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The meaning of the word attica

attica in the crossword dictionary

Encyclopedic Dictionary, 1998

Attica

in antiquity the region in the southeast of Cf. Greece. IN modern Greece Attica is one of the nomes (the center is Athens).

Attica

(Greek Attike), in ancient times a region in the southeast of Central Greece. The political unification of Athens around Athens (Sinoikism) took place, according to ancient Greek legends, during the reign of Theseus; in reality, this process dragged on for several centuries. By the beginning of the 6th c. BC. Athens gained absolute economic and political predominance in Athens (see Ancient Athens). In modern Greece, A. is one of the nomes of the same name (the center is Athens).

Wikipedia

Attica

Attica (, Atiki- letters. "coastal country") - the southeastern region of Central Greece, the connecting link between the Balkan Peninsula and the Archipelago, with an area of ​​\u200b\u200bapproximately 3808 km², borders in the north with Boeotia, in the west through the Isthmus of Corinth - with Megaris and the entire Peloponnese. From the south it is washed by the Saronic Gulf, from the east by the Petalia Gulf and from the northeast by the Notios-Evvoikos Gulf of the Aegean Sea.

Attica (prison)

Attica- New York State Prison maximum / super maximum security, located in Attica, is administered by the New York State Department of Correctional Services. After construction was completed in the 1930s, many of the dangerous criminals of the time were kept there. A tear gas system has been installed in the canteen and production facilities of the prison to quell conflicts. The prison now houses prisoners serving various sentences from short to life sentences, as well as prisoners transferred from other prisons due to disciplinary problems.

In 1971, a riot took place in the prison, during which 43 people died, including 33 prisoners, ten prison officers and civil servants. One of the guards died at the hands of rebellious prisoners at the very beginning of the conflict. The rest were shot dead during the storming of the prison by state police and national guard troops. One of the reasons for the riot was the overcrowding of the prison. The suppression of this rebellion was dedicated to John Lennon's song "Attica State" from the album Some Time in New York City (1972). Today the prison is also overcrowded. Some prisoners are kept two by two in small cells designed for one person.

Attica (disambiguation)

Attica

• Attica is a region in Greece
• Attica is a maximum security prison in the state of New York.

Examples of the use of the word attica in the literature.

The council of Amphictyonia at Delphi continued to act as the highest court, but another, more extended council was created under the chairmanship of Philip, which was to be located in Corinth, that is, between Attica and the Peloponnese - and which was the real governing body of the coalition.

I once saw Boreas, rushing over Attica, daughter of Erechtheus Orithyia and fell in love with her.

What I did with Attica Theseus, is only the development of the thoughts and ideas of Hercules.

The great goddess Athena wove the majestic Athenian Acropolis on her bedspread in the middle, and on it she depicted her dispute with Poseidon for power over Attica.

Attica is a historical region of Greece, which is located near the modern capital. Spread on the picturesque peninsula of the southeast of Greece, it served as the cradle of ancient culture. It is difficult to imagine a more suitable place to explore Hellas and relax in the bosom of nature, among the wonderful beaches, amazing mountains and emerald vegetation.

Geographic features

Atika on the map of Greece resembles a triangle that runs along the sea coast and extends to the central part of the country. In its open spaces is the capital, the port of Piraeus and several cozy resort towns. The area is predominantly hilly, surrounded by limestone and marble mountains. Their peaks are poorly covered with vegetation, but the intermountain plains amaze with all shades of dense greenery.

The coastal part is very winding, it has numerous sandy beaches. The blue waters of the Sardonian Gulf wash the shores. The beaches are very clean and beautiful, many of them boast blue flag- the highest environmental award for cleanliness and safety.

Myths and historical facts

From the few surviving sources, it follows that the first settlers, the Ionian Greeks, occupied the territory of Attica two millennia BC. Although Plato in his works claims that the inhabitants of Attica did not come from other lands, but always lived here. Numerous archaeological excavations testify to the fact that a person settled in this territory for a long time.

Later, the society was divided into small communities, each of which worshiped a separate god. Periodically, wars arose between the settlements, which were also considered wars between the gods - the patrons of the communities. At the same time, the affected community and its god did not disappear completely, but the importance of one or another patron simply changed. Gradually, as a result of several internecine wars, a single pantheon was formed.

After the expansion of Attica and the inclusion of Athens, next to the Acropolis and the temple of Athena, sanctuaries and other gods of indigenous settlements began to appear. Athens, on the other hand, turned into a bright pearl of Greece, where culture, art, philosophy actively developed, and new foundations of the state were formed.

Sights of the region

Attica - land with rich historical heritage- boasts many attractions. For the most part, these are the ruins of temples and other important structures, as well as places where the fate of the ancient Greeks was decided. Let us dwell only on a few of the most interesting sights of Attica.

Temple of Poseidon – majestic building, which is located on Cape Sounion - the southernmost point of Attica. It seems that the god of the seas is still washing the remains of his temple, which perched almost at a cliff at a height of 60 m. It is best to visit here in the late afternoon, when the rays of the setting sun pass through the preserved columns.

Acropolis- the oldest fortress in Athens, which even today is awe-inspiring. Important historical events have left many traces on the stone blocks. The Acropolis is a fairly large multi-level complex, where you can wander for a long time in search of unusual places and backdrops for photography.

In the vicinity of Athens is Monastery of Daphne- Byzantine legacy of Greece. Initially, it was built in honor of Apollo, but later the monastery was taken over by Christians, then the building was used as a fortress wall and even as a psychiatric hospital.

aegina- a small island off the coast of Attica in the Sardonic Gulf. Here you can endlessly admire the beautiful landscapes, as well as numerous churches. There are 365 religious buildings on a small stretch of land. Of no less interest is the abandoned city of Palaiochora.

Near Athens, in the thick of a cypress forest, an ancient monastery hid. It is located at the base of Mount Imittos, next to the healing spring. The building is striking in size, beautiful architecture, mosaics and frescoes.

Resorts of Attica

After saturating your mind with sightseeing, it's time to head to the beach. Along the coast there are several cozy towns with developed infrastructure. They are grouped under the name "Athenian Riviera". It is difficult to find a deserted or secluded corner here, but there is everything for a comfortable stay: yacht clubs, bars, hotels and nightclubs.

Just 15 km from the center of Athens is the famous glyfada. Here you can have fun at night in numerous clubs, and during the day go to a huge golf course.

Lagonissi– less noisy and very cozy resort. It is ideal for measured family vacation on the Aegean coast. Calm sea with a gentle bottom and a beach with fine sand make you forget about time. After lunch, you can take a walk through the dense lemon groves.

Loutraki– a town where you can not only enjoy the calm beach holiday, but also to improve health in the famous hospitals. The mild climate and healing springs will restore health and youth to everyone.

Vouliagmeni – prestigious resort with expensive hotels and luxury villas. The city has a lake of the same name, famous for its healing springs. With their help, it is possible to get rid of many serious diseases of the skin, bones, nervous system and reproductive organs. In the city there are beautiful coniferous forests.

The maximum cosmetic effect will have rest in Sunione. There are many beauty centers that use cosmetics based on local herbs, flowers and mineral complexes.

Things to do?

Attica is a place where everyone will find something to do. Most tourists begin their acquaintance with sightseeing or relaxing on the famous beaches. In addition to passive lying on the shore and swimming, you can ride a scooter or water ski, as well as enjoy the views from a pleasure yacht.

Adults and children alike will enjoy spending time in the water park. lovers underwater world can go scuba diving. There are several diving centers on the beaches.

Connoisseurs of gambling and vibrant nightlife will not go unnoticed. They can head to the bustling casino in Loutraki or the many nightclubs along the coast.

shopping

There are areas in Attica where people go shopping even from neighboring countries. Located in the center of Athens shopping centers and boutiques where you can buy jewelry and furs. In memory of this paradise they buy fragrant herbal teas, leather goods, cosmetics based on minerals and olive oil, oil itself and olives, as well as ceramic products from the masters of Marousi.

How to get there?

Since Athens, the capital of Greece, is located in Attica, there will be no problems with the flight. The city has a large international Airport, which receives direct flights from various parts of the world.

You can get to more remote towns on comfortable regular buses or trains. They run regularly in the suburbs. In order not to depend on the schedule, you can rent a car and create your own route to explore the region.

You can get to the island of Aegina by ferry from the port of Piraeus. It delivers passengers every hour from early morning until sunset.

Greece has everything a modern tourist is looking for. This country caresses the sun 300 days a year, its borders are washed by 4 seas and surrounded by 1400 islands.

Greece invites you on exciting hikes through ancient ruins and museums where ancient treasures are kept. This one beckons sunny country with its fruit groves and goodies prepared from gifts mediterranean sea.

Greek beaches have earned the title of the best for relaxation in the whole world. Tourists flock here to sunbathe, spend time at youth discos, make unique photo shoots and enjoy the taste of fragrant olives.

One of these tourist spots is Attica. It is located in the heart of the country. This is the area where statehood was laid, and where the capital of Greece is located.

Attica in translation means "coastal country". Attica is located on a peninsula, which is washed on three sides by the bays of the Aegean, Euboean, Petalian and Saronic seas.

How to get to Attica

The best way to get to Attica is from Athens, where tourists are delivered by regular international flights from any country in the world.

And you can get to know this historical area better with the help of a developed system public transport.

Station suburban buses located at 100, Kiffissou Street. From here, the KTEL Attikis transport company will deliver to the bus stations of Attica, one of which is located near the Acropolis, and the second on the Egyptian Square.

The schedule of local trains is available at Athens stations. In addition, ferry and air services operate to Attica.

Royal Olympic Hotel located within walking distance of the Acropolis. The luxuriously furnished rooms of the hotel offer great view to the temple of Zeus or a fragrant garden with a swimming pool.

Poseidonion Grand Hotel located on the island of Spetses and is its attraction, due to its rich architecture. Rooms are stylishly furnished and add luxury to wooden floors. From the balconies of the rooms overlooking the seascape or the flower garden.

4* hotels

Amalia Hotel is within walking distance to the Acropolis and central square town of Plaka. The hotel has been awarded the Green Key environmental badge for the use of natural toiletries, cleaning products and organic products.

Herodion located at the foot of the Acropolis. Each room at this hotel is elegantly decorated. The rooftop garden features a magnificent garden where you can relax in the hot tubs and sun loungers overlooking Athens.

3* hotels

Hermes Hotel hid in a quiet area of ​​Plaka. It offers a spacious lounge for relaxation and a roof garden.

Rooms at the hotel are decorated with modern furniture and light colours.

Plaka Hotel is located in historical center capital of Greece. On the roof of the hotel there is a cafe-bar with an impressive view of the Acropolis.

Things to do in Attica: Sightseeing

The lands of Attica have absorbed ancient legends and myths that come to life in the eyes of impressionable travelers.

Read also: Three days in Athens: find out interesting places Athens. Day three.

Walking through the places of interest, you can easily be transported to ancient times when mortals were inhabited by almighty deities. Once in Attica, do not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting the following temples and monasteries and just interesting places:

• Temple of Poseidon
  
  A unique building located on Cape Sounion. Sacraments and rituals were performed in this temple in order to appease the formidable sea god. The slender columns of the temple, which are framed by a massive structure, amaze the imagination. The building combines subtlety and grandeur, embodying the connection between land and sea.

• Monastery of Daphne
  It can be found 10 kilometers from Athens. This building was erected on the site of the pagan temple of Daphne Apollo in the 6th century. Today the monastery has the status of a monument.

• Engin Island
  
  This small island attracts with its luxurious beaches and transparent sea ​​water. It is located in the middle of the Sardonic Gulf. In history, this island is known for the fact that about 360 temples were built on it. Most of them have been wiped off the face of the earth, but travelers who love antiquity can get to the city of Palaiochora, considered a ghost, in which no one has lived for a long time.

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How to get there

It is easier to go to Attica from Athens, where regular international flights will take you from anywhere in the world. And then acquaintance with the regions of this fertile part of the country can be continued with the help of a fairly comfortable public transport system: buses and ISAP (electric train).

In Athens, the suburban transport terminal is located at 100 Kiffissou Street. You can get there by bus number 051, which leaves from the stop at the intersection of Zinonos and Menandrou streets (near Omonia Square). The bus runs every 15 minutes from 5 am to 11:30 pm.

In Attica, routes are serviced by KTEL Attikis, which operates two bus stations:

• West Attica - near the Acropolis next to the ISAP station "Physeos",
• East Attica - on the Egyptian Square (crossing of Alexander Avenue and Patision Street, the nearest ISAP station "Victoria").

Search for flights to Athens (nearest airport to Attica)

Weather in Attica

It is best to go to Attica in August - October, when the sun no longer bakes, but gently warms, and the fruits are already ripe.

Beach resorts in Attica

So, the ticket is bought, the hotel is booked, you set foot on the ancient land trampled by the heroes of myths and legends, and we proceed to the first part of our plan: tanning, water procedures and languid idleness at the sea's edge.

The ideal place for this is the so-called athenian riviera: Paleo Faliro, Glyfada, Cavuri, Vouliagmeni, Voula. And then the thought warms that you will be reclining, anointed with fragrant oils, on the sands of the Apollo Coast, the coast that includes these areas. Get used to pretentious and slightly smacking library dust Greek names. Be sure that in most cases, instead of the expected bare rocks and ascetic huts, you will see luxurious yacht clubs, well-maintained upscale beaches, expensive hotels and the modern nightclubs that this part of Greece is dotted with.

Vouliagmeni

glyfada

Great place for European holiday- Glyfada, 15 km from Athens, with developed infrastructure, stormy nightlife and golf courses.

Lagonissi

If you are relaxing with your family, it is better to settle in a small cozy resort town Lagonissi on the Aegean coast. Calm atmosphere, sandy beach and walks through shady lemon groves compensate for the lack of vitamin D and serotonin (mood hormone).

Loutraki

To strengthen the benefits of "Grecotherapy" for tired travelers, the Loutraki hydropathic clinics will help. Combination of mild climate, nature and healing power mineral waters, from which you, like Aphrodite from the sea foam, will come into the world reborn, will give you the opportunity to restore strength and restore peace of mind. The waters here are for every taste: chlorine-containing, alkaline, radon; temperature - +30...+32°С.

Triathlon Cup stage in Loutraki

sounion

But those who are chasing the latest in cosmetology should pay attention to the Sunion resort. Here you can spend a lot of time trying unusual healing and rejuvenating treatments using Greek herbs, flowers, minerals, sea salt and algae. Relax your body in the hydro-toning aqua-elixir pool or relaxing Jacuzzi.

Popular hotels in Attica

Maps of Attica

Kitchen

The cuisine of Greece is so diverse and colorful that every time you visit it will open up new horizons for you. And with Greek wine, the receptors will become even more sensitive. On a hot afternoon, the Greeks' favorite drink "himos portokali" - fresh orange juice - will help to cope with the feeling of thirst. The cost of a glass is 2-4 EUR. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

The best way to get to know the mentality local residents- this is to spend an evening or two in a traditional tavern, where the Greeks, open and hospitable people, lively spend their evenings, preferring noisy communication and dancing until the morning to TV and home gatherings.

Guides in Attica

Entertainment and attractions of Attica

After an intensive course of sunbathing and water procedures, having gained strength, you can proceed to the second part of the vacation program - immersion in the history of Greece. To explore all the mysteries and secrets hidden in the ruins and monuments of ancient architecture of this country, a lifetime is not enough - so great is the heritage ancient civilization inherited by the inhabitants of the sunny land. But you can touch some of them, and literally.

Athens

Shopping is very developed in Athens. This pleasure will become expensive in the Kolonaki area, economical and practical - on Ermou Street, where the best shops of Greek companies are located. In the shops of Metropoleos street you will find furs and jewelry. Don't let your clients go shopping streets Aeolou, Patision, Monastiraki area and Athinas street, famous for markets and bazaars.

But antiques, souvenirs, handicrafts are waiting for their customers in the area of ​​the old part of the city, on Plaka. At the same time, you can eat here by choosing one of the many Greek taverns near the Lysicrates memorial. To describe the atmosphere of this square, it is enough to imagine the Moscow Arbat or the Parisian Montmartre. Distinctive features: a leisurely endless stream of tourists, national music coming from crowded cafes, antique tubs with olive trees, exposed along the boulevards, the atmosphere of a relaxed holiday.

The night panorama of Athens sparkling with lights is a reward for those who reached the top of Lycabettus Hill, which is crowned by the white chapel of St. George. To save time and effort, it is better to use public transport by buying a single ticket for a bus or trolleybus, or by going down the subway.

The cost of a one-time ticket, which must be validated within 70 minutes from the date of purchase, is 1.4 EUR, a daily ticket costs 4.5 EUR, a 5-day ticket costs 10 EUR. Trying to ride a hare is risky, the fine for such a prank is too high - 60 times the ticket price.

Monastery of Daphne

Having studied Athens, let us turn an inquisitive eye to suburban areas. 11 km from Athens is the monastery of Daphne - a monument of Byzantine religious architecture in Greece. Its history is unique. Created as a sanctuary of Daphnius Apollo, the monastery accepted Christian pilgrims into its arms, then was used as a fortress wall and, to top it off, became a psychiatric hospital. Now the restored monastery has the status of a monument. You can visit it daily from 08:30 to 15:00.

Temple of Poseidon

The second bright pearl in the collection of Attica sights is the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. A powerful giant, framed by slender columns, symbolizes the harmonious union of land and sea. The sailors and rulers of Greece made sacrifices to their patrons, believing in the connection between mere mortals and the inhabitants of Olympus.

Temple of Demeter

Another recommended place to visit is the temple of Demeter in Eleusis. Here, in ancient times, mysterious rites were performed dedicated to the cult of the goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone. You can visit the museum daily from 08:30 to 15:00, except Mondays and holidays.

Attica is one of the historical regions of Greece, which has richest history, which is confirmed by many archaeological finds and historical monuments. A geographical position The region makes it one of the most attractive in terms of tourism and recreation.

Geographical position

Attica attracts not only with its history and natural attractions. This is a land where ancient legends and myths still live. The territory where Attica is located is located in the southeastern part of Greece and is washed on three sides by the waters of the bays of the Aegean Sea: Saronicos from the south, Petalia from the east, Notios-Evvoikos from the northeast. In the north, it borders on one of the regions of Central Greece - Boeotia, and in the west - on the Peloponnese. Attica also includes the islands of the Saronic Gulf. mostly mountainous, especially in the north, gradually decreasing towards the south. Mounts Kitheron and Parnet, which are the natural border with Central Greece, stretch their spurs throughout the region. They are rocky mountain range, only in the higher part covered with coniferous forest. The largest of the spurs of Parnet are Pentelikon and Hymett. The lower spurs of Cithaeron, going south, are called Kerata, and the southeastern branch merges with Parnassus, more than 1400 meters high, and forms a mountainous region that goes to the sea. Mount Lavrius runs along the southern edge of this region, which ends at the very south point peninsula - Cape Sounion.

Plains and rivers

Between the mountain ranges are valleys with rocky soil. There are three largest plains in Attica:

• The Athenian plain is bounded from the north by Mount Parnet, from the northeast by the Pentelikon chain, and from the southeast by the Hymett mountains;
• The Triassic plain, the most even, extends north to Cithaeron and Parnet, and from the east the spurs of Parnet separate it from the Athenian valley;
• the valley between Hymettus and the chain of mountains in the east is the most hilly;
• near the coast, due to alluvial lands, wide flat strips were formed, of which the largest is the Marathon Plain, the other is located near the mouth of the Asop.

Attica is one of the driest regions of the country. There are no full-flowing rivers that could be used for irrigation. The most significant of them:

• the largest river of Attica - Kefiss, flowing through the Athenian valley, it originates at the foot of the Pentelikon and flows in a south-westerly direction, but most of the water goes to irrigate the arid plain;
• another river Ilissus flows out of the foothills of Hymettus, but is soon lost in the sands.
• another brook Enoe flows through the Marathon Plain.

The shores of Attica are indented with many picturesque and convenient bays for navigation, which resulted in the development of navigation. At present, these cozy bays and bays, thanks to the warm climate, are a favorite vacation spot for surfers and divers, and coastline filled with gorgeous sandy beaches.

Climatic conditions

The mild subtropical climate of Attica is characterized by long dry summers and short wet winters. The average summer air temperature is 26-28 degrees, but in July and August the temperature can reach 38 degrees. Due to the low humidity, heat is tolerated quite easily. The swimming season lasts from April to October. In winter, the air temperature is from five to ten degrees Celsius, but there is little rain. Such a temperate climate can be explained by the influence of air currents coming from the Mediterranean Sea - in winter they blow and in summer - cool winds from the northeast. There is no strong heat and winter colds of continental Europe.

Soil and natural resources

Attica did not allow grain to be grown here. Due to rocky soils and lack of moisture, the valleys were of little use for agriculture, but even ancient authors wrote that although bread does not grow on this land, it will feed more people than if it grew here. This will be due to the abundance of magnificent stone for the construction of temples and altars, as well as the presence of silver, which is available here by the will of the gods. And for ships, Attica is a land that has reliable marinas where they can hide from bad weather.

Marble of Attica

The mountains of Attica consist of limestone and slate, as well as magnificent marble, the extraction of which began at the turn of the 3rd-2nd millennium BC. Ancient Greek temples, which were originally built from limestone, began to be built from marble, which was mined at Pentelikon. The Parthenon was built from it. Pentelic marble is distinguished by its purest white color and fine grain. It also shines wonderfully in the sun, but turns yellow over time. Piraeus marble of dark tones was also used in the construction of the Acropolis. In Attica, Eleusinian marble of almost black color, fine-grained Hymettian marble, was also mined. This material was highly valued and exported from Greece to Ancient Rome where it was used in architecture and sculpture. In the reddish rocks of the Lavrion mountains were mines rich in silver, and the Hymett mountain range was a source of excellent honey.

Pottery and agriculture

The reddish clay of Attica was especially appreciated, it was of good quality and easy to work with, so pottery was well developed. Amphorae were made from clay - large jugs with a narrow neck and handles, in which wine and olive oil were stored and transported. Clay was also used to make tiles, pipes, barrels and many other household items.

Thanks to mild winters, dry summers and plenty of sun, olive trees always grew well on the plains of Attica and vineyards were grown on the mountain slopes, so wine, olives, olive oil, figs have always been the main products of agriculture and were exported. Attic wool was very popular in ancient times, and it is famous now. Sheep, goats and cattle are bred in the mountains.

The origin of the inhabitants of Attica

The inhabitants of Attica mostly belonged to the Ionian tribe - one of the four main Greek tribes, named after the legendary hero. The Ionians, along with the Dorians, are considered the main carriers of the national culture of Greece. The entire population of Attica was divided into four classes according to ancestry, which were called phyla:

• geleonts - noble, they were called "brilliant";
• the hoplites were warriors;
• ergadei - farmers;
• egikoreas were goatherds or just shepherds.

Socially, the phyla consisted of large clans, each of which was divided into several dozen tribal families. Families in a certain order united in phratries, that is, religious groups with their own traditions and rituals. Such an organization did not concern the conquered tribes and their descendants, although they, too, could freely engage in crafts, trade or agriculture and had their own associations, they were called meteks.

Athens: geographical location

Geographically, Attica is divided into two main parts - the capital of the region and the whole country - Athens with its suburbs and the rest of the territory. The capital is named after the goddess of wisdom, Athena, who, according to legend, gave the inhabitants an olive tree. According to another version, the name of the city comes from the word "Athos" - a flower. Athens is located in Attica and is surrounded by mountains from the west, north and east, and from the southwest it has access to the Saronic Gulf. At present, the city has already occupied the entire plain, but its suburbs continue to expand.

ancient democracy

Athens is not only administrative center countries, even in ancient times the city played an important role in the cultural and economic terms. It was here that, as a result of a long and fierce struggle between the tribal aristocracy and the demos, such a form of government as ancient democracy was born, which became a model of popular government. This unique form political system developed in Athens in the 5th century BC. e. And although in subsequent times Athens went through a difficult path of destructive wars, experienced the power of many conquerors, in their history there was this period of high citizenship and freedom - democracy.

Golden Age of Athens

Ancient Athens began as a fortified hilltop settlement and then evolved into a city-state as a result of Sinoikism, which meant the unification of Attica around the Acropolis of Athens. This process took several centuries. According to ancient myths, the unification happened thanks to the legendary son of King Aegeus - Theseus, who also introduced the division of the population of Athens into social strata:

• Eupatrides - tribal nobility;
• geomors - farmers;
• demiurges are artisans.

The Athenian state reached its highest prosperity during the reign of Pericles - in the 5th century BC. e. This time is called the Golden Age of Athens. During this period, the main temple of Athena, the Parthenon, was built, a unique monument ancient architecture. The temple was built by the ancient Greek masters Kallikrat and Iktin, and the beautiful sculptural compositions were made by the famous architect Phidias. The peculiarity of the temple is that from one point its facade is visible from three sides, due to the fact that the columns are placed at an angle to each other. Phidias also created the famous statue of Athena in marble and gold. This sculpture is a masterpiece of ancient architecture.

Modernity

The political power of Athens ended with the start of destructive wars with Sparta, and then with Macedonia. Then Athens fell under the rule of the Romans, after which the Turks came. For many centuries, the glory of the city faded. Many monuments of history and architecture were destroyed. Only after a long struggle for independence in the 19th century did Athens again become the capital of Greece. Now it is a huge metropolis with a population of more than five million people, once again won the status of the country's cultural and political center and has many historical monuments.

Piraeus

On the southern outskirts of Athens is Piraeus - the largest port in Greece, as well as a major industrial centre country and an important transportation hub. Back in the 5th century BC. e annual turnover of the port amounted to significant amounts. Thanks to the convenient presence of safe harbors, Piraeus became a transit point through which various types of goods passed. The port had shipyards, workshops, warehouses. Athens with its port was considered the most profitable city, since merchants could get Athenian silver for goods here, which was valued everywhere.

Sights of Attica

Currently, Attica is the most popular tourist area with many historical and architectural sights, as well as wonderful nature and magnificent beaches. The main symbols of Attica are located in Athens. An invaluable historical monument is architectural complex The Acropolis, on which the main temple of ancient Athens - the Parthenon, is located, is a place of pilgrimage for a huge number of people. From historical sites in the vicinity of Athens, the monastery of Daphni is very popular. The Temple of Poseidon was built on a high rock, from which majestic ruins now remain. Fishermen, going to sea, brought donations here - the god Poseidon was the second most important for the Greeks, since their life was inextricably linked with the sea. One of the most important sanctuaries of ancient Attica is located in Eleusis - the temple of the goddess Demeter, who gave grain to the Greeks. In honor of her, holidays were held every year in spring and autumn. On the island of Aegina is the ghost town of Palaiochora, deserted a hundred years ago.

The nature of Attica is also amazing and beautiful. On Mount Imittos there is a wonderful healing spring, bestowed, according to legend, by the god Hephaestus to people. The thermal bath, which is replenished from the sources located at its depth, has unique healing properties, and the extraordinary doctor fish is able to rejuvenate the skin, cleansing it of dead cells. The endless coastline is littered with many great beaches, places to stay and things to do. water sports sports.

A wonderful place to spend a comfortable summer holiday is Attica - photos show amazing landscapes of nature, and rave reviews from travelers are evidence of the popularity of this region of Greece.