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Athens, Greece

Athens the name itself reminds us of magnificent Acropolis, the gigantic Parthenon and of the ancient Greek civilization which played a key role in the cultural development in the West. At present, Athens, the capital of Greece, is the largest city of the country. Replete with the ancient monuments and works of art, Athens is a metropolitan city, famous as the cradle of the ancient Greek civilization.

The city of Athens is spread across the plain of Attica and encircled by Mount Hymettus(Ymmytos) in the east, Mount Parnitha in the north, Mount Agealeo in the west, the Saronic Gulf in the southwest and Mount Penteli in the northeast. The climate ranges from mild winter to very hot summers.

Athens' history spans over 3000 years as people lived there since Neolithic Age. Athens reached its pinnacle of glory in the 5th century B.C when it became the seat of rich culture and civilization. The name Athens was given after the Greek goddess Athena.

As the ancient Greeks showed their mastery in the field of philosophy art, sculpture, literature and drama, Athens became known not only for its cultural achievements, but also as the birthplace of democracy. It was in Athens that Greek philosopher Aristotle founded his school Lyceum and Plato established his Akademia. Socrates, Pericles, Sophocles are some of the names among the brigade of eminent philosophers, writers, dramatists, politicians who were born in Athens.

Athens was invaded number of times and went many ups and downs over the passage of time. In the nineteenth century, Athens emerged as a capital of independent Greek kingdom and became the host of first modern Olympics in 1896. Athens presents a fine blend of the ancient world and modernity. As you walk around the famous triangle area comprising of Plaka,, Psyri, Thission you will see the coexistence of the old, worn out buildings with the new, luxurious shopping malls and fancy stores. King Otto's palace at Syntagma Square is now the parliament of Greece and the Square is like the heart of the city.

The prime attraction of Athens is of course the Acropolis and the Parthenon. The Acropolis hill or the "Sacred Rock" is the most important tourist attraction of the city. Over the passage of time, the hill was used as a cult place for worship of Goddess Athena. There are monumental entrances called Propylaea demonstrating the brilliance of ancient Greek architecture. But the highest point of Greek art is said to have achieved in the Parthenon, the world famous temple dedicated to goddess Athena.

There are many more specimens of ancient architecture in the city like Athens academy, Athens City hall, University of Athens and numerous old buildings made in classical style. Everyone should visit the museum to know about history of Athens. Otherwise , one can spend time near the beaches in and around Athens or visit the famous hills. The nightlife of Athens is famous for the diverse options for recreation that the city offers to the people.