Athens - the capital of Greece - a legendary city with an interesting centuries-old history. It appeared more than five thousand years ago and was recognized as one of the most famous cultural centers of that time. Then came the centuries-old period of decline and desolation, and here about 150 years ago Athens was reborn again. The city turned into the capital of the modern state.
What to visit in Athens?
One of the main attractions of the Greek capital, Athens, is rightfully considered its symbol - the Acropolis. This museum seems to connect the majestic civilization of Ancient Greece with the modern world. Outside, the museum looks very modern, and if you get inside, you find yourself in the atmosphere of Ancient Athens. It contains priceless treasures that leave no one indifferent. The Parthenon, the temple of the patroness of the city, the Virgin of Athena, rises magnificently above all. It offers a stunning view of Athens and neighboring temples. In the southern part of the Acropolis is located the ancient theater of Dionysus, built before our era, now it hosts the annual Athens Festival.
To the north-west of the Acropolis on a small hill is the Areopag, a landmark of ancient Athens. Once there were held meetings of the supreme body of the Greek court - the Council of Elders. In the XIX century, three buildings were built in Athens - the University, the Academy and the Library, which are examples of the architecture of the neoclassicism period. Near the Acropolis is the oldest district of Athens - Plaka - with its narrow, cobbled streets that carry you to ancient Greece. All historical buildings of the area are carefully restored. In the heart of modern Athens is Mount Likabet, the origin of which is legendary. On the mountain is a very beautiful medieval church.
Another of the main attractions in Athens is the temple of Hephaestus, which now houses the largest museum in Greece - the National Archaeological Museum. The museum houses one of the largest collections of ancient Greek art. The halls, arranged in chronological order, present expositions from the Mycenaean period and the Cycladic culture to the present day.
Admire the sunset against the backdrop of the ruined temple of Poseidon, tourists, and the people of Greece themselves, come to Cape Sounion. It is said that Lord Byron's autograph is preserved on one of the columns of the church.
A wonderful view opens from the highest hill of Athens - Likavtosa. Syntagma or Constitution Square is located in the heart of modern Athens. Here is the building of the Greek Parliament, as well as the famous hotel of Athens Grand Bretagne. At the monument to an unknown soldier, the guard changes every hour. There are many bars and nightclubs on the square, working only in the winter.
Interesting places in Athens
Going not far from the Acropolis, you can get to the Agora. The word "agora" in Greek means "bazaar", and therefore in antiquity, and now this area of Athens is the center of trade. On the entangled streets of the Monastiraki district, there is a Sunday bazaar every week. But in ancient times, the area of the Agora, apart from commercial, was also the cultural, political and religious center of Athens.
In Athens there are whole streets with shops located on both sides. One of the most famous such streets is Ermou, it has a lot of shops of brand clothes. Very often in such stores are Russian-speaking sellers.
Well, the most secular place in Athens is the square
The proverb about Greece, in which "there is everything," Athens fully confirms. After all, in this wonderful city you can really find everything: museums with the rarest collections, art galleries and squares, created in retro style. Fashion boutiques coexist with noisy crowded bazaars. The Greeks are very hospitable people and take care of their historical heritage.