When in the main city of Attica. The meaning of the word "attica

Attica is one of the historical regions of Greece with rich history, which is confirmed by many archaeological finds and historical monuments. A geographical position the region makes it one of the most attractive in terms of tourism and recreation.

Geographical position

Attica attracts not only with its history and natural attractions. This is the land where ancient legends and myths still live. The territory where Attica is located is located in the southeastern part of Greece and is washed on three sides by the waters of the bays Aegean: Saronic from the south, Petalia from the east, Notios Evvoikos from the northeast. In the north, it borders one of the regions of Central Greece - Boeotia, and in the west - with the Peloponnese. Attica also includes the islands of the Saronic Gulf. mostly mountainous, especially in the north, gradually decreasing to the south. Mountains Kiferon and Parnet, which are the natural border with Central Greece, stretch across the entire region with their spurs. They represent a rocky mountain range, only in the higher part, covered with a coniferous forest. The largest of the spurs of Parnet are Pentelikon and Gimette. The lower spurs of Kiferon, going to the south, are called Kerata, and the southeastern branch merges with Parnassus at an altitude of more than 1400 meters and forms a mountainous area extending to the sea. By south edge This region is crossed by Mount Lavrius, which ends at the southernmost point of the peninsula - Cape Sounion.

Plains and rivers

Valleys with rocky soil are located between the mountain ranges. There are three largest plains in Attica:

• The Athenian Plain is bounded in the north by Mount Parnet, in the northeast by the Pentelikon chain, and in the southeast by the Hymettus Mountains;
• The Triassic Plain, the flattest, extends northward to Kyferon and Parnet, and from the east the Spurs of Parnet separate it from the Athenian Valley;
• the valley between Hymettus and the chain of mountains in the east is the most hilly;
• off the coast, due to alluvial lands, wide flat strips have formed, of which the largest is the Marathon Plain, the other is located near the mouth of the Asop.

Attica is one of the driest regions in the country. There are no deep rivers here that could be used for irrigation. The most significant of them:

• the largest river of Attica - Kefiss, flowing through the Athenian valley, it originates at the foot of Pentelikon and flows in a south-western direction, but most of the water volume goes to irrigate the arid plain;
• another river, Ilissus, flows from the foothills of the Hymettus, but is soon lost in the sands.
• another stream, Enoe, flows through the Marathon Plain.

The shores of Attica are cut by many picturesque and convenient bays for navigation, which resulted in the development of navigation. Currently these cozy bays and the bays, thanks to the warm climate, are a favorite vacation spot for surfers and divers, and coastline filled with gorgeous sandy beaches.

Climatic conditions

The mild subtropical climate of Attica is characterized by long dry summers and short, wet winters. The average summer air temperature is 26-28 degrees, but in July and August the temperature can reach 38 degrees. Due to the low humidity, the heat is tolerated quite easily. The swimming season lasts from April to October. In winter, the air temperature is from five to ten degrees Celsius, but there is little rain. Such a temperate climate can be explained by the influence of air currents coming from Mediterranean Sea- in winter they blow and in summer - cool winds from the northeast. Doesn't happen here extreme heat and the winter cold of continental Europe.

Soil and natural resources

The Atticians did not allow grain to be grown here. Due to the stony soils and lack of moisture, the valleys were of little use for agriculture, but ancient authors wrote that although bread does not grow on this land, it will feed more people than if it grew here. This will happen due to the abundance of magnificent stone for the construction of temples and altars, as well as the presence of silver, available here by the will of the gods. And for ships, Attica is a land that has reliable marinas where they can hide from bad weather.

Attica marble

The mountains of Attica consist of limestone and slate, as well as magnificent marble, the extraction of which began at the turn of the 3rd - 2nd millennium BC. Ancient Greek temples, which were initially built from limestone, began to be erected from marble, which was mined at Pentelikon. The Parthenon was built from it. Pentelia marble is distinguished by its purest white color and fine grain. It also shines wonderfully in the sun, but turns yellow over time. In the construction of the Acropolis, Piraeus marble of dark colors was also used. In Attica, Eleusinian marble of almost black color, fine-grained Hymettian marble, was also mined. This material was highly valued and was exported from Greece to Ancient Rome, where it was used in architecture and sculpture. The reddish cliffs of the Lavrion Mountains contained mines rich in silver, and the Hymetta mountain range was a source of excellent honey.

Pottery and agriculture

The reddish clay of Attica was especially appreciated, it was good quality and easy to work with, so pottery was well developed. Amphoras were made from clay - large jugs with a narrow neck and handles, in which wine and olive oil were stored and transported. Clay was also used for the manufacture of tiles, pipes, barrels and many other household items.

Thanks to mild winters, dry summers and an abundance of sun on the plains of Attica, olive trees have always grown well and vineyards have been grown on the mountain slopes, therefore wine, olives, olive oil, figs have always been the main products of agriculture and were exported. In ancient times, Attic wool was very popular, it is famous even now. Sheep, goats and cattle are raised in the mountains.

The origin of the inhabitants of Attica

The inhabitants of Attica mostly belonged to the Ionian tribe, one of the four main Greek tribes, named after the legendary hero. The Ionians are considered the main carriers along with the Dorians. national culture Greece. The entire population of Attica was divided into four classes according to genus, which were called the Philae:

• the heleons are noble, they were called "brilliant";
• the hoplites were warriors;
• ergadei - farmers;
• the aegikorei were goat herders or simply shepherds.

In social terms, the Philae consisted of large clans, each of which was divided into several dozen clan families. Families in a certain order united in phratries, that is, religious groups with their own traditions and rituals. Such an organization did not apply to the conquered tribes and their descendants, although they too could freely engage in crafts, trade or agriculture and had their own associations, they were called meteki.

Athens: geographic location

Geographically, Attica is divided into two main parts - the capital of the region and the whole country - Athens with its suburbs and the rest of the territory. The capital is named after the goddess of wisdom Athena, who, according to legend, gave the inhabitants an olive tree. According to another version, the name of the city comes from the word "Athos" - a flower. Athens is located in Attica and is surrounded by mountains from the west, north and east, and from the southwest it has access to the Saronic Gulf. The city has now occupied the entire plain, but its suburbs continue to expand.

Ancient democracy

Athens is not only the administrative center of the country; even in ancient times, the city played an important role in cultural and economic terms. It was here, as a result of a long and fierce struggle between the tribal aristocracy and the demos, that such a form of government as ancient democracy was born, which became the model of popular government. This unique form of government took shape in Athens in the 5th century BC. e. And although in subsequent times Athens went through a difficult path of destructive wars, experienced the power of many conquerors, in their history there was this period of high citizenship and freedom - democracy.

Golden Age of Athens

Ancient Athens originated as a fortified settlement on a hilltop, and then became a city-state as a result of synekism, which meant the unification of Attica around the Acropolis of Athens. This process took several centuries in time. According to ancient myths, the unification took place thanks to the legendary son of King Aegeus - Theseus, who also introduced the division of the population of Athens into social strata:

• eupatrides - generic nobility;
• geomores - farmers;
• demiurges are artisans.

The Athenian state reached its highest prosperity during the reign of Pericles - in the 5th century BC. e. This time was called the Golden Age of Athens. During this period, the main temple of Athena, the Parthenon, was also built, a unique monument of ancient architecture. The temple was built by the ancient Greek masters Kallikrat and Iktin, and beautiful sculptural compositions were made by the famous architect Phidias. The unusualness of the temple is that from one point its facade is visible from three sides, due to the fact that the columns are placed at an angle to each other. Phidias also created the famous statue of Athena from marble and gold. This sculpture is a masterpiece of ancient architecture.

Modernity

The political power of Athens ended with the outbreak of devastating wars with Sparta and then with Macedonia. Then Athens fell under the rule of the Romans, after which the Turks came. For many centuries, the glory of the city faded. Many monuments of history and architecture were destroyed. It was only after a long struggle for independence in the 19th century that Athens again became the capital of Greece. Now it is a huge metropolis with a population of more than five million people, which has again won the status of the cultural and political center of the country and has many historical monuments.

Piraeus

On the southern outskirts of Athens is Piraeus, the largest port in Greece, as well as a major industrial center of the country and an important transport node... Back in the 5th century BC. e annual turnover of the port was significant. Thanks to the convenient availability of safe harbors, Piraeus became a transit point through which various types of goods passed. The port had shipyards, workshops, storage facilities. Athens, with its port, was considered the most profitable city, since merchants could get Athenian silver for goods here, which was valued everywhere.

Attractions of Attica

Currently, Attica is the most popular tourist area with many historical and architectural attractions, as well as wonderful nature and magnificent beaches. The main symbols of Attica are located in Athens. An invaluable historical monument is architectural complex The Acropolis, on which the main temple of ancient Athens, the Parthenon, is located, a place of pilgrimage for a huge number of people. From historical sites in the vicinity of Athens, the Daphni monastery is very popular. On a high cliff, the Temple of Poseidon was built, from which there are now magnificent ruins. Fishermen, going to sea, brought donations here - the god Poseidon was the second most important for the Greeks, since their life was inextricably linked with the sea. One of the most important sanctuaries is located in Eleusis ancient Attica- the temple of the goddess Demeter, who gave grain to the Greeks. In honor of her, holidays were held every year in spring and autumn. On the island of Aegina, there is the ghost town of Palayochora, which was deserted a hundred years ago.

The nature of Attica is also amazing and beautiful. On Mount Imittos there is a wonderful healing spring, given, according to legend, by the god Hephaestus to people. Unique medicinal properties possesses thermal, which is replenished from the sources located at its depth, and the extraordinary doctor fish is able to rejuvenate the skin, cleansing it of dead cells. The endless coastline is dotted with many stunning beaches, recreation and water sports.

Attica is a great place to spend a comfortable summer vacation - photos show amazing landscapes of nature, and rave reviews from travelers are evidence of the popularity of this region of Greece.

sights

Region of Central Greece, located in the southeast of the Balkan Peninsula and washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea. Three gulfs approach the shores of this peninsula - Euboean, Saronic and Petalisky. A significant part of the peninsula is covered with low mountains of limestone and marble. The mountains are covered with coniferous forests.

Attica is a historical region of Greece, on its territory are the capital of Athens, the legendary city of Marathon, the city of Eleusis, where the inhabitants worshiped Demeter, the port of Piraeus. The first settlements on this land date back to the Neolithic era (III millennium BC). The ancient historians Plato and Herodotus wrote that the inhabitants of Attica were autochthonous - that is, not alien conquerors, but the original inhabitants, literally from the land itself. In ancient times, on the territory of Attica, each city or region represented a small state that venerated its deity. There were 12 such states, they were united, according to legends, by King Theseus. Athens, the cradle of Greek statehood and democracy, became the main city of Attica. Already in ancient times, Attica was ruled by nine elected officials, in whose hands the executive, military and judicial powers were concentrated. A year later, these nine transferred power to the newly elected magistrates, and they themselves transferred for life to the Areopagus, the organ of power of the aristocracy. Athens itself became a place for the development of culture, arts, philosophy.

The climate of Attica is mild, temperate Mediterranean. Average temperatures in summer are almost always above +30 degrees. At the end of September, the rainy season begins here, which lasts until April. The swimming season lasts from April to September, the sea warms up to a maximum by August (up to +26). In winter, here, despite the freezing temperatures, snow can fall, which melts almost immediately and does not form a snow cover.

Transport

Located in Athens international Airport"Eleftherios Venizelos", opened in 2001, serves as an air gateway to Greece and Attica in particular.

Inside Attica, you can move on railway transport(electric trains) and intercity buses... For the eastern and western parts of Attica, buses leave from two different bus stations in Athens. The first is located near the Acropolis, the second is on the Egyptian Square. To the islands of Aegina and Salamis, tourists are transported by ferries. One of the fastest ways to get around Athens is the metro with three lines, one of which is ground-based. Athens also has express bus routes to the airport, city buses, trolley buses, tram routes.

Resorts of Attica

Administratively, Attica is divided into four nomes: East and West Attica. The most popular, both in terms of beach, and in terms of cultural and historical recreation of Athens. The suburbs of the capital are resort towns with the general name "Athenian Riviera". They are located along the coast and, in addition to hotels and beaches, contain yacht clubs, nightclubs, golf clubs, and have their own specifics. So, it is considered a resort for the wealthy, Lagonissi - for families with children. Specialization and Vouliagmeni - health improvement.

Holidays in Piraeus will cost less than in Athens. Due to the location of the port, there is only one beach, but beautiful views and the ancient sights of Piraeus is guaranteed.

Attractions and excursions

We will start our acquaintance with the rich heritage of Attica with Athens and its sacred hill Acropolis. The second name of the hill is Cecropia, in honor of Cecrops, the first king of Athens. A well-defended place and a settlement located inside this fortress were also called Acropolis. In ancient times, the main city was located in the Acropolis. According to legend, it was the residence of the collector of the lands of Attica Theseus. When the cult of the goddess Athena was established in Athens, a temple was erected in her honor - the Parthenon.

On the territory of Attica, many sights of various eras have been preserved. The legacy of Hellas is the ruins of ancient cities and temples dedicated to the gods of the Greek pantheon. For example, at Cape Sounion, on the coast, the remains of the Temple of Poseidon have been preserved. Christian monasteries and temples have survived from the Byzantines. One of them is the Daphne monastery near Athens. At the base of the monastery are the remains of the Temple of Apollo. Near Mount Imitos, surrounded by coniferous and cypress forests, is the Kesariani monastery, also of the Byzantine period.

The island of Aegina is visited to see Paleochora. It is called an abandoned city, but in fact it is a valley, in which buildings of about seven dozen churches and chapels from the Byzantine and later periods have survived. It is believed that each of these structures was built in fulfillment of a vow given for the salvation of a loved one. Relatives, wives of fishermen and soldiers came to this place for prayer.

Salamis, although it is called the "dacha" island, has such attractions as the cave of Euripides, another ancient Greek playwright. It is located at an altitude of more than a hundred meters; in the city of Salamis, a theater festival is held annually in honor of the ancient author. On the island, you can also visit a museum dedicated to folk art and the history of the ancient fleet, the Faneromeni monastery and the ancient city of Ambelakia with the ruins of the acropolis.

Wellness holiday

Loutraki, Vouliagmeni, Sounion are resorts where people come for health improvement and cosmetic procedures. In Loutraki there is a hydrotherapy center, which specializes in the treatment of diseases of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system. The springs gushing out of the ground are saturated with radon and microelements.

Vouliagmeni resort grew up next to the lake of the same name, which is filled with water thermal springs... Here they treat problems of the skin, joints, diseases of the female reproductive sphere. The air is saturated with the aromas of coniferous forests and helps to strengthen the respiratory system and the nervous system.

Sounion specializes in cosmetology using preparations based on local herbs and minerals. It also uses methods using sea salt and algae.

Beach vacation

Many beaches of Attica have the highest European award for the purity of the sea and coast - the Blue Flag. Many of the beaches are free. In the vicinity of Athens (the so-called Greater Athens), all beaches are landscaped - Faliron, Glyfada, Rocket and others. The beach in Piraeus is called Votsalakia. On the west coast are good sandy beaches Lagonissi, on the east, Schinias is recognized as the best near the city of Marathon.

In Loutraki, the beaches are covered with small pebbles. The resort offers a variety of accommodations ranging from five-star hotels to affordable family-run hotels. The resort of Loutraki is also chosen due to the proximity of the cities of Corinth and Delphi with their famous landmarks.

There are beautiful sandy beaches on the island of Aegina, which lies in the Saronic Gulf. It is separated from Piraeus by a half-hour ferry ride. Another island of Attica, which can be reached from Piraeus, is Salamis. This island is popular primarily among the Greeks themselves. Salamina has beaches, but few hotels.

Vacation with children

Entertainment for children in Attica is found mainly in Athens. Perhaps it is worth starting with a sightseeing trip around the city on sightseeing bus to get to know Athens in general, and then move on to entertainment of interest to the child. As part of cognitive leisure, it is worth planning a visit to the main Athenian sights of the Acropolis and the Parthenon, to see with your own eyes the objects of everyday life and art created by the ancient Greeks.

Further rest may depend on the preferences of the child himself: animal lovers can visit the sea turtle rescue center and even feed them there, as well as visit the Attico zoo. Young artists will be interested in the interactive museum of children's creativity. A visit to the Harimidos puppet theater can be combined with a tour of the Agora, an ancient town square located nearby. The Athenian Planetarium awaits young astronomers.

And, of course, any child is unlikely to refuse to visit the Athenian pastry shops, the National Garden with a park and zoo, Flizvos city park, Allou Fun Park and water parks, two of which are located in Athens itself, one in the suburbs, and the third near the town of Isthimia. 20 km from the capital. Not far from Athens there is an Adventure Park with a rope trail.

Active rest and entertainment

Attica will offer the restless many options for active leisure. On the coast it aquatic species Sports: rafting, windsurfing, scuba diving. Ancient city Megara, about 40 km north-west of the capital, is known to extremists as a center for parachuting. There is a parachute school here.

Tourists will be offered to explore mountain Attica on foot and with the help of off-road vehicles: the routes are designed in such a way as to be able to see both the history of this part of Greece and the modern life of the inhabitants of small villages, and admire the beauty of nature. Some of the routes are laid along ancient roads.

The foot of the Acropolis, a 156-meter hill in Athens, is the starting point for the Acropolis racing competition, which takes place in early June.

Club life is in full swing in Athens and resort suburbs such as Glyfada. Nightclubs host discos, concerts of world stars, parties and shows. Lovers of gambling come to Loutraki - there is a casino there.

Throughout the tourist season, festivals are held in various cities of Attica. The largest of these is the Athens and Epidaurus Festival in the capital. From June to September, performances and concerts take place in Athens, world stars come and Greek artists and groups perform. From April to October, the Acropolis hosts light shows dedicated to the history of the Greek capital. Eleusis becomes the site of a theater festival in honor of Aeschylus, the ancient playwright.

Cuisine and souvenirs

Called Greek in Russia and peasant in Greece itself, this salad is served here with local olives of the local Kolomata variety. For dessert - local figs. The rocky soils of Attica are best suited for growing olives and figs, while the local melliferous herbs add their flavor to the honey produced here.

Residents of this part of Greece prefer avgolemono soup with egg and lemon juice, dolmadakyu - the local version of dolma, grilled seafood, hot peppers stuffed with cheese. As for alcohol, apart from raki and ouzo, it is worth trying here masticha liqueur, which acquires a special taste after adding the resin of a tree from the pistachio family.

Clay is mined on the coast of Attica, so ceramic products are beyond praise here. The souvenir trade is concentrated mainly in Athens. Very often people come here to buy a fur coat or leather clothes, jewelry. The purchase of natural cosmetics, herbal preparations, ceramics, gastronomic souvenirs - oil, olives, cheese, honey and traditional honey desserts will be less expensive.

The most ancient period in the historical life of Attica, which later became the main territory of one of the most powerful and flourishing states - Greece, found only faint reflection in the sources. Archaeological studies of Athens itself and the area surrounding them have revealed traces of ancient life dating back to the Neolithic era. The oldest burial found here so far dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. e. The handmade gray clay vessels found in this burial near the twisted skeleton are still very primitive.

During excavations on the Athenian acropolis, monuments of an incomparably higher culture were discovered in the form of the remains of a Mycenaean-type palace, and in a number of other places (Aharny, Erhia, Keramik, etc.) - burials of the same time with a large number of various objects, mainly ceramic products. including those not of local origin. All these monuments, dating back to the end of the Bronze Age, give reason to believe that one of the centers of the Mycenaean culture existed on the territory of Attica, modern to its other centers.

The subsequent, post-Mycenean period is characterized in Attica by the emergence of pottery of the so-called protogeometric and geometric styles. Some of the ceramic finds of this time, such as the famous, widely known, Dipylon vases, have survived to our time in excellent preservation.

Abundant finds of protogeometric and geometric ceramics have also been excavated on the northern and northwestern slopes of the Areopagus. It is noteworthy that imported items are almost never found in the cultural layers characterized by this kind of ceramic finds. This shows that the weakening of ties with other countries, typical for all of Greece in the post-Mycenaean period, characterizes Attica.

To characterize the Iron Age in Attica, it is interesting to find a burial discovered in 1949 on the territory of Athens, apparently of an artisan, in which about ten objects made of iron and a whetstone were found.

In the ancient literary tradition, only fragmentary information has been preserved about Attica of the most ancient times. Thucydides, Herodotus and in one of their dialogues Plato emphasize that the inhabitants of Attica were not aliens, but autochthons - the Attic land was not a stepmother for them, but a mother. This area, due to the scarcity of soil, did not attract conquerors, says Thucydides, the Dorian invasion did not affect it. Later, when the Athenian statehood flourished, immigrants from other places began to flock to Attica, multiplying its population and contributing to the growth of its well-being by their labor.

In the views of subsequent Athenian generations, the most ancient social institutions, preserved in the form of vestiges in a later and much better known time, were the result of the activities of a number of legendary kings. So, for example, the mythical king Ion divided, according to legend, the entire population of Attica into four clan phylae, each of which was divided into three phratries, in turn subdivided into 30 clans, there were 30 families in the clan, so that in total in ancient Attica there were 10,800 families.

The ruins of numerous fortifications that once surrounded ancestral settlements that were constantly at war with each other can serve as evidence of the former disunity of the population. Traces of this kind of fortifications are still found during excavations carried out in various points of Attica.

Thus, here we are faced with a social structure typical of the era of the tribal system, naturally generated by the entire set of historical conditions of that time. Ancient Attica was also characterized by another characteristic feature of the era of dominance of clan relations - clan and tribal fragmentation. According to Athenian legends, in ancient times there were 12 separate, isolated and independent clan communities on the territory of Attica.

The end of this fragmentation, according to legend, was also put by the mythical Athenian king Theseus, who united the population of this entire area around Athens and established one council common to all and one pritania. "From that time to the present," writes Thucydides, "the Athenians celebrate in honor of the goddess [Athena] a nationwide festival of synoykia [unification]."

In historical reality, the process of the unification of Attica, apparently, took at least two or three centuries. One might think that during the IX-VIII centuries. BC e. Paralia, the coastal part of Attica, joined Athens as a result of a tense struggle. After that, the local cult of the god Poseidon was transferred to the Athenian acropolis. Following this, Diakria, a mountainous region in the north of the country, was annexed. From here the cult of Theseus was transferred to Athens. The southwestern part of Attica, the region of Eleusis with its famous temple of the goddess Demeter, retained its independence for the longest time.

Judging by the hymn in honor of Demeter that has come down to us, Eleusis in the 7th century. BC e. still continued to maintain independence and, defending it, waged a fierce struggle with the Athenians. Athenian synekism was, thus, a long process, due to significant changes in the structure of the former social relations. The development of the productive forces of society and the relations of production associated with them gave rise to the need for associations of a broader nature, going beyond the boundaries of the previous tribal organizations.

By the 7th century. BC e. in Attica, the prerequisites for the formation of a class system and a state in it arise. For its study, we already have an incomparably wider range of sources. The first place among them is undoubtedly occupied by Aristotle's "Athenian Polity", for a long time believed to be forever lost and unexpectedly regained in the form of a manuscript on four sheets of papyrus, found among other papyri brought in 1890 to the British Museum from Egypt.

Aristotle's Athenian Polity is the only surviving work that gives a complete picture of the political history of Athens from the 7th century onwards. BC e. Aristotle is substantially supplemented by evidence of individual events in the early Athenian history of Herodotus, Thucydides, Diodorus Siculus, Plutarch and other ancient authors, as well as some, albeit few, inscriptions, coins and archaeological material.

Based on all these data, it can be concluded that the Athenian community at the beginning of the period under review was mainly agricultural. Crafts and trade were relatively poorly developed. Nevertheless, the social and property stratification has reached a significant depth. The powerful clan aristocracy - the Eupatrides ("descended from noble fathers") concentrated the best lands in their hands.

A significant part of the rest of the population turned out to be dependent on them. “The poor,” writes Aristotle, “were enslaved not only themselves, but also their children and their wives. They were called pelates and six-loaders, because they cultivated the fields of the rich on such lease terms. All the land in general was in the hands of a few. Moreover, if these poor people did not give rent, could be taken into bondage and themselves and their children. And loans were secured by personal bondage up to the time of Solon. "

In other words, the Athenians of the 7th century. there was a harsh debt law, well known to antiquity, by virtue of which the debtor was responsible to the creditor not only with his property, but also with personal freedom and the freedom of his family members; insolvent debtors turned into slaves to their creditors. The labor demand of large, attic-scale aristocratic landowners was thus satisfied mainly by the labor of the poor dependent on them and the labor of slaves recruited through debt bondage from among the previously free members of the same community. This undermined the strength of the community.

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Classic symbols of Athens - majestic Acropolis, Parthenon, temple of Zeus, Dionysus theater, odeon of Herod Attica. Every year thousands of tourists from all over the world come here to visit the famous areas Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, admire the majestic beauty of the mountains and the abundance of beaches.

The grandiose architectural monuments of Athens deserve special attention, as do the numerous museums in the city.

Take time to stroll through the pedestrian zone in the historic city center to admire the National Archaeological Museum's rich collection of treasures and visit the sacred Acropolis, a major attraction for many tourists. The beautiful architectural complex includes several ancient temples, sanctuaries and places of worship, the surviving fragments of which allow you to fully enjoy the grandeur of these places.

In the central part of the Athenian Acropolis, there is another unique architectural structure - Parthenon temple, striking in its size, age and splendor. Today, this most famous monument of ancient architecture, built in honor of the goddess Athena, is clearly visible from anywhere in the city.

Only half a kilometer from the Acropolis is the most big temple Greece - Temple of Zeus or Olympion. The former glory of the great monument of Greek history is reminiscent of 14 huge marble columns, the height of which reaches almost 20 meters. The graceful ruins of the Temple of Zeus and the surrounding ruins of other ancient structures are especially beautiful at night, thanks to the picturesque lighting.

One of the most famous natural attractions in the region is the mountain Imittos- located in the east of Athens. At the top of the mountain range, hiding behind cypress forests, there are amazing monasteries with healing springs and bizarre caves. Here you will be greeted by an abundance of walking paths, mountain biking and climbing sites, and secluded corners. To get to Attica means to climb this mountain: a breathtaking view of the entire city of Athens is guaranteed.

Indulge in the pleasure of visiting the ancient temple of Poseidon- a unique building located on picturesque cape Sounion. Many legends are associated with this cult building. interesting stories... Some of the slender Doric columns of the temple that flank the majestic structure have survived to this day.

Visit ancient greek temple of goddess Demeter in Eleusis - its museum contains historical artifacts from various eras. Most of the territory of the complex is free to walk, admiring the ancient ruins.

10 kilometers from Athens is located Daphne monastery- a building erected in the VI century and recognized as one of the greatest masterpieces of the Middle Byzantine period. Listed Ancient Monastery Museum World heritage UNESCO, famous for its beautiful interior mosaics and frescoes.

Greece has everything a modern tourist is looking for. This country caresses the sun 300 days a year, its borders are washed by 4 seas and surrounded by 1400 islands.

Greece invites you on exciting trips to ancient ruins and museums where ancient treasures are kept. This sunny country beckons with its fruit groves and delicacies prepared from the gifts of the Mediterranean Sea.

Greek beaches have earned the title of the best holiday destination in the world. Tourists flock here to sunbathe, spend time at youth discos, make unique photo sessions and enjoy the taste of aromatic olives.

One of these tourist places is Attica. It is located in the heart of the country. This is the area where statehood was laid, and where the capital of Greece is located.

Attica means "coastal country"... Attica is located on a peninsula, which is washed on three sides by the gulfs of the Aegean, Euboean, Petali and Saronic seas.

How to get to Attica

The best way to get to Attica is from Athens, where tourists are taken by regular international flights from any country in the world.

And take a closer look at this historical area possible with the help of a well-developed public transport system.

Station commuter buses located at 100, Kiffissou street... From here, the transport of KTEL Atticis will deliver to the bus stations of Attica, one of which is located near the Acropolis, and the second on the Egyptian Square.

Local train timetables are available at Athens stations. In addition, there are ferry and air connections to Attica.

Royal Olympic Hotel located within walking distance of the Acropolis. The hotel's luxuriously furnished rooms offer magnificent views of the Temple of Zeus or the fragrant garden with pool.

Poseidonion Grand Hotel located on the island of Spetses and is its attraction, due to its rich architecture. Rooms have stylish furnishings and wood floors. Rooms have balconies with views of the seascape or flower garden.

Hotels 4 *

Amalia Hotel is within walking distance to the Acropolis and the central square of Plaka. The hotel has been awarded the Green Key for the use of natural toiletries, cleaning products and organic products.

Herodion located at the foot of the Acropolis. At this hotel, each room is elegantly decorated. The hotel has a magnificent rooftop garden where you can relax in the hot tubs and sun loungers overlooking Athens.

Hotels 3 *

Hermes Hotel hid in a quiet area of ​​Plaka. It offers guests a spacious lounge and a roof garden.

The hotel rooms have modern furnishings and light colors.

Plaka Hotel located in the historical center of the capital of Greece. There is a cafe-bar on the roof of the hotel with an impressive view of the Acropolis.

Things to do in Attica: sightseeing

The lands of Attica have absorbed ancient legends and myths that come to life in the eyes of impressionable travelers.

Read also: Three days in Athens: find out interesting places Athens. Day three.

Walking around the places of interest, you can easily travel back to ancient times, when the mortals were inhabited by omnipotent deities. Once in Attica, do not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting the following temples and monasteries and just interesting places:

• Temple of Poseidon
  
  A unique building located at Cape Sounion. In this temple, sacraments and rituals were performed to appease the formidable sea god. The slender columns of the temple, which are framed by the massive structure, amaze the imagination. The building combines subtlety and grandeur, embodying the connection between land and sea.

• Daphni monastery
  It can be found 10 kilometers from Athens. This building was erected on the site of the pagan temple of Apollo of Daphnia in the 6th century. Today the monastery has the status of a monument.

• Engina Island
  
  This small island attracts with its luxurious beaches and clear sea water. Located in the middle of the Gulf of Sardonic, the island is famous for the fact that some 360 ​​temples were built on it. Most of them were wiped off the face of the earth, but travelers who love antiquity can get to the city of Paleochora, considered a ghost, in which no one has lived for a long time.