Athens

The cradle of civilization: Athens
A trip to Athens is like a trip to the biggest museum in the world. In no other European city will you find as many historical sites, churches, and temples.

In 5,000 years of history each era has left its mark on the face of the city, the Greek capital deserves its reputation as the cradle of civilization and democracy.

The most famous monument of the Greek ancient world rests on a 500ft cliff: the Acropolis.
Once part of a defensive fortification of kings it later became the residence of gods. Numerous places of worship contained statues in honor of these gods. Today only the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Propylaea remain.
The Parthenon is one of the most remarkable ancient buildings in the world. For more than 2,500 years it has dominated the Acropolis. The temple with its 36ft high columns was erected in honor of Pallas Athene Parthenos, the city’s patron.
In the northern part of Acropolis the Erechtheion hails 13 gods and heroes of Greek mythology.

The Acropolis offers a fantastic view of the city that stretches out below a vast plateau which drops off rapidly, surrounding Athens with cliffs.
Right below the Acropolis is Plaka, Athens’s oldest district. The narrow alleys are home to numerous little bars, taverns and restaurants where locals meet to play cards and dish the latest dirt. The district of Meaxourgío has a completely different flair: Arab coffee shops and hookah make for a relaxed afternoon. In the area around the city hall you’ll find international cuisine: Indian, Kurdish and Chinese restaurants serve excellent food and pay tribute to the multicultural character of the city.

Greek architecture is ever-present. The 16 preserved pillars of Olympic Zeus Temple (only 15 remain standing, one fell over) are the mightiest ones in Athens. It took over 700 years to build the temple from 104 columns, each 56ft high.
The Agora was the most important square in ancient Athens. This is where Greek direct democracy was brought to life, where the city was assembled to hold court, elect offices and inspect the military. One can still imagine Aristotle and Plato sitting on a stone bench chatting. Unfortunately few parts of the mighty colonnades and temples remain today.

The monastery of Daphni not far outside the city is one of the most remarkable churches in the country. It is mostly famous for the intricate mosaic art and has been admitted to the long list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. If you happen to be in Athens in the fall you will find a wine festival inside the monastery walls.

The National Archaeological Museum offers the best collection of ancient Greek art and relics worldwide. It is not the only museum worth a visit, though. Several art, history and natural history museums are spread all over town, just like all those small and big architectural pearls you will come across while exploring the city. One can spend weeks in Athens and not run out of things to discover.

The capital is an ideal starting point for expeditions to the many little towns in the vicinity. The coastal town of Piraeus is easily reached by rental car. Every day ferries go to the islands of Hydra, Póros, and Aegina, outside the town there is a beautiful beach, monitored by lifeguards.
If you have seen enough water, take a trip into the country. It is only a short drive to the mountains: sleepy villages, lonely hiking trails and green valleys are an amazing contrast to the buzzing city of Athens.