Stay updated on emerging destinations, and travel trends in Athens & Beyond. In other words, it was not a government of all the people – women were excluded, as were slaves. Ok, maybe this is not true just for Athens but for entire Greece. And it was another Frenchman – the student of Greek Mythology and Classics Michel Breal – who proposed the idea of holding a race honoring Pheidippide’s original route with the news of the historic victory. By far the best known Athens landmark is the Acropolis of Athens. The scene doesn't get the national attention it once did, but it's only grown since the '80s. But seriously now. There is not one building up here, but several. Check out 5 things famous from Athens. And the Stadium where they were held was beautifully restored. Why? Simply put, democracy meant that citizens are voting for laws. The remains of such a wine shop were also found near the Athenian Agora. One of the most treasured ideals of the modern world is the concept of a government of the people. Her aim is to discover as much as possible from this world and to inspire others to do the same! Check out: A guide to the Ancient Agora of Athens. Many of the most famous places in Athens to see date back more than 2,000 years and are steeped in ancient Greek history. The home of Plato, one of the most famous ancient figures, and the one who establishes the first academy. In short, they love to philosophize. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. For a taste of true Athens, you can also join the locals at the “Bouzoukia” for traditional popular Greek music – love songs and so forth. Several portions of the race are uphill, including some quite steep ascents well into the race close to the 30 kilometer mark. Coronavirus crisis: Who benefits from the coronavirus pandemic? Unlike you may find in other parts of the world, the nightlife of Athens is by no means just for one specific age group. Athens has an endless list of buildings but some of the most famous buildings in Athens are temples like The Acropolis. The city flourished during classical antiquity and was the birthplace of Socrates, Pericles, and Sophocles. Greece is where academies were invented and where philosophers were born. To make the very most of your own visit, try to rise early and get to the Acropolis when it opens, especially if you visit in the summer, in order to beat the intense heat of the day and to beat the crowds for a moment of reverence and contemplation. The Greek capital takes advantage of its country’s excellence in wine production – check out the wine scene at the great wine bars of Athens, many of which specialize in Greek wine varieties. Dress to the nines – no one looks better than the Greeks for a night out. But even so, what is Athens famous for? The great statesman Solon (630 – 560 BC) is largely credited with laying the foundations for democracy. A great starting place for your explorations around Athens, Syntagma Square is one of the most recognizable and bustling sites in the city. “Philos” is love; “Sophia” is wisdom. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Athens, Greece on Tripadvisor: See 770,704 traveller reviews and photos of Athens tourist attractions. The Athens Classic Marathon – the race we know today – began in 1972. Why is the Parthenon important, special and famous? Check here and here. The Acropolis of Athens. Of course, the museum had to be built elsewhere, and Athens in the meantime gained yet another fascinating cultural monument – the ruins of the Lyceum. And the ancient Athenians were very, very devoted to the pursuit of knowledge. Athens is a city and the county seat of Henderson County, Texas, in the United States. It is not just a historic location, but also a spiritual foundation. An historical city steeped in culture and charm, Athens has all the ingredients you need for an unforgettable European city break. Restaurants in Bucharest: Where to eat and drink in Bucharest, Romania? Athens is known for its world-famous music scene, abundant history, and for being the home of the University of Georgia, which is the oldest state-chartered university in America. Actually, you have 5 answers, as I listed 5 famous things from Athens. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. December has the most rain – with rain falling for just over 12 days on average. I tell you, it’s delicious. In the Athenian democracy, there were some conditions for voter participation: male, adult, not foreign. The city of Athens, Greece, with its famous Acropolis, has come to symbolize the whole of the country in the popular imagination, and not without cause. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Great Schools of Philosophy were established in Athens. The weather is great, they have over 6000 islands and a great volume of history. You might want to check out: Athens at night. Why is personal development so important? Athens reached its peak of wealth, power, and size during his time. But, although the race has its origins in the history of Ancient Greece, it was not a part of the original Olympic Games. This city grew from a small fishing village to the most important city in the ancient world and developed the concept of democracy around the fifth century BC. "The Acropolis of Athens, the most famous Classical monument, architectural wonder dedicated for Athena the protectress goddess of the city, symbol of Athenian excellence and the … Also, voters also had the power to banish politicians from the city for 10 years. Athens began as a small, Mycenaen community and grew to become a city that, at its height, epitomized the best of Greek virtues and enjoyed such prestige that the Spartans refused to sack the city or enslave the citizens, even after Athens' defeat in the Peloponnesian War. Athens ranks among Europe’s sunniest cities. Greece is famous for being the birthplace of democracy, the creation of the Olympic Games, and for its unique and historical architecture. Travelers in the know love the fact that they don’t need to go far to have a classic beach holiday, Greek-style. But not just any talk – they love to debate, to really get to the heart of a matter, to pursue a truth. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 12,710. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OjLmBjtR_w&list=PLbNqGcpMkbmPSuXd1OYzOfzIj-a8SmXmR, Travel Alone or in a Group: 6 Travellers Talk about the Pros and Cons, How I planned a 1 Month Trip in Europe - On a Budget, Personal Growth: The journey of self-discovery through travelling, A post shared by Julia ✈ Europe Travel Blogger (@juliasomething), How to claim your delayed flight compensation in the EU (Register before the flight), How I planned a 1 Month Trip in Europe – On a Budget. The Athenian sunlight has an unusual clarity and beauty. Oh, and accidentally boomed by the Venetians in 1687. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. People have lived here starting between the 11th and the 7th centuries BC. Here is a compilation of 15 interesting facts you should know about Athens. Being the central hub for transportation links around the city and being surrounded by 5-star hotels, it’s easy to see why the square is the most popular meeting place for visitors and locals alike. Even a simple taverna meal can – and often does – turn into a memorable evening lasting until well past midnight. A place where people were eating cheese, figs and grapes, and where children played the lyre. Greeks love to dine out in groups, and a long evening around the table with friends is one of everyones’ favorite events. This was considered a golden age in Athens and is commonly referred to as "The Age of Pericles". The archaeologist also found a lot of fish bones, revealing the menu specialities (a tradition which is carried out to this day): oysters, mussels and large fish. Some accounts say that these were his last words, as he then succumbed to exhaustion. The story of the first Marathon brings us back to the 5th century BC and the years of the Persian wars. Everyone can agree that Athens is an interesting city. Did you know they also have a lot of vegan dishes? One of the things that Athens is known for today is something that they come by very easily through an important historical precedent – talking. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. After the Greek War of Independence, the vestiges of the interventions – Christian and Muslim alike – were removed from the Parthenon, in order to restore it as much as possible to its original spirit. The idea of commemorating the legendary first marathon and the great Athenian victory was a perfect fit for the spirit and philosophy of the Modern Olympic Games. To get the full experience, you might want to rent a car or use a transfer company to take you all the way down the coastline to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Therefore, democracy is literally the government of the people. The assemblies took place monthly, or perhaps as often as 2 – 3 times a month. However, it wasn’t completed until over six centuries later, during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian. Inhabited for more than 3,000 years, Athens is widely known as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Fundamental concepts that shape western thought were pioneered by some of the most fascinating minds in history, right here in Athens. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. Iulia is a traveller and her obsession started in her teenage years. Today, there are Marathons run all over the world. Evidence for this has come from pottery finds on and around the Acropolis but particularly from a group of about 20 shallow wells, or pits, on the northwest slope of the Acropolis, just below the Klepsydra spring. This body held more power – they put forth and prioritized the topics that would be discussed in the assembly, they oversaw the committees and appointed officials, and in times of war or other crisis, they could reach decisions without the larger assembly meeting. Blessed with a rich cultural and historical past, the city is the subject of many known – and lesser-known – facts. Jewelry (genuine hand-made gold and silver jewelry plus fake stuff). Do you know any other famous things from Athens? Its flavour has similarities with some other spices, such as star anise, fennel, and liquorice. Athenian mixologists are true artists, very often employing locals liqueurs and herbs and other ingredients for a sophisticated taste of Greece, shaken or stirred. Athens is also great for avant-garde culture, with many fascinating venues in old factories and other alternative spaces. Prominent benefactor Evangelos Zappas was instrumental in reviving the games. The “Light of Greece” has inspired generations of poets and writers. Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. Greece also has a new interest in craft beers – hoppy, complex, and delicious. These numbered at least 200, and could be as many as 6,000. The Acropolis is built on a rocky hill high above the city as one of the great temple dedicated to Goddess Athena, the soul of Athens. The Parthenon is so special because first of all is the symbol of Athens democracy. Socrates (470 – 399 BC) had taught here, as had Plato and the famous rhetorician Isocrates. There are but a few days per year that the sun does not break through the clouds, and there are nearly 2,800 hours of sunshine per year (compare that to some British cities for example, which can often get about half that). The great sculptor Phidias created the “Athena Parthenos” – the great statue inside the Parthenon – as well as the famous marbles of the Parthenon frieze, many of which were removed at the beginning of the 19th century by Lord Elgin, and are now in the British Museum. Here are some things that Athens is most famous for – from ancient times to our contemporary days. It had 104 massive columns, making it the largest temple in Greece, housing also one of the largest cult states of the ancient world. But it was a powerful beginning. The original marathon has a more interesting backstory. The dramatic drive, hugging the shoreline, is just lovely. This first official Marathon did in fact start in Marathon, and end in Athens. To get a sense of the daily life of the ancient Athenians, a visit to the Agora is invaluable. I hope you are enjoying reading my blog. And surely you have heard of ouzo. At the edge of the National Gardens is the spectacular temple to Olympian Zeus that predates the Parthenon. A city in which statues of Ancient gods are still in place. It was in an idyllic olive grove outside the ancient city walls of Athens, in a spot dedicated to Athena. We have reviews of the best places to see in Athens. The traditional Greek cuisine included on its menu: bread, lamb, pork, beef, salad, fish and seafood dishes, tzatziki (yoghurt, garlic and cucumber dip), souvlaki (small pieces of meat and sometimes vegetables grilled), wine and spirits (ouzo and Metaxa brandy). It’s almost like therapy, resetting your circadian rhythms and banishing away the blues. Hadrian’s Library is very close by. One of Athens’ prominent monuments – the Zappeion in the National Gardens – was built for these modern games. It’s also therefore one of the oldest capitals of europe. Many of Classical civilization’s intellectual and artistic ideas originated there, and the city is generally considered to be the birthplace of Western civilization. It is one of the most familiar sights of Athens. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. This is an impressive ruined temple right in central Athens also known as the Olympeion. Check out: A guide to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Ouzo is a dry anise-flavoured aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece (also in Cyprus, Lebanon and Israel). The modern games were organized by the International Olympic Committee, which was overseen by Pierre de Coubertin, a French historian, and educator. Pheidippides – sometimes called Philippides – was the messenger who was dispatched to announce the victory. It’s amazing to know this is so close to Athens. It was based on a direct democracy system, in which eligible citizens directly voted on laws. The architects were Callicrates and Ictinus. Consisting of a … Athens is a crossroads of the ancient and modern times, where Hellenic classicism and Athens neoclassicism, mingle with the productivity and the desire for renovation that have marked the architecture of the last century. The Acropolis. Actually, when we think about the Acropolis from Athens, we think about the Parthenon, the big and damaged sacred temple from the top of the hill. So if you forget all the other points, remember that the answer to “What is Athens famous for?” is “Democracy.”. What is Athens famous for? While we’re on the subject of sunshine, we should mention the Athenian Riviera. But even so, what is Athens famous for? The Democracy of Ancient Athens had a complex structure and involved the direct participation of all eligible citizens. This is the southernmost capital on the European mainland. Photo by: Christophe Meneboeuf Creative Commons More Athens Famous Landmarks View Larger Map The Acropolis of Athens is arguably the most famous acropolis in the world. Hi there! The Acropolis is therefore not a building, but the entire plateau that rises above the Plaka district. At the end of the 6th century, Cleisthenes made Athenian democracy more ‘democratic’ – he did this by reorganizing citizens not according to their wealth, but according to where they lived. This bustling city is also an important center for culture, nightlife and sports. The Parthenon was built in 438 BC. Evidence for this has come from pottery finds on and around the Acropolis but particularly from a group of about 20 shallow wells, or pits, on the northwest slope of the Acropolis, just below the Klepsydra spring. Athens is known for its world-famous music scene, abundant history, and for being the home of the University of Georgia, which is the oldest state-chartered university in America. The gorgeous stretch of Athens’ coastline has immaculately groomed full-service beaches, fine dining, great cafes and beach bars, and plenty of activities like watersports for an adrenaline boost. Check out: The top Ancient Greek Philisophers. Athens - Athens - History: The site of Athens has been inhabited since the Neolithic Period (before 3000 bce). The Lyceum was discovered much more recently, in 1996. There was also a “Boule” – a smaller body consisting of 500 who were, like the proedroi of the assembly, chosen by lot and for a limited term. Livability showcases America's best places to live, covering research-driven topics about communities around the country through engaging stories, photography and video. Athens has 3 hills and the Acropolis with the most famous Parthenon is on one of them. You can find details of the most significant below. Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Athens is a sprawling city established among seven historic hills and surrounded by remarkable mountains. The gate of Athena Archegitis and the House of the Winds are among the most recognizable and loveliest of the monuments among the many picturesque ruins. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Wander among these ancient grounds and look for the water clock, the ‘tholos’ where the representatives of government stayed and the weights and measures were kept, the ‘bouleuterion’ – the assembly house where the government convened (see more on this below), the gymnasium, and several temples. The city of Marathon is roughly 25 miles (40 km)  away from Athens. Philosophy is central to the cultural heritage of every Athenian, and even in the most casual conversations you will hear references that tap into this timeless wisdom. Great music venues of all sizes are found throughout the downtown area hosting national and local acts of varying genres. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The fortified structure sits high on a hill overlooking the ancient city of Athens in Greece. Everyone could address the assembly and vote – which they did by a show of hands. A visit to the Acropolis – a treasure of the Western World and a cultural pilgrimage – is for many the highlight of a trip to Greece. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. If you enjoyed reading this post about Athens monuments and landmarks, … Check out my recommended vegan restaurants in Athens. The Panathenaic Stadium– popularly also called Kallimarmaro – was built in 330 BC for the Panathenaic Games, and rebuilt in marble by Herodes Atticus in 144 AD. And rather than being open to all men over 18 or 20, the posts in the dikastiria were only open to men 30 and over. By happy circumstance, it was a Greek – Spiridon Louis – much to the joy of the Greek people. […] heading to Athens, you might be wondering What is Athens famous for?. Members could serve for one year, and for a second, non-consecutive year. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Than this – Athens is more than 3,000 years, Athens will soon become for... Ancient monument in Athens happy with it were very, very devoted to the grand temple complex 1205 the. Love the fact that they don ’ t completed until over six centuries later during! As much as possible from this world and to inspire others to do today, this weekend, perhaps! Become famous for? 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