An extraordinary country that has experienced periods of decline and prosperity, humiliation and greatness - Greece. Athens throughout the history of this state remained the center of all events. The highest peak of Athens' prosperity falls on the 5th century BC. This time was marked by victory in the war with Persia, which led to the development of the state, making it the largest in the world. During this period, the first principles of a democratic structure are born, and art reaches its highest degree of development. It was in this century that the capital of Greece learned about such philosophers as Plato and Socrates. The historians Thucydides and Herodotus, scientists and playwrights Sophocles, Aeschylus, Euripides, Aristotle lived here.
The capital of Greece proudly bears the name consonant with the name of the goddess of wisdom Athena. The legend says that there was a dispute between the god of the seas Poseidon and the warrior Athena about the right to be the patron of the city. The assembled Greek gods decided that power would fall into the hands of the one who presented the most valuable gift to the city.
The god of the seas hit his trident on a rock, images of a source of sea water in that place. In response, Athena hit the ground with herwith a spear, and an olive tree instantly grew there. After much deliberation, the gods decided that the goddess of wisdom brought the greatest gift to the city, and gave her power. Since then, the capital of Greece has been called Athens.
Tourists from all over the world go to this country to feel the world of ancient Greece, to see the preserved buildings with their own eyes. The main attraction and symbol of Athens is the Acropolis, built of white marble. This sacred rock today plays the role of a link, connecting the majestic ancient civilization with modernity. The Acropolis is rightfully the pride of the Athenians, and the whole of Greece is also proud of it. Excursions to this hill are very popular, because here the Parferon temple rises above the city.
In the 5th century B. C. A temple was erected in honor of the patroness of the city, arts and crafts, the goddess Athena Parthenos. That is why the Parthenon can be considered not only a temple, but also a kind of art gallery or museum. During the reign of Pericles, not only the Parthenon, but also many other temples were built on the Acropolis by the architects Iktin and Kallikrates. Most of them were dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, but, unfortunately, not all of them have survived to this day.
Athens is not only the Acropolis with its temples and mythological stories. The capital of Greece is filled with many other attractions. Ancient Agora, Kerameikos, Daphni Monastery, Benaki Museum, Museums of Greek Folk Instruments, Greek FolkArt, Cycladic and Greek Ancient Art and the National Archaeological Museum. Syntagma Square, also known as Concorde Square, is located in the very center of Athens. It houses the Parliament building, built in 1840. It was originally the Royal Palace.
Athens is not only historical monuments of architecture, it is a modern city, the streets of which are filled with all kinds of hotels, bars and restaurants. Traditional taverns are especially popular among local residents, where they spend time with pleasure and where they invite guests of the city. The Athenians are very hospitable and good-natured to tourists. Having visited Greece once, you will definitely want to return there again.
