Athens is the capital of Greece and the birthplace of civilization.  The city with the most glorious history was admired by Gods and people. Athens is situated in the prefecture of Attica and extends to the peninsula that reaches up to Central Greece. It is surrounded by mountains Ymmytos, Pendeli and Parnitha, northwards and eastwards, and the Saronic gulf southwards and westwards. The history of this ancient city starts from XIII-XVI B.C. During the Perikles` Golden Age (V-IV B.C.) Athens was the main cultural and intellectual center in Europe.

Combination if antiquity and modernity of Athens surprises everybody who arrives here. Whenever you are in Athens, you will see Acropolis.  The Acropolis hill (acro - edge, polis - city), so called the "Sacred Rock" of Athens, is the most important place of the city and constitutes one of the most recognizable monuments of the world. It is nominated one of the 7^th wonders of the modern world. It is the most significant reference point of ancient Greek culture, as well as the symbol of the city of Athens itself as it represents the apogee of artistic development in the 5th century BC. During Perikles' Golden Age, ancient Greek civilization was represented in an ideal way on the hill and some of the architectural masterpieces of the period were erected on its ground.

The first habitation remains on the Acropolis date from the Neolithic period. Over the centuries, the rocky hill was continuously used either as a cult place or as a residential area or both. The inscriptions on the numerous and precious offerings to the sanctuary of Athens (marble korai, bronze and clay statuettes and vases) indicate that the cult of the city's patron goddess was established as early as the Archaic period (650-480 B.C.).

On the way up to Acropolis you will see to the left hand one of the most ancient theatres in the world- the Theatre of Dionysos. There is another theatre on the way to Acropolis called The Odeon of Herodes Atticus built during Roman times, in about 161 A.D. by the roman philosopher, teacher and politician, Herodes Atticus. Musical concerts took part here, but nowadays The Athenian festival takes place every summer.

On the top of the hill there is Ancient Rock and Museum of Acropolis. To the left hand from the entrance there is the Temple Erehteion and in front of you there is Parthenon. Initially on this place there was Monumental Archaic Temple on ruins of which was built (447-438 B.C.) classical building of white marble- the Temple of Athena Parthenos. In the center of the temple there was the statue of the Athena goddess made of gold and elephant ivory by the sculpture-Phidias.

The Temple Erehteion was dedicated to the goddess Athena, to the god Poseidon and mythical tsar, Erehteion. There is ancient wood statue of Athena inside the temple. Acropolis became the Turkish temple after captivation by Turks. So, Parthenon became the mosque and The Temple Erehteion became the harem. 

  Walking along the street leading from Syntagma Square to Acropolis, you will reach the district called, Plaka. You will be surprised by seeing here narrow streets in neoclassical style, cozy gardens and ancient monuments. Streets of Plaka are full with different kinds of shops where you will find souvenirs. 

Central part of Athens is limited by main squares: Omonia, Syntagma and Monastiraki. This is the business and touristic center of Athens.

Monastiraki area is famous for numerous antique and souvenir shops. There is Ministry of Education on Mitropoleus Street and the Metropolis Cathedral that is in the process of reconstruction now. 

Pedestrian Ermou Street that connects Monastiraki and Syntagma squares is full of numerous shops and boutiques. There is also very interesting ancient Kapnikarea Church.

The Unknown Warrior Memorial is situated in the center of Syntagma square, which is protected by National Army soldiers dressed in specific traditional clothes. Change of guard reminds a theater performance and it is really worth seeing. 

Behind the Memorial there is the huge Parliament building (King Palace) close to which there is National Park of Athens famous for its` exotic and tropical plants. National park is connected with the luxurious Zappeion Park where you can enjoy your time.  

Close to the Zappeion Park you will see 17 meter high Temple of Olympian Zeus columns. Inside of the temple there was the statue of Zeus and the statue of Adrian Emperor. Only 15 columns remained from 104 initially existing columns.

Kolonaki is the expensive and prestigious district of Athens situated to the east from Syntagma that is overcrowded all day long. Here are situated numerous abbacies of different European countries, offices of famous lawyers and doctors, luxurious boutiques and restaurants.

Lykabettus Hill is another sightseeing of Athens and the highest point is at 277 meters above the sea level. There is St. George Church. The theatre and the restaurant on the top of the hill. The easiest way to visit Lykabettus is by funicular taking you up from Kolonaki.

Usually tourists visit Athens only for couple of days so as to have a look at main sightseeings and then go to unbelievably beautiful islands. Athens is the city of contrasts. You can make yourself busy with exploring historical monuments and museum expositions and you can simply walk along the narrow streets of Athens enjoying good weather and hospitable atmosphere. In the evening time you can go to the Greek tavern where they offer you a wide choice of delicious food. With night time Athens becomes very noisy, active everybody goes to the traditional performance called "Bouzouki". The mood is great; everybody is dancing and enjoying life.....