The landmark hill of the Acropolis looms over Greece's busy metropolis. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises. Athens' age-old symbol, the Acropolis was built by the Athenians during the 5th century B. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises. C. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises. in honor of the goddess Athena, patron of the city. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises. The temple complex was regarded as a citadel of the gods, with the Parthenon standing out as the architecturally most sophisticated temple of that period. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises. To this day, it causes a sense of wonder to even the most jaded visitor. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises.
In 1834, Athens became the capital of modern Greece with a population of fewer than 10,000. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises. Today, about a third of the country's more than four million people live in the city. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises. The central area of modern Athens is relatively small, stretching from the Acropolis to Mount Lycabettus. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises. Its layout is simple: three main streets - Stadiou, Venizelou and Akademias - link the two main squares, Syntagma and Omonia. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises. Despite its traffic congestion and massive air pollution, the city is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Greece. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises. A stroll around the main squares or in areas off the beaten track can provide a feel of the unique character of Athens. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises. Observe the activities at the central market or simply enjoy a cool beverage in one of Athens' many sidewalk cafés. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises.
The real treasures of Athens are found in its classical art and architecture, which date to the very beginning of Western civilization. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises. The highlight remains the Acropolis complex as it has been since the 5th century B. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises. C. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises. In addition, there is the National Archaeological Museum, which contains one of the most exciting collections of antiquities in the world. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises. A visit to this bustling metropolis serves as a vivid reminder of how much the world has changed since the beginning of Western civilization. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises.
Piraeus is Athens' busy seaport, located eight miles from the city. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises. Traveling time is anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending greatly on traffic conditions. Athens, Greece Gay Cruises.
