Athens, the capital city of Greece - Historical Information

The city of Athens is the center of the economic, financial, industrial, political and cultural life in Greece.

Built on the ruins of Ancient Athens, with the Acropolis and the Parthenon dominating the city's skyline, Athens has many places of interest for guests and a vibrant nightlife.

The rich cultural history of Athens makes it one of the most famous cities in the world. It got its name from the goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom, peace, strategy, handicrafts and reason, also the shrewd companion of the local heroes and the goddess of their endeavor. Athena is the virgin patron of the city and the Parthenon on the Acropolis was built to worship her.

Athens is over 7000 years old, with many ancient remains around the city, reminding of the glorious past. There are many places of interest to visit and walks, especially near the old market in Monastiraki and nearby Plaka and Thisseio, providing an excellent mixture of shops and restaurants in between ancient ruins.

The city has been the host of the first modern Olympic Games back in 1896 and re-hosted the Games in 2004, something which has improved the city's infrastructure and transport system immensely.

As Athens is also the home of drama and comedy, there are theaters still operating after 2000 and more years. Perhaps the most well known theater is the Herodes Atticus theater just below the Acropolis, home to the Athens Festival.

For more research on the city's ancient past, consider visiting the National Archeological Museum, the Byzantine Museum, Acropolis and its spectacular new museum, and several small museums in the ancient city market.