Athens
A few words:
According to mythology, King Cecrops, ruler of Athens with a half-human, half-snake form, was called upon to decide which god would be the protector of the city he governed. Poseidon and Athena would each give a gift to the king, and the one who offered the best gift would be declared the city’s guardian. Poseidon, with his trident, created a saltwater spring as a gift, while Athena, with her spear, planted a small olive tree. Cecrops appointed Athena as the protector of the city, impressed by the olive tree. In this way, the city of Athens got its name from the goddess Athena. It is also said that Poseidon was so angered that he cursed the city to be without water, and since then, Athens faced water scarcity issues.
The city flourished during the classical period, as evidenced by its magnificent ancient monuments. The gradual decline of Athens was abruptly halted in the early 19th century. In 1831, Athens was declared the capital of the newly established Greek state and began to develop. Today, the city serves as the administrative, economic, and cultural center of Greece.
Where to go
Athens hosts numerous museums and exhibition spaces that are worth visiting. During your tour of the city, visit the Acropolis Museum, which houses findings exclusively from the Acropolis area, the Museum of Cycladic Art with exhibits from the Cycladic civilization, and the Archaeological Museum dedicated to ancient Greek art.
Must see:
Undoubtedly, the Parthenon temple is the most famous monument in the city. The temple is located atop the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis and impresses visitors with its unique architecture. Beneath the Acropolis, important ancient monuments are situated, such as the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Hephaestus (Thesseion), the Herodes Atticus Odeon, the Columns of Olympian Zeus, and more.
What to do
In Athens, you can stroll through the city center at Syntagma Square. The most famous street for shopping is Ermou, a pedestrianized road. At the end of the street lies Monastiraki, suitable for coffee, drinks, or food, as well as shopping for souvenirs in the numerous stores in the area.
Explore the narrow streets of Psiri, then head to Thissio or Plaka, where you can admire neoclassical Athens.
During your stay in the city, you’ll have the opportunity to try exceptional dishes with cosmopolitan influences!