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As goddess of spinning and weaving, Athena decided to help a poor but talented weaver called Arachne. Arachne won great admiration but took all the praise without crediting the goddess, and so Athena challenged her protégé to a weaving contest. Arachne’s work depicted the inappropriate love affairs of the gods; Athena, furious with indignation, turned Arachne into the first spider.

Well-equipped, modern and stylish, if a little lacking in character. The excellent business facilities make it popular with executives, who probably also appreciate the gym, sauna, pool and shuttle to the city centre.

This conservatory, named after Greece’s native daughter, hosts the annual international Maria Callas Grand Prix opera competition. Sunday breakfast in the courtyard is accompanied by opera records.

A new addition, and one with a clear focus on style. The metal-toned, minimalist lobby leads up to rooms that are designer-sleek, sharp and fully fitted out with luxury amenities. Staff seem genuinely eager to make your stay a pleasure.

The Athenians decorated their offering with elegant friezes depicting their hometown heroes Theseus and Herakles. The latter’s famous Twelve Labours were performed at the Oracle’s behest.

Masterpieces of ancient shipbuilding (c.700–500 BC), triremes were the key to Athens’ naval strength. Approximately 40 m (130 ft) long and 5 m (15 ft) wide, they were noted for great speed – up to 12 knots per hour. The boats were powered by 170 oarsmen seated on three tiers. Only one tier rowed at a time, alternating short shifts so they did not exhaust themselves all at once. The vessels were also equipped with sails, which were lowered during battle.

The only campsite in the Athens area and thus the cheapest sleep around. But it’s located in a depressing strip off a busy highway well over an hour outside the city. Head here as a last resort when you’re completely strapped for cash.

The headquarters for managing Athens’ chaotic sprawl. The archaeological dig in front reveals an area just outside Athens’ old city walls.

Located just steps away from the bustle of Syntagma and the top-notch shopping of Ermou, the Cypria’s recently renovated rooms are clean and comfortable, if a little bland and uniform. A hefty breakfast buffet offers hot and cold dishes until 10am.

Bold, bright bowls, platters, vases and ornaments, some decorated with stripes, zigzags and naïve painted fruit, others just left plain and natural.