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Athens : Overview & Top 10

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Athens

Athens is simultaneously known as the Classical, marble-pillared cradle of Western civilization and as a modern urban sprawl of concrete and traffic. Between the extremes lies a kaleidoscopic city, where the influences of East and West entwine in the markets, cafés and tavernas, built upon ancient ruins and rubbing shoulders with gold-leafed Byzantine churches.

  • After studying with Plato, Aristotle tutored Alexander the Great. He later set up the Lyceum, a competitor to Plato’s Academy. His Poetics is still one of the most important works of literary criticism, and his Nichomachean Ethics among the greatest treatises on ethics.

  • The priciest of the budget options, but the hotel offers nice wooden floors, art in every room and a short walk to the Acropolis and several good restaurants. There are low monthly rates in the off season. No breakfast served.

  • Apollo’s twin sister was goddess of the moon and the hunt, and remained a virgin.

  • One of the best-established of the cluster of Psiri galleries, Artio is known for promoting the work of cutting-edge conceptual artists.

  • This deserted early Helladic settlement is a delightful swimming spot. Nobel Laureate George Seferis thought so, too, in his ode to a place “unknown, forgotten by all, even Homer”.

  • In the 5th century BC, courtesan Aspasia gained acceptance in Athens’ male-dominated intellectual and political circles.

  • Greece’s finest white wine is redolent of honeysuckle and figs – one of the most unusual in the Mediterranean.

  • Very exclusive seaside resort that’s popular with the Greek jet set. The complex encompasses three hotels, private beaches, leisure facilities and sea-water pools. Shuttle buses and limousines provide access to central Athens.

  • In Ancient Greek mythology, Athena (see Athenian Legends) became the patron of Athens.

  • Zeus’s daughter was a virgin warrior goddess of wisdom and philosophy. She was also goddess of weaving and patron of Athens.

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