Athens Attractions

Greece, without exaggeration, can be called the cradle of Western civilization. For all the centuries-old history in the territory of Greece, there were many artifacts and sights. That is why a large number of our fellow citizens, going on a tourist trip, try to visit Greece, and the vouchers and tours to this country are sold in travel agencies in great demand.
Those who like a pleasant and mild climate, fantastic and mythological stories, samples of amazingly beautiful architecture, it is best to visit Athens. This city is perfect for your holiday. Athens has been the capital of the Greek state for many centuries. The city received its name in honor of the goddess of war, Athena. In this city, tourists have the opportunity to get acquainted with fascinating stories and myths of ancient Greece. Athens is the birthplace of such great people as Aristotle, Euripides, Socrates, Sophocles, Plato and many other prominent personalities. The very atmosphere of the city takes you to the old days of the Olympic gods.
Sightseeing in Athens begins, as a rule, with a tour of the Acropolis, which is undoubtedly the most important of them. Majestically towering over the city, it silently reminds everyone of the historical past and past power of ancient Greece. The Parthenon is considered to be the most majestic construction of the Acropolis, it is well deserved. Even now, its dilapidated buildings make an indelible impression on visitors. Here you can see the famous temple Erechtheion. This temple was erected in honor of the Greek king Erechtheus and dedicated to the Greek gods. On the territory of the Acropolis is one of the oldest theaters in Greece – the Theater of Dionysius. Also here is the restored theater, which is opened during the holding of theater festivals – the theater of Herrod Atticus.
Parthenon
From the height of the Acropolis offers a wonderful view of the ruins of the Temple of Olympic Zeus, which is considered one of the main attractions of Athens. The ruins of the temple are located near Syntagma Square. In ancient times, the Temple of Zeus was considered the largest temple in Greece. The construction of this unique temple used marble, which was mined on Mount Pantelus. Despite the fact that the temple has not survived to our days in its original form, but, nevertheless, its ruins make a tremendous impression. Especially majestic and amazing, it looks in the evening when the night lights are on.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
At the very foot of the Acropolis is located the most ancient historical district of Athens – Plaka. The history of this area dates back to the days of Turkish rule. On the territory of the district there are old one-story mansions made in neoclassical style. Here you can see the Byzantine churches, many taverns, nightly cabarets and a large number of souvenir shops. This area is a paradise for lovers of antiquities.
Plaka district
To the north-west of the Acropolis is located one of the central areas of the city – Kerameikos or as it is also called Keramik. On the territory of this area is the most famous cemetery of Athens. The name of the area is caused by the fact that in ancient times artisans, mostly potters, lived here. In ancient times it was the most famous center for the production of pottery. Beginning in 1913, archaeological excavations began to be carried out in this area, this work continues to this day.
Kerameikos cemetery
Continuing to explore the sights of Athens, be sure to visit Agora. Previously, it was the market square in which citizens held their meetings. Just the concept of democracy is directly related to the Agora. In those days, it was the center of the political, cultural and economic life of the capital of ancient Greece. In the southern part of the Agora is the rock of Aeropag. The elders of the city sat on this rock and solved important questions of the life of the city and the state. Now this place is an open-air museum. Among the ruins you can see two buildings that tourists can see as they were seen by residents of those times. This temple Hephaeston and Stoa Atalla, which was built by order of the king of Pergamum, Atallah.
Agora
Next to the Agora you can see the 12-meter building – the Tower of the Winds. Its construction dates back presumably to the II century BC. This tower is one of the most ancient meteorological monuments. The structure of the tower was a combination of two types of clocks – solar and aquatic. The water clock, which was inside the tower, was set in motion by water that came from the Acropolis, and eight sundials were painted under the frescoes that depicted the winds blowing in Athens. There was also a wind vane, which was made in the shape of a triton and showed the direction of the wind.