The meaning of the word "attica". Attica, Athens When in the main city of Attica

02.10.2020

About whose name the city will receive: Poseidon created the horse, Athena gave olive Tree(a source of wealth, since oil was made from its fruits), and the city was named Athens in honor of the goddess. The myth of Theseus is purely Athenian. Legend attributed to this hero the unification of all of Attica into one state by merging individual communities into one city. According to legend, Attica was invaded by the Dorians during the return of the Heraclides (in the middle of the 11th century), but was saved by its king Codrom. The Delphic oracle declared that the side on whose side the king would be killed would win. Kodr, dressed as a shepherd, sneaked into the enemy camp and was killed there. No longer hoping for victory, the Dorians retreated, and the Athenians declared that after Codrus no one could be worthy of the kingship. This is how the poetic legend explained abolition of royal power in Athens.

107. Geography of Attica

Attica, the southeastern part of Central Greece, juts out into the sea in a triangle, one side of which is adjacent to the land. This small country was in a very close proximity to the states in which navigation developed first in European Greece. On one of its shores, Attica adjoined the same Saronic the bay, near which they lay Megara And Corinnef and whose waters washed the island Aegina, the other coast of Attica was separated only by a narrow strait from the island of Euboea, on which there were located almost opposite Attica Chalkis and Eretria. Sunian The cape, which makes up the southern tip of the country, is closer than other points on the Greek mainland to the Cyclades. Thus Attica's position at sea was very favorable for the development of trade, but still Athens took an active part in trade a lot later the cities of Euboea and Isthmusu islands of Aegina. Attica was far from being fertile and did not produce enough grain to feed its inhabitants. The best terrain was the plain (Pedion) off the Saronic Gulf against the island Salamis: there were cities here Athens And Eleusis, of which one was surrounded in places with horticultural crops(grapes, olives, figs, etc.), and the other lay in the center of that part of the plain where the best grain fields.(This is where the cult of Demeter developed). Northern and northeastern Attica (Diacria) it was filled with mountain spurs and was dry and barren, just like the southern coastal part (Paralia). But the mountains of Attica abounded in mineral wealth. Pentelikon in the north he delivered beautiful white marble, Gimet(famous for its beekeeping) contained marble of a bluish tint, Lavrion in the south it was famous for its silver mines, with the income from which the Athenians subsequently built their first fleet. The Athenian plain was watered by a river Kefissom, near one of the tributaries of which, which dried up in the summer, stood the main city of Attica. Athens was built in a hilly area, and on one of its hills was the Athenian Kremlin, Acropolis, containing the temple of the goddess Pallas Athena and royal palace. The city was located from seashore about seven versts and had three harbors. The oldest of them was Phaleron, but this harbor was open and therefore not as convenient as Munichia and especially Piraeus, representing themselves closed bay on both sides of the isthmus of a small peninsula (Piraeus).

108. Population of Attica

The population of Attica was classified as a tribe Ionian and was proud that it had never been conquered. Initially there were several states here (according to legend 12), but they merged into one state, making it the center of Athena and even settling some of their inhabitants in this common center (sinoicism). In memory of this event, a special holiday was established in Attica, called Panathenaic. Even in historical times, the inhabitants of Attica were divided into four tribes phyla with three phratries in each, whereby these phyla and phratries had their own gods and their own leaders. In addition to citizens of the state, aliens from other places lived in Attica, engaged in fishing and trade, paying taxes and even being obliged to participate in the army, but not considered citizens; their name was tags. Compared to citizens, there were, of course, much fewer of them. The citizens themselves were divided into three classes: landowning nobility, small landowners And artisans. The Athenian nobility constituted the noble class, or eupatrids(i.e. having good fathers), whose clans occupied a leading position in the life of individual phratries, phyla and the entire state. Free peasants who lived on their own small plots were called geomors, artisans - demiurges: geomors and demiurges, taken together, constituted the demos.

109. The most ancient state system of Athens

Athens was originally led by tsar, who ruled from advice, consisting of elders of the most important Attic clans and bore the name Areopagus. Tsarist power, however, gradually passed to elected dignitaries Moreover, the title of king itself, however, was never abolished. First of all, they began to elect a special commander to assist the king in the war, polemarch, then they began to entrust some government and judicial affairs to a special dignitary, archon(ruler), who was appointed by the Areopagus, and even later created the position of six judges, fesmofetov. The position of the king after this was limited only to the performance of priestly duties, and basileus was no longer called the ruler of the state, but the high priest of Athens. Thus, royal power was divided between nine dignitaries, who all began to be called archons.(In their college, the first place belonged not to the basileus or the polemarch, but to the eponymous archon, by whose name the Athenian year was designated). In the middle of the 8th century, when there were only the first three archons, they began to be elected for ten years, and not for life, as before, at the beginning of the 7th century. - only for one year. At first, the choice of king was made only within one clan, but little by little this title (and archonship in general) became available to all noble families. As royal power became fragmented among individual dignitaries, the former royal council, Areopagus, on the contrary, I received everything more and more meaning. It began to be replenished with archons who performed their duties well and became lifelong members of this institution. Athens became a real oligarchy in which the Areopagus was nothing more than the focus of the interests, aspirations and traditions of the Eupatrid class. All religious and government positions were in the hands of the landowning nobility; they owned the interpretation of all divine and human laws; they carried out the trial, guided exclusively by old customs and their understanding of them. It is clear that oligarchic rule could only be an oppression of the demos.

In contact with

Attica, translated from ancient Greek as “coastal country”, is the southeastern region of Central Greece, the connecting link between the Balkan Peninsula and the Archipelago, with an area of approximately 3808 km², bordered in the north by Boeotia, in the west through the Isthmus of Corinth - with Megara and the entire Peloponnese. It is washed by the Saronic Gulf from the south, the Petalian Gulf from the east and the Euboean Gulf from the northeast. Aegean Sea.

TUBS, GNU 1.2

Geography

Most of Attica is covered with hills consisting of limestone and marble, and currently represents only bare, devoid of vegetation spaces.

CrniBomberder!!! , Public Domain

Only the higher parts of Cithaeron and Parnassus, as well as the northwestern slopes of Pentelikon, are covered with pine and spruce forests. The basis of all mountain system serves Kiferon (now Elatea, the so-called spruce hill, highest point which rises to 1411 m above sea level).

Kiferon, with its main ridge, separates Attica from Boeotia; Attica is separated from Megara by its branch going to the south and bearing the name Kerata (horns); the Parnassus (now Otsea), reaching 1413 m, merges with the south-eastern spurs of Kiferon, whose north-eastern branches, now bearing separate names (Beletsi, Armeni, Mavrovuno, Tsastany, Stavrokoraki, Kotroni), stretching to the eastern edge of the region, form in this part Attica is a real mountainous country (Diakria or Epakria of the ancients).

The southern continuation of Parnassus is Egaleos, rising much lower above the sea, which in the southern part, where it juts into the sea against the island of Salamis, is called Korydallos (now Scaramanta), and in the middle, where it is cut through by a gorge connecting the plains of Athens and Eleusis, called Paekilion.

BishkekRocks, Public Domain

In the northeast, the Athenian plain is bordered by Brilettos, or, as it was usually called from the area lying on its southern slope, Pentelikon (now still Menteli). This is a pyramidal hill reaching 1110 m in height with extensive, still successfully exploited marble quarries, which deliver excellent white marble of the finest grain, used for buildings and statues. A 4 km wide valley separates the base of the Pentelikon in the south from the southern belt, almost exclusively consisting of bluish-gray marble, which in ancient times was used for architectural purposes. This ridge - Gimet (now Trelovuno) - rises to 1027 m, is almost devoid of forest vegetation, but is covered with fragrant herbs and is therefore inhabited by wild bees that produce excellent honey.

H. Grobe, GNU 1.2

The eastern edge of the region (near the ancient Paralia) is cut through by lower chains of hills, which south of Hymet, where the peninsula narrows, are united into one ridge - the Lavrion Highlands, which is surrounded by a cape steeply descending to the sea - Sunium, on which the ruins of the temple of Athena still stand , according to the columns of which the cape is still called Cap Colonnese by the sailors.

Apanag, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Lavrio Mountains, due to their wealth in silver, were of high importance for Attica in ancient times; but these mines, at first very profitable, were so intensively exploited that immediately after the beginning of the century. e. had to stop production. Only in later times did they try, and not without success, to extract benefits from the slag left over from previous work.

The mountains stretch partly directly to the sea, and partly alluvial soil has accumulated at their bases, forming more or less wide coastal plains, many of which were known in ancient times.

Rabe! , GNU 1.2

The most remarkable of them is the Marathon Plain on the northern shore. It is a lowland 9 km long and 2-4 km wide, with an extensive swamp to the northeast. Here in 490 BC. e. The Persian army was defeated by the Athenian army.

There are only three more significant plains in the country, which either, starting at the coast, stretch far inland, or are completely separated from the sea: 1) the Athenian plain, often called simply “plain” (pedion); 2) the smaller Triassic Plain, separated from Athens by the Aegaleos Mountains (so-called Tria after the ancient locality) and 3) the plain between Hymetos and the lower mountain ranges of the eastern coast, which is connected to the Athenian Plain through the valley separating Pentelikon from Hymetos.

The country's irrigation is extremely poor. The most significant streams flow through the Athenian plain, namely: Kefissus, starting at the southwestern foot of the Pentelikon in the forest-rich region of Kephisia, fed by various tributaries from Parnassus. It flows through the plain in a southwestern direction and to the west of the city is diverted into numerous canals for the irrigation of vegetable gardens and plantations; The Ilissus begins at the northern foot of Hymet, flows along the eastern and southern sides of the city and is lost in the sands to the southwest of it. In addition to them, it is necessary to mention another Kephisus of the Eleusinian plain, the Enoe stream cutting through the Marathon plain (so named after the ancient area lying north of Marathon) and Erasinos, flowing further south of the eastern coast, near the ancient area of Arafen (now Rafina).

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Story

The population of the country, not to mention some of the Pelasgic elements of the prehistoric era and the enormous number of foreigners who subsequently resided permanently in Athens, belonged in ancient times to the Ionian tribe. The inhabitants called themselves autochthons, that is, indigenous, since their ancestors came directly from the soil of the country and from time immemorial the land was in their continuous possession.

Like all Ionian peoples, the inhabitants of Attica fell into four tribes or classes (phyles): Heleonts (nobles), hoplites (warriors), Aegikoreans (shepherds in general and goats in particular) and Ergadeans (farmers). According to legend, since time immemorial there have been 12 independent cities or community unions in the country. These were part of separate, even later settlements, such as Cecropia (later Athens), Eleusis, Decelea and Afidna (the last two in the north of the country), Brauron (among east coast), Thorikos (in the southernmost part of the eastern coast), Kytheros (location unknown), Sphetos and Kefissia, partly unions of several settlements, like Epakria (northern Mountain country), Tetrapolis (union of four cities) on the Marathon plain and Tetrakomia (union of four villages) in the very south of the Athenian plain. According to legend, these 12 communities were united by Theseus into one political whole, the capital of which was Athens.

Hansueli Krapf, CC BY-SA 3.0

Administrative division

On the map of prefectures (nomes), the decentralized administration of Attica is divided into 4 nomes (nomarchies), shown in the map below:

Athens
Eastern Attica
Piraeus
Western Attica

Following the administrative reform of 2011, the decentralized administration of Attica consists of 65 municipalities.

Agriculture and minerals

The soil of the country is almost entirely a light, rather thin layer of stony limestone, which is little suitable for the cultivation of wheat, more so for barley and grapes, but especially for olives and figs, and therefore the latter, both in ancient times and now, are the main products of the country and items for its export. Cattle breeding is still significant today, and in ancient times Attic wool enjoyed great fame. In the mountains, not to mention the already exhausted silver mines of Lavrion, excellent marble is mined; the soil in many places, especially on the coastal strip running southwest from the harbor of Piraeus and the Bay of Falernus and ending at the foothills of Kolias (now Gagios Kosmas), produces excellent clay for dishes, and therefore pottery was a flourishing branch of industry in ancient Athens and his products were widely sold.

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Helpful information

Greek Αττική
English Attica

Political structure in ancient times

Politically, Attica was in ancient times the most centralized region of Greece.

Main city was not only the seat of the administration, but the court, as well as the people's assemblies, in the hands of which, since the time of the democratic reforms begun by Cleisthenes and completed by Pericles, the supreme decision of all state affairs has been concentrated.

The significance that Attica, thanks to its main city Athens, had in political and cultural life Ancient Greece, can be correctly assessed only in connection with the presentation general history Greece.

Administrative division in ancient times

The division of the people into 4 phyla remained both under the kings and under the archons. Even the legislator Solon did not abolish this division, but in parallel with it, partly wanting to reduce the influence of ancient aristocratic families, partly to lead to a more equitable distribution of the tax burden among citizens, he created a new division of citizens into 4 classes according to their property.

Only Cleisthenes abolished the ancient Ionian division by tribe and put in its place the division of the people into 10 phyla, each of which bore the name of an ancient Attic hero (eponym).

Each of these phyla embraced a certain number of communities (demes), located in different parts of the country.

Usually, each not very significant locality constituted a special “deme”, while large ones, like the cities of Athens and Brauron, were divided into several demes. The number of demes was different at different times: - at the beginning of the Christian era there were 371.

Thanks to writers and inscriptions, the names of approximately 180 demes have reached us, but the location of many is now impossible to determine. The total number of citizens fluctuated, judging by the censuses, during the heyday of the state, by the Peloponnesian War, between 80-100 thousand. The number of metoiks under the protection reached 40,000, the number of slaves reached 400,000, so that the total number of free and unfree population exceeded 500,000. An increase in the number of phyla (10) by two new ones took place in 307 BC. e.

Out of a desire to flatter Demetrius Poliorcetes, the latter were named after him and the name of his father Antigonus - Antigonida and Demetrias. But the first one was renamed in 265 BC. e. in honor of the Egyptian king Ptolemy II Philadelphus in Ptolemais, the second in 200 in honor of the Pergamon king Attalus I in Attalida.

Finally, under the emperor Hadrian, the 13th phylum was annexed and named Adrianida after this benefactor of the city of Athens.

Since ancient times, Attica has been the core around which Ancient Greece was formed and developed. Most of the heroes of myths and legends, if you pay attention to where they come from, are from Attica.
In Attica, history harmoniously merges with myths. Even ancient historians tried to prove that the heroes of myths are real historical characters. The first king of Attica is the legendary Cecrops, who had two snake bodies instead of legs. Very specific acts are attributed to him, such as construction Athens Acropolis and the first sanctuary of Athena, and it is also approximately known when he reigned - 3600 years ago. Myths say that it was under him that the famous dispute over Attica between Poseidon and Athena took place. The ancient Greek historian, the Athenian Philochor (c. 345-260 BC) wrote that Cecrops settled the inhabitants of Attica in 12 cities to save them from attacks by the Carians and Boeotians.
Another famous mythical character is the tenth Athenian king Theseus, who managed to unite Attica. The very birth of Theseus is mysterious - either he is the son of King Aegeus, or of Poseidon himself. It was he who killed the monster Minotaur in Crete, got out of the Labyrinth, took the queen of the Amazons as his wife, and performed many other various feats. The historian Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 265 - c. 340) dates the reign of Theseus from 1234 to 1205 BC. e. And the historian Plutarch (c. 45 - c. 127) writes about Theseus: “He gathered all the inhabitants of Attica, making them one people, citizens of one city, whereas before they were scattered.”
“Attica” translated means “coastal country”. The proximity of the sea determined the entire life of its inhabitants. The extensive and convenient Piraeus harbor was already in the 6th century. BC e. It was used by the Athenians as a berth for military and merchant fleets. Residents of Athens rarely ate meat; they preferred fish, which was also more accessible and cheaper.
The entire civilian population of Attica received the title of Athenians back in the 7th century. BC. - Athens became an increasingly influential city, iconic and shopping center.
It was the courage and efficiency of the Athenians, together with the advantageous geographical location allowed them to take a leading position among the city-states of Ancient Greece and subjugate all of Attica. After all, there is a constant shortage fresh water did not allow high harvests - and Athens depended on the import of grain. The lands in Attica were rarely fertile; they constantly had to be cleared of stones and fertilized. There was even an Athenian law prohibiting tenants, under pain of serious punishment, from “stealing soil from the fields.”
Trade, shipbuilding, fishing and excellent olive oil - these are the foundations that helped Athens establish itself in Ancient world. And also the extraction of marble, which was exported even outside Greece, and silver. Yes, and the highly valued Attic salt, which was mined on an industrial scale and used for salting fish.
The remains of amphorae with the marks of the pottery workshops of Attica are still found by archaeologists in the most remote corners of the ancient world. In this universal container of antiquity, which was made in huge quantities from excellent Attic clay, fish, wine, and olive oil were transported. Once upon a time, Piraeus could rightfully be called the largest port in the world - and today it is the largest port in Greece.

general information

Attica, administrative region in Greece.
Administrative division: 4 numbers.
Capital: , 745,514 people. (2001)
Language: Greek.
Religion: Orthodox Christianity.
Ethnic composition: 95% are Greeks, 5% are other nationalities.
Currency unit: Euro.
Largest cities: Athens, Piraeus, Kallithea, Peristerio.
Main sea ports: Piraeus, Aegina, Methana.
Most important airport: international Airport"Eleftherios Venizelos" (Athens).
Largest rivers: Kefisos, Ilissos.
Largest lake: Marathon.

Numbers

Area: 3808 km2.
Population: 3,841,408 people
Population density: 1008.8 people/km 2 .
Highest point: Mount Parnitha, 1413 m.

Economy

The largest transport hub in Greece: Athens.
Industry: food, light, marble mining.
Agriculture: cultivation of olives, fig trees, grapes, cattle breeding.
Service sector: financial services, tourism.

Climate and weather

Mediterranean, average temperature January - +10ºС, July - +27ºС, average annual precipitation 416 mm.

Attractions

■ Athens:, National Archaeological Museum, Byzantine Museum, Archaeological Museum Athens Agora, Museum of Cycladic and Ancient Greek Art;
■ Monasteries: Daphnion, Caesariani.
■ Archaeological complexes: Rhamnus, Vravona, Trizina, Eleusis. Marathon, Eleuthera, Egosthena;
■ Temples: Poseidon and Athens at Cape Sounion.

Curious facts

■ In Latin there is such an expression - “Attic salt”. This means particularly subtle wit - a kind of “seasoning” of speech. Eloquence “with a grain of salt,” that is, figuratively and witty, was highly valued in Rome. But what does “Attic salt” have to do with it? The expression appeared due to the fact that the best masters of oratory were from Attica. Even such a great orator as Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) recognized this fact. And salt in Attica was extracted by evaporation from sea water, and it turned out to be small and of high quality, for which it was especially valued. These two circumstances created the expression “Attic salt”.
■ The Greek myth describes how the gods Poseidon and Athena fought for power over Attica. The god of the seas, Poseidon, gifted people with a source of water by striking a rock with a trident. And the goddess of war and wisdom, Athena, thrust her spear into the ground, and it turned into a sacred tree - the olive. The gods recognized Athena’s gift as more valuable, she became the patroness of Attica, and in honor of the goddess the city-state received the name Athena.

Attica Triangle is a tiny but very rich concentrate of Greece. Here there was a place for ancient gods, brave heroes, outstanding philosophers. Democracy was born here and culture was created. A peninsula with a stunning history and picturesque nature. Southeast tip Balkan Peninsula, washed by three gulfs: Euboean, Saronic and Corinthian. Cape Sounion, which is the tip of the triangle, completes the beautiful picture of nature. Three mountains separate the base of Attica from the mainland: Pastras, Parnitha and Kythenonas (all over a kilometer high).

The peninsula is part of Central Greece. Attica is one of seven administrative-territorial units, which is also a historical and geographical region. Attica consists of the southeastern part of Greece, Peloponnesian Trizinia (the Argolid peninsula, the vast majority of the Argosaronic islands, as well as Kythira and Antikythera. The peninsula shares its western border with the Peloponnese. The area of the region is 3808 sq. km (this is about 3% of Greek lands). By There are two rivers flowing through the territory: Kafisos and Ilisos.

The population density of Attica is the highest among Greek regions. This is explained by the fact that the capital Athens is located on the peninsula, where a third of the state’s population lives. WITH geographical point From view, Attica is divided into the Athenian periphery and other lands of the peninsula. The first category includes all metropolitan municipalities.

Attica is an extremely important region for the country's economy. More than a third of the national gross product (38%) comes from the peninsula. The largest share here is the service sector, which is not surprising for tourist country. Industry occupies a little less, and a small, but not least important, part is the agricultural sector (almost 2% of cultivated land is located here). Attica accounts for 71% of the country's construction companies, 69% of processing companies and 58% of commercial organizations. Guests of the country also often choose Attica as their place of residence.

Story

Historical data indicate that the settlement of Attica occurred during the Neolithic. Then its name was slightly different: Akti, Aktiki. The first king of the lands was Kekrops, who united 12 separate tribes. It was then that the capital Athens was created.

The history of the region, by and large, represents the history of Athens. Then Athena argued with Poseidon over the patronage of the city. By presenting the inhabitants with an olive branch as a gift, she earned the favor of the people, and the city was named after her. No less useful was the gift from the god Dionysus, which became a real symbol of Attica - the grapevine.

The finds discovered on the Acropolis and in the numerous city-states located here only confirm the various myths telling about ancient history region. The lands near Athens united around 800 BC. e. Starting from the 8th century, Attica became the largest maritime and economic center. Under the tyrannical rule of Pisistratus, the active development of the region began thanks to the promotion of trade to Sicily, Pontus Euxine (now the Black Sea) and Egypt. Athens reached an artistic and cultural flowering during this period; numerous monuments were erected to decorate the city.

Under a democratic government, Athens becomes the main city of Greece, being the center of the Attic state. This is where the fighting with the Persians breaks out. The “golden” period of the capital is considered to be the era of the reign of Pericles. Science, art, culture, power - everything has reached its peak. Ancient Greek civilization received the most powerful centers: Eleusis, Megara, Egosthenon, Pages. It was destroyed during the Peloponnesian War, and at the same time the naval power of Athens also declined. From now on, Salamis and Attica were subordinate to the capital. Such a weakening of the Greek forces led to the conquest of territories by Macedonian troops. Almost 200 years later, the state passed to the Romans, who, however, treated Athens with great respect, recognizing their significant contribution to the development of education.

The advent of Christianity became a difficult period for Attica. Numerous destructions due to the raids of the Goths affected the appearance of Athens. The introduction of the Byzantine religion led to the closure of philosophical schools, and ancient temples became Christian shrines. After this, Attica passed into power many times to various conquerors: Catalans, Neapolitans, Venetians, Turks. The latter went beyond what was permitted, making the Parthenon a mosque and the Erechtheion a harem. 1834 was the year when Athens was declared the capital of Greece. At that time the city was a small village, and the number of inhabitants did not even reach a thousand. All that was visible around was ruins and stones. However, it was on the ruins of its former greatness that they began to rebuild the city. New buildings harmoniously intertwined antiquity with modernity, and restored the Acropolis. Following Athens, they began to bring back to life other parts of Attica, the importance of which was great in the ancient period: Sounion, Ramnund, Thorikos, Vravron, Eleusis, Marathon, Oropos, Porto Rafti.

Attica combines all the elements of Greek history. The Romans, Byzantines, Franks, Ottomans left their mark here, and modernity has also touched the region. These prints are fresh, as if history is moving along with the present time.

The proximity of beautiful resorts is a feature of Attica that tourists will appreciate. Paleo Faliro is located just 5 kilometers from the capital. There is not only a magnificent promenade and wonderful beaches, but also numerous cafes, bars, taverns, and restaurants that open their doors to everyone who wants to have a good time. The resort's shops allow you to find souvenirs that will remind you of your trip when you return home, local goods and products renowned for their quality. Organized excursions on greek islands– another advantage of Paleo Faliro.

Vouliagmeni

Vouliagmeni- luxury resort. Luxury hotels, luxury apartments, expensive villas are not the only advantage. Unique lake with mineral healing springs allow you to relax with health benefits. Coniferous trees make the air clean and rich in healthy aromas.

Those wishing to receive treatment can go to Loutraki. There are healing springs here, and the wonderful beneficial climate helps you feel complete fusion with nature. An interesting location is Cape Sounio. Extreme southern point Attica provides the opportunity to see the Temple of Poseidon, especially beautiful at sunset.

More details

Attractions

Attica is a region of Greece located directly on the peninsula. It is in this part of the state that the capital Athens is located, numerous resorts with beautiful beaches, as well as various interesting places where you can just stroll. In Attica, it is not difficult to find an excursion program for every taste, and all types of tourism (be it sports or gastronomic) are open to those interested.

Cult monuments

Due to the fact that Athens is located in this region, it is better to start excursions from the main city of Greece. The fascinating history of the state attracts even those who have little interest in antiquity. It is truly considered a true historical symbol of Athens. Acropolis. This attraction is an architectural complex that includes a number of religious buildings, sanctuaries, and temples. Most of the buildings have been destroyed and lie in ruins, but even from those fragments that have survived to this day, one can see the grandeur of ancient architectural monuments.

Definitely worth another visit architectural structure, which is unique in its kind - Parthenon temple. Attention should also be paid Temple of Erechtheionon, because it is shrouded in many secrets and legends. When getting to know Athens and the history of Ancient Greece, you should not miss the opportunity to visit Archaeological Museum. Collection cultural center includes historical artifacts that were discovered by researchers in different regions countries. Some exhibits are several thousand years old, for example, ancient jewelry, religious objects, and amazing statues of gods. Scientists also discovered numerous household items of the population of Greece from the ancient period, which are now presented in the museum.

When you travel outside of Athens, you can discover no less historical monuments. Yes, it’s located nearby monastery of Daphne. This Byzantine era building has interesting story. The fact is that at the time of construction it was supposed to become the temple of Apollo Daphne. With the advent of Christianity, the building was used as a fortification, and after a while there was a psychiatric hospital here. After a complete reconstruction, the Daphne Monastery took its place among the most important historical buildings in Greece.

Attica is rich in religious buildings, so attention is worth paying attention to Temple of Poseidon, with which various stories are associated. For a long time, until recently, sailors made offerings so that the sea elements would be favorable to them on long voyages. And now sailors and travelers come to the god of the sea with olive and magnolia branches to appease the deity.

Temple of Demeter located in Elekvsina. Now it's religious building performs the functions of a museum, the collection of which contains the most important artifacts belonging to various eras. It is also worth taking a walk around the island of Aegina. Here the traveler will discover unique natural attractions. One of the most iconic places This area is considered the ghost town of Palaiohora. There were no inhabitants here many hundreds of years ago, but all the buildings have been preserved in excellent condition. There is even an ancient monastery here, as well as 28 churches, each of which amazes visitors with its interior decoration.

It is rich in natural monuments not only Aegina island, but also slopes of Mount Ymittos. Pristine nature will give guests peace after the constant tourist bustle of Athens, and here you can also find a healing spring. According to legend, Hephaestus presented it as a gift to people. Nearby there is an ancient monastery, which belongs to the monuments of antiquity. It amazes with its skillful decorations and unique religious artifacts.

Athens Riviera

Greece is not only history. This state is rich in various beach activities and resorts, the most comfortable of which are located within the Athens Riviera. This is a whole series of amazing beaches and small resorts, this is where the famous Paleo Faliro and Kavuri are located. In this part of Attica, tourists will find the most expensive resorts with the best hotels and numerous entertainments for every taste. On Athens Riviera there is a place for those who love leisure, as there are yacht clubs and diving centers and many sports activities. Separate beaches are equipped for have a wonderful holiday with a family.

Just half an hour's drive from the center of the capital, travelers have the opportunity to walk along picturesque bays, go shopping in search of expensive brands and various souvenirs, and relax in one of the many cafes and clubs overlooking the sea. This place contains everything that many people love Greece for.

Faliro is a truly special suburb of Athens. Although it is located close to the capital, it is very far from the constant bustle and noise, which is why the Athenians themselves often come here to relax. There is always something to do here, since the establishments are open almost around the clock. The bay is considered the real calling card of this area, but it’s better to take a leisurely stroll or ride a bike in the local park, which is perfect for these purposes. The magnificent view of the Saronic Gulf, which opens from the embankment, is mesmerizing. Restaurants and shops, playgrounds and parks are all open until the end of September. Interestingly, from Wednesday to Saturday from 17:30 to 20:30 you can get a free bike and go on an exciting ride. This event is held as part of the local “Tram - Bicycle” program. Coastal routes."

No less beautiful is suburb of Glyfada. Well-maintained beaches, plenty of sunshine, date palms right in the recreation area - all these beach pleasures are complemented by truly endless nightlife in clubs. Young people will appreciate the fun that reigns in this town. There are many expensive shops and hotels here, and local restaurants offer a taste of the whole of Greece.

A couple of kilometers away from Glyfada, you can look into Voula district. It is considered the decoration of the Athens Riviera. Voula has two beaches with embankments: A and B. Here you can not only swim and have a wonderful rest. All tourist infrastructure and opportunities to do aquatic species sports allow you to combine relaxation with active entertainment. The main activities in Voula are water skiing, beach volleyball and slides, so at first glance the atmosphere resembles an amusement park. Among expensive entertainments, Glyfada is famous for its golf centers, so here you can feel like a real aristocrat.

Lake Vouliagmeni known for its rich vegetation and picturesque beaches. Luxury restaurants and hotels in Attica are presented here in a wide variety. Local chefs are ready to surprise everyone with the delights of traditional Greek (and not only) cuisine. Night entertainment centers will also please even those who, it would seem, have already seen everything.

One of the most famous beaches Vouliagmeni is considered Asteras. Perfect pure water and the unique natural landscape provide the opportunity to relax under the warm Greek sun. The beach area was marked with the Blue Flag, which only confirms its quality.

Tourist is popular Varkiza resort, which is located along the coast. Ideally clean water, all kinds of water sports, landscaped areas for every taste, including free ones - every traveler will find something to suit his taste. You should definitely visit the taverns where the freshest sea fish and seafood are served. Windsurfers will especially like Varkiza, for whom all the necessary infrastructure is organized here.

The Athens Riviera stretches along the Saronic Gulf to Cape Sounion, so on the way vacationers will also meet Lagonisi, popular for family vacation thanks to clean beaches and fragrant lemon groves, and Saronidas, worthy of attention not less.

Having already moved away from beach holiday on the Athens Riviera, you can improve your health in Attica. This region is home to the famous medical resort Loutraki. This place is known for its healing springs, the properties of which were noted by ancient philosophers and scientists. Modern medicine allows us to reveal unique qualities and influence various diseases with the help of innovative programs.

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