The city of Athens has a rich and long history. It holds a prominent place in Greek mythology. In the 5th century BC, the golden age of Athens, the Parthenon on the Acropolis was built. Architectural examples of the city's rich history can be visited throughout the Historic Centre of Athens, the Ancient Marble Stadium, the ancient marketplace known as the Agora, and the ancient theatre.

Athens is the capital city of Greece. It is situated at the southeastern tip of Greece's mainland.

Basic Facts and Figures

Athens population: 3,192,606 (according to 2001 census)
Language: Greek - usage of the Greek language spans three and a half millennia. The Greek language and alphabet has been essential for the development of many western languages. The first writing sample was found on Crete and is called Linear B
Currency: up to December 2001 Drachma was the currency of Greece and has changed into Euro starting January 2002
Telephone: area code 210, country code 30 210
Weather: weather up-dates are available at http://www.hnms.gr/english/ath2004/index.html
Government & Politics: Greece is a parliamentary democracy, established in 1974, head of state is the president elected by the parliament, more info at http://www.government.gr/

Useful Phone Numbers & Contact Info

Greek National Tourist Organisation (EOT): provides tourist information
Information desk telephone number: +30 210 3310565
Tourist Police: Head office, 77 Dimitrakopoulou Str. Veikou
24-hour information service line: 171
Police: 100

Sites of Interest

Athens has a number of museums and sites of cultural interest from its landmark, the Acropolis, to the ancient marketplace, the Agora in central Athens, the ancient marble Panathenaic Stadium, and so on. An extensive list of these and further information can be found at the Map of Athens cultural sites available at http://www.culture.gr/2/21/iv-maps/index.html

Getting to Athens and moving around

Getting to Athens is easy. Athens has a new international airport. There are also regular ferry services to national and international destinations. The central rail hub linking the capital to the rest of Greece and Europe is also situated in Athens. Information on national and international train services is updated daily.
When in Athens, the quickest way to move around central locations is the Athens metro. Connected to the Metro is an underground train linking the port of Piraeus to the northern suburb of Kifissia. Buses and trolleys also cover most of Athens. Taxi companies operate in the greater Athens area.
Drivers can check the Athens traffic conditions with the traffic maps (updated every 15 minutes), before hitting the road.