Athens, Greece

Athens is the capital city of Greece, and the largest city in this country. This city has a population of 745,514. The official language in Greece is Greek, while visitors from abroad can use English to communicate.  Modern Athens is big and cosmopolitan city, while the Ancient Greek Athens was a powerful city-state, and philosophical center. 

This city is one of the oldest cities of the world, whose history is recorded over 3,400 years. The city which is named after the goddess of wisdom, more than other with modern pace of life. 

In almost every corner of Athens you will find a monuments of the Minoan, Mycenaean, Hellenic and Byzantine culture. Most magnificent of them is certainly the Acropolis, limestone cliffs of 156 meters rises proudly above the town and its visible from every part of it.

The embodiment of beauty and harmony, the Parthenon from the fifth century BC, built in the doric style, is dedicated of the virgin Athens ( 'Parthene ' is a virgin in Greek), and next to it is Erehteon and his graceful caryatids. 

Near to it are located the remains of Dionysus Theater , where the ancient Greeks performed plays, a temple dedicated to the greatest of all gods, Zeus, and it was built for a 700 years.

It has a hundred Corinthian columns as befits the ruler of Mount Olympus. Another attraction is the Athens stadium where they held the first modern Olympic Games.

The heart of political and cultural life is the ancient Agora where there is a well- preserved Temple of Hephaestus. Near is located Agora, which was built by the Romans, relying on already  existing tradition. 

Stunning artifacts from the Mycenaean and Minoan period, you can look at the National Archaeological Museum and the remains from the Bronze Age in the Goulandris Museum. 

The life blood of modern Athens is the quarter Syntagma, while in the district Mitropoleos you can get lost in a labyrinth of narrow streets. 

Currency in Athens is euro. (EUR)

Where to go to eat:

• Savas, Mitropoleos 86- delicious and affordable gyros;
• O Platanos, Diogenous 4- taste local cuisine;
• Taverna Papandreou, Aristogeitonos 1.

What to do:

Music clubs:

• Perivoli t' oyranou , Lisikratous 19, Plaka-Six  Rembetika singers, cozy atmosphere;
• Diplochordon ,13 Ag. Lavras & Galatsiou Ano Patissia-Two Rembetika singers, one Rembetist violin in musical scheme;
• Stathmos,  22 Mavromateon, Pedio tou Areos (Green Park)  Four singers.

Tavernas with live Greek music:

• Ambelofilo, 3 Karagiani & Samothrakis, Kypseli;
• Elafokinigos,   5 Stavrou  street ,Girokomeio.

Where to go to buy:

• Bazaar Supermarket, Eolou 104;
• Marinopoulos, Kanari 9;
• Vasilopoulu, Stadiou 19.

Enjoy!

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