Athens, Greece – Europe’s Oldest City

Athens – Capital and largest city in Greece. One of the world’s oldest cities.

Emerged as a powerful city state during the development of the port of Piraeus.

It is a center for arts, learning and philosophy. Home of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum.

Widely referred to as the cradle of western civilization and the birthplace of democracy.

In modern times, Athens is a large cosmopolitan metropolis. It is the center of economic, financial, industrial, political and cultural life in Greece.

Its port Piraeus is the largest passenger port in Europe and second in the world.

The urban area has a population of more than 3 million people.

10 Interesting Facts About Athens City

1. Athens is Europe’s old capital having its recorded history dating from 3,400 years back.
2. Athens has experienced almost every form of government such as monarchy, democracy, socialism, communism, and capitalism.
3. The ancient Olympic games were never held in Athens. At that time hosted its own games called the Panathenaic Games.
4. It is home to the first known democracy around 500 BC.
5. Athens has the most theatrical stages in the world. Home to 148 theater stages.
6. The Hotel Grande Bretagne is the oldest hotel in the city
7. Athens represents the millennia of architectural styles.
8. The city is the first European Capital of Culture.
9. Until recently, there was no museum of contemporary art in Athens.
10. The Metro hid unexpected archaeological finds.

8 Things to Do and Not to Do in Athens

1. Don’t wear high heels due to its uneven terrain but instead have flat shoes that will be easier to walk with.
2. Don’t walk around the Acropolis on a summer afternoon. The temperatures are so high and the ground gets too hot. Instead: Get to where you want to by by morning before 8am.
3. Do not drive yourself in the city. It is crowded with motorcycles that carelessly speed around you. Instead, find a car rental company that will drive you to the outskirts of the city.
4. You should not even try to see everything and visiting every place since you will not finish it. Instead, pick what interests you most and stick to that.
5. Never show much skin when visiting a church but instead mind your dress code. Long shorts or trousers for men and long skirts for women
6. Do not rely on credit cards. Instead, walk with cash. Greeks common transactions are done by cash.
7. You should not take any photos of military installation but instead respect the set rules and avoid trouble.
8. Unless stated otherwise, do not attempt to touch any exhibit at archaeological sites or in museums. You can ask the staff for permission when in doubt.

History of Athens

History

Climate

Climate

Geography of Athens

Geography

7 MOST FAMOUS THINGS IN ATHENS