Greece begins in and revolves around this city,one of the most ancient capitals of the Western world.Cupped in a bowl on the west coast of Attica,with the mountains Aigaleo, Parnitha ( Parnes ) , Pendeli and Hymettus on three sides and the Saronic Gulf on the other,it forms one continuous city with its seaport Piraeus and the suburbs. Together they have a population of about three million.
New and ever expanding, the modern part of Athens has largely been built in the past forty years or so.
The urban sprawl of high rise buildings reaches green suburbs as far as the surrounding mountains and the western coast of Attica. In almost every direction there is something to see: sparkling sea, lofty and delicately shaped mountains,the indelible imprints of an ancient past,and ail the sophistications of twentieth - century living.
Athens was first inhabited some 6, 000 years ago by Pelasgians and later by lonians,who found the great rock of the Acropolis, or Upper City as the name implies in Greek, a natural stronghold. As the city grew, it was dedicated and named after the Goddess of Wisdom, Athena.
It enjoyed its first flourishing period in the Mycenaean era ( 1600 - 1100 B. C. ) . At the end of the 6th century B. C. tyranny ( rule by a king ) was overthrown and the democratic form of government which followed led to unprecedented achievements in the history of mankind.In the 5th century B. C. — the " golden age " of Athens — , under the enlightened leadership of Pericles, Athens had its full development in the fields of culture, commerce and military strength.
During, the Hellenistic and the Byzantine periods Athens was a secondary city. After the Greek liberation from the Turks in 1834 it was proclaimed capital of Greece.
THE PARTHENON
The apparent simplicity and design of the Parthenon, a building famous the world over for architectural beauty and harmony, is the temple of the virgin ( n Greek " parthena " ) Athena. It is built of Pendelic marble in the Doric Style on the same site as two previous temples. It took 15 years to build ( 447 - 432 B. C. ).
Temple of Athena Nike
The delicate and graceful structure to the right of the Propylaea ( the monumental entrance to the Acropolis )is the small temple of Athena Nike,also known as temple of the " Wingless Victory " , built in the 5th century B. C. to commemorate the Greek victories over the Persians. Its frieze depicts scenes from the battles. In this small temple the Athenians paid homage to Athena Nike without wings, so that she might not fly away from Athens.
The Erechtheio
The Erechtheio is distinguished for the stately magnificence of the Caryatids,the young priestesses who support the temple's roof with their heads.The Erechtheio was a temple dedicated to the mythical hero-king Erechtheus(who was later identified with Poseidon).The Athenians were told that in this place Athena and Poseidon contested for the protection of Athens.Athena won,by producing from the earth an olive tree.
Lycabettus Hill
Lycabettus Hill.On the summit of the cone-shaped hill stands the chapel of St. George. The climb to the top of Lycabettus can be made on foot or by cable-car.Once there the view is rewarding.Refresf ments and meals are served at the hill-top snack bar and restaurant.
Some of the 19th century buildings in central Athens were designed by Bavarian architects during the reign of King Othon. Of these structures,along Stadiou Street, the best known are the Greek Academy,the University Building and the National Library.All three are in the neo-classical style.
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is the heart of modern Athens.Around it are luxurious hotels,offices and rows of open-air cafes.The House of Parliament(once the Royal Palace) and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier are situated above the square.
Athens Stadium
Athens Stadium was completely rebuilt for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It stands on the site of the ancient stadium built in 330 B.C.Its track measures 2-4 metres by 33.50 metres.It can accomodate some 60,000 people.
The Temple of Hephaestos
The Temple of Hephaestos,better known-by mistake-as "Thissio",overlooks the ancient Agora.It is the best preserved of all Greek temples.
Daphni Monastery
Only 11 km from Athens along the Athens-Corinth highway,this beautiful Byzantine Monastery dating from the 11th century lies in a tree-shaded grove.In addition to its architecture the Church of the Monastery is decorated with some of the most brilliant examples of mosaic art of the Byzantine period.
Near the Monastery is a tourist pavilion,the site of the Athens Wine Festival,held each summer.
