Athens. Ancient Athens Athena City in Greece

This is a special city: no European capital boasts such historical and cultural heritage. He is rightfully called the cradle of democracy and Western civilization. The life of Athens is still rotating around the witness of her origin and prosperity - Acropolis, one of the seven hills surrounding the city, which rises above him like a stone ship, on the deck of which ancient Parfenon spread.

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Highlights

The capital of modern Greece Athens has become since the 1830s, the time when an independent state was proclaimed. Since then, the city has experienced an unprecedented takeoff. In 1923, the number of residents here had doubled almost in one day as a result of the exchange of the population with Turkey.

Due to the rapid post-war economic growth and the present boom that followed Greece to the European Union in 1981, the suburbs seized the entire historical part of the city. Athens turned into a city-spruit: according to estimates, its population is about 4 million inhabitants, 750,000 of which live in the official borders of the city.

The new dynamic city was very transformed with the 2004 Olympic Games. The years of grandiose work upgraded and decorated the city. He earned a new airport, launched new metro lines, museums are updated.

Of course, the problems of environmental pollution and overpopulation remain, and rarely who fall in love with Athens at a glance ... But it is impossible not to succumb to generic contrasts of the charm of this amazing mixture of the ancient sacred city and the capital of the XXI century. Athens's uniqueness is obliged to and numerous quarters who have an inimitable character: a traditional cry, industrial gas, experienced by the new Dawn of Monaster with its flea markets, shopping psygry, which goes into markets, working ion, business syntagma, bourgeois colunt ... not to mention Piraeue, which is essentially an independent city.

Athens attractions

It is a small plateau on which the Acropolis is located (4 hectares), towering on 100 m above the plain attic and the modern city, Athens are obliged to be their fate. The city was born here, grew, met his historical glory. No matter how damaged and unfinished Acropolis, it still keeps it confidently and fully retains the status of one of the greatest wonders of the world who once assigned to him UNESCO. His name means "High City", from Greek Asgo ("High", "Elevated") and polis ("city"). It also denotes the "Citadel" than, in fact, was the Acropolis in the Bronze Age and later, in the Mycenaean Epoch.

In 2000, the main buildings of the Acropolis were disassembled for reconstruction in accordance with new archaeological knowledge and modern restoration techniques. However, do not be surprised if the reconstruction of some buildings, such as Parfenon or the Church of Nicky Apterems, is not yet completed, it takes a lot of time and effort.

Areopag and White Gate

The entrance to the Acropolis is located on the west side, at the gate of white, Roman buildings of the III century, named after the French archaeologist discovered in 1852. From the entrance carved in stone steps lead to Areopagu - a stone hill, on which judges gathered in the ancient era.

A huge staircase, which ended the road of Panafine (Dromos), led to this monumental entrance to the Acropolis marked by six doric columns. More sophisticated than Parfenon, which they had to supplement, propylene ("in front of entrance") Distribol and his architect were conceived as the most ambitious secular building, which was ever built in Greece. Works started in 437 BC. And interrupted in 431, the Peloponnesian War was never resumed. The central passage, the widest, once crowned with railing, was intended for chariots, and the steps led to four other inputs intended for simple mortals. The north wing is decorated with an attic image of the Great Artists of the Past.

This small temple (421 BC)created by architect Kallikrata, built on an earthy embankment to the southwest (on right) from gear. It was in this place that the legend says, Age was waiting for his son Teane, who had passed to fight with Minotaur. I have not seen on the horizon of the White Sail - the sign of the victory - he rushed into the abyss, to consider the Tereus dead. From this place offers a magnificent view of Athens and the sea. This building, seemingly tiny compared to Parfenon, was destroyed in 1687 by the Turks who used his stones to strengthen their own protective fortifications. For the first time, it was restored shortly after the declaration of the country's independence, but recently disassembled again to be rebuilt in compliance with all the subtleties of classical art.

After passing propylene, you will find yourself on Esplanade in front of the Acropolis, topped with actually Parthenon. It was the pericles who instructed the fidia, a brilliant sculptor and the builder, and his assistants, architects, Iktin and Kallikrat, to build this temple on the site of the former sanctuations destroyed by the Persian conquerors. Works started in 447 BC, lasted fifteen years. Using the Pentelian marble as material, builders managed to create a building with perfect proportions, 69 meters long and 31 meters wide. It decorates 46 columns with flutes of ten meters high, composed of a dozen drums. For the first time in history, each of the four facades of the building was decorated with fronstones with painted friezes and sculptures.

In the foreground there was a bronze statue of Athena Prosakhos ("That that protects") Nine meters high, with a spear and shield - only a few fragments of the cabinet remained from this composition. It is said that sailors could see the ridge of her helmet and a gold-plated tip of a spear, sparkling in the sun, barely going into the Saronian bay ...

Another huge statue of Athens Parfenos, in pure gold clothes, with a face, hands and legs from ivory and with his head jellyfish on his chest, was in the sanctuary. This fididia remained in its place for more than a thousand years, but subsequently was taken into Constantinople, where he was lost later.

After becoming the Athens Cathedral in the Byzantine era, then mosque under the rule of the Turks, Parfenon passed through the century without much losses until the fourth day in 1687, when the Venetians bombarded Acropolis. The Turks staged a warehouse of ammunition in the building, and when the kernel fell into it, the wooden roof was destroyed and some of the walls and sculptural jewelry fell. An even more cruel blow to the pride of the Greeks inflicted at the very beginning of the XIX century British ambassador Lord Eldin, receiving a permit from the Turk on excavations in ancient city and bringing a huge number of beautiful statues and bas-reliefs of Fronton Parfenon. Now they are in the British Museum, but the Greek government does not lose hope that someday they will return to their homeland.

The last of the sanctuary, erected by the ancient Greeks on the Acropolis, is located on the other side of the plateau, near the northern wall, on the site of the mythical dispute of Poseidon and Athens because of power over the city. Construction continued fifteen years. The consecration of Erehechteion occurred in 406 BC. Unknown architect had to combine three shrines under one roof (in honor of Athens, Poseidon and Erechtea), Buing a temple on the spot with significant soil height differences.

This temple, though smaller in size than Parfenon, was to be equal to him by magnificence. North portico, no doubt, a brilliant work of art architects, as evidenced by his frieze from a dark blue marble, a caissional ceiling and elegant ionic columns.

Do not miss the Caryatid - six statues of young girls above human growth supporting the roof of the southern portication. Currently, it is only copies. One of the original statues was taken away by all the same Lord El Gin, five others, a long time exposed in the Small Acropolis Museum (now closed)were transported to the new Acropoli Museum, which opened in June 2009.

Here, do not forget to enjoy the beautiful view of the Salamina Bay located on the west side.

Located in the western part of the acropolis (161-174), Roman Odeon, famous for his acoustics, is open for visiting only during the festivities organized within the framework of the festival in honor of Athens (Representations pass almost every day from late May until mid-October). The marble stages of the ancient theater can accommodate up to 5000 spectators!

Lost from Odeon Theater, although very ancient, closely connected with the main episodes of the life of the Greek city. This is a gigantic structure for 17,000 places, built in the V-IV centuries BC, seen the tragedy of Sofokla, Eschil and Euripid and Comedy Aristofan. In essence, this is the cradle of Western theatrical art. Starting from the IV century, the city assembly was gathered here.

New Museum of Acropolis

At the foot of the hill (South side) There is a new Acropolis Museum, the brainchild of the Swiss architect Bernard Choshi and his Greek colleague Mikhalis Fothiadis. New Museum erected instead of the old Acropolis Museum (near Parfenon)who became too close, opened its doors in June 2009. This ultra-modern building from marble, glass and concrete was built on stilts, since valuable archaeological finds were found with the start of construction. 4000 artifacts are exhibited by 14,000 square meters. M is ten times more than the Square of the Old Museum.

The first floor, already open to the public, accommodates temporary exposures, its glass floor allows you to observe the leading excavations. On the second floor there are permanent collections that include artifacts found in the Acropolis from the archaic period of ancient Greece in the Roman period. But the nail of the exhibition is the third floor, the glass windows of which give visitors a beautiful view of Parfenon.

Metro Station "Acropolis"

Station Metro "Acropolis"

In the 1990s, during the construction of the second subway line, important excavations were discovered. Some of them were exhibited directly at the station. (amphoras, pots). Here you can also see the uniforms of Frieze Parthenon, representing Helios at the moment when he leaves the sea surrounded by Dionysus, demeters, bark and an unknown branded character.

Old Nizhny city

Ancient lower city extended to both sides of the Acropolis: Greek in the north, around the market square and an ancient district of Carameykos, Romans in the east on the approach to Olympyone (temple Zeus) And Arc Adriana. Recently, all the attractions can be examined during walking walk, passing through the labyrinth of the shoes, or bypassing the Acropolis on the big street. Dionysius Areopagitis.

Agora

Initially, this term meant "meeting," then they began to call a place where people behaved. The heart of the old city filled with workshops and counters, Agora (market Square) It was surrounded by a multitude of high buildings: a mint, library, a deliberate chamber, a court, archives, not to mention countless altars, small temples and monuments.

The first public buildings at this place began to occur in the IV century BC, during the rule of Tirana Pisistrata. Some of them were restored, and many were built after the plunder of the city of Persi in 480 BC. Panafine's road, the main artery of the ancient city, crossed Esplanad diagonally, connecting the main gate of the city, Dipilon, with the Acropolia. There were jumps on carts in which even recruits of cavalry took part.

To date, Agora has not been preserved, with the exception of Testeon (Gefesta Temple). This Doric Temple in the West Acropolis has been preserved better than everyone in Greece. It is the owner of an excellent column ensemble from Pentelian marble and friezes from Paros marble. On each of his sides, the image of Hercules in the East, Tenese in the north and south, the scene of the battle (with magnificent centaurs) in the east and west. Dedicated to simultaneously Hephasta, the patron saint of metallurgists, and Athena organ (Worker), defender of potters and artisans, it dates back to the second half V century BC Probably, this temple is likely to turn into church. In the XIX century, he even became a Protestant temple, where the remains of English volunteers and other European phyllins were stubborn (Greek Filov)who died during the war of independence.

Below, in the center of Agora, near the entrance to Odeon Agrippa, you will see three monumental statues of Tritons. In the most sublime part of the area, in the direction of the Acropolis, there is a renovated little church of the Holy Apostles (about 1000) in the Byzantine style. Inside the residues of the XVII century frescoes and marble iconostasis are preserved.

Portico Attala, on the eastern side of the market square, a length of 120 meters and a width of 20 meters was reconstructed in the 1950s and is currently a Museum of Agora. Here you can see several striking artifacts. For example, a huge Spartan Bronze Shield (425 year BC) And, directly opposite, a piece of clernoteria, a stone with a hundred cracks intended for random singe of jury. Among the plain coins there is a silver tetradrachma with the image of owls, which served as a model for the Greek euro.

Roman Agora

In the second half of the I century BC. The Romans moved Agora about a hundred meters east to create its own central market. After the invasion of the Varvarov of the 267 year, the administrative center of the city was hidden behind the new walls of the felling of Athens. Here you can still see, as well as on the nearby streets, many of the most important buildings.

Built in the XI century BC. The Doric Gates of Athens Archegetis are located near the Western entrance to the Roman Agor. During the reign of Adrian, a copy of the order regarding taxation of the purchase and sale of olive oil was placed on the universal acquaintance ... On the other side of the area, on the mound, the eight-marched wind tower rises (Aerides) From white Pentelian marble. She was erected in the first century BC. Macedonian astronomer Andronik and served simultaneously with vane, compass and klepsidra (water clock). Each side is decorated with a frieze depicting one of the eight winds, under which the arrows of ancient sunny clock can be distinguished. On the north side is a small inactive Fethiye Mosque (Conqueror), One of the last witnesses of the seizure of the market area with religious buildings in the Middle Ages, and then under Turkish dominion.

Two blocks from Roman Agora, near Monastraki Square, you will find the ruins of the Adrian library. Erected in the era of the reign of the emperor-builder in the same year as Olympyone (132 BC)This is a huge public building with an inner courtyard surrounded by a hundred columns, it was one of the most luxurious in Athens.

Quarter Ceramick, located near the North-Western border of the Greek city, is obliged to the name of the Gonchars, which manufactured here famous attic vases with red figures on a black background. There was also the largest cemetery of the time that acted before the VI century and partially survived. The most ancient graves belong to the Myckene era, but the most beautiful, decorated with steles and gravestone monuments, belonged to the rich Athenians and heroes of the wars of times of tyranny. They are located in the west of the cemetery, in the corner planted by cypresses and olive trees. Such a manifestation of vanity was prohibited after the establishment of democracy.

The museum exhibits the most beautiful specimens: sphinxes, kosses, lions, bulls ... Some of them were used in 478 BC. For the hurry construction of new protective fortifications against Spartans!

To the west of Agora and Acropolis towers the hill of Pnix, the meeting place of the Assembly of the inhabitants of Athens (EcClesia). Meetings took place ten times a year from VI to the end of the IV century BC. Famous speakers, such as pericles, feminocles, demosphen, uttered speeches here in front of their compatriots. Later, the Assembly moved to the square in front of the theater of Dionysus, greater in size. From the top of this hill, the appearance covered with the forest is delightful.

Hill Muz

The most beautiful panorama of Acropolis and Parfenon still opens from this wooded hill in the south-west of the old center - mythological bastion of Athenians in the fight against Amazons. At the top is a perfectly preserved tombstone monument Philopapp (or Fieldpape) 12 meters high. It dates back to the second century and depicts this "benefactor of Athens" on the wagon.

In order to designate the border between the old Greek city and his own Athens, the Roman emperor Adrian ordered the erection of the gate facing the Olympyone. On one side it was written "Athens, the ancient city of Teane", and on the other, "the city of Adrian, and not Teane." Apart from this, both facades are absolutely identical; In an effort to unity, they combine the Roman tradition below and the Greek form of propellants in the upper part. The monument of 18 meters high was erected due to the dars of the inhabitants of Athens.

The Temple of Zeus Olympic, the Higher Divine, was the largest in the ancient Greece - erected, as the legend says, on the site of the ancient sanctuary of the Greek, the mythical forefather of the Greek people, which thus talked Zeus, who saved him from flooding. Tirara Pectist, presumably, began construction of this giant building in 515 BC. In order to take people and prevent riot. But this time the Greeks overestimated their capabilities: the temple was completed only in the Roman era, in 132 BC. Emperor Adrian, who got all the glory. The sizes of the temple were impressive: length-110 meters, width - 44 meters. Of the 104 Corinth columns 17 meters high and 2 meters in diameter, only fifteen, sixteenth, dressed racing, still lies on Earth. The rest were used for other buildings. They were located double rows of 20 pieces along the length of the building and triple rows of 8 - on the sides. The sanctuary has survived a giant statue of Zeus from gold and ivory and the statue of Emperor Adriana - in the Roman era, they worshed equally.

This stadium, caught in the Amphitheater with marble steps near the Arkotetos Mountain, 500 meters etern from Olympyone, in 1896 was restored for the first modern Olympic Games instead and on the site of the ancient, erected by Likurg in 330 BC. In the second century, Adrian introduced players in the arena, bringing thousands of predators for Bestiaries. It was here that I finished the marathon of the 2004 Olympic Games.

This is the oldest and most interesting residential quarter of the city. The labyrinth of his streets and stairs, numbering at least three thousand years, extends to the northeast slope of the Acropolis. Basically he is pedestrian. The upper part of the quarter was created for long walks and admirement of the beautiful houses of the XIX century, the walls and inner courtyards of which are densely covered with Burgenvili and Geranus. The cry is littered with antique ruins, Byzantine churches, and at the same time there are many boutiques, restaurants, museums, bars, small nightclubs ... It can be both quiet and very busy, it all depends on the place and time.

Churches

Although the tower of Metropolis, the cathedral of the cry (XIX century), justified in the northern part of the quarter, inevitably attract views, lower the eyes to its base and admire the delightful small Metropoline. This little Byzantine Church of the XII century, dedicated to St. Elevilia and Our Lady Gorgoypikosos ("Soon-helper"!) It was built from ancient materials. Outside its walls are decorated with magnificent geometric bas-reliefs. All priests Greece are going to nearby street, Agios Phyloteis to make purchases in specialized stores. On the elevation of the cry there is a charming little Byzantine Church Agios Ioannis Theologos (XI century), also deserving your attention.

This museum in the eastern part of the fender represents an interesting collection of exhibits of folk art. After watching embroidery on the first floor and funny carnival costumes in the mezzanine, in the theophilos hall on the second floor you will find a wall painting, tribute to this self-taught artist, who decorates at home and shops of your native land. Having tradition, he wore fastener all his life (Traditional men's skirt) And died in poverty and oblivion. Only after death, he received recognition. On the third floor, decorations, ornaments and weapons are exhibited; On the fourth - folk costumes of various provinces of the country.

Neoclassical outside, ultra-modern inside, this museum dedicated to modern art, the only one of its kind in Greece. A permanent collection is alternately exhibited here, the main topic of which are ordinary people, and temporary exposures. Visitors are given the opportunity to look at the great events of the XX century through the eyes of Greek artists.

In 335 BC, after the victory of his troupe on the theater competition, in order to perpetuate this event, the phrase of Lisicrat ordered to build this monument in the form of Rotunda. Athenians nicknamed his "DioGen lantern". Initially inside the bronze prize obtained from the city authorities. In the XVII century

Anafiotic

In the highest part of the cry, at the slopes of the Acropolis, the inhabitants of the Kyckad Island Anfi recreated their world in miniature. Anaphiotic is a quarter in a quarter, a real peaceful harbor, where there is no access to machines. It is a few dozen whitewashing houses drowning in colors with many narrow alleys and secluded passages. Arriads from grape vines, a curly rosehip, pots with flowers - life here turns to you a pleasant side. Anafiotic can be hit by Stratonos Street.

This museum is located in the western part of the cry, between the Acropolia and the Roman Agora, in an excellent neoclassical building and accommodates very bizarre and different collections. (which, however, unites belonging to Ellinism)transferred to the state by the spouses cannelopulos. Among the main exhibits you will see Cyclades of figurines and gold antique decorations.

Museum of folk musical instruments

Located on Diogen Street, in the western part of the wave, opposite the entrance to the Roman Agora, this museum offers you to familiarize yourself with the musical instruments and traditional Greek melodies. You will learn how buzoki, lute, tambouro, guides and other rare samples sound. Concerts are organized in the garden in the summer.

Square Syntagma

In the northeast, the cry borders with a huge area of \u200b\u200bSyntagma, the heart of the business world, the area that was built according to the plan prepared the day after the declaration of independence. Green Esplanada is surrounded by chic cafes and modern buildings in which banks, air and international companies are located.

The hotel is "United Kingdom", the pearl of Athens XIX century, the most beautiful palace of the city. On the eastern slope there was a palace of Buli, now Parliament. In 1834, he served as the Residence of the King Ottone I and the Queen of Amalia.

Subway

Thanks to the construction of the metro (1992-1994) Under Esplanda, the largest excavations began, ever carried out in Athens. Archaeologists discovered an aqueduct of the Piscistrati era, a very important way, foundry bronze workshops V centuries BC. (the period when this place was outside of urban walls), the cemeteries of the end of the classic era - the beginning of the Roman era, their and the second aqueduct, also Roman, as well as the early Christian osyaria and part of the Byzantine city. Various archaeological layers were saved inside the station in the form of a transverse cup.

Parliament (Buli Palace)

The name of Syntagma Square is in mind the Greek Constitution of 1844, proclaimed from the balcony of this neoclassical palace, since 1935 - the residence of Parliament.

Before the building there is a monument to an unknown soldier who hold the guard Evzons (infantrymen). They wear traditional Greek costumes: fastener with 400 folds, symbolizing the number of years spent under Turkish ig, woolen golf and red shoes with pompons.

Changing Karaul takes place every hour from Monday to Saturday, and once, at 10.30, on Sunday. The entire garrison is going to the square for this beautiful ceremony.

National Sad.

Former once palace park, the National Garden is now a quiet oasis with exotic plants and mosaic basins in the heart of the city. There you can see antique ruins, covered with shady alley, a small Botanical Museum located in the pavilion, a zoo and a pleasant cafénion with a large indoor gazebo.

In the south there is a zappeyon, a neoclassical style building, built in the 1880s in the form of rotunda. In 1896, during the first modern Olympic Games, there was the headquarters of the Olympic Committee. Later, Zappeyon became an exhibition center.

East of the garden, on the street of Heroda attic, in the middle of the park, there is a presidential palace, a beautiful Baroque building, guarded by two Evona.

Northern Quarters and Museums

The Gazi quarter justifies its name in the north-west of the city, mainly industrial, first produces not too pleasant impression. Former gas plant that giving a quarter his name is now a huge cultural center. .

A very busy quarter of Persians stretched a little east, where wholesalers and blacksmiths were settled, - and, for some time, the growing number of bars, nightly institutions and trendy restaurants. His little streets lead to the markets and squares of Omonia, the heart of the People's Athens. From here you can walk to Syntagma Square along the two large streets in the neoclassical frame - Stadium and Panepistimia.

Neighborhood Monastiraki

Directly north of the Roman Agora is the Monastiraki Square, at any time of the day crowded by people. The dome and portico of the mosque of the czyzdarak rose above it (1795)in which the Film Museum of Folk Art is now located.

Neighboring pedestrian streets are captured by stores of souvenirs, antiques, as well as old women who gather every Sunday on Abyssinia Square to arrange a giant flea market.

Markets

The large Athens Boulevard, connecting monastica with an area of \u200b\u200bOmonia in the north, passes by market pavilions. Brojo Athens, which is in constant activity from dawn until the middle of the day, is divided into two parts: Fish merchants in the center and meat - around.

In front of the building there are versions of dried fruits, and on nearby streets - traders with a brass goods, carpets, poultry.

Archaeological Museum

In several quarters north of Omonia Square, on a huge Esplanade forced by cars, there is a National Archaeological Museum, which owns a fabulous collection of the art of the great civilizations of ancient Greece. Without hesitation, spend half the day, contemplating statues, frescoes, vases, cameo, decorations, coins and other treasures.

The most valuable exhibit of the museum, perhaps, is the posthumous golden mask of Agamemnon, found in 1876 in the Micheney-Archaeological Amateur Henry Shliman (Hall 4, in the center of the courtyard). In the same room, you will see another important object of the Myckene era, a warrior vase, as well as funeral steles, weapons, riotons, decorations and thousands of luxury items from amber, gold and even shell of an ostrich egg! Cycladic Collection (Hall 6) Also required to view.

Inspecting the first floor and moving clockwise, you will pass chronologically from the archaic period represented by magnificent kuras and the barks to Roman. On the way, you will see the great masterpieces of the art of the classical era, among whom they caught in the sea near the island of EVBEY Bronze Statue of Poseidon (Hall 15), as well as the statues of the rider of Artemision on a combat horse (room 21). The tombstones are presented in large quantities, some of them are very impressive. For example, huge lecturers - vases with a height of two meters. It is also worth mentioning friezes, decorated the temple of Afia on the aetus, the friezes of the temple of Asclepia (Aesculapius) In the epidavra and the magnificent marble group of Aphrodite, Pan and Eros in the hall 30.

On the second floor there are collections of ceramics: from products of the geometric epoch to delicious attic VAZ. Greek Pompeium - the city of Akrotiri on the island of Santorin, buried in 1450 BC, - Dedicated to a separate section (hall 48).

Panepistimia

The quarter located between the squares of Omonia and Syntagma gives a clear idea of \u200b\u200bthe grand ambitions of the period after the declaration of independence. Definitely belonging to the neoclassical style, a trio, consisting of university, the Academy and the National Library, extends along the street Panepistimia (or Eleftherios Venizel) And clearly deserves the attention of guests of the city.

National Historical Museum

The museum is located in the building of the former parliament, on Stadia Street, 13, not far from Syntagma Square, and is dedicated to the history of the country since the seizure of Constantinople Osmans (1453). The period of war of independence is presented in very detailed. You can even see the helmet and the sword of Lord Bayron, the most famous from Filleallins!

Founded in 1930 by Antonis Benakis, a member of the famous Greek family, the museum is located in his former Athenian residence. The exposition consists of collections collected throughout his life. The museum continues to be replenished, and now he offers visitors to the full panorama of Greek art, from the prehistoric period until the 20th century.

On the ground floor there are exhibits from the Neolithic period to the Byzantine era, as well as the excellent meeting of jewelry and antique crowns of golden leaves. The big section is devoted to icons. Second floor (XVI-XIX centuries) It covers the period of the Turkish occupation, the samples of church and worldly folk art are predominantly exhibited here. The two magnificent receiving rooms of the 1750s were restored, along with ceilings and a carved wood panel.

Less interesting sections dedicated to the period of waking up national self-consciousness and struggle for independence occupy two upper floors.

Museum of Cycladic Art

Here are mainly represented by the collection of Nicholas Gulandris dedicated to the antique art. The most outstanding of them is, no doubt on the first floor. Here you can get acquainted with the legendary Cycladic art; statuette, marble household items and religious objects. Do not miss the dish with dwarfs carved from a solid piece, extraordinary figurines of the flutist and a packer of bread, as well as a statue of 1.40 meters high, one of the two depicting the Great Patrunch Goddess.

The third floor is devoted to the Greek art from the bronze period to the II century BC, the collection of Cypriot artifacts is set on the fourth, and in the fifth - the most beautiful ceramic products and "Corinth" bronze shields.

Later, the museum moved to a magnificent neoclassical villa, built in 1895 by the Bavarian architect Ernst Ziller (Staffatos Palace).

Exposures posted in the museum cover the period from the fall of the Roman Empire (V in.) before the fall of Constantinople (1453) And successfully illuminate the history of Byzantine culture with the help of an excellent selection of exhibits and reconstructions. The exhibition also emphasizes the special role of Athens, the center of the pagan thought for at least two centuries, until Christianity reigned.

It is worth seeing the Section of Coptic Art (especially the shoes of the V-VIII century!), Mitlelen treasure, found in 1951, delightful riglels and bas-reliefs, collection of icons and frescoes, exposed in the Church of Euritarian episcopy, as well as magnificent manuscripts.

National Pinakotek

Significantly upgraded in recent years, Pinakotek is dedicated to the Greek art of the last four centuries. She chronologically represents various movements, from early post-city painting to the works of modern artists. In particular, you will see three mystical canvas El Greco, a native of Crete, who, along with Velasquez and Goya, was the most famous artist of Spain XVI century.

In the northern part of the Boulevard Vasilissis Sofias, attached streets of the Colonaki quarter form a chic enclave, famous for its fashionable boutiques and art galleries. All morning, and especially after dinner, on the terraces of Cafe Square Filipus Eterias Apple, there is nowhere to fall.

Mount Likavit (Likavitos)

At the end of Plutarch Street there is a long string of markets, leading to the underground cable tunnel with a funicular, who in a few minutes will take you to the top of the Likavita, famous for his beautiful panorama. Sport lovers will prefer stairs, starting with Lucian Street, in a hundred meters to the west (15 minutes of lifting). The path, bending, leads through cypresses and agaves. Upstairs, with Palati Chapel of St. George, in good weather you can see the islands of the Saronic Gulf and, naturally, Acropolis.

In the vicinity of Athens.

Athens, located between the sea and the hills of Athens are the ideal point of departure for the conquest of the most famous attic places, the peninsula that shares the Aegean Sea and the Saronic Bay.

For weekends, everyone goes to the beach. The Glyfada, located at the most urban walls, shouted everyone for the belt during the 2004 Olympic Games: It was here that most maritime competitions took place. A chic suburb with numerous boutiques, which is also the seaside resort, famous for its yachts and golf courses, Glyfada comes to life in the summer when discos and clubs are opening at Avenue. The beaches here and in the direction of Vlyuly are predominantly private, littered with umbrellas and columns stuffed at the end of the week. If you are looking for a place more comfortable, move in the southern direction to vulgaria, a luxurious and expensive port, drowning in greenery. The coast becomes a democratic only after Varkis, not far from Cape Sunion.

Hourly Athens, holding a guard at the top of the cliffs of the Cape Columns, at the extreme point of the Mediterranean Attica, the temple of Poseidon is one of the peaks of the "sacred triangle", perfect an equally chained triangle, the remaining points of which are Acropolis and Afiai temple on the egin. They said that there was no time to enter the bay along the way to Piraeas, the sailors could see at the same time all three buildings, now inaccessible because of the frequent smog, descending over these places. The sanctuary restored in the periclah era (444 BC), retained 16 of 34 doric columns. Once here, the trier races organized by the Athenians in honor of the goddess Athena, which is devoted to the second temple, erected at the nearby hill. The place acquires strategic importance: his fortress, now disappeared, allowed to control the silver mines of Lorion and the movement of ships to Athens.

Built on pine-covered slopes GIMETOS Mountains, a few kilometers etern from Athens, a monastery, founded in the XI century, ceases to be quiet at the end of the week, when a picnic lovers landing launchers are planted nearby. In the central yard you will find the church whose walls are covered with frescoes (XVII-XVIII century)The dome relies on four ancient columns, and at the other end of the monastery there is an amazing fountain with a head of a ram, where water comes from, which, as claimed, has miraculous properties.

Marathon

This place, one of the most famous, in 490 BC witnessed the victory of the 10-thousand Athens Army over superior to her three times the forces of Persians. To convey good news, as the legend says, the Marathon runner ran 40 km, separating it from Athens, so quickly, that he died of exhaustion upon arrival. 192 Greek hero who died in this battle were buried in Kurgan - this is the only trustworthy testimony of this famous event.

Monastery Daphne

Located 10 km west of Athens, on the edge of the Great Road, the Byzantine Monastery of Daphni is famous for its mosaics of the XI century, depicting the apostles and follows them from the central dome of the powerful christ of the pantox. Having received significant damage from the earthquake in 1999, the building is now closed to the restoration.

The attic closest on one side, and on the other - the Peloponnese Peninsula, the Saronic Bay - the Corinth Canal Gateway - opens the doors to Athens. Among the numerous islands, the islands is most interesting and the easiest way to get to it (1 h 15 min on ferry or 35 min on gliser).

Most ships are on the pier in the West Bank, in the most beautiful port of Egina. Few people know that he was the first capital of the liberated Greece. Fishermen will be revealed here their gear in front of the tourists relaxing on the terraces of cafes and riding in the barks. A narrow pedestrian street leading from the embankment as if created for walking and shopping. Northern exit, in Colon, on the site of archaeological excavations, there are a few ruins of the temple of Apollo (V c. BC). Artifacts found in the Archaeological Museum found nearby: donations, pottery, sculptures and stela.

The remaining part of the island is divided among themselves pistachio plantations, which are pride of aegine, a few groves with olive trees and beautiful pine forests, spread in the east to the seaside resort Agia Marina, on whose beautiful beaches in the summer life beats the key.

From there you can easily reach the church of Afai, built on the cape, visible from both banks. The magnificence of this doric monument, perfectly preserved, allows you to guess about the wasland's faithful power, formerly an Afine rival. Erected in 500 BC, he was dedicated to the local goddess Afiah, the daughter of Zeus, who was refuge in these places, fleeing the persecution of Tsar Minos.

If you have a little time, visit the ruins of the Paliola, the former capital of the egin, built on the elevation in the depths of the island. Founded in the era of antiquity, the town rose during the high Middle Ages, the era, when residents, fleeing from pirated raids, were hidden on the tops of the mountains. Until the XIX century, when the inhabitants left it, the paliochor counted 365 churches and chapels, of which 28 were preserved, and they still have to see the remnants of beautiful frescoes. Just below there is a monastery Agios Netarios, the largest on the island.

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When it is better to go to Athens

Spring and late autumn - the best time to visit Athens. Summer can be very hot and dry. Winter is sometimes rainy, with a small number of snowy days. But at the same time, winter can be an ideal time to visit the city, when then albeit fresh, but there is no crowd.

Very often over the city was able, the cause of which in the geography of the city is due to the fact that Athens surrounds the mountains, exhaust and pollution from cars very often delay over the city.

How to get

What ways can be reached by Athens from the airport? First of all, a straight branch of the subway (blue) was laid from the airport to the city. The end station in the city center is the metro Monastiraki. You can drive to the train station in Athens on the suburban train. Comfortable and comfortable way - a taxi call. More economical land transport - bus, buses from the airport are followed by four routes.

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The city of Athens, which is the capital of sunny and beautiful Greece, shrouded in many myths and legends, spread out on the plain attic, and its coast is washed by the picturesque bay of Saronyikos.

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Short description

The city, at the mention of which the amazing ancient Greek myths with their passions and the battles of the gods are remembered, is one of the favorite travelers from all over the globe. Higher number of cultural monuments, exquisite and unique national cuisine, Aegean's affairs, developed entertainment infrastructure and, of course, the ancient ruins of temples and Sanctures are attracted to the Athens of all without exception of connoisseurs of ancient attractions and tourists who want to relax qualitatively and inexpensively.

Athenian Acropolis

Rest prices in Greece, in particular in Athens, really low, if we compare them with holiday prices in other EU countries.

At the moment, the population of the capital of Greece, including small suburbs, is slightly more than 4,000,000 people. In addition, due to the presence of jobs, about half a million people from other countries live in Athens. Greece can not be called a multi-depleted country, more than a third of the population in our time lives in its capital and nearby suburbs. If you look at the map of Athens, it can be noted that the city is surrounded by mountains: imito, pendot and guines.

It can be said that the city is located in a peculiar pool created by nature itself. On the one hand, this is the natural protection of the city, and on the other hand, the mountains and the bay of Sironikos limit the area of \u200b\u200bAthens and do not allow them to go beyond the limits of natural barriers. Due to the high density of the population of the city and technological progress, Athens suffer from the effect of temperature inversion. In the summer, Greece is very hot, it will certainly be necessary to remember to tourists, especially those who suffer from cardiovascular diseases. But winter here is sometimes frosty, and the snow for the Athenians is not in a novelty.

Temple of Zeus Olympic

The history of the city name

The overwhelming part of historians says that the name of the capital of Greece occurred on behalf of the goddess Athena PalladesAlthough, justice, it is worth noting that there is another version. Very interesting myth, which states how exactly the city got its name. In the ancient times, the settlement of Saronyikos Zarozhkos, the king name named Kecrope. He was only half a person, instead of his legs, a snake tail was wriggled. The ruler, born goddess gay, was to solve a rather difficult task and choose who will be the patron saint of his village. Thinking, he is asked that the one who from the gods will make the best gift to the city, he will become his patron. The brother of Zeus Poseidon appeared before the people, and he struck with his trident from all over the scope. From this place a huge fountain was silent: people ran to him, but immediately returned back with sullen faces: the water in the fountain was the same as in the sea, salty and unsuitable for drinking. After Poseidon, the inhabitants were beautiful Athena Pallada, she showed people an olive tree that quickly grew out of the ground. The kecrop and the population of the city were delivered and recognized as an attic to the patroness of the city.

Temple of Erehechteion

So, the city, surrounded by three mountains and spread from the sea bay, received his name - Athens. After that, Poseidon was angry at Athens, and the deficit of a lifeful moisture is felt in the city even in our days (and all of this with a subtropical semi-desert climate). Sacrifice, gifts and the construction of the temple of Poseidon at Cape Sunion did not help. Some historians disagree with this myth and insist that the name of the capital of Greece happened as a result of a minor change in the word "Athos", which can be literally translated into Russian as a flower.

Athens - a little story

In the distant 500th year BC, Athens flourished: the inhabitants of the city were rich, culture and science developed. The end of the prosperity of the center of Ancient Greece laid the Great Roman Empire approximately at the beginning of the 300s BC. 500 years after coming to our world of the Savior, the Byzantine Empire decided to close numerous philosophical schools in Athens and put an end to the prosperity of pagan cults. It was from this period of time that the capital of Greece from the richest city turns into a small provincial town, for which a war is conducted between the French and the Italians for many centuries. Otherwise, it could not, from Athens it was possible to go out into the open sea and lead profitable trading. The strategic location of the ancient city is difficult to overestimate and now.

Academy of Athens.

A serious blow to Athens fell on 1458, a year, when the city was captured by the Turks And included in the composition of the huge Ottoman Empire. In those days, most of the inhabitants of Athens were killed from the unbearable work for the benefit of the Ottoman Empire and from hunger. At this time, the Byzantines tried to return control over Athens, and the city often became the arena of bloody battles. During them, many invaluable monuments of history and architecture were destroyed, in particular, everyone is well known, the ancient Greek temple of Parfenon.

Only 1833 brought facilitating the next population of Athens, when the city finally became the capital of the free Greek kingdom again. By the way, at that moment less than 5,000 (!) Man lived in the capital. The population rapidly increased to 2,000,000 people in 1920, when the descendants of the indigenous Athenians began to return to their homeland, the Turks in Malaya Asia were returned. The beginning of the 20th century was marked and increased interest in numerous sights of the city: a huge number of archaeologists began to conduct an excavation on the territory of Athens, and the restorers tried to return to the architectural monuments at least the similarity of their former greatness. The works were terminated only during World War II: the fascists needed to enter the sea and they occupied Greece in a short period of time.

Temple Hepesta

Modern Athens.

No matter how strangely sounded, but it was the second world war, more precisely her ending, marked the beginning of the new prosperity of Athens. In the capital, the industry develops a rapid pace and an active trade with many countries of the world is being conducted. Greece flourished until 1980: a huge number of tourists interested in the ancient attractions and history of the country, bring significant income to the budget. In 1981, as everyone is well known, Greece joined the European Union, which brought the Athenians not only the joy of available loans and the rapidly developing economy, but also problems with overpopulation and movement around the city.

At the moment, Athens attract travelers from all over the globe with their own attractions, among which you can allocate the theater of Dionysus, the temple of Hepesta, the temple of Zeus Olympic, Athenian Agor, and, of course, the majestic Acropolis. In the city there are more than 200 large museums, in which you can see unique exhibits related to another 500 years before our era. The first museum to which travel agencies recommend to pay their attention is the Benaki Museum, it is in him that it is possible to familiarize themselves with the objects of culture and ethnographic materials, which will "tell" the history of once great, mighty, invincible and those famous for their philosophers, Athens.

Arch Adriana

In addition to numerous attractions, the traveler who led to Athens will be able to appreciate what is inexpressive, cheerful and transfusing thousands of neon lights, "nightlife." In the capital of Greece a huge number of restaurants, large and small bars, discos and nightclubs. In the city, everything was done to ensure that the tourist who came to Athens felt as comfortable and folded.

The problem of transporting today is not so orta, as in 70-80 xx. For years of the last century: in any place of the city you can quickly reach the subway, which includes three branches, or on the speed (!) tram. Surprisingly, trams in Athens are moving strictly on schedule, the break between transportation is also accurate as in the subway.

Athens is a really amazing place for a tourist trip. However, if you are completely frank, there is one "but" ... The economy of Greece in the 21st century began to gradually decline: huge loans, stronger in economics of the EU country - all this forced the government to save on their citizens.

Athens (Greece) is the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Athens with a description, guidebooks and cards.

Athens city (Greece)

Public transport Athens is presented by the subway, suburban trains, trams, trolley buses and buses. All types of transport operates a single ticket. The subway has three lines: M1 (green) - connects the port and northern suburbs through the city center, m2 (red) - connects the Western and South Athens, M3 (blue) - connects the south-western suburbs with northern suburbs and the airport.

sights

The most famous landmark of Athens is the Sacred Hill - Acropolis. There are amazing antique ruins of ancient temples, which symbolize the flourishing of Greek civilization.

Acropolis has a height of 156 meters and noticeable almost from everywhere. In ancient times, the royal palace was located here, the majestic temples of the gods, objects of the cult and numerous sculptures. Most of the main buildings of the Acropolis were built in the era of the pericla board (5th century BC) during the heyday of Athens.

The most famous landmark of Acropolis is the magnificent Parthenon, which, despite the time, is one of the most well-preserved ancient Greek structures of Athens. Parthenon is considered the largest temple of the classic period of ancient Greece and is dedicated to Aphrodite. It was completed in 438 BC. The temple is known for monumental doric columns and was decorated with numerous sculptures.

Among the ancient ruins of the Acropolis, the temple of Nicky Aptereros is distinguished, built in 427-424 BC. and dedicated to the Athena winner, propylene (the main entrance, formed by columns and portica), Ereheheton, the temple built between 421-406 BC. And dedicated to Athena, Poseidon and Tsar Erechteu.

All structures and ruins of the Acropolis:

1. Hecatompedon.
2. Statue of Athena Prosakhos.
3. Propilenes.
4. Elexinion.
5. Briveriaion.
6. Chalkotek.
7. Pandrosayon.
8. Arreforion.
9. Athenian altar.
10. Sanctuary of Zeus polyurea.
11. Sanctuary of Pandion.
12. Odeon geoda attic.
13. Standing eumen.
14. ASCletpion.
15. Odeon Pericla.
16. Temkenos Dionysis.
17. The sanctuary of Aglavra.

The Acropolis Museum is 300 meters away, which is one of the most important modern buildings of Athens and is built of steel, glass and concrete. Here are the invaluable finds and antiquities, which found here during excavations.

From Acropolis to the city leads an archaeological path where other antiquities of Athens can see, which relate to different periods and cultures. So, at the foot of the hill, the ruins of Olympion, the temple dedicated to Zeus. It was the largest building of ancient Greece. It began to build in the 6th century BC. and finished only in the 2nd century AD With the Roman Emperor Adriana. More than a hundred huge marble columns once maintained a grand sanctuary. Up to our time, only 15 of them have been preserved.

The Theater of Dionysis is located on the south side of the Acropolis and is considered to be an ancient building of this type in Greece. Many of the most famous ancient Greek comedies and tragedies were presented on this scene. Theater originally built as a temple dates from the 6th century BC. He was dedicated to Dionysus, god fun and wine, and could accommodate 17,000 people.

Ancient Agora was the market and the center of everyday life in ancient Athens. Most of the preserved ruins belong to the Roman period and date back to the 1st century AD. Agora was surrounded by colonnades and columns. Sports events and theatrical performances were also held here. Eastern is located 12-meter wind tower.

An excellent view of the agoor opens with the northern wall of the Acropolis.

Arch Adriana

Arch Adriana was built in 131 AD. And symbolizes the entrance to the ancient city. Not far from the western slope of the Acropolis is the hill of Pnix. Here citizens of Athens could implement their democratic rights. Southwest of the Athenian Acropolis is a Philopappa Hill, which was known as the Musion Hill and retained several ancient ruins. Also located here is the tiny Byzantine chapel of the 12th century with frescoes of the 18th century.

The core of the historic center of Athens is a rack area located on the eastern side of the Acropolis. This area was settled from ancient times. Now it is a labyrinth of narrow flowering picturesque streets with traditional 19th century houses. The cry is famous for its provincial atmosphere (sometimes it can not even believe that this is the center of a noisy megalopolis), pretty restaurants and historical churches.

From the cry of Athenian streets will lead to Monastiraki Square, which is one of the central squares of old Athens with narrow streets and small buildings. On the square, a traditional bazaar (Yousouroum) is conducted. Monastirakka is a popular shopping area where more than 2,000 most diverse shops are located.

Anaphiotic is another atmospheric village quarter of Athens, located north of the Acropolis. Here, tourists can enjoy traditional Greek food and a walk through winding streets in the Cycladic style. Anaphiotic was built in the 60s of the 19th century.

Odeon Heroda - Ancient Roman Theater, built in 2 century AD. On the steep slopes of the Acropolis, Herodom Attika in memory of his wife. The theater accompanied 6000 spectators and was restored in the 1950s.

The Olympic stadium was built in the 19th century for the first modern Olympiad. It accommodates 50,000 audience and is the largest sports facility made entirely from marble. The first stadium in this place was built in the 3rd century BC. And rebuilt in 144. In ancient times, a religious festival was held at the stadium dedicated to the goddess of Athena every four years.

The Church of the Virgin Kapnapirei is the magnificent example of the Byzantine architecture of the 11th century. The church is located on one of the central streets of Athens - Erm.

The Church of the Holy Apostles is the religious construction of the 10th century on the site of ancient Agora, built in a typical Byzantine style. Inside the dome is decorated with original frescoes. Also preserved a significant part of the ancient iconostasis of the 11th century.

Square Syntagmatos - Central Square of Modern Athens. In front of the Greek Parliament building is the Presidential Guard in national costumes. Changing the guard occurs before the monument to an unknown soldier at 11 am daily.

• The National Archaeological Museum is one of the largest Museums of Greece, which has one of the largest expositions of antiquity in the world. The building with an area of \u200b\u200b8,000 square meters includes 11,000 exhibits.
• The Byzantine Museum is more than 25,000 exhibits, which are a treasury of the religious artifacts of the Byzantine period, as well as the works of the early Christian, medieval and post-citizen art.
• Museum of Cycladic Art - Ancient exhibits found in the Cycladic Islands and Cyprus.

Ancient Greek Athens - This is a majestic and revered city. It had a huge number of inhabitants. The terrain was distinguished by an excellent architecture. Athens is the center of arts, the culture of the Greeks. The main city of Attica is not located on the seashore, as was customary since ancient times, and a few kilometers from the water space. The settlement is based on a large hill, at the top of which in the picturesque area stood the fortress of unprecedented beauty - Acropolis.

Fundamental basis

The legend says that the city was named after the militant Virgin Athens. She was the goddess of wisdom, patronized arts and crafts, all sorts of sciences, but at the same time there was a big mom of battles and battles.
The city was born so long ago that the story hides a true date from contemporaries. There is information that Athens existed even during the era of Michenes and even long before it. Athens challenged Plato in his teachings and his comrades.
Athens, like other cities of Greece, were polis. This city-state reached its heyday in the 9th century BC. During this period, Athens, the rules are no longer the kings, but tyranna. But nothing bad in determining this name residents have not seen. Translated from the Greek "Tirańnos" - the ruler. However, it was at first everything was perfect, but over the years the rulers began to take the most valuable people. The population was periodically subjected to looting. Since then, the word "tyrant" has become almost abusive. Under it meant the cruel rulers.
Residents tolerated tyrants, as they used the patronage of the nobility and the Supreme Council of Elders (Areopag).
First population
It is believed that at first Athens inhabited some Pelasgi, and the first king, according to mythology, became Kecrope. Dated this time 2-3 millennia BC. Later in Athens, the ionians arrived. By the way, by giving, the majestic Athena presented to the residents of the city of Maslin much later than the moment when the policy began to flourish. So she won honor and recognition. After all, Omlin is a symbol of wealth, life. The goddess went around the rivalry of Poseidon, who wanted to give the inhabitants of Athens water to conquer their honor and respect and become a recognized ruler. Oliva meant more.
The towns flourished by the mines, on which slaves mined silver, tin and a number of minerals. Not far from the city found and deposits of iron. For a short time thinking, the Athenians arranged an enterprise for the extraction of the useful metal.
Athens were famous for their ceramic dishes, olive oil, various varieties of honey, wines. In Athens mined and treated marble. All this contributed to the huge flourishing of trade and crafts. Athens flourished and gained bonuses in economically. People seemed here with whole families, based on and building their homes. So the city has become more and more.

Notable Dragon Board Time. From his behalf, the concept of "Dragon laws" came into modern. This brutal ruler has established very dangerous orders. According to them, the inhabitants were punished with the death penalty even for the most minor provinces. For example, to deprive life could be for theft of bulbs.
In ancient times, property inequality reigned in Athens. But in the 6th century BC. This was put an end. All the fault of the growing clashes between aware and simple poor people. Bloody excursions were suppressed by the election of the Archont, which in the end, due to its intelligence, brought the universal order. Solon canceled the Draconian orders and began to build a wonderful society, conducting reforms in the main areas of the life of Athenians.

Athens class

According to the testimony of historians, Solon has developed a number of laws according to which residents received freedom in terms of property inheritance. Infections used ordinary workers - artisans and merchants. Cats were divided by 4 estates, which depended on their material situation. All people, regardless of position in society, have received equal rights. Any, not even very important issues of politics were solved by the opinion of the majority and only after universal discussions.
Solon has always defended only the highest layer - the aristocracy, in the ranks of which the wealthy peasants were known. Under it, public posts occupied only rich. However, at the same time poor classes could also be left to the fate. So, in the 500-khhhhh, BC, a certain hundred-person Aristiton and Garmody killed the ruling tyrant, who reinforced the full arbitrariness and did not give a normal life to people.
Despite this, one always found the opportunity to unite and lead people as it was necessary to her. They were sought out of votes at the collections of the people, made great bribes, used the services of demagogues (dubious folk leaders).
The flourishing concerned external relationships. Athens belonged to the port of Piraeus. He was the center of the Mediterranean trade. Polis began to dominate the maritime union, which included at least 200 policies. Athens owned a common treasury, which greatly raised the authority of Athenian.

Great War

In 400-xx. BC. Spartans attacked Athens. This epopea is called the Peloponnesian War. She lasted about 30 years. In the history of Athens and Ancient Greece, these were some of the most significant and bloody battles. As a result, the Sea Union Athens could no longer be called the community, and in the city, as a result of the coup, the authorities took the rule of the rulers in the amount of 30 tyrants. The National Assembly failed Fiasco.
Athens capitulated before Sparta. The tightening war weakened not only this largest city of Greece, but also most policies. In the same period, a major external opponent appears in the arena - Macedonia. The ruler of this country was signed by Athens. As a result, the polls decided to unite. So the Union was created:

• 1. FIVS.
• 2. Magar.
• 3. Corinth.
• 4. Athens.

The Battle of the coalition of the Greeks was defeated. After all, in front of Macedonia, Athenian know, in most. So the era of Hellenism in Greece began. During this period, the top of the Macedonians took. They gave freedom to the population only formally. However, the Athenians resist, thanks to their ancient history. For example, the Romans of Luchi pardoned Athens only because they possess such a rich history. The inhabitants were given freedom.

Decline

Athens began to gradually fade to 3 centions BC. Peloponess War broke off Greece. Scientists argue that in the end, the collapse of Hellenism came. On the one hand, internecine wars, on the other, the coming Romans. Already at the beginning of our era, the city was not just captured, but also catastrophically plundered the soldiers of Silla. This Roman led to Athens a huge army, and there was not a single chance for victory in the seeded polis.

Roman domination continued until 3 centuries. At the same time, Athens did not lose their high position in Greece, until the German warriors came and did not destroy everything almost to the ground. Only cultural values \u200b\u200bare preserved, some institutions, such as schools. By the way, this time gave the world of the famous Roman emperor Julian, who was just studied in one of the Athenian schools. However, he also closed these educational institutions.
The center of Hellenism "left" in Macedonia, Athens quickly fell into decay. The rich city became more like a periphery, a small village. The population of the 500-GG. The new era was only 20 thousand people.
The further history of Athens is far from rainbow, but rather sad. The city was precipitated many times, robbed. Acropolis, who was an unsurpassed palace, lost his greatness. In the middle of the 15th century, Turks entered Athens. And they, in turn, had to defend the city from a raider of Venetian. At that time, a significant monument of the architecture of Parfenion was strongly injured. He practically fell under the shelling of Venetian guns.
Revival of the capital
Athens became the capital of the state at the beginning of the 19th century. Then the city was more like a provincial village, but free from Ottoman yoke. The Rules in those years Korol Otton ordered to revive the once beautiful city. Intensive construction began. The basis of the architect Leo von Klenze was taken as the basis.
Even more quarters appeared at the beginning of the century 20. Refugees from the territories of Malaya Asia came to the city. The World War I brought the Athens new troubles. The city took the Nazis. But with the victory over the fascists, the prosperity and new revival came to Athens.
Now Athens is the largest megalopolis of Greece - the capital of the Olympic Games. They are held here again from the end of the 19th century. The millennial glory of this city is not forgotten now. Even in the 20th century, the city was still shaking political coups, but the cultural activity did not stop. In 1981, Greece joined the European Union, which gave the country and, of course, its capital, huge privileges as an investment.
So, Athens to this day remains the cherished dream of those tourists who have not yet happened to visit the capital of Greece. Majestic architecture, cultures, traditions, beautiful history. All this is preserved in numerous antiquity museums.

Knos Palace.Crit.

Knos Palace, or more correctly, the most famous Greek landmark, which is more than four thousand years old. She is located near the capital of the island of Crete Heraklion. It seems incredible, but the legendary palace with the mythical being by the Minotaurus was opened only a hundred years ago, and even then there were only suspicions of the existence on this place an ancient architecture monument.

Gastronomic journey in Greece

Vacation is exactly the time when I want to deal with only your favorite things. Rest Everyone represents in its own way: new places, fresh air, sea of \u200b\u200bimpressions, unhurried walks, sleeping, delicious food. For this, many are sent for the time of vacation to other countries, because it is believed that it is best to relax, changing the situation. And so that your rest has become also useful for health, much attention should be paid to your vacation menu. Where do we have the most healthy food? Of course, in the countries of the Mediterranean, and especially in Greece. Therefore, we invite you to a gastronomic journey in this country.

Greece - where to relax with children

Monastery Hylandar on Hagia Mount Athos

In the northeast of the Afonov Peninsula Greece, the Orthodox Monastery - Khalindar or Hylandar is located in this part of Athon. It was founded in 1197. The Khalindark Monastery is located in a very picturesque place and is surrounded by greens from all sides.

Gods ancient Greece

Athens is the cradle of our civilization, the birthplace of philosophers and democracy, the repository of the destroyed columns and the shoulder statues, ancient jugs and coins. The ancient traditions and modernity are harmoniously walked here. Lovers of history and those who want to soak in the warm sea in Athens will meet warmly and hospitably - in Greek.

Athens (αθήνα) is the legendary city, named after the wise goddess warriper - Athens Pallas. He stands on the plain attic, near the bay of Saronyikos, between the three mountain ranges: the guards, pentels and gimetites. Acropolis and Likabett hills rise over the city.

In the ancient time, Athens were the center of ancient Greek civilization. Today's capital of Greece is a huge megalopolis, the focus of world history, the symbol of the Olympic idea. Athens is a center of science, culture, art, developed trade. The lively rhythm of modern life exists here in parallel with the magnitude of the ancient monuments and the mysteries of the ancient legends.

Myth about the patroness of the city

One of the ancient Greek myths tells. Long ago by the king of Attika was Kekrops (receiving, half amenid). He had to choose a patron of the city. The wise son of Goddess Gay decided that they should be the one who would bring the city the most useful and valuable gift. Immediately, Poseidon, Brother Zeus appeared before the people, and won his trident in the rock of the Acropolis. At the point of strike, a huge fountain was shot in the sky, but the water in it was a marine salty. Then the Athena Pallada appeared, which brought a wonderful olive tree on the stone and presented him with the people. The king and his people were delivered, and the wise of Athena became the patronage of the city.

Highlights of the history of Athens

The territory on which Athens cost was inhabited from Neolithic. The exact date of the origin of the city is unknown. From ancient times to the Middle Ages, Athens was dominated in Eldead, the foundations of world democracy arose and developed here. In the Middle Ages, the city survived the decline, became part of Byzantium, was under the oppression of the Ottoman Empire. In 1833, Athens received the status of the capital of the new Kingdom of Greece. Last city was rebuilt near the ancient ruins. The traditions of the Olympic Games were revived. By the end of the 20th century, Athens became a beautiful and distinctive megapolis worthy of the title of the modern capital.

Routes for 2 days of Athens

Philopappu Hill

Monument Philopappu

Olympyon.

Roman Agora

Square Syntagma

Metro Station Sintagma

National Archaeological Museum

Panathinaikos.

To make a full impression of Greece and an ancient culture, you can only be in Athens. I offer the route of one day. You will see the most interesting and most significant places of the Greek capital.

Philopappu Hill

Panorama of Athens and Acropolis from Philopappa Hill Height, Photo Dan

In order not to roast under the groaning Greek Sun and have time to explore as many sights as possible, start walking early in the morning. Climb the Philopappa hill (λόφος φιλοπάπου) (it is also called the hill MUZ), admire the Athens and Acropolis from the height, and you will have a common vision of the city. There are no many tourists here in contrast to Likavitos Hill.

Monument to Gai Yulia Antioch Filippape, photo WRD39

Philopappa Hill - Pine Park with paths and paths, viewing platforms and benches. It is pleasant to walk in the shade of trees. At the top of the hill towers a monument Philopappa, which adored Greek culture.

Below is the prison of Socrates (η φυλακή του σωκράτη). It is assumed that Socrates in it was sitting for the "Depravation of Youth Athens with their radical statements." He was sentenced to death, and he was forced to take poison.

At the entrance to the park from the street, Dionisia Areopagita is the small church of St. Dimitria.

From the side of the street Arokinta, this is in the west of the hill, we see the theater of the Dora-stratum (θέατρο δόρα στράτου). In it in the summer there are ideas of folk greek dances.

How to get to: Go to Singra Fix Station (Sigrou-Fix, Greek. Στ.συγγρου-φιξ), Metro Red Line; walk along Drakou Street; Further along the path to climb the hill.

Acropolis

The symbol of Athens, the heart of the eleventory - Athenian Acropolis (ακρόπολη αθηνών). With this sacred hill, the Ellinskaya capital began, and all Greek civilization. The architectural complex of the Acropolis attracts all the guests of the Greek capital. Here are the beautiful ancient temples based on the pericale in the ruins. Here and lies our way.

2. HecataMedon

4. Statue of Athens Promakhos

7. Elexinion
8. Brábroneion.
9. Chalkotek
10. Pandrosayon
11. Arreforion.
12. Athens Altar
13. Sanctuary of Zeus Polye
14. Sanctuary of Pandion
15. Odeon Heroda Attic
16. Stara Evemen

19. Odeon Pericla
20. Temenos Dionysus
21. The sanctuary of Aglavry

The acropolis archaeological zone includes from the southern slope: here you can see the ruins of the Huge Ancient Theater of Dionysus (θέέτρο του Διονύσου) with the surviving ranks of the audience seats and the scene. On this site, ritual festivals - Dionissia were held; Pathetical masterpieces of Sofokla, Euripid, Aristophane were played. The passage between the stone ranks has now become part of the tourist trail surrounding the Acropolis.

For musical representations, another "Theater" Monument of the Acropolis was intended - Odeon Heroda Attica (ωΔείο ηρώδου του αττικού). On his ruins, rebuilt, the annual Athenian festival of the best troupe of the world is being held.

There is a standing between two ancient theaters (στοά ευμένοςς) - the covered two-storey colonnade, built in II century. BC. Standing served the theater public for walking.

The colonnade is the ruins of the temple dedicated to the god medicine asklepia. Askletpion (ἀσκληπιεῖον; asklepieion) was built after the terrible Athenian cholera epidemic (V c. BC).

We will go to the common peak of the acropolis through propylene (προπύλαια) - a monumental parade passage to the Acropolis, built by the meal (V century BC). In antiquity to the construction, Pinakotek pavilions and the Adrian library were adjacent.

To the right of the entrance is the reconstructed church of Nicky Apteher (ναός αθηνάς νίκης), it is also called the temple of Athens-Niki, built to commemorate the triumph of ancient Greek troops over the Persians in V c. BC. Inside there was a statue of a honest goddess so that she could never leave Athens.

Parthenon, photo ROL247 *

For propellants there is a marble parfenon (παρθενών) - the main temple of the Acropolis, the great architectural symbol of ancient culture. The monumental structure framed by colonnade was built in 432 BC. The sanctuary from the stone brought from the Pentelian Mountains was erected. Parthenon became the standard of classical ancient architecture. Sometime, the statue of Athena Parfenos was decorated - a magnificent figure of ivory covered with gold. In the Byzantine period, this cultural value was taken to Constantinople.

Next to Parfenon, in the sacred part of the Acropolis, there is Erehehteyon (ἐἐέέέιιο) - the temple dedicated to Athena, Poseidon and Tsar Erechte, built on the site of the Mythological contest Athens and Poseidon. It is said that on his northern portica, there are marks left by the trident of God of the seas. The columns of the temple are made in the form of sculptures of young women (Caryatid).

The cost of the input ticket to the Acropolis - € 12. It is valid for 4 days, you get a free entrance to the theater of Dionysus, Roman Agor, ancient Greek agor, the temple of Zeus, the library of Adrian and Ceramics, the cemetery of ancient Athens. For children and adolescents until 18 years old - admission is free.

How to get there: go to the Acropoli station, the Red Metro line. You can get from Monastraki and Tissio stations.

New Acropolis Museum, photo tilemahos efthimiadis

The ultramodern building of the new Museum of Acropolis (μουσείο ακρόπολης) is located 300 meters from the acropolis. It was built on the site of archaeological excavations, which can be seen through the glass floor. The museum keeps archaeological finds from the archaic period (1800-600. BC) to Romanesque (I-V Vz. AD): Ancient eaves, borders, carved areas with bas-reliefs. The pearl of the museum collection is the original Caryatids taken from the Portication of Erehechthion.

On the roof of the building there is a cozy cafe, where you can drink something and enjoy the look at the view.

Entrance to the museum from Dionysiou Areopagitou. Nearest Metro Station Akropoli.

Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42. Site: Theacropolismuseum.gr.
The cost of the entrance ticket - € 5.

What can be viewed next to the Achropole

Hill Ares, photo santimb.photos

To the north-west of the foot of the Acropolis is the areaopag (ἄρειος πάγος) - the hill of Ares, on which the courts were held in ancient Athens.

Next to the western slope of the Acropolis is the low rocky hill of Pnix (πνὐξ) - the place of crowded assemblies of the ancient Ellinov. On the plateau of this semicircular hill with a stone elevation-tribune, starting from 507 BC. E., Athenian citizens gathered and took ecclesia. This is the first democratic authority in the history of mankind. When excavations of the 20th century, the sanctuary and altar of Zeus were found on the pantic.

Temple of Zeus Olympic, Photo Alexander Pappas

In a half-kilometer from the Hill of Acropolis to the south-east, the Grand Olympyone is the largest cultural structure of Eldlas - the temple of Zeus Olympic (ναός του ολυμπίου Διός). It was laid at about 515 BC. e.; Built more than six centuries. Today, only a number of columns with capitals survived from the ancient complex.

These sights are not included in our route, but you can explore them on another day.

Athenian Agora, photo Joaquin Javier Esteban Martinez

Ancient agora (ἀρχαία ἀγορά) is located at the foot of the Acropolis. In the ancient city, this area, built at Solon, was not just a market, and the center of public, cultural, sports life Athens. The center of Agora was a Panificine Street. Today, the Ruins of Sta (Colonnade) Hermes, the covered Staa Poikil with fragments of polychrome painting, a monument to ten tribes and ten Heroes of Attica (IV century BC).

Gefesta Temple, Keith Mac Uidhir

A unique building, one of the most preserved religious buildings of the entire ancient world, is considered to be the temple of Hephasta (ναός ηφαίστου), the god crafts and a blacksmith, erected in the west of Agora (449-415 BC).

Standing Attala, photo tilemahos efthimiadis

The two-storey complex standing Attala (στοά του ατττάλου) was a real shopping center of ancient Athens. Under the roof of a huge building with a length of 115 m, fencing with a powerful doric column, more than four dozen shopping beads were collected. Showcases of merchants were placed under the arches in portica. In the 3th century, standing was completely destroyed in the invasion of the gerulov. Recovery was conducted in the middle of the XX century. Now the Archaeological Museum of Agora is placed in this architectural monument.

Agora's visit is included in the price of the Acropolis.

Roman Agora

Roman Agora, Wind Tower and Mosque Fethiye Jami, Photo Tai Pan of HK

There is in Athens and the Roman agora (ρωμαϊκή αγορά της αθήνας), Roman market square, is an architectural complex from a rectangular courtyard with a colonnade, located on Pelopid and Eolu Street. But we are not there on the way. On the east side, it is worth the eight-marble marble tower of winds, created by astronomer Andronik Karerty (I century BC). If you go north of the square, you can see the legendary Adrian library.

The decoration of the Roman Agora is a fethi-jami mosque (φετιχιέ ταμί), built into the glory of the magometry of the conqueror in 1458 and recognized as the oldest monument to the Turkish era in Athens.

Monastiraki, photo evren3m999

The region of Monastiraki (μοναστηράκι) is bordered by Agora, one of the oldest in Athens. Attractions here are a bit. The mosque is preserved, built by the Turkish Voivod Cystarakka in 1759. It stands next to Monastiraki subway. Yes, the Church of Agiu-Philipp XVII century. On the street Adriana.

Monastraki love the unique atmosphere for the confusion here. Here you just walk, enjoy the game of street artists, sit in a cafe for a cup of coffee, they buy things in souvenir shops and antique salons. On the weekend it is worth looking at the flea market on the street of Ifesta.

While we got acquainted with the sights, the dinner time approached. I propose to eat on the central market, tasty and inexpensive. Therefore, head towards Varvakios Agora. The market works all days from 08:00 to 18:00 except Sunday, trading is fighting. Look home gifts on the market, well, and make colorful photos.

In the meat department there is a restaurant Papandreou with traditional Greek cuisine. Prices are democratic. Good lunch will cost about € 10-15. There are other excellent taverns on the market.

How to get to the market: From the metro station Monastiraki, you must pass 500 m.

We will continue our walk through the cozy rack of the cry (πλάκα). Narrow streets, taverns and atmospheric cafes, colorful residents. Houses for 2-3 hundred years, but they are built on antique foundations.

Look at the oldest Athens Street - Adriana.

Ermma (οδός ερμού) - the lively pedestrian streets of Athens, leading to Syntagma Square. You can buy something from clothes between things. But I advise you to spend time, since nothing exclusive and inexpensive will find.
By the way, the boutiques of luxury brands are at the beginning of the street, and then there are shops of democratic brands (Zara, Marks & Spencer, etc.).

Changing Karaul at the Parliament Building, Photo MPD01605

Having passed the street Erma, we will be on the area of \u200b\u200bthe Constitution (syntagma - πλατεία συντάγματος). The main attraction is the Palace of Greek Parliament (βουλή των ελλήνων). Nearby is a monument to an unknown soldier. Each hour, every hour passes the change of honor guard of the presidential palace and the Greek parliament, which consists of the soldiers of the National Guard "Evzonov" (translated from Greek - well subjected).

Evzons are dressed in a form similar to a national Greek costume. The form consists of a male woolen pleated skirt with 400 folds - fasteners; Happiens of bright red with a long brush - pharyon; Leather shoes - Tsaruh, every weighing about 3 kg, with large black pompons (knives were hid in pompons); garters with brushes for gutter - Calcodets; White shirt and stocking, vest. During the change of Karaul, the guardsmen are similar to the national dance.

Evzons take not only well trained, but also externally attractive soldiers with an increase of at least 187 cm.

On Sunday at 11:00, the shift of Karaul passes under the maintenance of the military orchestra.

Ancient artifacts at Sintagma Metro Station

Syntagma Metro Station (σταθμός συντάγματος) is similar to a small archaeological museum. As soon as you leave the metro car, unique finds appear in front of you, closed with glass. Among them are the ancient burials and a fragment of the ancient Athenian water supply. Artifacts found when the subway was laid in 2004

Ancient exhibits you can see at Akropolis stations, Monastiraki, but in Syntagma more interesting.

Archaeological Museum

Exposition of the Arching Museum, photo One-Thirteen

After inspecting the ancient artifacts at the station "Syntagma" wanted more details with the history of Athens. Then you in the National Archaeological Museum (εθνικό αρχαιολογικό μουσείο) or in the Benaki Museum.

The National Archaeological Museum is located near the Metro Station "Victoria". The exposition of the museum is the richest in Greece. It contains the sculptural exhibits of the ancient Greek and Roman era, a collection of Corinthian ceramics, mycken gold. The collection of the museum includes the famous exhibits of different time periods: Agamemnon's mask, the sculptural group "Aphrodite and Pan", a two-meter bronze statue "Poseidon", the statuette of Zeus Keravnovol, the figure of the goddess of giguees, the sculpture of "Jockey Boy".

Tens of museums are open in Athens: Byzantine and Christian, maritime, ceramics museum, historical, theater, university, and many more expositions, exhibitions, galleries.

Panathinaikos.

From Syntagma Square, we will pass through the Royal Garden to the Panafine Stadium or Panathinaikos (παναθηναϊκό στάδιο).

This huge structure is built entirely of white marble. The initial stadium, buildings 329 BC. e., not preserved. He was a venue for the Panificine Games dedicated to the goddess Athena. In 1895, the stadium was almost rebuilt on the money of Georgios Averoff. His statue now stands at the entrance.

From the Panificine Stadium, let's go through Anapafseos Street, at the end of which the first Athenian cemetery is located (πρώτο νεκροταφείο αθηνών), founded in 1837 this is the open-air museum, the burial place of the local elite. That neither the tomb is works of art. Impressive Mausoleum of the famous archaeologist Henry Schliman and his family.

On the territory of the cemetery, one Catholic Church and two Orthodox are constructed.

It's time for dinner. Look at the restaurant Funky Gourmet. Prices, of course, are not democratic here, and there is not a place from romantic, but feed - your fingers lick!

Address: 13 Paramithias Street. Metro Station - Metaxurgio (Red Line).

Likavit

Hill Likavitos, Photo Wally Gobetz

The evening burst unnoticed. Let's enjoy the evening panorama of Athens from the Likavitos hill (λυκαβηττός), the highest in Athens, it is also called a likabet. This is a great place to make photos of the evening acropolis, the port of Piraeus, and the Aegean Sea.

At the top we will see the cult monument of the Byzantine era of Eldla, the white chapel of St. George (XIX century); Restaurant and theater in the open sky.

Route: Go to Evangelismos Station (Blue Metro Line). Further along Ploutarchou Street to the bottom station of the funicular.

On the funicular you quickly and comfortably climb to the top of the hill. Movement interval 5-10 min. A ticket to both end costs € 14. Best, climb on the funicular, and go on foot.

On Likavitos you can take a taxi. You pay approximately € 25-30, and you have to walk for another 5 minutes.

Top Hill There are two pedestrian walkways. The rise in a quiet pace will take you 20 minutes.

The day ended, and along with him our walk through the ancient Athens.

Sand beaches of the city of gods

Falron.

Athenian beaches are drawn to many kilometers along the city and its surroundings. The most crowded - Faliron, free recreation area with sandy shore. For family holiday, Faliron is not suitable: the coast and water here are not different here.

Lutsa

In the eastern part of the city there is a sandy beach Lutsa. His prefers Athenian youth: for a large number of round-the-clock entertainment, taverns and surf clubs.

Alimim

One of the most visited is the beach Alimos on the southern outskirts of the city. Here is a pure sandy shore and excellent, in Athenian standards, infrastructure: There are many cafes and taverns, there are showers, umbrellas and lounge chairs, children's entertainment.

Ladzalakia Campos

The most comfortable beaches include Vomasalakia Campos - a fully equipped complex of recreation, with the court, volleyball courts, outdoor pool. The beach here is sandy, with pebbled plots.

Glyfada Bay

Great place for family holidays - Glyfade Bay, located in the suburbs, at a distance of 16 km from the capital center. This is a wide long strip of golden sand among the picturesque mining and wooded terrain. All necessary equipment and attractions are installed on the sandy paid beaches of glifted, water sports entertainment is offered, restaurants and clubs work, rescuers duty. Glyfada beaches marked with a blue flag.

Beaches Willia.

The worshi beaches are famous for the purest sand bottom, which is 18 km south of Athens. The cozy, well-equipped coastal zone surrounds the pine grove. A sports and training center has a sports center for all ages.

Vullamena resort area

The resort area of \u200b\u200bVullameni includes two sandy beach on the sea coast (Kavuri and Attica-Akti), an elite resort of Asteria-Volires with a complex of beaches, the thermal lake of Vullamena, on the shores of which is equipped with a cozy holiday destination.

Beach Cokkino Limanaki

The connoisseurs of the original natural beauty choose the beach of Kokkino-Limanaki next to the Rafina port. Here is an amazing turquoise sea, clean golden sand and picturesque red rocks of the cliffs.

Akti Varkise Beach

And 27 km to the east is the Bay of Varkis. There is a beautiful free beach of Akti Varkis with sports fields, a children's zone, attractions and many snack bars. A yacht club is open next to the beach.

In the most distant from the capital, Porto Rafti sandy beaches with famous fish taverns and chiñas are a favorite place of surfing fans; Beach zones of the town of Vavron and the famous resort at Cape Sunion - near the ruins of the ancient temple of Poseidon.

Transport in Athens

The city runs public transport: buses, trams, trolley buses, metro and suburban train. Quickly and convenient to get to the desired point on the subway. Ticket for all types of transport one.

Cost of one-time pass for 70 minutes. - € 1,20;
A ticket for 24 hours - € 4.

Buy tickets at the box office, in the machines at the metro stations and tram stops. Ticket be sure to compost.

How to get from the airport to the center of Athens

The Athenian International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" is 27 km from the center. You can get from the airport to the center by public transport: on the subway, bus express or taxi.

Metro

The easiest and most convenient way is to get to the subway. To get to the metro station Aerodromio (blue branch), you need to get out of the arrival hall through the second output, go the road and then on the signs - to Trains (to trains).

Purchase a metro ticket in the machine or cashier. Cost - € 8; back - back - € 14. Riding 40 minutes. Interval for about 30 minutes.

The scheme of the Athens Metro is watching.

On buses

Exprise buses go to the center of the airport: № x95 goes from Synthagm Square every 20 min; № x96 - from the port of Piraea; X93 - Kifissions areas; X97 - from Daphny.

The cost of the bus ticket is € 5. Tickets can be bought from the driver or at the metro ticket office.

Taxi

Alternative to public transport - a taxi. On it you will add directly to the right place without transfers. Athens will arrive from € 35 and will take a maximum of 40 minutes.

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