Athens - the city of eternal beauty and freedom

 Athens stands at the heart of Western culture. Its beauty echoes both its ancient past and present-day context.

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Athens was where the concept of democracy first took root. A cosmopolitan city-state with far-reaching impact, classic Athens provided western elites with the inspiration to emulate its excellence for personal gain and secure their own prestige.

The Acropolis

Athens offers something for every type of visitor - history buffs will adore exploring what remains of ancient democracy, while partygoers flock to its beaches and vibrant nightlife scene. Athens' iconic feature, however, is undoubtedly its Acropolis: an archaeological site featuring amazing features such as its five thousand year-old amphitheatre, temples and castle.

It is easy to see why the Acropolis was an ideal site for city-states: boasting views over all seaward approaches and protected by protective mountains, the Acropolis remains a beacon for cultural exchange between different communities today.

The Parthenon

Athena stands as goddess atop Acropolis in an exquisite marble temple known as Parthenon. This structure boasts an ornate frieze that wraps its interior cella, as well as a pediment, featuring metopes depicting dramatic narratives according to Ian Jenkins:

The Parthenon is an impressive work of art. Though constructed according to stringent specifications regarding ratios, symmetries, and columns, its designers ensured each structure displayed its own individual character.

Neils notes that Athens' building program was not simply intended as a tribute to its victory over Persia; rather, it also promoted a concept of Athenian citizenship characterized by being part of cultural life while carrying political responsibility as well. Neils believes this elevated view of citizens played a large part in creating Athens' golden age after this victory over Persia.

The National Archaeological Museum

The museum's main features are organized chronologically. Early highlights of note include an impressive golden-horned bull's head; a gold vase depicting wild bulls and long-tressed women; an outstanding collection of black figure pottery displaying two scenes on opposite sides, for instance revellers on one and Greek men in cloaks on another; as well as fragments from Eleusis Temple with its iconic wooden horse.

Plaka and Thission neighborhoods of Athens serve as living museums, with ancient ruins, statues, tavernas, mansions, apartments from many eras, as well as modern metropolises with their grungy urban atmospheres combining history and current events in their unique Athensian style. Plaka en Thission have long been known to attract visitors seeking historical architectural treasures while Athens stands as an embodiment of philosophy and democracy; Athens stands apart with its distinct Athensian style

The National Garden

Athens is more than an open-air museum; it is also the birthplace of democracy, theatre and Western philosophy. Today it stands as an exciting modern metropolis that boasts both urban charm and an unparalleled culture of hospitality.

First-time visitors to Athens may focus on seeing the Parthenon, but there are numerous other reasons to explore its enigmatic capital. Museums provide everything from stunning gilded bronzes and gold ornaments to an extensive collection of black-figure pottery depicting revelry on one side and Greek conversation on the other, not forgetting its magnificent Acropolis citadel ruins.

Plaka, Thission and Psyri are like walking through history classes as you pass ruins and mansions from various eras, alongside fashionable shops, boutique hotels and traditional tavernas - an impressive combination.

The New Acropolis Museum

The New Acropolis Museum features glass floors to show archeological excavations taking place beneath it, as well as a central section dedicated to Parthenon sculptures which will soon be returned to their proper locations; unlike at the British Museum where they have been scattered among exhibition halls.

Michalis Fotiadis and Bernard Tschumi's design of this building exemplifies a triumph of common sense: an elegant yet unassuming structure free from any hint of exhibitionism or narcissism; instead natural light acts as the driving force that connects modernity and antiquity through dialogue.

Greek government efforts to secure the return of the Marbles continue to demonstrate impressive cultural diplomatic and soft power abilities; most recently by reaching a deal with Leonard Stern for the return of his collection.