Attica region is an essence of Greece. It is the birthplace of antique Greece and in every corner of this Greek region you can find some amazing archeological site. But Attica is so much more then archeological sites and museums. It is a place of bautiful nature and pristine beaches, and combination of Capital City of Athens with all of its unique features together with laid back beaches of Athens riviera. With different choice of luxury hotels, SPA resorts on the coast or big convention centers, every person can find something unique in Attica region. If you have just couple of free days for your holiday, then Attica is perfect choice, because you will see essence of everything Greek in one region – food, architecture, music and the most important – the atmosphere of Greece and its locals that will welcome you.
First thing that you would want to see is symbol of Greece that everyone can recognize – Acropolis
The world-famous Acropolis, or Sacred Rock, is a fortified hill towering 156 meters high in the heart of Athens, its summit home to one of the most important historical building complexes ever constructed by man. The awe-inspiring symbol reminds us that Greek civilisation has thrived here since the prehistoric era. Used regularly by the ancient Athenians since the third millennium BC, finds dating as far back as the Mycenaean era, as well as traces of archaic-era temples have been uncovered here. Today, visitors can admire amazing 5th century architecture like the Parthenon (the most visited sight in Greece), the Erechteion, the Propylaea and the Temple of Nike Apteros. The Acropolis was used during later years for religious, administrative and even defense purposes. Although these incredible monuments have suffered substantial damage from a number of wars, the stunning beauty and cultural significance of the Acropolis is still a unique marvel.
Athens Riviera – you will be surprised
The Athens Riviera, Attica’s amazing coastline to the south of Athens, resembles the lacy edge of an embroidered doily 60 kilometres long that begins in Piraeus and ends at the tip of Cape Sounion. Along the winding road are pockets of bays, coves, cliffs, caves and beaches: some sandy, other pebbled. The fact that these beaches are just 20-40 minutes away from the centre of Athens explains why the Attica coastline is so popular with Athenians and visitors. Many of the beaches are open to the public, while several beach clubs are charging an entrance fee.
The seaside area between Neo Faliro and Paleo Faliro is about to being transformed into a recreational and cultural complex featuring a variety of cultural centres, marinas, leisure parks, sports arenas, museums and an aquarium. Heading south along the coast, after Faliron, the area near Agios Kosmas is home to a large seaside park. The suburb of Glyfada attracts large numbers of visitors, with its great shopping and dining scene, whereas posh Vouliagmeni stands out for its exclusive resort hotels and the unique Vouliagmeni Lake known for its therapeutic waters.
Sounion – where mythology and history goes hand by hand
The majestic Temples of Poseidon and Athena stand on the rock of Cape Sounion, at the southern tip of the Attica peninsula, their sheer size and beauty impressive whether viewed by sea or land. Used by the Athenians as a place of worship, as well as a fortress guarding the commercial seaways of the Aegean Sea, the Temple of Poseidon could be seen from afar by ships approaching the cape.
According to myth, King Aegeus committed suicide here, leaping to his death after seeing the ominous black sails of his ships returning home from Crete. Cape Sounion is one of the most photographed landscapes in Greece. The view here is exquisite, day or night. The wide open sea has been the inspiration of all that surrounds this breathtaking spot with the commanding Temple of Poseidon standing tall above the blue Aegean Sea. According to the myth, King Aegeus, son of Poseidon, stood at Cape Sounion anticipating the return of his son Theseus. When he saw a ship with black sails, he thought that Theseus was dead, and, from his despair, fell into the sea and died, hence the Aegean Sea was named after him.
Today, 15 of the 45 Doric columns of the brilliant temple dedicated to the sea god Poseidon still stand. Below, the deep blue waters of the Aegean glisten as the light reflects onto the ancient marble pillars, sandy beaches and shell-studded rocks along the cape. Throughout the year, and especially during the summer, visitors flock to Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon to watch one of the Mediterranean’s most romantic sunsets and the full moon rise over the cape.
The Monument of the Unknown Soldier – place for admiration
In the late 1920s, architects E. Lazaridis and E. Dimitriades Rok designed the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, with the relief on the marble tomb sculpted by Konstantinos Dimitriades. During the initial phases of construction, extensive excavation was undertaken in front of the parliament building, lowering the ground level to the level of Amalias Avenue.
Heavily influenced by ancient art, the monument has a strictly minimalist design. The monument is guarded day and night by the Presidential Guard of Evzones, and hosts a ritual wreath-laying in honour of the Unknown Soldier.
Monastiraki Metro Station – melting point of Greece
Built between 1890 and 1895, Monastiraki Metro Station became the first steam-train railway connecting Athens and Piraeus. Having operated locally since 1869, its main terminal was located in Thission, with an extension to Monastiraki later built by businessman, Stephanos Psihas.
During construction, extensive archaeological excavations were conducted, revealing a plethora of interesting relics, many of which are still present today. In 1904, the steam trains were converted to electricity and from 1926 to 1930 the line was further extended to Omonia station. In 2000 this station, along with all other older stations, was fully refurbished and now stands as an architectural gem displaying a myriad of antiquities.
