The capital of Greece

An extraordinary country that has experienced periods of decline and prosperity, humiliation and greatness - Greece. Athens throughout the history of this state remained the center of all events taking place. The highest peak of the heyday of Athens falls on the V century BC. This time was marked by victory in the war with Persia, which led to the development of the state, making it the largest in the world. In this period, the first principles of a democratic system are born, and art achieves the highest degree of development. It was in this century that the capital of Greece learned about such philosophers as Plato and Socrates. Here lived the historians Thucydides and Herodotus, scholars and playwrights Sophocles, Aeschylus, Euripides, Aristotle.

The capital of Greece is proudly named, consonant with the name of the goddess of wisdom Athena. Legend has it that there was a dispute between the god of the seas of Poseidon and warrior Athena about the right to be the patron of the city. The gathered Greek gods decided that the power will fall into the hands of the one who will present the most valuable gift to the city.

God of the seas struck his trident on the rock, having formed in that place a source of sea water. In response, Athena struck the ground with her spear, and an olive tree instantly grew there. After long deliberation the gods decided that the greatest gift to the city was brought by the goddess of wisdom, and gave her power. Since then, the capital of Greece is called Athens.

Tourists from all over the world travel to this country to penetrate the world of ancient Greece, to see with their own eyes the surviving buildings. The main attraction and symbol of Athens is the Acropolis, built of white marble. This sacred rock today plays the role of a connecting link, connecting the majestic ancient civilization with modernity. The Acropolis is rightfully the pride of the Athenians, and the whole Greece is proud of it. Excursions to this hill are very popular, because here towers over the city temple Parferon.

In the V century BC. Was built a temple in honor of the patroness of the city, art and craft, the goddess Athena Parthenos. That's why we can consider the Parthenon not only a temple, but also a kind of art gallery or museum. During the reign of Pericles, the architects Iktin and Kallikrat built not only the Parthenon on the Acropolis, but also many other temples. Most of them were dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, but, unfortunately, not all of them have survived to this day.

Athens is not only the Acropolis with its temples and mythological stories. The capital of Greece is filled with many other attractions. Ancient Agora, Kerameikos, Daphni Monastery, Benaki Museum, museums of Greek folk instruments, Greek folk art, Cycladic and Greek Ancient art and the National Archaeological Museum. In the heart of Athens is Syntagma Square, which is also called the Place de la Concorde. It houses the Parliament building, built in 1840. Originally it was the Royal Palace.

Athens is not only a historical monument of architecture, it is a modern city, the streets of which are filled with all kinds of hotels, bars and restaurants. Especially popular with local residents are traditional taverns, where they are happy to spend time and where to call the guests of the city. Athenians are very hospitable and good-natured to tourists. Once in Greece, you will want to return there again.