stands on top of the tallest hill of Athens, the so-called "Sacred Rock". The Acropolis include the Temple of Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion with the Karyatides, the Propylae and many other constructions. Most of these constructions have undergone many damages along centuries but a large effort for their reconstruction has started over the last years.
The Acropolis was built in the 5th century BC, on the peak of the classical era of Athens. It was dedicated to goddess Athena, the protector of the town and was an inspiration of Pericles, this great statesman who marked the history of this city-state and made it the largest naval power in Greece.
 All domains of culture flourished that century in Athens: philosophy, theatre, rhetoric, and it is often said that the foundation of western civilization was put that time. People like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Eyripides, Sophocles, Aristophanes, Thucidides, Pericles and many others are still famous all over the world for their work and ideals.
The peak of Athens ended with the defeat in the Peloponnesian war, in the end of the 5th century. Then, the city was conquered by the Romans and although it was respected for its culture, it never again got back its old glory.
In the Byzantine times, Athens was a city of the Byzantine empire and many churches were built that survive till today.
Then, the town was conquered by the Venetians and the Ottomans. In these centuries, till the 19th century when it was free again, many of the ancient sites were partly or fully destroyed, like the explosion of the Parthenon by the Franks during a siege of the Acropolis.
In 1832, Athens became the capital of Greece and a new era of reconstruction started, as Bavarians architects would come to Athens and built impressive Neoclassical houses and public buildings, many of which survive till today, such as the Academy of Athens, the Hellenic Parliament, the Old Parliament that now houses the Historical Museum, Zappeion Hall or the University of Athens.
 In the modern times, after the Second World War, Athens was shocked by a wave of internal immigration, when people from all the Greek countryside would come to Athens to study and work. This affected hugely the city, as new architectural designs were promoted (detached houses were replaced by blick of flats and new avenues were carved).
Nowadays, the traditional architecture is mostly preserved in quarters like Plaka, Thission, Psiri and Keramikos.
Athens is a town with lots of sightseeing, most within a walking distance one from the other. The Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, the Temple of Zeus, the Roman Stadium (Kallimarmaro) are only few of the must-sights to see. There are also many museums all around the city and frequent tours are organized to help tourists discover the hidden beauties of Athens. |
 |
 Travel Services |
        
| Famous destinations |
|
Back:
More:
Related: