Atene
Athens is not simply a European capital, but an idea that took shape in the white marble of Mount Pentelicus, a stage where humani...
Updated 8 July 2026
Atene
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The story
The story of Atene
A millennia-old history: from the glory of Pericles to the modern rebirth
The history of Athens is rooted in myth, with the contest between Athena and Poseidon for patronage of the city, won by the goddess of wisdom who offered the olive tree to the citizens. Historically, after a Mycenaean period, Athens became in the 5th century BC the beacon of the ancient world under the leadership of Pericles, living through a golden age that gave birth to democracy, tragedy and Western philosophy. With the Roman conquest, the city retained its cultural prestige — one need only think of Emperor Hadrian's admiration for it — but a slow political decline began, continuing through the Byzantine era, when the temples were converted into churches. Ottoman rule, lasting nearly four centuries, radically transformed the urban fabric, reducing Athens to a small town around the Acropolis. Only with Greek independence in 1834 and the choice of Athens as the capital of the new kingdom did the city begin its impetuous modern expansion, transforming into the cosmopolitan metropolis we admire today.
The Acropolis: the Sacred Rock above time
The Acropolis of Athens is not just an archaeological site, but the universal symbol of classical civilization. Situated on a rocky outcrop that dominates the city, this sacred citadel houses masterpieces of Doric and Ionic architecture. Access is through the Propylaea, the imposing monumental gateway designed by Mnesicles, which prepared pilgrims for the vision of the dwelling of the gods. Every stone here tells of transformations: from fortress to sanctuary, from mosque to powder magazine, up to the meticulous contemporary restoration work. Climbing the Acropolis at sunset, when the marble reflects golden and pink hues, allows one to perceive the visual power this place exerted over the ancients, uniting sky and earth in a dialogue that has lasted more than two thousand years.
The Parthenon: the perfect balance of form
The Parthenon, dedicated to Athena Parthenos, represents the pinnacle of the Doric order and the genius of the architects Ictinus and Callicrates, under the supervision of the sculptor Phidias. Built entirely of Pentelic marble between 447 and 432 BC, the temple is famous for its subtle optical corrections: the columns are not perfectly vertical nor are the horizontal lines straight, but present imperceptible curvatures designed to appear perfect to the human eye. This pursuit of visual perfection makes the structure incredibly harmonious and light despite its mass. Although much of its sculptural decoration, the Elgin Marbles, is now in London, what remains of the cella and colonnade continues to embody the ideal of beauty and proportion that has influenced architecture worldwide for centuries.
The Erechtheion and the Porch of the Caryatids
Next to the mass of the Parthenon stands the Erechtheion, an Ionic-order temple with an unusually complex plan, built on the site where Athena and Poseidon were said to have contended. Its most iconic element is undoubtedly the Porch of the Caryatids, where six elegant female figures serve as columns, supporting the architrave with timeless grace. The original statues (except one) are now kept in the Acropolis Museum to protect them from erosion, replaced on site by faithful copies. The Erechtheion stands out for the refinement of its friezes and its ability to integrate different sacred areas into a single building, representing the more delicate and decorative side of Greek art compared to the Doric severity of the neighboring Parthenon.
The Ancient Agora: the civic and democratic heart
At the foot of the Acropolis lies the Ancient Agora, which for centuries was the beating center of Athens's political, commercial and social life. Here Socrates walked, questioning passersby, and here citizens gathered to decide the fate of the city. Among the remains, the Temple of Hephaestus stands out, one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the world, dominating the area from a small hill. Equally striking is the Stoa of Attalos, rebuilt in the 1950s, which today houses the site's museum and offers a precise idea of what the covered porticoes where Athenians strolled and did business looked like. Exploring the Agora means immersing oneself in the daily life of the ancients, among the remains of the mint, the law courts and the craft workshops.
Plaka and Anafiotika: the charm of the alleyways
Plaka is the oldest and most picturesque neighborhood in Athens, a maze of cobbled streets winding along the northern slope of the Acropolis. Characterized by neoclassical houses painted in pastel colors, craft shops and taverns where the bouzouki resounds, the neighborhood retains an atmosphere from another era despite the tourist influx. Special mention goes to Anafiotika, a small hidden village within Plaka: built in the 19th century by workers from the island of Anafi, this corner of the city feels like a fragment of the Cyclades transplanted into the heart of the metropolis, with its white cubic houses, blue doors and pots of geraniums. It is the ideal place to wander aimlessly, far from the frenetic traffic of the capital.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch
Not far from the modern center rise the colossal columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, or Olympieion. Construction of this temple, which was meant to be the largest in Greece, began in the 6th century BC but was completed only under Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. Today only 15 of the original 104 Corinthian columns remain, but their dizzying height (over 17 meters) still gives an idea of the grandeur of the project. Next to the archaeological area stands Hadrian's Arch, a monumental gateway built to honor the Roman emperor; the inscriptions on the arch symbolically divided the old city of Theseus from the new city of Hadrian, testifying to the integration of Greek and Roman culture.
Syntagma and Parliament: the rhythm of modernity
Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) is the nerve center of contemporary Athens. Dominated by the majestic Parliament building, once a royal residence, the square is famous above all for the changing of the guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Here the Evzones, the presidential guard soldiers in traditional costume with the characteristic pleated skirt (fustanella) and pom-pom shoes (tsarouchia), perform a ritual and solemn choreography that draws hundreds of visitors every hour. From Syntagma, the main shopping streets branch out, and one gains access to the National Garden, an oasis of greenery and coolness where Athenians seek refuge during hot summer days, strolling among ponds, palm trees and ancient ruins half-hidden among the vegetation.
Beyond the center: Piraeus and the Athens Riviera
Athens is not only mainland, but also sea. Piraeus, the city's historic port, is today one of the largest harbors in the Mediterranean, yet it retains corners of great charm such as Mikrolimano and Zea Marina, where small tourist marinas fill with boats and seafood restaurants. Continuing south, one encounters the so-called Athens Riviera, a coastline stretching all the way to Cape Sounion. Here, elegant neighborhoods such as Glyfada and Vouliagmeni offer well-equipped beaches, exclusive clubs and the evocative Lake Vouliagmeni, known for its constant thermal waters. The journey along the coast culminates at the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, famous for offering one of the most spectacular and romantic sunsets in all of Greece.
Flavors and traditions: the cuisine of Attica
Athenian gastronomy is a triumph of fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavors. Beyond classics like moussaka and Greek salad with feta and kalamata olives, the city offers a constantly evolving culinary scene. In markets like Varvakios Agora, one can feel the city's genuine soul among stalls of meat, fish and spices. One cannot say they have visited Athens without having tried a gyros or a souvlaki eaten standing on the street, or without having sat in an ouzeri to enjoy a carafe of ouzo accompanied by mezedes (small appetizers such as grilled octopus, tzatziki and dolmades). Coffee culture is equally important: Greek coffee, sipped slowly, is a social ritual that marks the afternoon hours in the historic neighborhoods.
- Visit the Acropolis Museum to admire the original friezes in a breathtaking modern structure.
- Take the funicular up Lycabettus Hill to enjoy the best panoramic view over the city and Piraeus.
- Explore the Monastiraki Flea Market on Sunday morning in search of antiques and curiosities.
- Attend a theatrical performance or concert at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a unique acoustic experience under the stars.
- Take a stroll along the pedestrian street Dionysiou Areopagitou that encircles the base of the Acropolis.
- Discover the street art in the Psirri neighborhood, where old factories coexist with colorful murals and trendy venues.
FAQ
Qual è il periodo migliore per visitare Atene?
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Quanto tempo occorre per vedere la città?
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Atene è una città sicura?
Getting there
- Aeroporto Internazionale di Atene Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) - 33 km dal centro
- Stazione di Atene (Larissis Station) per collegamenti nazionali
- Metropolitana linee 1, 2 e 3 per spostamenti urbani
- Autostrada A1/E75 (da nord) e A8/E65 (da ovest/Peloponneso). Attenzione al traffico intenso nelle ore di punta.
- Acquistate il biglietto cumulativo per i siti archeologici: dura 5 giorni e include Acropoli, Agorà, Tempio di Zeus e altri siti minori.
Perfect for
Un viaggio nel tempo tra i resti della civiltà che ha inventato la democrazia e l'estetica classica.
Perfetta per chi ama il caos creativo, i mercati vivaci, la street art e una vita notturna che dura fino all'alba.
Grazie alla Riviera di Atene, è possibile abbinare la visita culturale a pomeriggi di relax in spiaggia o escursioni in barca.
Un paradiso per i buongustai, dai sapori genuini delle taverne tradizionali alla cucina gourmet contemporanea.
To see
Da vedere a Atene
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