Athens

The first site to visit in Athens is the Acropolis. The ‘Upper City’ (this is what Acropolis means in Ancient Greek) is located on a hill over 150m high and is visible from almost every part of the city. In the olden days, it was be a shelter for citizens during hostile raids. Many temples are located within this architectural heritage site, which has become the symbol of Athens. The Parthenon, the most renowned of them, was dedicated to Pallas Athena, the patron of the city.

The Agora, an ancient market place, is at the foot of Acropolis. It used to be not only a centre of trade, but also a cultural and political center, the heart of ancient Athens. Administrative buildings, public services, legal institutions and temples were located here. One of the most interesting structures of the Agora is the Stoa of Attalos. This walkway is believed to be a forerunner of contemporary malls. Another point of interest at Agora is the Temple of Hephaestus, the god of fire.

In order to enjoy the beauty of Athens to the fullest, you might want to climb the city’s highest point – Mount Lycabettus. It offers a picturesque view of the Acropolis, the Port of Piraeus and the Aegean Sea. The panorama is particularly beautiful at night, when the capital is illuminated by city lights. Athens is at once home to a plethora of historical monuments and a bustling modern city.