History of Athens
Athens has been continuously inhabited for at least 7000 years and an important centre of civilization since Mycenaean period. The significant geographical position of the city offering easy access to the sea has lead to its economic prosperity and cultural development. The period of acne of Athens became known as the Golden Age of Athenian democracy, with Athenians laying the foundations of Western civilization and building one of the most famous landmarks of the world, the Temple of Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens. In 1896 Athens hosted the first modern Olympic Games and in 2004 Athens hosted the 2004 Summer Olympics with great success.
Geography of Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is situated in the center of the Attica Basin surrounded by by four large mountains: Mount Aegaleo to the west, Mount Parnitha to the north, Mount Penteli to the northeast and Mount Hymettus to the east. In the urban area of the city there are also a number of hills with Lycabettus Hill being the tallest and the most visited due to its stunning views to Acropolis and the city.
The city spans an area of 38 sq. km. and a total population of 655.780 inhabitants while the population in the urban area of the city rises dramatically in more than 3 million residents.
Sightseeing in Athens
Apart from the trademark of Athens, Acropolis and the New Museum of Acropolis, the historical centre of Athens offers the chance of quiet neighbourhoods or intense nightlife. The traditional district of Plaka around the Acropolis Hill is the ideal place to discover Athens’ recent history. Monastiraki and Thissio gather lots of restaurants and cafes with great views to Acropolis, while for your night out there is the hip districts of Kerameikos, Gazi and Psiri. The main shopping area is the pedestrian street of Ermou and further on Kolonaki. Athens is a city that you need to walk around and discover its hidden treasures to appreciate its contradictory, thus charming, character.
