Athens is the capital and largest city in Greece. With a history spanning more than 3500 years, Athens is considered the cradle of western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Today the city stands as a leading metropolis in the world, with its modern infrastructure woven around its layers of ancient history – creating an exciting experience for its visitors.
Get ready to delve into the unbelievably long history of Athens and prepare to be fascinated!
Athens is named after Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom and War. According to Greek mythology, the Olympian Gods Athena and Poseidon, the God of the Sea had competed to decide who would become the guardian or patron of the then-unnamed city. It was decided that whoever offered a better gift to the city would win. Athena’s olive tree beat Poseidon’s saltwater spring and hence the city was named Athens.
During the Bronze Age (1600-1100 BC), Athens was an important settlement of the Mycenaean civilization. Around 146 BCE, Athens became a part of the Roman Empire. After it came under Byzantine rule in 529 AD, the city was forced to convert to Christianity and it marked the end of ancient Athens. In the 15th century, it was invaded by the Ottoman Empire which was then overthrown by the Venetians in the 17th century. In the early 19th century, with the independence of Greece, Athens became a free city.
The city’s long history had witnessed several wars, invasions, rulers, reforms and cultural, social, economical and political developments. It was also home to great philosophers and thinkers like Socrates and Plato, who made valuable contributions to several fields.
The Acropolis of Athens is undoubtedly the highlight of the city and even the country. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is among the most important archaeological sites in the world, with evidence of human life dating way back to the Neolithic times (that’s more than 12,000 years ago!).
Acropolis means ‘high city’ and it stands atop a limestone rock outcrop, guarding the city. It is visible from almost everywhere in Athens. An interesting fact about this rock is that it existed since the time of dinosaurs and has withstood several bombardments, earthquakes and attacks.
It is believed that the first structures here were built during the Mycenaean era which included fort-like buildings with high walls and a few temples. The Bluebeard Temple and the Old Parthenon, both dedicated to Goddess Athena were the major structures. Sadly, in 480 BC, the Persians burned all these structures to the ground.
Most of what we see today can be credited to the rebuilding program of Pericles, a Greek statesman in the Golden Age of Athens (460-430 BC). The Acropolis witnessed its downfall when the Venetians bombarded it in the 17th century, leaving this ancient treasure in ruins. After this, it was heavily looted and several priceless relics were stolen.
Propylaia: Once you enter the complex through the Beule Gate in the western end, you will encounter the Propylaia. In ancient times, this monumental gate was the main entrance to the Acropolis. To the south of these gates, you will find the ruins of the Temple of Athena Nike. Nike was the Greek Goddess of Victory and Athena was worshipped in this form of Athena Nike for victory in wars.
Once you go through the Propylaia, you will reach the site where the statue of Athena Promachos or the ‘bronze Athena’ once stood. This statue was taken to Constantinople and destroyed in 1203 CE.
After this, you will see the foundations of one of the oldest temples of Athena, which was destroyed by the Persian fires. Next to it, you will find the centrepiece of the Acropolis, and Athens itself – the Parthenon.
Parthenon: Widely recognised as the symbol of Ancient Greece, the Parthenon was built in honour of the city’s patron, Athena in the 5th century BC. This imposing structure with towering Doric columns was built over the foundation of the Old Parthenon and stands as a masterpiece of Classical Greece architecture. The temple housed a colossal statue of Athena made with gold and ivory and almost 12 metres high. However, when the statue was taken to Constantinople in 426 BC, it went missing and is now lost forever.
Erechtheion: This temple is located to the left of the Old Temple of Athena and was dedicated to Athena and Poseidon. According to mythology, this was the spot where the two Gods had competed over patronage of the city. The Porch of the Maidens, located on the northern side of the temple is its highlight – the porch is supported by the columns of six female figures who were called Caryatids.
Apart from this, there are several smaller structures which were temples dedicated to major Greek Gods like Zeus and Demeter and other minor gods. Some buildings were also used as treasuries and storage rooms. On the southern slopes of the Acropolis, there are a few major surviving structures.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus: The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, constructed in 161 AD is a massive outdoor Greek theatre which can seat over 5000 people. The building is fairly new compared to the other ancient structures and was also renovated in 1950. Even today, the theatre hosts various cultural events.
Theatre of Dionysus: Located on the southeastern slope of the complex is the ancient Theatre of Dionysus from the 4th century BC, which in its day could seat over 15,000 people. Since the Byzantine era, the theatre went into ruins.
Plaka is a historical neighbourhood that spreads over the northeastern slopes of the Acropolis and has been inhabited for over 3500 years. It is a picturesque maze of narrow alleys lined with neoclassical Greek architecture, Byzantine buildings, multiple museums, cafes, boutiques and bougainvillaea creepers. During the Ottoman period, it served as the ‘Turkish Quarters’.
The Agora, which means marketplace or an assembly of people, was the economic, social and commercial hub of ancient Athens. It is located northwest of the Acropolis and holds the ruins of several buildings and temples among which the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos are the major ones.
Given its rich history, it is only fitting that Athens has plenty of museums to showcase its heritage. The Acropolis Museum, located near the Acropolis is the most important. It displays artefacts that were excavated on the Acropolis which date from the Mycenaean period. The National Archaeological Museum is the biggest museum in Athens and has an extensive collection of artefacts from all over Greece. It covers a lengthy chronology of over 10,000 years from as early as the Neolithic times to the recent Roman eras.
The Museum of Cycladic Arts, National Museum of Contemporary Art, Goulandris Natural History Museum, Benaki Museum, Byzantine and Christian Museums are other major museums. Mind you, these are only the important museums and if you want to dig deeper into Greece’s history, there are a lot more to explore.
The national park is spread over the forested mountain range of Parnitha, located in the northern part of Athens. The forests are mainly covered with trees of Aleppo Pine and Greek Fir, which are native to Greece. It is also home to the red deer, one of the largest species of deer. Beletsi Lake, Cave of Panas and ruins of fortifications like Panakton and Phyle are other noteworthy attractions. The park is also popular for its hiking trails and mountain biking.
If you thought Athens was all about history, you are wrong. After visiting the city and cramming yourself with loads of historical facts, it is only right to head to the beach and relax! Luckily, the city has several beaches along the Attica peninsula, some of which are less than a one-hour drive away.
Votsalakia, Glyfada, Alimos, Voula and Kavouri are the closest ones and are less than 20 km away. If you want to venture beyond, you can visit Vravrona, Loutsa and Anavissos which have resorts as well.
The wonders of Athens do not stop with history alone. Heading into downtown Athens, you will stumble upon a shopper’s paradise – it doesn’t matter if you want bargain streetside products or luxury brands, Athens has you covered.
Among the pedestrian-only shopping streets in Athens, Ermou is the most popular one. This street specialises in clothes, jewellery and shoes – you will find rows of familiar names like Zara, Marks & Spencer and H&M, among popular Greek brands like Toi & Moi.
Come Sunday, the buzzing Monastiraki flea market is the place to be. You will find an amazing range of products including furniture, shoes, clothes, leather products, souvenirs and almost everything possible! Pandrossou Street located near Monastiraki is popular for its numerous tourist shops selling souvenirs and copies of famous statues and paintings. Another popular street near Monastiraki is Athinas street which is great for food shopping which includes everyday groceries to quality spices, herbs, nuts and coffee.
If you have a fat pocket and love to splurge, Kolonaki is your dream shopping abode. It is one of the poshest neighbourhoods in Athens and houses high-end brands like Dior, Prada, Cartier and Gucci, popular Greek designer labels, fancy boutiques, antique stores and art galleries. Apart from this, the area also has great options for fine-dining.
Among the plethora of experiences the Greek capital offers its visitors, it has a truly amazing nightlife. You will find a unique mixture of Greek and western parties filled with energetic people, both young and old. Exarchia is hands down the most happening neighbourhood at night, where you have infinite bars to choose from, accompanied by excellent food and music. Next in line would be Gazi, another great party district filled with first-class bars, pubs and restaurants.
Head to a bouzouki, a unique Greek-style party where traditional Greek instruments are played and crowds of people dance till daybreak. It usually takes place during the weekends and some of the popular bouzouki nights happen in Fantasia, Frangelico and Estate.
Athens has plenty of cocktail bars, where you can explore the longstanding drinking culture of the Greeks. Step out of the comfort of your regular whiskeys and sample Greece’s very own liquors, wine and beer. Dionysus Zonar’s, A for Athens Cocktail Bar, Ciel and 360 are some of the best cocktail bars in the city.
Athens is the soul of Greece – it is the heart of all cultural, historical, economical, political and commercial elements of Greece and is packed with fascinating sights which will satiate every traveller.
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