According to mythology, there was a contest between goddess Athena and god Poseidon so as to elect the city's patron. The goddess won, thus giving her name to Athens and taking responsibility of the city's protection. The Parthenon is considered to be a dedication to Athena and this is why it hosts her statue.

There have been claims of Athens being inhabited already by 9,000 BC However, it is not until the 6th century B.C. that it gains its prominent space in history. It is from then onwards that it starts to take gigantic proportions and a dominant position in Greece with its naval power. Thanks to this power it acquires great wealth, with which some of the most important buildings of the city were made,especially during the "Golden Age of Pericles". The Parthenon on the Acropolis is the culmination of all this great development.

Following its defeat in the Peloponnesian War and the famine that accompanied it, Athens lost much of its acquired power. During Roman times Athens was still an important cultural center. Yet, after the looting it suffered by Sulla in 86 BC and Heruli in 267 AD, much of its infrastructure was destroyed and its further development was hindered.

Years later, the Byzantine domination together with the Frankish and Ottoman rule, constituted Athens even more diminished in size and importance.
When the Greek Revolution breaks in 1821, Athens is a small and relatively insignificant town. The shift in its history occurs in 1833, when it is proclaimed as the Greek State's capital, succeeding Nafplion. This signifies its new rapid development,which shapes the city in the image we have today.

Countless books have been written and documentaries have been filmed about the history and the significance of Athens. Yet, nothing can compare to a visit to the city. Go for the real thing!