Athens
Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, with a population of 3,181,872 inhabitants (census 2011). The city's name is derived from the goddess Athena and is one of the most famous and oldest cities of the world. It as a powerful City-State, Center for the arts, learning and philosophy, while it is widely referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, mainly because of the influence of cultural and political achievements.
The ports of Rafina and Lavrio respectively are the second and third largest ports in Attica in passenger traffic after the harbour of Piraeus, which is the largest port in Greece and one of the most important ports in southeastern Europe.
The main transportation hub for the whole of Greece is the ultramodern Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, with numerous international and domestic flights inbound and outgoing.
Athens is a premium, most rewarding destination with excellent, well-organised tourist infrastructure, featuring a variety of remarkable accommodations for all budgets. It also presents countless options in the field of entertainment, making tourists’ stay a truly memorabe one.
Athens is famous for its historical sites and monuments, most of which date back to the Antiquity, and boasts two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Acropolis and the medieval monastery of Dafni.
Marvellous wanderings of the city from edge to edge are recommended. The most famous attraction is of course the Acropolis Hill, with a variety of enchanting monuments, such as the Parthenon, with exhibits dating from the 5th century BC, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, the ancient Agora, the theatre of Dionysus and the Conservatory of Herod Atticus
Around Syntagma (Constitution) Square, the main square of Athens, you can visit the Site, the Zappeion Hall, the Greek Parliament and the tomb of the unknown soldier, who is guarded by the Evzones (Presidential Guard). Behind the Zappeion Hall stands the Panathinaikon Stadium (Kallimarmaro Stadium), where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896. Along Panepistimiou Street in the center, one will encounter a trio of neoclassic buildings: the National Library, the Academy and the University of Athens
Other interesting, eye-capturing museums are: the National Archaeological Museum; the new Acropolis Museum; the Archaeological Society; the Museum of Cycladic Art; the Epigraphic Museum; the Byzantine Museum; the Numismatic Museum; the Museum of the ancient Agora; as well as the ancient temple of Hephaestus and the 15th century ottoman mosque in Thissio. Finally, a visit at the Megaro Moussikis (Concert Hall) is recommended to watch some of the scheduled performances.
Visitors’ strolls around the city can be combined with shopping from the beautiful shops of Ermou Street, which forms the heart of athenian commerce, as well as with enjoying gorgeous dishes offered in nearby restaurants, taverns and restaurants. The district of Plaka, just beneath the Acropolis, is one of the most famous tourist destinations with tavernas, live performances and street vendors; Monastiraki is also known for its flea market.
A number of temples, modern monasteries as well as byzantine monasteries with rich history, such as the Monastery of the Koimissis of Theotokos (Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) in Penteli, the monastery of Agios Ioannis Kynigos, the monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos etc located either within the city, or in beautiful areas away from the city, as well as holy shrines such as the shrine of Panagia "Grigoroysa" in Athens as well as the shrine of Santa Barbara, are clusters mental uplift, attracting crowds of pilgrims.
Important religious monuments are the churches of Saint Nicholas Rangavas in Plaka, the Holy Church of Dionyssios Areopagitis in Kolonaki and the Church of Eisodia of Theotokos (Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as Kapnikarea) in the center of Athens (Ermou street).
