ATHENS INTRODUCTION, Introduction

Hi, my name’s Rick, and I’m your personal guide. Along with MyWoWo, I’d like to welcome you to one of the Wonders of the World: Athens.

Ancient and modern at the same time, this city is different from most European capitals.

Some of the sites you’ll be visiting are a testament to the greatness of the Greek civilization that for centuries – even after its decline and fall – influenced the social, economic and cultural development of important kingdoms and empires. Athens was the center of this civilization, with its democracy-based politics – something entirely new for the time – and the huge boost it gave to the flourishing of culture, arts, architecture and philosophy.

A visit to Athens is like an immersion into the history and culture of ancient Greece.

The heart of the city, and its main tourist attraction today, is the Acropolis, around which the whole city developed. Through the centuries, some incredible events have marked the history of the imposing Parthenon, the Caryatids and the temple of Athena Nike, which was even demolished. The Acropolis is fabulous at any time of day, but it has a particular allure in the evening when it is beautifully illuminated to show it off in all its splendor.

2009 saw the inauguration of the cutting-edge Acropolis Museum, where you can take a trip through the history of classical civilization, thanks to an endless variety of incredible artifacts....