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Athens

about Athens , Athens is the symbol of freedom, art, and democracy in the conscience of the civilized world. The capital of Greece took its name from the goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge. It is the cradle of one of the greatest civilization ever. It is the place where the political system of democracy, the mathematics, the physics, and the architecture was born.

Today, Athens is the cultural, financial, political commercial and industrial center of Greece.

In Athens memory never fades. In the centre of town are two hills, the Acropolis with the monuments from the Age of Pericles, and Lycabettus with the picturesque chapel of Ai Giorgis.

Greece is situated in Southeastern Europe, with an area of 131,000 sq.km. and a population of 11,000,000. Athens is thought to have at least a 3000 year old recorded history. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe.

The sprawling capital of Greece received a major make-over prior to hosting the 2004 Olympic Games. Athens exudes a magnificent charm, its lively character winning over million visitors every year. Street markets, tavernas, souvenir stalls and ancient monuments all form a conglomerate with buildings old and new in this city.

Athens was named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, who according to mythology won the city as prize after a duel against Poseidon. The city can chart its history back thousands of years and is regarded as the cradle of western civilisation; the place where democracy was invented and philosophy, art and architecture were refined.

Athens is known as one of the sunniest cities in Europe, Greece has a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine, mild temperatures and a limited amount of rainfall. Summers are very hot, exacerbated by smoggy conditions, and heatwaves are common during July and August when the mercury soars to over 40C. The winters are mild in lowland areas, with a minimum amount of snow and ice, yet, mountains are usually snow-covered

places worth seeing, Everytime in Athens you can see guaranteed bright blue skies and sunshine: perfect weather for making use of the vine-covered patios of the street tavernas. The winter months may bring a few short rain showers, but not enough to dampen the spirits. The best time to travel to Athens is in Spring.

The Ancient City of Athens is the heart of ancient Athens, the focus of political, commercial, administrative and social activity, the religious and cultural centre, and the seat of justice. It is intended primarily as a resource for students and teachers of classical art & archaeology, civilization, languages, and history as a supplement to their class lectures and reading assignments and as a source of images for use in term papers, projects, and presentations.

The Acropolis Musem is one of the most important museums in the world. It temporarily houses masterpieces of the ancient Greek civilization, dedicated to the most important of the Athenian sanctuaries, the "temenos" of Athena Parthenos. Always the top tourist attraction in Athens, The Acropolis stands majestic on a hill overlooking the entire city. The Acropolis was both the fortified citadel and state sanctuary of the ancient city of Athens. Those arriving in Athens for the first time generally head immediately for the Acropolis. There are very few visitors who are not already familiar with the image of this distinctive citadel of ancient Athens.

Athens Beaches; many are situated in the south-east coast, in the district of Glyfada. Sadly, most of them are private, which means there is an entrance fee to enjoy a swim. The district of Marathon, located north-east of the city, also some great and peaceful beaches to offer, as well as the east coast of Athens, near the little port of Rafina, although often really so crowded. The well-known beaches; Glyfada, Varkiza Beach, Vouligmeni Beach, Cape Sounion, Schinias, Loutsa.

Hadrian's Arch is the triumphal arch which lies on an ancient street that led from the old city of Athens to the new.

Kerameikos was named after the community of the potters who occupied the whole area along the banks of river Eridanos.

Hadrian's Library - the rectangular building of the Library comprises a Corinthian propylon on the west side.

Lusikrates Monument - Choregic monument erected on the west side of the Street of the Tripods, by Lysikrates,

Olympia ancient sanctuary and site of the ancient Olympic Games, located in the western Peloponnese, 10 miles inland from the Ionian Sea, near a point where the Alpheus and Cladeus rivers meet.

The Roman Agora of Athens is large building comprising a spacious rectangular courtyard surrounded by stoas, shops and storerooms.

Sparta a magnificent town near the river Evrotas, located in the centre of the Peloponnese in southern Greece, is the capital of the prefecture of Lakonia.

The important museums are Theatre of Dionysos, Ancient Agora, Byzantine Museum.

And also The National Archaeological Museum is the largest and most famous museum of ancient Greek art, built in 1889. The museum contains collections of;: Prehistoric items, Sculpture, Pottery and Minor art, Bronzes, Egyptian Art.

The popular festivals;

Athens Festival is the city of Athens cultural showcase is the Athens Festival, held every summer for years at the magnificent 2,000 year old Herod Atticus Odeon.

Lycabettus Hill Festival is a excellent way to spend the hot summer nights in Athens.

Traditional Greek Dance Festival is energy of the Greek people is nowhere better demonstrated than in their traditional dancing.

Rockwave Festival is since it was first held in 1996 Athens Rockwave Festival has become one of Europe's most popular annual live rock music events.

how to get Athens , Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) is 13 Miles east of Athens and Athinai Airport is located 6 miles south of Athens. Both are easily accessible by taxi, train and bus.

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