separate section is dedicated to the Greek Pompeii - the city of Akrotiri on the island of Santorini, buried in 1450 BC (hall 48).

Panepistimiou

The quarter, located between Omonia and Syntagma squares, gives a clear indication of the grand ambitions of the post-independence period. Definitely belonging to the neoclassical style, the trio consisting of the University, the Academy and the National Library stretches along Panepistimiou Street (or Eleftherios Venizelou) and clearly deserves the attention of city guests.

National History Museum

The museum is located in the former parliament building, at 13 Stadiou Street, near Syntagma Square, and is dedicated to the history of the country since the capture of Constantinople by the Ottomans (1453). The Revolutionary War period is presented in great detail. You can even see the helmet and sword of Lord Byron, the most famous of the Philhellenes!

Founded in 1930 by Antonis Benakis, a member of a prominent Greek family, the museum is located in his former Athens residence. The exhibition consists of collections collected throughout his life. The museum continues to expand and now offers visitors a complete panorama of Greek art, from the prehistoric period to the 20th century.

On the ground floor there are exhibits from the Neolithic period to the Byzantine era, as well as a fine collection of jewelry and antique gold leaf crowns. A large section is dedicated to icons. Second floor (XVI-XIX centuries) covers the period of Turkish occupation, mainly examples of church and secular folk art are exhibited here. The two magnificent reception halls from the 1750s have been restored, complete with carved wood ceilings and paneling.

Less interesting sections dedicated to the period of awakening of national consciousness and the struggle for independence occupy the two upper floors.

Museum of Cycladic Art

The collections of Nicholas Goulandris dedicated to ancient art are presented here. The most prominent of these is, without a doubt, on the ground floor. Here you can get acquainted with the legendary Cycladic art; figurines, marble household items and religious objects. Don't miss the plate of doves, carved from a single piece, the extraordinary figurines of a flute player and a bread peddler, and a 1.40 meter high statue, one of two depicting the great patron goddess.

The third floor is dedicated to Greek art from the Bronze Age to the 2nd century BC, the fourth floor displays a collection of Cypriot artifacts, and the fifth floor displays the finest pottery and “Corinthian” bronze shields.

The museum later moved to a magnificent neoclassical villa built in 1895 by the Bavarian architect Ernst Ziller (Staphatos Palace).

The exhibitions housed in the museum cover the period from the fall of the Roman Empire (5th century) before the fall of Constantinople (1453) and successfully illuminate the history of Byzantine culture through an excellent selection of artifacts and reconstructions. The exhibition also highlights the special role of Athens, the center of pagan thought for at least two centuries until the rise of Christianity.

The Coptic art section is worth seeing (especially shoes of the 5th-8th centuries!), the treasure of Mytilene, found in 1951, delightful crossbars and bas-reliefs, collections of icons and frescoes exhibited in the Church of the Episcopia of Eurytania, as well as magnificent manuscripts.

National Pinakothek

Significantly modernized in recent years, the Pinakothek is dedicated to Greek art of the last four centuries. It chronologically presents various movements, from early post-Byzantine painting to the works of modern artists. In particular, you will see three mystical paintings by El Greco, a native of Crete who, along with Velazquez and Goya, was the most famous artist of 16th century Spain.

At the northern end of Vasilissis Sophias Boulevard, the sloping streets of the Kolonaki quarter form a chic enclave famous for its fashion boutiques and art galleries. All morning, and especially after lunch, there is nowhere for an apple to fall on the terraces of the cafes of Filikis Eterias Square.

Mount Lycabettus (Lycabettos)

At the end of Plutarch Street there is a long line of markets leading to an underground cable tunnel with a funicular that takes you to the top of Lycabetus, famous for its beautiful panorama, in a few minutes. Sports fans will prefer the stairs starting from the end of Lucianu Street, a hundred meters to the west (15 minutes rise). The path, bending, leads through cypresses and agaves. At the top, from the porch of the Chapel of St. George, in good weather you can see the islands of the Saronic Gulf and, of course, the Acropolis.

Around Athens

Situated between the sea and the hills, Athens is the ideal starting point to explore the most famous sites of Attica, the peninsula separating the Aegean Sea and the Saronic Gulf.

On weekends everyone goes to the beach. Located right next to the city walls, Glyfada stole the show during the 2004 Olympic Games: it was here that most of the nautical competitions took place. A chic suburb with numerous boutiques and a seaside resort famous for its marinas and golf courses, Glyfada comes alive in the summer with discos and clubs opening along Possidonos Avenue. The beaches here and towards Voula are mostly private, dotted with umbrellas and packed at the end of the week. If you're looking for a quieter spot, head south to Vouliagmeni, a luxurious and expensive port surrounded by greenery. The coast becomes more democratic only after Varkiza, near Cape Sounion.

The sentinel of Athens, holding guard on the top of the rock of the "Cape of Columns" at the extreme point of Mediterranean Attica, the temple of Poseidon forms one of the vertices of the "sacred triangle", a perfect isosceles triangle, the other points of which are the Acropolis and the temple of Aphaia on Aegina. It was said that once, when entering the bay on the way to Piraeus, sailors could see all three buildings at the same time - a pleasure now inaccessible due to the frequent smog that descends over these places. Sanctuary restored during the era of Pericles (444 BC), retained 16 of the 34 Doric columns. Once upon a time, trireme racing was held here, organized by the Athenians in honor of the goddess Athena, to whom the second temple, built on a nearby hill, is dedicated. The place acquires strategic importance: its fortress, now disappeared, made it possible to simultaneously control the silver mines of Lorion and the movement of ships to Athens.

Built on the pine-clad slopes of Mount Hymetos, a few kilometers east of Athens, the 11th-century monastery is quiet at the end of the week when a landing party of picnickers lands nearby. In the central courtyard you will find a church whose walls are covered with frescoes (XVII-XVIII centuries), the dome rests on four antique columns, and at the other end of the monastery there is an amazing fountain with a ram's head, from which water flows, which is said to have miraculous properties.

Marathon

This place, one of the most famous, witnessed the victory of the 10,000-strong Athenian army over the Persian forces three times larger in 490 BC. To deliver the good news, as legend has it, a runner from Marathon ran the 40 km that separated it from Athens - so fast that he died of exhaustion upon arrival. The 192 Greek heroes who died in this battle were buried on the mound - this is the only credible evidence of this famous event.

Monastery of Daphne

Situated 10 km west of Athens, on the edge of a highway, the Byzantine monastery of Daphne is famous for its 11th-century mosaics depicting the apostles and the mighty Christ Pantocrator watching over them from the central dome. Having received significant damage from an earthquake in 1999, the building is now closed for restoration.

Pressed on one side by Attica and on the other by the Peloponnese Peninsula, the Saronic Gulf - the gateway of the Corinth Canal - opens the door to Athens. Among the many islands, Aegina is the most interesting and easiest to get to. (1 hour 15 minutes by ferry or 35 minutes by speedboat).

Most of the ships are moored on the western shore, in the beautiful port of Aegina. Few people know that it was the first capital of liberated Greece. Fishermen repair their gear here in front of tourists relaxing on cafe terraces and riding in gigs. The narrow pedestrian street leading from the embankment seems to be created for walking and shopping. At the northern exit, in Colon, at an archaeological site, there are a few ruins of the Temple of Apollo (5th century BC). The archaeological museum displays artifacts found nearby: donations, pottery, sculptures and steles.

The rest of the island is divided between pistachio plantations, which are the pride of Aegina, several groves with olive trees and beautiful pine forests, stretching in the east to the seaside resort of Agia Marina, on whose beautiful beaches life is in full swing in summer.

From there you can easily reach the Temple of Aphaia, built on a promontory visible from both shores. The splendor of this Doric monument, perfectly preserved, allows us to guess the former power of the island, which was once a rival of Athens. Built in 500 BC, it was dedicated to the local goddess Aphaia, daughter of Zeus, who took refuge in these places to escape the persecution of King Minos.

If you have some time, visit the ruins of Paliochora, the former capital of Aegina, built on a hill in the interior of the island. Founded in Antiquity, the town grew up during the High Middle Ages, an era when residents took refuge on mountain tops to escape pirate raids. Until the 19th century, when its inhabitants abandoned it, Paliochora had 365 churches and chapels, of which 28 have survived, and in them you can still see the remains of beautiful frescoes. Just below is the monastery of Agios Nektarios, the largest on the island.

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When is the best time to go to Athens

Spring and late autumn are the best times to visit Athens. Summers can be very hot and dry. Winter is sometimes rainy, with few snow days. But at the same time, winter can be an ideal time to visit the city, when it may be fresh, but there are no crowds.

Very often there is smog over the city, the reason for which is the geography of the city - due to the fact that Athens is surrounded by mountains, exhaust and pollution from cars very often linger over the city.

How to get there

How can I get to Athens from the airport? First of all, there is a direct metro line (blue) from the airport to the city. The final station in the city center is Monastiraki metro station. You can get to the train station in Athens by commuter train. A convenient and comfortable way is to call a taxi. A more economical ground transport is a bus; buses from the airport follow four routes.

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