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Athens is the
capital city of Greece. It is in many ways the birthplace of Classical
Greece, and therefore of Western civilization. Athens was just a small
provincial village when it was chosen in the middle of the 19th century
to serve as the national capital of the modern Greek State.A large
proportion of the city and its suburbs pay homage to bad urban planning
and uninamiginative 1970s architecture. Athens displays an amazing
mix of architectural styles from across the centuries and under many
influences, making it a fascinating place to visit.
Athens has a population of five million. It is the country's heart
and the economic and industrial center, as well as the political and
cultural center. No matter how crowded it becomes with residents and
tourists, visitors still find it hospitable and welcoming.
Greece is the cradle of European civilization, and Athens has been
its capital since 1834. There is never time to be bored or to be at
a loss for an interesting activity in Athens. Visit the flea market
and the bazaar area at Monastiraki, look inside some of the hundreds
of tiny Byzantine churches, shop for a few hours in the fascinating
boutiques of Pláka, have a leisurely lunch in a taverna, watch the
people walk by, and maybe spend a little time writing in your travel
diary.
The structure of the land is characterized by a constant alternation
of low mountains and small plains. Bays and rocky or sandy coves dot
the coast of Attica. During the summer the beaches are filled with
Athenians and others enjoying their beauty.
When planning a trip to Athens, the weather is a consideration. Attica's
sunshine and pleasant climate give visitors the opportunity to enjoy
a trip to this beautiful city during any season. From March through
May, it is almost always pleasant and mild. Between June and August,
the temperature rises steadily, making August the month in which Athenians
try to avoid the city. September is usually balmy, with occasional
light rain. October offers beautiful weather. Most rain falls between
November and February. Even so, there are many sunny days in winter
and a brief, heavy rain is often followed by hours of brilliant sunshine.
Average daytime temperatures range from 52F in January to 92F in August.
There are ruins in unexpected places throughout the city. What first
appears to be a modern street will have fenced off areas containing
parts of ancient toppled columns, statues, etc. They have been sitting
there for hundreds of years and are now fenced for protection. Repair
and restoration work is ongoing. A visit to the Acropolis will include
the sight of workmen and ladders everywhere. The extensive work of
preservation is impressive.
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Athens
can seem overwhelming at first. The mountains, the rocks, the historic
ruins, the panoramic views of valleys and sea: nothing is small. Athens
is not scrubbed and polished; it has an ancient, lived-in look as befits
a city that has been inhabited for over 7000 years. Yet, it is so modern.
An interesting feature of Athens is that it is a study in contradictions!
At one moment you will be walking on modern streets with malls and superstores,
then you will turn onto a side street and suddenly find yourself in
another world with open air meat and fish markets, vegetable and fruit
stands, and pigs, rabbits, and cows hanging upside down by their feet.
Following a visit to the Acropolis, it is an easy downhill stroll to
the Agora, the heart of ancient Athens's political and commercial center.
The Agora is steps from the Monastiraki and Pláka districts, each filled
with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The next stop might be the National
Archaeological Museum to see the Mycenaean gold, the classical bronze
statues, and the beautiful frescoes from Akrotiri, the Minoan Pompeii
on the island of Santorini. It is hard to leave the Museum, so try to
plan for a return visit on another day.
While in Athens, consider a side excursion to one or more of the "isles
of Greece." It is easy to arrange a day trip by boat from Piraeus to
one or more of the islands of the Saronic Gulf: Aegina Egina, Poros,
and Hydra Idra. All are feasible day trips but it is best not to schedule
a tour for the day before you leave Athens. It is possible that a sudden
storm could leave you stranded for a day on an island. Allow time to
savor an unexpected adventure such as this!
The whole family will enjoy a walk (run) through the National Gardens,
and will be able to join Greek children in admiring the ducks and peacocks
in the small zoo. Another peak experience will be the culinary adventure
of sampling Greek cuisine. Huge feta cheese salads with olives, tomatoes,
lettuce, and locally produced olive oil are outstanding. The main course
of a meal in a taverna specializing in spit roasting is usually a plate
of some type of seafood or meat such as chicken, pork, lamb or beef.
The meat is grilled on a spit outdoors. Side dishes of fruit and vegetables
are also served. Local wines provide a complement to the meal.Whatever
the season, whether you have a day, a week, or a month to explore Athens,
it is time to be treasured. Athens, rich in culture and contrasts, is
a city like no other in the world.
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