Athens

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, serving as the country’s administrative, economic, and cultural hub. It is situated in the region of Attica in southern Greece, facing the Saronic Gulf. The city proper has around six hundred thousand residents, while the wider Athens metropolitan area is home to several million people.

Ancient Athens played a pivotal role in the development of Western civilization. In classical antiquity it was a leading city-state renowned for philosophy, arts, and the birth of democracy. Notable monuments on the Acropolis, such as the Parthenon, along with the Agora and theatres of antiquity, reflect the city’s enduring archaeological heritage. The Acropolis of Athens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Modern Athens became the capital of Greece in 1834 after the country gained independence. Since then the city has grown into a major urban center with a dense core and extensive suburbs. Its economy is dominated by services, tourism, education, and commerce, with the port of Piraeus acting as a major maritime hub serving the capital region.

Culturally, Athens hosts institutions including the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, and it serves as a focal point for Greek higher education and the arts. The city is served by Athens International Airport and an integrated public transport system that includes several metro lines and tram services. The climate is hot summers and mild, wet winters, typical of a Mediterranean climate.