Athens

Athens, Greece

The capital of Greece is one of the world's oldest cities, with a recorded history of over 3000 years. Ancient Athens was a powerful city state. Greece is the birthplace of philosophy and is acclaimed as the“Cradle of Western Civilization”.

Today, Athens is a fascinating mix of history and modernity, with iconic historical landmarks blending in with plush modern architecture.

Getting around

• Acropolis

  The most prominent cluster of ancient Greek buildings dates back to 580 BC and is visible wherever you are in the city. The ancient site is recognized as one of the world’s seven new wonders.

• The Parthenon

  Crowning a limestone hill, the temple has been reduced to ruins after having weathered for 2000 years. Statues are gone. Reliefs have flaked off. But the columns still standing are a reminder of the temple's splendid past.

• Theater of Dionysos

  One of the two semicircular theaters, the site fully embodies ancient Greeks' obsession with art. It's still a venue for outdoor summer concerts and shows today.

• National Archaeological Museum of Greece

  It houses a huge collection of nearly 20,000 relics from different historical periods, most of which depict the stories from Greek mythology.

• The Arch of Hadrian

  The triumphal arch was erected in 132 AD to honor Roman Emperor Hadrian. Behind it are 15 massive columns, the ruins of the Temple of the Olympian Zeus. Today, the arch is still a symbolic gate to Athens.

  
  
  
• Athens Olympic Stadium

  The stadium dating back to the end of the 17th century was patterned on ancient Greek arenas and became the venue of the first International Olympic Games. The horse hoof-shaped site features two parallel lines linked to a curved arc. The wall at its entrance is adorned with the five-ringed symbol of the Olympics.