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Athens GREECE (Athina)
The history of Athens (Athina) is the longest of any other city in Europe. Athens has been continuously inhabited for at least 3,000 years.
It was the birthplace of democracy and it became the leading city of Ancient Greece - Ancient Greece is the term used to describe the Greek-speaking world in ancient times.
During the age The city Athens lost the leading position in the world but in the same time Greece became to one of the most visited country in the wold.
And many travellers who going to spend wonderful holidays to the beautiful Greek Island spending few days also in Athens. Or at least stoping there.
There are lots of flights from all of the world landing in the Athens international airort. The gate leading to the Greek Island is port Pireus.
HISTORY OF ATHENS
When you see the map of Athens from the Noth part of Acropolis we see as first Agora.
It is in noth-west propylai and on the south is bordered with the rock Aeropagitus, on the west by hill Kolonos Agoraios with the temple of Hephaistheum.
On the east from clasic agora could be seen Roman Agora and famous Tower of Winds.
On The hill of Nine we can see towers of srong hold which was bulit by Demetrios Polioketes in 3rd century.
On the hill of Pnyx and on hill of Nine started the Long Walls leadings to Peireais.
There is sepulchre from second century for tribute of Antioch Antiochos Filippos. Who was here in Athens as Roman officer.
On the south along the Acropolis there is modern road Dionysus Areopagite.
The facade of the Odium b uit in year 161 for competition of the in singing and palying on musical instruments.
Its plan reproduce the plans of Greek theatres, high archs, niches in the facade are close to Romans amphitheatres.
Its 32 desks could accommodate 5000 viewers. Odeon was detached by archaeologists 1848-58 and up to the present day is in use as theatre space.
Not far from Odeon is Dionysus Theatre which was built in 5th century b.c.
Thetre was lace with statues in first century in time of Romans Emperor Nero and there is lots of embossments of Dionysos,
chairs from marble figured out for office holders and priests of Dionysus. The theatre had 78 lines where were easily accommodated 17.000 viewers.
The street of Dionysos Areopagus implying to busy city street called Amalias in honour of Princess Amalia.
Next to it is holy parish of Temple of God Dionysos from Olymp. The construction starts Peisistratos then was the material used for construction
of the city bulwark in 5th century b.c. Then some of the pillar took Sulla to Roma and used them on Capitolium.
The Temple of Dionysos was finshed by Emperor Hadrian in 2nd century.
On the North from the Holy Parish Of Dionysus in old times was border of the city. On left is Adrian Arch.
It was gate in the wall which devided in 2nd century Greek city from new part named after Hadrian.
On the oposite side of the street Amalias is street Lysicratos and on the end of the street is not big monument
of Lysicratos from withe marble. In the past was here street Tripodon. The monuments preserved only for the reason
that during the Otomans occupation was a part of the monastery of Capuchines. It is from year 335 b.c. and it is base for Tripodon in honour of vinner of Dionysos celebrations.
In year 267 survived Athens attack from Gots and Hurels after which they never came up to former level.
The art relics were in large-scale exported to Konstantinopol (Istambul) and in year 529 were by decret of
Byzantine Emperor Justian deport all heathen philosophers and rhetors. From 6th century Athens turns to be provincial city of the Byzantine imperium.
The old temples was changed to cristian churches, for example Parthenon to cathedral of St Sofia, Hephaistheum to Church St George,
Erechtheion to church of Our Lady Maria. In the same time was spoiled the interior.
When in 1456 Athens come to control of Turks became Acropolis their citadel.
From Parthenon was Mosque. From Erechtheion haram for Turkish viceregents. It was until in year 1656 explode the ammo emporium and destroyed the middle part of Parthenon.
In year 1834 were Turkish forced leave Athens and the city was avow Greek Capital
.... more about Acropolis....
ATHENS TODAY
Districts
PIRAEUS
(Piraeus) located south of Athens - modern port remainds as a major shipping and industrial centre.
The port serves ferry routes to almost every island in the eastern portion of Greece. The best way to get to the Pireus port is by metro. Line 1 (green) ending there.
Piraeus was known in medieval times as Porto Leone, a name due to the enormous stone lion, which guarded the port's entrance.
So, its life had been joined to the sea since its creation.
Today, the life of Piraeus is centered on its three ports. You can walk around the central harbour, shared by cargo and passenger
ships alike, and watch the constant comings and goings of goods and people from around the world.
Then, continue your walk to the other two harbors, Zea and Mikrolimano, maybe more touristy and more pleasant for the visitors.
Piraeus is not only a harbor. This city is full of surprises and unexpected sights worth to explore.
Little of the Pireus history:
The name Piraeus roughly means "the place over the passage". In very early antiquity Piraeus was a rocky island
(the settlement of Mounichia--the present Kastella) connected to the mainland by a low-lying stretch of land that
was flooded with sea water most of the year and was used as a salt field whenever it dried up. Consequently it was called the "Halipedon"
(salt field) and its muddy soil made it a tricky passage. The area was increasingly silted and flooding ceased, and by early classical times the
land passage was made safe. It was then that Piraeus assumed its importance as a deep water harbor, and the older, shallow Phaleron harbor fell into gradual disuse.
website about PIREUS: www.pireasweb.gr
EAGALEO,
commonly Aigaleo or Egaleo is a municipality west of Athens ,
it is situated west of the Cephissos river.
One quarter of the municipality is industrialized mainly in the east where the Cephissus valley is located and is connected as the Athens Industrial Area.
The first name of Egaleo was "Nees Kidonies". Today its population is about 120,000. The most of its citizens are workers.
The soccer team for the city is Egaleo FC Egaleo. The FC is a Greek football club, who play at Egaleo, Athens.
Its city newspaper since 1985 has the same name with the suburban city called Aigaleo. It used to be the seat of Western Attica.
The community will have a subway station named Aegaleo. About 1/4 of its area is full with factories.
The biggest probles for the past few decades was smog and traffic congestion.
PLAKA
the most romantic area of Athens - historical centre of Athens situated under the Acropolis munument.
It is the pearl of Athens small historical part of Athens with narrow streets, lots of small shops, bars, pubs, restaurants and museums, theatres.
For many the best place to stay when visiting Athens. ....
Photos of Plaka
To find more about Plaka have a look on
Guide on Plaka
SYNTAGMA SQUARE
(also known as Constitution Square), is located in central Athens
The Square was named after the Constitution which King Otto was forced to grant the people after a military uprising began
on September 3.
The square is bordered by Vas. Georgiou A' Street to the north, Othonos Street to the south,
Filellinon Street to the west and Amalias Avenue to the east. The eastern side of the square is higher than the western and is dominated by a set of marble steps that lead
to Amalias Avenue. Under these steps lies the Syntagma metro station
The stairs come down between a pair of outdoor cafes, and are a popular gathering place in the city center.
The square has two grassy areas to the north and south, planted with shade trees.
In the center of the square there is a large water fountain which hosts the occasional
Syntagma pigeons along with the occasional heat-tormented Athenian (the latter usually accounted during hot August afternoons).
Syntagma Square is also the frequent site of political demonstrations.
The Greek Parliament is just across Amalias Avenue to the East, and is surrounded by the extensive
National Gardens, which are open to the public. Every hour, the Changing of the Guard ceremony,
performed by Greek army troops wearing the traditional Evzones uniform is conducted in front of the Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier on the area between the Square and Parliament. ....
.... more about Syntagma....
PSIRI
- the place of night. Psiri is the centre of night life in Athens located right in the centre (Monastiraki)
bording with Plaka in one side and with Omonia in the other side. Psiri looks different in day - it is interesting place during the day
and magic in the night. Sometimes there so big crowd that you can not walk through. And it takes you quite long time to move from one bar to the next even it is just 25 meters!
Many people thats the reason why to go there! This place living from 10 pm until early in the morning.
GLYFADA - "Athenian Riviera".
by bus bus E 22 from Syntagma Square you get in 30 min to last stop Sounio.
is a municipality of Athens in Greece south of Ellinikon and Athens with three main roads.
Glyfada is a beach town packed with restauants, and is known (among Greeks and tourists alike)
for its vibrant nightlife. It is arguably the most "Americanized" of Athens' municipalities,
as an American airbase was located nearby in the 1980's, with the base's population helping to shape
Glyfada's character in terms of the types of restaurants and shopping centers there, leading to an
interesting blend of Greek and American atmosphere, aesthetics, and cuisine.
Glyfada was also the original location of the junior division of one of
Greece's oldest English-language schools, Campion. Although the base is now gone and the school relocated, Glyfada has still retained some of its American flavor,
while continuing to offer its distinctly Greek cuisine, entertainment, and nightlife.
Golf - Glyfada has beautiful 18-hole golf course, open from morning till sunset
USEFUL GLYFADA TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Glyfada City Hall Information 210 8982182
Public Relations Office 210 8947310
Municipal Police 210 8943020
Yacht Dock Office 210 8943960
There are beaches along the cost of Attica - Glyfada nice modern beach near the Palio Faliro, littel after Glyfada is beach called Voula
Voula A and B) goog organisated beaches with umbrelas, beds, fast food. Easy acces to the centre of Athens.
Then area of Vouliagmeni is surrounded by sandy beaches, the most famous being "The Vouliagmeni Beach" which has been
awarded the blue flag for its clean waters and offers lots of holiday facilities. Another famous beach isVarkiza -
A beautiful suburb of Athens with a sandy beach on the way to Sounion. At the southern suburb of Varkiza, about 25 km south of downtown Athens.
A fine sandy beach, featuring mini-football pitches, a playground, food stalls, beach bar and shops. There is a lifeguard on-duty, with lifesaving equipment.
Also, disabled access. Beach is open 8 am to 8 pm. You can get there by E2 express bus, "Akadimia-Varkiza-Saronida
Palio Faliro
Eliniko - between Palio Faliro and Glyfada
Alimo - between Palio Faliro and Glyfada
Marousi north of Athens
Kifisia - after Marousi (north) part of Kifisia is Politia (exlusive )
Ekali - notrh of Athens after Kifisia
Moschato - on the way to Pireus
Tavros -
KOUKAKI
- central district - border with Plaka and Makrigiani along the Syngrou Avenue.
Koukaki you can find if you walk from Plaka or Acropolis down on Makrigiani street.
How to get there: by metro to station "Acropolis"
Hotels in Koukaki:
Hera hotel, Ilissos
Kalithea - next to Kukaki
Thisio - centre of Athens next to Monastiraki
Located in heart of Athens today Thisio is the centre of young people - the right place to go out.
Monastiraki- city centre next Plaka and Omonia, Monastiraki connecting old and modern Athens laying between Plaka and Omonia
Victoria - next to Omonia
KIPSELI
- it is very nice place, there is lots of caffes and restauranrs, tavernas.
Built in 60`s as one of the first athens districts with multi-floor houses. At that time Kipseli was the trendy place for famous persons like
actors, film makers, writers and others. While in this days is Kipseli popular for ecconomic emigrants from mostly Albania, Ukraine,
and also from Africa and lately Chinese. Now (2006) - the population of Greeks is around 25% in Kipseli - mostly students, people on retirement.
From Syntagma by troley-bus number 2, 9 or number 4 going to Kipseli (number 2 has there end station in Kipseli Square - Platia Kanari)
It takes aprox 15 minutes (25 min in case of traffic). There is within walking distance the Archaeological Museum of Athens aprox 10 min, Omonia Square
20 min strong walk.
The saying about Kipseli says that it is the place with the hardest possibility of Parking in the whole word.
ATTICA
Area of Attica (in Greek it is Attike) is a part of in Greece, containing Athens,
which is the capital of Greece (Hellas). Attica is also the only prefecture in the periphery of Attica.
Attica is situated in southern Greece, and covers about 3,800 square kilometers. In addition to Athens,
it contains within its area the cities of Peiraeus, Eleusis, Megara, Laurium, and Marathon,
as well as a small part of the Peloponnese peninsula and the islands of Salamis, Aegina,
Poros, Hydra, Spetses, Kythira, and Antikythira. About 5,000,000 people live in the nomos, of which more than 95% are habitants of the Athens metropolitan area.
LOCATION OF ATTICA
Attica is a peninsula jutting into the Aegean Sea. Mountains divide the peninsula into the plains of Pedia, Mesogeia, and Thriasia.
The mountains include Hymettus, the eastern portion of Geraneia, Parnitha, Aigaleo and the Penteli mountains.
To the north it is bordered by the Boeotian plain and to the west it is bordered by Corinth.
The Saronic Gulf lies to the south and the island of Euboea lies off the north coast.
Athens' first and only large reservoir, Lake Marathon, is about 42 km northeast and is called the Marathon Dam,
which first opened in the 1920s. Since that time, it has been Attica's largest lake. Forests cover the area around Parnitha,
around Hymettus and into the northeast and the north in the hills and the mountains,
except for the mountaintops, but the mountains to the west and the south are grassy, barren or forested.
The Cephisus River is the longest river, and Parnetha or Parnitha is the tallest mountain in Attica.
The prefecture also has parklands in the Hymettus, Penteli and the Parnitha mountains and the southern part of the peninsula.
According to Plato, Attica's ancient boundaries were fixed by the Isthmus, and that in the direction of the continent
they extended as far as the heights of Cithaeron and Parnes. The boundary line came down in the direction of the sea,
having the district of Oropus on the right, and with the river Asopus as the limit on the left.
ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Name of Airport : Eleftherios Venizelos
The Athens Airport serving Greece's capital since the opening date March 28th, in year 2001
Athens International Airport has already managed to earn international recognition,
holding top positions in the world for the last four years in Overall Passenger Satisfaction -
in its airport size category - according to the IATA Global Airport Monitor and AETRA surveys.
More than 14,000 people work at the airport compound,
making Athens International Airport one of the biggest employment engines in Greece,
Aircraft movements: 65 landings and take-offs per hour
CONTACTS to the Athens Airport:
ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT S.A. "ELEFTHERIOS VENIZELOS"
SPATA GR-19019, GREECE
Airport call center: (+30) 210 3530000
Airport company call center: (+30) 210 3531000
Airport company facsimile: (+30) 210 3530001
Email: airport_info@aia.gr
web: www.aia,gr
Athens Hotels - accommodation selected hotels in Athens, hotels listed by location
Related links about Athens
Trip To Athens
Czech restaurant in Athens
Plaka - historical centre of Athens
Syntagma - the main square in Athens
Acropolis in Athens
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Photos of Athena, Athens in pictures, history of Athens and nowday in Photos, Synatgma, Plaka, Omonia, Acropolis and other Athens sights
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Athens tourist tips
Currency
Greece accepted EURo in 2002.
So to Athens take EURo with ou !
Banks, ATM, Cards, Cash
Banks are usually open Mo-Fri 8-14:00.
There is many ATM in Athens.
Credit cards are accepted in Hotels, in tourists places located restaurants and shops
but in less touristy arears is cash only accepted.
POST
The most centre located Post office in Athens in Post in Mitropoleus street on the corner with Syntagma Square.
Opened Mo-Fri 7:30 - 20:00 and Sat 9-14:00. The other Post are open 8-14:00
PHONES
In Athens is many phone automats (booths) where ou need phone card
100 units (3 EUR),
500 units (13 EUR)
the country code to
Greece is 0030 / to Athens 210.
All Greek phone numbers have 10 digits including the area code.
All mobil phone numbers
begins with 9
Internet in Athens
Internet services growing in Athens very fast. Same it is with the Internet caffes.
There are many in centre of Athens but also in other parts of the city
the cost is usually around 2-3 EUR per hour
Greek language and lessons
Between most acknowledged schools for Greek lessons is the Athens Centre and Hellenic American union
both offers lessons in various length (3-10 weeks)
PHOTOS OF ATHENS
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Acropolis Athena
Ancient Athens
View of Athens
Ermou street
Athens history
Byzantino Athens
Athens Police
Orthodox Church
Pops in Plaka
Monastiraki
Psiri
Glyfada Athens
Glyfada Beach Athens
Glyfada Athens - Green
Palio Faliro
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