Athens is probably the capital of Europe that has undergone changes in recent years. While Athens has become a modern metropolis still retains the atmosphere of a small town. Here the ancient meets the future and the ancient monuments form an Athens classic decor for a new and more fashionable, and it is precisely these stark contrasts that make exploring the city so exciting.

Photography by Titanas

Athens had its golden age in the V century BC, when it built the most ancient monuments. During the Byzantine and Turkish eras the city fell into a small village, later becoming the capital of free Greece in 1833. For the 2004 Olympics changed almost all the infrastructure, and the metro, trams, new ring roads and viaducts have eased the pressure of huge automobile traffic.

Athens continues to be disorderly and chaotic – if not, it would be Athens – and despite all the improvements retains much of its oriental charm. The entire coast from Piraeus to the old airport is now Hellenikon plantations, bridges and walkways. The Plaka district has re-emphasized and is about to reach Psyrrik, Gazi and Rouf in regard to restaurants.

Search Anafiotika neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis, and experience being in a village in the middle of the city. In Exarchia there is still a little shameless anarchic atmosphere around the Technical University, while the fashionable Kolonaki is now more than ever.

Photography by Otterman56

Places to visit in Athens:

National Archaeological Museum of Athens

Here are the most spectacular objects in ancient Greece. One room contains the findings of Schliemann at Mycenae. They are also exposed Santorini’s famous frescoes. The collection of Cycladic idols is excellent, and the ceramic. Price: 7 euros for adults, 3 euros for children.

Photography by Effervescing Elephant

The Acropolis of Athens and its surroundings:

Dionysus Theatre – The Parthenon, the Temple of Athena, is the great attraction. Another building is the Erechteion, where women’s columns, the Caryatids have been replaced by copies on the grounds of air pollution. The Herod Atticus Odeon on the south slope of the Acropolis is a Roman theater with capacity for 5,000 spectators and is used in the annual Athenian festival, with performances of ballet and world-class music. Dionysus Theatre is adjacent to the Herod Atticus. Almost all ancient tragedies and comedies were written for this scenario.

Agora – was both the market and the political center. The Agora is dominated by Attalus and Theseion stoa, or Hefaisteion, sacred to the god of the forge and the legendary hero Theseus.

Benaki – A historical museum with many objects dating from the Stone Age until the war of independence against the Turks. In the annex there is usually very interesting special exhibitions.

Museum of Contemporary Art of Greece (MOCA):
It is in a temporary facility until 2006 at the Megaron Concert Hall Mousikis, then to move again to the old FIX brewery. Much video art and experimental facilities.

Good Luck!