Athens is the capital of Greece, and one of Europe's oldest and most famous cities. It has been a center of philosophy, science, and democracy for thousands of years. The city is also known for its amazing beaches Athens Guide.

The name Athens comes from the Greek goddess Athena. She was the patron of the city. Poseidon, the god of water, gave her an olive tree. However, he was angry because she had changed the city's name. This caused a major conflict, so Athena asked for a new name. One of the names was Akti.

During ancient times, Athens was a powerful city-state, but it also was a victim of civil war and tyranny. There were also more than a dozen revolutions in the city. These events shaped the city's character. In addition to these events, there was a great deal of passion and suffering that influenced the character of the people.

After Pericles took power in the city, he built the Parthenon temple. The temple was one of the greatest masterpieces in Ancient Greece. He also built the Olympic Stadium.

Athens is now a thriving city, with all of the benefits of a large metropolitan area. The Acropolis is still a prominent landmark in the city. Originally, the Acropolis was constructed with stone walls. Today, it is protected by legislative decrees and is considered a monument.

There are plenty of museums in Athens. You can visit the Benaki Museum, which displays more than 3,000 objects of centuries-old Greek art, including ceramics, swords, and jewelry. Or you can see the National Archeological Museum, which holds over 11,000 Greek treasures.

There are many markets in Athens. If you are looking for an inexpensive souvenir, you can visit the Monastiraki Flea Market. It is similar to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, and you will find almost anything you want there. Some of the more unusual souvenirs to buy include handmade leather sandals, Greek pottery, and worry beads.

Another major building in the city is the Ancient Agora. As a commercial and political center of the city, the Agora was an important place to meet and socialize. Government officials held meetings there, and citizens would gather to talk about government policies. People could also sell their property there.

Another important monument in the city is the Odeion of Herodes Atticus. The Odeion was built in 161 AD. It features a cedar-roofed theater. Although it was destroyed later, it was restored in the 1950s.

A third major building in the city is the Hellenic Parliament Building. It is the home of the Greek Presidential Guard, which raises and lowers the flag every Sunday. The guards are an elite group of Greek soldiers.

Despite its history, Athens is a beautiful city. Many of the original buildings from the 5th century BC still stand today. But the city is also undergoing a revitalization as a host city for the 2004 Olympic Games Athens24.

Contemporary urban scenery reflects the dynamic personality of Athens, which is a multi-cultural, modern city. Whether you choose to visit the ancient sites, explore the city, or just sit down for a meal in a local restaurant, you'll be delighted with the city's scenery.