{{otheruses4|the capital of Greece}}
{{Infobox Greek Dimos
|name = Athens
|name_local = Αθήνα
|image_skyline = Acropolis from south-west.jpg
|caption_skyline = [[Acropolis of Athens]]
|city_flag = Flag-Athens.png
|city_seal = Athens_seal.png
|lat_deg = 37
|lat_min = 58
|lon_deg = 23
|lon_min = 43
|periph = [[Attica]]
|prefec = [[Athens Prefecture|Athens]]
|districts = 7
|mayor = [[Nikitas Kaklamanis]]
|party = [[New Democracy (Greece)|ND]]
|since = [[January 1]] [[2007]]
|elevation_min = 70
|elevation_max = 338
|population_as_of = 2001
|population = 745514
|area = 38.964
|population_metro = 3761810
|area_metro = 411.717
|postal_code = 10x xx, 11x xx, 120 xx
|area_code = 21
|licence = Yxx, Zxx, Ixx (excluding INx)
|website = [http://www.cityofathens.gr www.cityofathens.gr]
}}

'''Athens''' ([[Greek language|Greek]]: '''Αθήνα/Athina''' {{IPA|[a'θina]}}, [[Katharevousa]]: '''Αθήναι/Athinai''' {{IPA|[a'θinɛ]}}), the [[capital]] and largest city in [[Greece]], dominates the [[Attica]] periphery: as one of the world's oldest cities, its recorded history spans at least 3,000 years.

The Greek capital has a population of 745,514 (in 2001) within its administrative limits.<ref name=population/> The [[urban area]] of Athens extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of 3.37 million (in 2005).<ref>{{fr icon}} {{cite web| url=http://www.insee.fr/fr/ffc/chifcle_fiche.asp?ref_id=CMPTEF01103&tab_id=18| title="Population des villes et unités urbaines de plus de 1 million d'habitants de l'Union Européenne"| author=Institut National de la Statistique et des Études Économiques| accessdate=2006-04-10}}</ref> The city proper has a land area of {{convert|39|sqkm|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}, while the urban area of Athens spans {{convert|412|sqkm|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>[http://www.ypes.gr/topiki.htm Hellenic Interior Ministry] - Accessed on [[6 January]] [[2007]]</ref> The Athens [[Larger Urban Zones (LUZ) in the European Union|Larger Urban Zone]] (LUZ) is the 8th most populated LUZ in the [[European Union]] with an estimated population of 3.89 million (in 2001).<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.urbanaudit.org/DownloadPDF.ashx?CityCode=GR001C| title=Athina|author=Urban Audit|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-12-28}}</ref> A bustling and cosmopolitan metropolis, Athens is central to economic, financial, industrial, political and cultural life in Greece. It is rapidly becoming a leading business centre in the European Union.

Ancient Athens was a powerful [[city-state]]. A center for the arts, learning and [[philosophy]], home of [[Plato]]'s [[Platonic Academy|Akademia]] and [[Aristotle]]'s [[Lyceum]],<ref>{{cite web |publisher=www.culture.gr |title=Plato's Academy |work= Hellenic Ministry of Culture |url=http://www.culture.gr/2/21/211/21103a/e211ca03.html |accessdate=2007-03-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Greece uncovers 'holy grail' of Greek archeology |author= CNN & Assiciated Press |publisher= CNN.com |url=http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9701/16/greece.lyceum/index.html |date= [[1997-01-16]] |accessdate= 2007-03-28}}</ref> Athens was also the birthplace of [[Socrates]], [[Pericles]], [[Sophocles]], and its many other prominent philosophers, writers and politicians of the ancient world. It is widely referred to as the [[Cradle of civilization|cradle]] of [[Western Civilization]], and the birthplace of [[democracy]],<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/greeks/greekdemocracy_01.shtml BBC History on Greek Democracy] - Accessed on [[26 January]] [[2007]]</ref> largely due to the impact of its cultural and political achievements during the 5th and 4th centuries BC on the rest of the then known European continent.<ref>[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_1741501460/Ancient_Greece.html Encarta: Ancient Greece] - Retrieved on [[26 January]] [[2007]]</ref>

The heritage of the classical era is still evident in the city, represented by a number of ancient monuments and works of art, the most famous of all the [[Parthenon]] on the [[Acropolis of Athens|Acropolis]], widely considered an important landmark of early Western civilization. The city also retains a vast variety of [[Roman Greece|Roman]] and [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] monuments, as well as a small number of remaining Ottoman monuments projecting the city's long history across the centuries. Landmarks of the modern era are also present, dating back to 1830 (the establishment of the independent Greek state), and taking in the [[Greek Parliament]] (19th century) and the Athens Trilogy (Library, University, and Academy).

Athens was the host city of the [[1896 Summer Olympics|first modern-day Olympic Games]] in 1896, and 108 years later it welcomed home the [[2004 Summer Olympics]], with great success.<ref name = oly>{{cite news |title=Sentiment a factor as Athens gets 2004 Olympics |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/olympics/news/1997/09/05/athens_update/ |author= CNN & Sports Illustrated |publisher= sportsillustrated.cnn.com |date=1997-09-05 |accessdate= 2007-03-28}}</ref>

==Origin of the name==
[[Image:Athena type Velletri.jpg|thumb|Statue of [[Athena]], the patron goddess of Athens.]]
{{nameWikt}}
{{see|Names of European cities in different languages: A}}

In [[ancient Greek]], the name of Athens was '''{{Polytonic|αἱ Ἀθῆναι}}''' {{IPA2|haɪ atʰɛ̑ːnaɪ}}, related tο {{Polytonic|ἡ Ἀθηνᾶ}} {{IPA|[hɛː atʰɛːnȃː]}} and its dialectal variant {{Polytonic|ἡ Ἀθήνη}} {{IPA|[hɛː atʰɛ́ːnɛː]}}, the [[Attic Greek|Attic]] and [[Ionic Greek|Ionic]] names respectively of the goddess [[Athena]], the goddess of disciplined war and wisdom. The city's name was in the plural, like those of {{Polytonic|Θῆβαι}} ([[Thebes, Greece|''Thêbai'']]) and {{Polytonic|Μυκῆναι}} ([[Mycenae|''Mukênai'']]). Athḗnai was originally a group of ten cities or ten "tribes" ([[phyle|phylai]]) which according to the legend [[Theseus]] unified into one city; Following
the reforms of [[Cleisthenes]] the city was again divided into ten tribes or [[Electoral district|electorates]]. In the 19th century, {{Polytonic|Αθήναι}} was formally re-adopted as the city's name. Since the official abandonment of [[Katharevousa]] Greek in the 1970s, ''Αθήνα'' (''Athína'') has become the city's official name.

==History==
{{see|History of Athens}}
[[Image:EarlyAthenianCoin.jpg|thumb|left|Early [[Athenian]] coin, 5th century BC. [[British Museum]].]]

The history of Athens is one of the longest of any city, in [[Europe]] or the world; it has been continuously inhabited for at least 3,000 years. Athens became the leading city of ancient Greece in the first millennium BC, with its cultural achievements during the 5th century BC laying the foundations of [[Western civilization]]. During the Middle Ages, the city experienced decline and then recovery under the [[Byzantine Empire]], and was relatively prosperous during the [[Crusades]], benefiting from Italian trade; after a long period of decline under the rule of the [[Ottoman Empire]], Athens re-emerged in the 19th century as the capital of the independent Greek state, and in 1896 hosted the first modern [[Olympic Games]]. In the 1920s a number of refugees, expelled from [[Asia Minor]] after the [[Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922)]], swelled Athens' population; nevertheless it was most particularly following the [[Second World War]], and from the 1950s and 1960s, that the population of the city exploded, and Athens experienced a gradual expansion in all directions. In the 1980s it became evident that smog from factories and an ever increasing fleet of automobiles, as well as a lack of adequate free space due to overcongestion, had evolved into the city's most important challenges. A series of anti-pollution measures taken by the city's authorities in the 1990s, combined with a substantial improvement of the city's infrastructure (including the [[Attiki Odos]] ring road, the dramatic expansion of the [[Athens Metro]], and the brand new [[Athens International Airport]]), alleviated pollution considerably and transformed Athens into a much more functional city.

==Geography==
[[Image:Mount Lycabettus.jpg|thumb|[[Mount Lycabettus]] rising in central Athens.]]

Athens sprawls across the central plain of [[Attica]], often referred to as the '''Attica Basin''' which is bound by Mount [[Aegaleo]] in the west, Mount [[Parnitha]] in the north, Mount [[Penteli]] in the northeast, Mount [[Hymettus]] in the east, and the [[Saronic Gulf]] in the southwest. The capital has expanded to cover the entire plain, making future growth difficult. The geomorphology of Athens causes the so-called [[temperature inversion]] phenomenon, and along with the failure of the Greek Government to control industrial pollution is responsible for the air pollution problems the city has recently faced.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.minenv.gr/1/12/122/12204/e1220400.html |work=Hellenic Ministry of the Environment and Public Works |title=Daily Report on Air Pollution Levels |accessdate=2007-01-26 |publisher=www.minenv.gr}}</ref><ref name=temp/> ([[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]] and [[Mexico City]] also suffer with similar geomorphology inversion problems).<ref name=temp>{{cite book |last=Tung |first=Anthony |authorlink=Anthony M. Tung |chapter=The City the Gods Besieged |title=Preserving the World's Great Cities: The Destruction and Renewal of the Historic Metropolis |year=2001 |location=New York |publisher=Three Rivers Press |isbn=0-609-80815-X |pages=pg.266}}</ref> The pollution of Athens was at one point so destructive, that according to the then Greek [[Ministry of Culture (Greece)|Minister of Culture]], Constantine Trypanis, ''the carved details on the five caryatids of the Erechtheum have seriously degenerated, while the face of the horseman on the Parthenon's west side is all but obliterated.''<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,918645,00.html |title=Acropolis: Threat of Destruction |publisher= TIME.com |work=Time Magazine |date=1977-01-31 |accessdate=2007-04-03}}</ref> A series of strict measures then taken by the authorities of the city throughout the 1990s resulted in a dramatic improvement of air quality; the appearance of smog (or ''nefos'' as the Athenians used to call it) has become an increasingly rare phenomenon.

===Climate===
Athens enjoys a typical [[mediterranean climate]], with the greatest amounts of [[Precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] mainly occurring from mid-October to mid-April; any precipitation is sparse during summer and falls generally in the form of showers and/or [[thunderstorm]]s. Due to its location in a strong [[rain shadow]] because of [[Mount Parnitha]], however, the Athenian climate is much drier compared to most of the rest of mediterranean Europe. The mountainous northern suburbs, for their part, experience a somewhat differentiated climatic pattern, with generally lower [[temperature]]s and more substantial [[snowfall]]s during winter. [[Fog]] is highly unusual in the city centre but it is more frequent to the east, behind the [[Hymettus]] mountain range.

[[Image:3D View of Athens.jpg|thumb|Processed 3D view of the Attica Basin from space. Courtesy: [[NASA]]]]

Snowfalls occur almost on a yearly basis, though these do not normally lead to significant, if any, disruption. Nonetheless, the city has experienced its share of heavy snowfalls, not least in the past decade; during the blizzards of March 1987, February 1992, January 2002, February 2004 and January 2006, snow literally blanketed large parts of the metropolitan area, causing havoc across many suburbs of the city.

Spring and fall (autumn) are considered ideal seasons for sightseeing and all kinds of outdoor activities. Summers can be particularly hot and at times prone to [[smog]] and pollution related conditions (however, much less so than in the past). The average daytime maximum temperature for the month of July is 92.3 °F (33.5 °C) and heatwaves are relatively common, occurring generally during the months of July and/or August, when hot air masses sweep across Greece from the south or the southwest. On such days only temperature maxima soar over 100 °F (38 °C).

The all-time high temperatures for the metropolitan area of Athens of {{convert|48.7|C|F|1|lk=on}} and {{convert|48.0|C|F|1|}} were recorded at the Tatoi and Elefsina suburbs on [[July 10]] [[1977]] (HNMS-http://records.e-kairos.com/) and are also Greece's all-time high temperatures. The respective low-temperature record is -10.4 °C (13.3 °F), recorded at the Votanikos area, close to the city centre. During the February 2004 blizzard (one of the worst snowstorms ever to hit the city), temperatures plummeted to {{convert|-7.0|C|F|1|}} at the [[National Technical University of Athens|University]] Campus, and {{convert|-10.1|C|F|1|}} at the meteorological station of the [[National Observatory of Athens]], in [[Penteli]].

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;border:0px;text-align:center;line-height:120%;"
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080" height="17" |Month
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Jan
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Feb
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Mar
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Apr
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | May
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Jun
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Jul
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Aug
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Sep
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Oct
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Nov
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Dec
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Year
|-
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" |Avg high °C (°F)
| style="background: #DDDDDD; color:#000000;" | 12.5 (54.5)
| style="background: #DDDDDD; color:#000000;" | 13.5 (56.3)
| style="background: #FFFFCC; color:#000000;" | 15.7 (60.3)
| style="background: #FFFF99; color:#000000;" | 20.2 (68.4)
| style="background: #FFCC66; color:#000000;" | 26.0 (78.8)
| style="background: #FF8000; color:#000000;" | 31.1 (88.0)
| style="background: #FF8001; color:#000000;" | 33.5 (92.3)
| style="background: #FF8000; color:#000000;" | 33.2 (91.8)
| style="background: #FF8000; color:#000000;" | 29.2 (84.6)
| style="background: #FFCC66; color:#000000;" | 23.3 (73.9)
| style="background: #FFFF99; color:#000000;" | 18.4 (64.6)
| style="background: #FFFFCC; color:#000000;" | 14.1 (57.4)
| style="background: #FFCC66; color:#000000;" | 22.6 (72.7)
|-
! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" height="16;" |Avg low °C (°F)
| style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 5.2 (41.4)
| style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 5.4 (41.7)
| style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 6.7 (44.1)
| style="background: #DDDDDD; color: black;" | 9.6 (49.3)
| style="background: #FFFFCC; color: black;" | 13.9 (57.0)
| style="background: #FFFF99; color: black;" | 18.2 (64.8)
| style="background: #FFCC66; color: black;" | 20.8 (69.4)
| style="background: #FFCC66; color: black;" | 20.7 (69.3)
| style="background: #FFFF99; color: black;" | 17.3 (63.1)
| style="background: #FFFFCC; color: black;" | 13.4 (56.1)
| style="background: #DDDDDD; color: black;" | 9.8 (49.6)
| style="background: #FFFFFF; color: black;" | 6.8 (44.2)
| style="background: #FFFFCC; color: black;" | 12.3 (54.1)
|-
| colspan="14" style="text-align:center;font-size:90%;"|''Source: Hellenic National Meteorological Service [http://www.hnms.gr/hnms/english/climatology/climatology_region_diagrams_html?dr_city=Nea_Filadelfia&dr_region=ClimAttiki]''
|}

===Pollution and Environment===
Air pollution remains to some degree an issue for Athens, particularly on the hottest summer days. Nevertheless, widespread measures taken by the authorities throughout the 1990s have dramatically improved air quality. In late June 2007, the Attica region experienced a number of [[2007 Greek forest fires|brush fires]], including one that burned a significant portion of a large forested national park in [[Mount Parnitha]] - considered critical to maintaining better air in Athens all year round. Damage to the park has led to worries over a stalling in the improvement of air quality in the city.

Athens tap water is safe, and of very good quality. It is comparable to or exceeds the quality of the best US city water systems sourced from higher elevations, and is considered one of the best municipal waters in [[Europe]].

==Government==
[[Image:Prefectures of Attica location athens.png|thumb|The Athens Prefecture (blue), within the Attica Periphery (grey).]]

Athens is the capital of Greece, but it is also the capital of the [[Attica|Attica Periphery]] and the [[Athens Prefecture]]. The city has been the capital of Greece since [[1834]], succeeding [[Nafplion]], the city that was provisional capital during the [[Greek War of Independence]] ending in [[1832]].

===Attica Periphery===
Athens is located within the Attica [[Peripheries of Greece|Periphery]], which encompasses the most populated region of Greece, with around 3.7 million people. The Attica Periphery itself is split into four prefectures; they include the [[Athens Prefecture]], [[Piraeus Prefecture]], [[West Attica|West Attica Prefecture]], and the [[East Attica|East Attica Prefecture]]. It is, however, one of the smaller peripheries in Greece, with an area of {{convert|3808|sqkm|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}.

===Athens Prefecture===
The Athens Prefecture is the most populous of all the Greek Prefectures, accounting for well over 2.6 million<ref name=population/> of the 3.7 million<ref name=population/> in the Attica Periphery. ''Athens'' can refer either to the entire [[metropolitan area]], or to the Municipality of Athens. The next largest municipalities of Athens metropolitan area are the [[Piraeus|Municipality of Piraeus]], the [[Peristeri|Municipality of Peristeri]], and the [[Kallithea|Municipality of Kallithea]]. Each of these municipalities has an elected district council and a directly elected mayor.

===Athens Municipality===
{{see|List of Mayors of Athens}}
[[Image:Athens dimotiko diamerisma.PNG|thumb|The 7 districts of the Athens Municipality]]

The modern city of Athens consists of what was once a conglomeration of distinct towns and villages that gradually expanded and merged into a single large metropolis; most of this expansion occurred during the second half of the 20th century. The Greater Athens area is now divided into 55 municipalities, the largest of which is the ''Municipality of Athens'' or ''Dimos Athinaion'', with a population of 745,514 people.<ref name=population/>

[[Dora Bakoyanni]], of the conservative [[New Democracy (Greece)|New Democracy]] party, was Mayor of Athens from [[1 January]] [[2003]] until [[15 February]] [[2006]], when she joined the Greek cabinet as Minister of Foreign Affairs. During her tenure, she had been the 76th Mayor of Athens, and the first female ever to hold that post in the city's history; later replaced by Theodoros Behrakis. The next municipal elections took place in October 2006, at which point Nikitas Kaklamanis took over as the city's mayor.

The Municipality of Athens is divided into seven ''municipal districts'', or ''demotika diamerismata''. The 7-district division, is mainly used for administrative purposes. For Athenians the most popular way of dividing the city proper is through its ''neighbourhoods'' (usually referred to as areas in English), each with its own distinct history and characteristics. Those include Pangrati, [[Ambelokipi, Athens|Ambelokipi]], [[Exarcheia]], [[Ano Patissia]], Kato Patissia, Ilissia, Ano and Kato Petralona, Mets, Koukaki and Kypseli, the world's second most densely populated urban area. For a traveller unfamiliar with Athens, familiarity with the contours of these neighbourhoods can often be particularly useful in both exploring and understanding the city.

==Demographics==
[[Image:Population Density in Athens.PNG|thumb|250px|Athens population distribution]]

The municipality of Athens has an official population of 745,514<ref name=population/> with a metropolitan population of 3.8 million (population including the suburbs).<ref name=population/> The actual population, however, is believed to be higher, because during census-taking (carried out once every 10 years) some Athenian residents travel back to their birthplaces, and register as local citizens there.<ref>[http://ta-nea.dolnet.gr/print_article.php?e=A&f=16985&m=N12&aa=1 Ta Nea onLine] - Retrieved on [[10 February]] [[2007]]</ref>

Reflecting this uncertainty about population figures, various sources refer to a population of around 5 million people for Athens.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1648444,00.html |title=Athens is Burning |publisher=www.time.com |last=Carassava |first=Anthee |work=Time Magazine |date=2007-06-31 |accessdate=2007-08-02}}</ref><ref name="Pop Sources">[http://www.10best.com/Athens/locationDetails.htm Athens travel guide]quote: ''Fact 7: Nearly five million people – almost half of Greece's entire population – live in Athens.''<br>[http://www.airmiles.co.uk/content/generatePage.do?destination=Athens Airmiles UK]quote: ''Did you know...? Nearly five million people – almost half of Greece's entire population - live in Athens.''<br>[http://www.greecetaxi.gr/index/athens_airport.html Taxis.gr]quote: ''In any other city with a population of five million..''<br>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1436180.stm BBC News Europe]quote: ''The capital, with its population of five million,''<br>[http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/equal/data/document/etg2-suc6-cooperation.pdf Europa]quote: ''(the metropolitan area of Athens contains over five million inhabitants.''<br>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQQ/is_8_40/ai_65171917 International Railway Journal, August, 2000]quote: ''The Athens urban area has a population of about five million''</ref> Also unaccounted for is an undefined number of unregistered immigrants originating mainly from [[Albania]] and other [[Eastern Europe]]an countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oecd.org/document/53/0,2340,en_33873108_33873421_35062645_1_1_1_1,00.html |work=OECD |date=2005 |title=Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development: Economic Survey of Greece 2005 |publisher=www.oecd.org |accessdate=2007-01-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ce-review.org/99/21/vidali21.html |work=Central European Review |title=Central European Review: Living in a Policy Vacuum |publisher=www.ce-review.org |accessdate=2007-01-06}}</ref>

The ancient site of the city is centered on the rocky hill of the acropolis. In ancient times the port of [[Piraeus]] was a separate city, but it has now been absorbed into greater Athens. The rapid expansion of the city initiated in the 1950s and 1960s continues today, because of the transition from an agricultural to an industrial nation.<ref>[http://www.gto.gr/athens/athens/athens.html Greek Tourist Organizer] - Retrieved on [[6 January]] [[2007]]</ref> The expansion is now particularly toward the East and North East (a tendency greatly related to the new [[Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport]] and the [[Attiki Odos]], the freeway that cuts across [[Attica]]). By this process Athens has engulfed many former suburbs and villages in Attica, and continues to do so.Throughout its long history, Athens has experienced many different population levels. The table below shows the historical population of Athens in recent times.

{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
! Year !! City population !! Urban population !! Metro population
|-
| 1833 || 4,000<ref name=tung>{{cite book |last=Tung |first=Anthony |authorlink=Anthony M. Tung |year=2001 |title=Preserving the World's Great Cities:The Destruction and Renewal of the Historic Metropolis |location=New York |publisher=Three Rivers Press |isbn=0-609-80815-X |pages=pg. 260, 263, 265 |chapter=The City of the Gods Besieged}}</ref> || - || -
|-
| 1870 || 44,500<ref name=tung/> || - || -
|-
| 1896 || 123,000<ref name=tung/> || - || -
|-
| 1921 (Pre-Population exchange) || 473,000<ref name=tung/> || - || -
|-
| 1921 ([[Population exchange between Greece and Turkey|Post-Population exchange]]) || 718,000<ref name=tung/> || - || -
|-
| 1971 || 867,023<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gpro&lng=en&dat=32&geo=-92&srt=2pnn&col=aohdq&pt=c&va=&geo=460748373 |title=World Gazetter City Pop:Athens |publisher=www.world-gazetter.com}}</ref> || - || -
|-
| 1981 || 885,737 || - || -
|-
| 1991 || 772,072 || - || 3,444,358<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gpro&lng=en&dat=32&geo=460748373&srt=2pnn&col=aohdq&geo=-1048919 |title=World Gazetter Metro Pop:Athens |publisher=www.world-gazetter.com}}</ref>
|-
| 2001 || 745,514<ref name=pop>{{cite web |url=http://www.statistics.gr/Main_eng.asp |title= Population of Greece |work=General Secretariat Of National Statistical Service Of Greece |publisher=www.statistics.gr |accessdate=2007-08-02 |date=2001}}</ref> || 3,130,841<ref name=pop/> || 3,761,810<ref name=pop/>
|}

==Culture==
{{main|Culture of Greece}}

===Archaeological hub===
[[Image:407856247 e14767c8fe.jpg|thumb|The [[New Acropolis Museum]], during its final stages of construction, as seen from the [[Acropolis of Athens]].]]

The city is one of the world's main centres of [[archaeology|archaeological research]]. Apart from national institutions, like [[Athens University]], the [[Archaeological Society of Athens|Archaeological Society]], several archaeological Museums (including the [[National Archaeological Museum of Athens|National Archaeological Museum]], the [[Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art|Cycladic Museum]], the [[Epigraphic]] Museum, the [[Byzantine]] Museum, as well as museums at the ancient [[Ancient Agora of Athens|Agora]], [[Acropolis Museum|Acropolis]], and [[Kerameikos]]), the city is also home to the [[Demokritos]] laboratory for [[Archaeometry]] as well as several regional and national archaeological authorities that form part of the [[Hellenic Ministry of Culture|Greek Department of Culture]]. Additionally, Athens hosts 17 [[List of Foreign Archaeological Institutes in Greece|Foreign Archaeological Institutes]] which promote and facilitate research by scholars from their respective home countries. As a result, Athens has more than a dozen archaeological libraries and three specialised archaeological laboratories, and is the venue of several hundred specialised lectures, conferences and seminars, as well as dozens of archaeological exhibitions, per year. At any given time, Athens is the (temporary) home to hundreds of international scholars and researchers in all disciplines of archaeology.

===Tourism===
Athens has been a popular [[tourist destination|destination]] for travellers since antiquity. Over the past decade, the infrastructure and social amenities of Athens have been radically improved, in part due to the city's successful bid to stage the [[2004 Olympic Games]]. The Greek Government, aided by the [[European Union|EU]], has funded major infrastructure projects such as the state-of-the-art [[Eleftherios Venizelos Airport|Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aia.gr/EN/business/airport_company/finance/body.shtm |title=AIA: Finance |publisher=www.AIA.gr |work=Athens International Airport, S.A. |accessdate=2007-04-05}}</ref> the massive expansion of the [[Athens Metro]] system,<ref name=EUfund>{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/themes/olympe/pages/focus_en.htm |title=Olympic Games 2004: five major projects for Athens |publisher=ec.europa.eu |work=European Union Regional Policy |accessdate=2007-04-05}}</ref> and the new [[Attiki Odos]] Motorway.<ref name=EUfund/> Home to a vast number of 5 and 4 star hotels, the city is currently the 6th most visited capital.

===Entertainment===
Athens is home to 148 theatrical stages, more than any other European city, including the famous ancient [[Odeon of Herodes Atticus|Herodes Atticus Theater]], home to the Athens Festival, which runs from May to October each year.<ref>http://www.urbanaudit.org</ref><ref>http://www.hellenicfestival.gr/site/index_en.htm</ref> In addition to a large number of multiplexes, Athens plays host to a variety of romantic, open air garden cinemas. The city also supports a vast number of music venues, including the [[Athens Concert Hall]], known as the "Megaron Moussikis", which attracts world-famous artists all year round.<ref>[http://www.megaron.gr/megaro/programeng/top.htm Megaron Events Chart]</ref>

===Sports===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Club
!Sport
!Founded
!League
!Venue
|-
|[[Olympiacos]]
|[[Football (soccer)|Football]]
|1925
|[[Super League Greece]]
|[[Karaiskákis Stadium]]
|-
|[[Panathinaikos FC]]
|Football
|1908
|Super League Greece
|[[Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium]]
|-
|[[AEK Athens FC]]
|Football
|1924
|Super League Greece
|[[Olympic Stadium (Athens)|Athens Olympic Stadium]]
|-
|[[Panionios]]
|Football
|1890
|Super League Greece
|[[Nea Smyrni Stadium]]
|-
|[[Atromitos]]
|Football
|1950
|Super League Greece
|[[Peristeri Stadium]]
|-
|[[Panathinaikos BC]]
|[[Basketball]]
|1922
|[[A1 Ethniki]]
|[[Athens Olympic Sports Complex#Olympic Indoor Hall|Athens Olympic Indoor Hall]]
|-
|[[Olympiacos BC]]
|Basketball
|1925
|A1 Ethniki
|[[Faliro Coastal Zone Olympic Complex#Peace and Friendship Stadium|Peace and Friendship Stadium]]
|-
|[[AEK Athens BC]]
|Basketball
|1928
|A1 Ethniki
|Athens Olympic Indoor Hall
|-
|[[Panellinios Gymnastikos Syllogos|Panellinios]]
|Basketball
|1891
|A1 Ethniki
|Panellinios Indoor Hall
|-
|Panionios
|Basketball
|1890
|A1 Ethniki
|[[Helliniko Olympic Complex#Indoor Arena|Helliniko Arena]]
|-
|[[Maroussi BC]]
|Basketball
|1970
|A1 Ethniki
|Maroussi Indoor Hall
|-
|[[Olympiacos SC]]
|[[Volleyball]]
|1930
|A1 Ethniki
|Rendis Indoor Hall
|-
|[[Panathinaikos VC]]
|Volleyball
|1919
|A1 Ethniki
|[[Glyfada Indoor Hall]]
|-
|AEK Athens VC
|Volleyball
|
|A1 Ethniki
|Nea Filadelfia Indoor Hall
|-
|Panellinios
|Volleyball
|
|A1 Ethniki
|Panellinios Indoor Hall
|-
|[[Olympiacos Water Polo Club|Olympiacos WPC]]
|[[Water polo]]
|
|A1 Ethniki
|Papastrateio Indoo Hall
|-
|[[Ethnikos Piraeus]]
|Water polo
|
|A1 Ethniki
|Papastrateio Hall
|-
|Panathinaikos
|Water Polo
|
|A1 Ethniki
|[[Athens Olympic Sports Complex#Athens Olympic Aquatic Centre|Athens Olympic Aquatic Centre]]
|-
|Panionios
|Water polo
|
|A1 Ethniki
|Nea Smyrni Hall
|-
|Vouliagmeni
|Water polo
|1937
|A1 Ethniki
|Vouliagmeni Hall
|-
|Spartakos Glyfadas
|[[Baseball]]
|1990
|National Baseball League
|Helliniko Baseball Center
|-
|Maroussi 2004
|Baseball
|1990
|National Baseball League
|Helliniko Baseball Center
|-
|[[Athinaikos]]
|[[Team handball|Handball]]
|1927
|National Handball League
|Helliniko Arena
|-
|Athens Rugby
|[[Rugby union]]
|1990
|National Rugby League
|Athens Olympic Stadium
|-
|Starbucks Rugby
|Rugby
|1983
|National Rugby League
|Athens Olympic Stadium
|}

The Athens area is home to three prestigious European clubs: [[Olympiacos]], [[Panathinaikos]] and [[AEK Athens]], all multisport clubs. A host of other local clubs are also active in the areas, some listed above. [[Beach volleyball]] and [[windsurfing]] are both very popular in broader Attica, and nearby beaches are popular with [[surfing|surfers]], who have created their own [[subculture]].

Athens has twice played host to the summer [[Olympic Games]]: in [[1896 Summer Olympics|1896]] and in 2004. The [[2004 Summer Olympics]] inspired the development of the [[Olympic Stadium (Athens)|Athens Olympic Stadium]], which has gained a reputation as one of the most beautiful in the world. The city has also hosted the [[UEFA Champions League]] final twice, in 1994 and in 2007, at the Athens Olympic Stadium<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/finals/index.html |title=Athens Appointed for 2007 UEFA Final |accessdate=2007-02-10 |publisher=UEFA.com}}</ref> and the [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]] final in 1971 at the [[Karaiskákis Stadium]], a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment complex. Athens has also hosted two [[Euroleague]] final fours, the first in 1993 at [[Faliro Coastal Zone Olympic Complex#Peace and Friendship Stadium|Peace and Friendship Stadium]]<ref>http://www.euroleague.net/history/50-years/the-archive/i/16107/1609/item</ref> and the second in 2007 at the [[Athens Olympic Sports Complex#Olympic Indoor Hall|Athens Olympic Indoor Hall]],<ref>http://www.euroleague.net/item/16093</ref> and several competitions in other sports.

The Athens area encompasses a variety of [[terrain]], notably hills and mountains rising around the [[city|metropolis]], and the capital is the only major city in [[Europe]] to be bisected by a [[mountain range]]. Four mountain ranges extend into city boundaries, and thousands of miles of trails crisscross the city and neighbouring areas, providing [[exercise]] and [[wilderness]] access on [[hiking|foot]], [[Mountain biking|bike]], or [[horse]]. Beyond Athens and across the county a great variety of outdoor activities are available and popular, including [[skiing]], [[rock climbing]], [[hang gliding]], and windsurfing. Numerous outdoor clubs serve these sports, including the Athens Chapter of the [[Sierra Club]], which leads over 4,000 outings annually in the area.

==Urban Landscape==
===Architecture===
[[Image:Mk01n101.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The [[Academy of Athens (modern)|Academy of Athens]].]]

Athens is a melting pot of many different architectural styles, ranging from Greco-Roman, Neo-Classical, to modern. Many of the most prominent buildings of the city are either Greco-Roman or neo-classical in style. Some of the neo-classical buildings to be found are public buildings erected during the mid-nineteenth century under the guidance of [[Theophil Freiherr von Hansen]]:

*[[Greek Parliament]]
*[[Zappeion]] Hall
*[[Old Parliament House, Athens|Old Parliament]] (1875-1932) (Now the National Historical Museum)<ref>[http://www.culture.gr/2/21/213/21301n/e213an21.html Hellenic Ministry of Culture: The Old Parliament Building] - Retrieved [[16 February]] [[2007]]</ref>
*[[Academy of Athens (modern)|Athens Academy]]
*[[University of Athens]]
*Athens Town Hall

===Athenian Neighbourhoods===
The Municipality of Athens is divided into several districts: [[Omonia Square|Omonoia]], [[Syntagma Square|Syntagma]], [[Exarcheia]], Aghios Nikolaos, Neapolis, [[Lycabettus|Lykavittos]], Lofos Strefi, Lofos Finopoulou, Lofos Filopappou, Pedion Areos, Metaxourgeio, Aghios Kostantinos, Larissa Station, [[Kerameikos]], Psirri, [[Monastiraki]], Gazi, [[Thiseio|Thission]], [[Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea|Kapnikarea]], Aghia Irini, Aerides, Anafiotika, [[Plaka]], [[Acropolis]], [[Pnyx|Pnyka]], Makrygianni, [[Lofos Ardittou]], [[Zappeion]], Aghios Spyridon, [[Pangrati, Athens|Pangration]], [[Kolonaki]], Dexameni, Evaggelismos, Gouva, Aghios Ioannis, [[Neos Kosmos, Athens|Neos Kosmos]], [[Koukaki]], Kynosargous, Fix, Ano Petralona, Kato Petralona, Rouf, [[Votanikos]], Profitis Daniil, [[Akadimia Platonos]], [[Kolonos]], Kolokynthou, Attikis Square, Lofos Skouze, Sepolia, [[Kypseli, Athens|Kypseli]], Aghios Meletios, Nea Kypseli, Polygono, [[Ambelokipi, Athens|Ampelokipoi]], Panormou-Gerokomeio, Pentagono, Ellinorossoi, [[Filothei|Kato Filothei]], Ano Kypseli, Tourkovounia-Lofos Patatsou, Lofos Elikonos, Koliatsou, Thymarakia,
Kato Patisia, Treis Gefyres, Aghios Eleftherios, [[Ano Patissia|Ano Patisia]], Kypriadou, Prompona.

====Omonia====
[[Image:Omonoia-Athens4.jpg|thumb|Omonia Square, located in the heart of the city, is regarded as the transportation center of Athens.]]

[[Omonia Square]] ({{lang-el|Πλατεία Ομονοίας}}) is the oldest square in Athens. It is surrounded by hotels and fast food outlets, and contains a train station used by the [[Athens Metro]] and the Ilektrikos, appropriately named [[Omonoia Station]]. The square often becomes the focus for celebration of sporting victories, as seen after the country's winning of the Euro 2004 and the Eurobasket 2005 tournaments.

====Psirri and Gazi====
The reviving [[Psiri|Psirri]] ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Ψυρρή) neighbourhood - aka Athens's "meat packing district" - is dotted with renovated former mansions, artists' spaces, and small gallery areas. A number of its renovated buildings also now host a wide variety of fashionable bars, making it a hotspot for the city in the last decade, while a number of live music restaurants known as "rebetadika", after [[Rebetiko]], a unique form of music that blossomed in [[Syros]] and Athens from the 1920s until the 1960s, are also to be found. [[Rebetiko]] is admired by many, and as a result rebetadika are often crammed with people of all ages who will sing, dance and drink till dawn. The [[Gazi]] ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Γκάζι) area, one of the latest in full redevelopment, is located around a historic gas factory, now converted into the ''Technopolis'' cultural multiplex, and also includes artists' areas, a number of small clubs, bars and restaurants, as well as Athens' nascent "[[Gay Village]]". The metro's system recent expansion to the western suburbs of the city has brought easier access to the area since spring 2007, as the blue line now stops at Gazi ([[Kerameikos]] station).

====Syntagma====
[[Image:Athens-Grande1.jpg|thumb|The historic and luxurious [[Grande Bretagne]] Hotel in [[Syntagma Square]].]]

[[Syntagma Square]], ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Σύνταγμα), is the capital's central square, lying adjacent to Parliament and the city's most noted hotels. Ermou Street, an approximately 1 km-long pedestrian road connecting [[Syntagma Square]] to Monastiraki, has traditionally been a consumer paradise for both Athenians and tourists. Complete with fashion shops and shopping centers promoting most international brands, it now finds itself in the top 5 most expensive shopping streets in Europe, and the tenth most expensive retail street in the world.<ref>http://www.cushwake.com/cwglobal/jsp/newsDetail.jsp?repId=c7800055p&LanId=EN&LocId=GLOBAL</ref> Nearby, the renovated Army Fund building in Panepistimiou Street includes the "Attica" department store and several upmarket designer stores.

====Plaka, Monastiraki, and Thission====
[[Plaka]] ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Πλάκα), lying just beneath the [[Acropolis]], is famous for its plentiful neoclassical architecture, making up one of the most scenic districts of the city. It remains a traditionally prime tourist destination with a number of picturesque [[taverna]]s and live performances. Nearby [[Monastiraki]] ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Μοναστηράκι), for its part, is well-known for its string of small shops and markets, as well as its crowded flea market and tavernas specialising in [[souvlaki]]. Another district notably famous for its student-crammed, stylish cafés is [[Theseum]] or Thission ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Θησείο), lying just west of Monastiraki. Thission is home to the remarkable ancient [[Temple of Hephaestus]], standing atop a small hill.

====Kolonaki====
[[Image:Dacapo Athens.jpg|thumb|Café and bars in the central [[Kolonaki]] district.]]

The [[Kolonaki]] ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Κολωνάκι) area, at the base of [[Lycabettus|Lycabettus hill]], is full of boutiques catering to well-heeled customers by day, and bars and more fashionable restaurants by night, but at other points also a wide range of art galleries and museums. This is often regarded as one of the more prestigious areas of the capital.

====Exarcheia====
[[Exarcheia]] ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Εξάρχεια), located north of Kolonaki, has a mixed reputation as the recent or current location of the city's [[anarchist]] and [[drug]] scenes and as a culturally active student quarter with many cafés, bars and bookshops. Exarcheia is home to the [[National Technical University of Athens|Athens Polytechnic]] and the [[National Archaeological Museum of Athens|National Archaeological Museum]]; it also contains numerous important buildings of several 20th-century styles: [[Neoclassicism]], [[Art Deco]] and [[Modern architecture|Early Modernism]] (including [[Bauhaus]] influences).

===Suburbs===
The Athens Metropolitan Area consists of 73 densely populated municipalities, sprawling around the city in virtually all directions. According to their geographic location in relation to the city of Athens, the suburbs are divided into four zones; the northern suburbs (including [[Ekali]], [[Nea Erythrea]], [[Agios Stefanos]], [[Drosia]], [[Kryoneri]], [[Kifissia]], [[Maroussi]], [[Pefki]], Lykovrisi, Heraklio, [[Vrilissia]], [[Melissia]], [[Pendeli]], [[Halandri]], [[Psychiko]] and [[Filothei]]); the southern suburbs, (including [[Palaio Faliro]], [[Elliniko]], [[Glyfada]], [[Alimos]], [[Voula]] and the southernmost suburb of [[Vouliagmeni]]); the eastern suburbs, (including [[Zografou]], [[Vyronas]], [[Kaisariani]], [[Cholargos]], [[Papagou]] and [[Aghia Paraskevi]]; and the western suburbs (including [[Peristeri]], [[Ilion]], [[Egaleo]], [[Petroupoli]] and [[Nikaia, Attica|Nikaia]]). The northern and most of the southern suburbs are particularly affluent districts, inhabited primarily by middle-to-high and high income groups. The western suburbs are primarily resided in by middle income earners, with some areas resided in by middle-to-low income groups and still others by middle-to-high earners; while the eastern suburbs are primarily inhabited by middle and middle-to-high income groups.

The Athens city coastline, extending from the major commercial port of [[Piraeus]] to the southernmost suburb of [[Varkiza]] for some {{convert|50|km|mi|-1|abbr=on}}, is also connected to the city centre by a [[tram]] (which, although modern, can be slow during rush hour), and is punctuated by a string of popular restaurants, cafes, vibrant music venues and modern sports facilities. The area is particularly packed with fashionable bars and nightclubs, that are literally crowded by the city's youth on a daily basis. Most of all during the summer months, the elegant coastal suburbs of [[Glyfada]], [[Voula]] and [[Vouliagmeni]] host countless such meeting-points, continuing the length of [[Poseidonos Avenue]] and Alkyonidon Avenue.

[[Image:Olympic Stadium of Athens.jpg|thumb|230px|The refurbished [[Athens Olympic Stadium]] was the site of the 2004 Olympic Games and the [[2007 UEFA Champions League Final]].]]

In the winter months, the focus of the city's nightlife moves up into the city centre, in Piraeus as well as across the northern suburbs. In addition, "Bournazi", at the western suburb of Peristeri, has also gained a reputation for its intense nightlife, having turned itself into a hotspot principally for residents of the western Athenian suburbs. In the northern districts, the attractive suburb of [[Kifissia]] again hosts a vast number of fashionable restaurants, bars and cafés.

[[The Mall Athens]] is a massive mall located in the northern suburb of Maroussi, providing an array of outlets. Nearby, the entirely new attraction of the massively upgraded main [[Athens Olympic Sports Complex|Olympic Complex]] (known by its Greek acronym OAKA) dominates the skyline. The whole area has been redeveloped according to a design by the Spanish architect [[Santiago Calatrava]], with steel arches, landscaped gardens, fountains, futuristic glass, and a landmark new blue glass roof which was added to the main stadium. A second Olympic complex, next to the sea at the beach of [[Kallithea]] (Faliron), also features modern stadia, shops and an elevated esplanade. Work is underway to transform the grounds of the old Athens Airport - named [[Ellinikon International Airport|Hellinikon]] - in the southern suburbs, into one of the largest landscaped parks in Europe, to be named the [[Hellenikon Metropolitan Park]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.minenv.gr/hellenikon-competition/oa/en/main.htm |work=Hellenic Ministry of the Environment and Public Works |title=Hellenikon Metropolitan Park Competition |accessdate=2007-01-03 |publisher=www.minenv.gr}}</ref>

[[Image:Athens-Kiffisia-aerial.jpg|thumb|230px|Motorway interchange in the northern suburb of [[Maroussi]].]]

The major waste management efforts undertaken in the last decade (especially the plant built on the small island of Psytalia) have improved water quality in the Saronic Gulf, and the coastal waters of Athens are now accessible again to swimmers. Many of the southern suburbs (such as [[Alimos]], [[Palaio Faliro]], [[Elliniko]], [[Voula]], [[Vouliagmeni]] and [[Varkiza]]) host a number of sandy beaches, most of which are operated by the [[Greek National Tourism Organisation]] and require an entrance fee. Fees are not excessive in most cases, and include a number of related conveniences such as parking facilities, cocktail drinks and umbrellas.

The city is surrounded by four [[mountains]]; ([[Parnitha]] and Penteli accessible to the north, Hemmettus to the southeast, and Egaleo to the west). Mount Parnitha, in particular, is the tallest of the city (1,453 m) and has been declared a national park. Tens of well-marked paths, gorges, springs, torrents and caves dot the area, and one may even encounter deer in its dense forest. Hiking and mountain-biking in all four mountains have been and remain popular outdoor activities for many Athenians. Casinos operate on both Mount Parnitha, some {{convert|30|km|mi|-1|abbr=on}} from downtown Athens, (accessible by car or cable car) and the nearby town of [[Loutraki]] (accessible by car via the Athens - [[Corinth]] National Highway, or the suburban railroad).

===Landmarks===
[[Image:Panorama of Athens.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Panoramic view of parts of central Athens as seen from [[Areopagus]].]]

Large parts of the city centre have been redeveloped under a masterplan called ''Unification of Archeological Sites of Athens'', which has also gathered funding from the EU to help enhance the project.<ref>http://www.astynet.gr/index.asp</ref><ref name=EUfund/> Most strikingly, the landmark Dionysiou Aeropagitou street has been pedestrianised, forming a scenic route. The route starts from the [[Temple of Olympian Zeus (Athens)|Temple of Olympian Zeus]] at Vasilissis Olgas Avenue, continues under the southern slopes of the Acropolis near [[Plaka]], and finishes just beyond the [[Temple of Hephaestus]] in [[Thiseio]]. The route in its entirety provides visitors with views of the [[Parthenon]] and the [[ancient Agora of Athens|Agora]] (the meeting point of ancient Athenians), away from the busy city centre.

[[Image:AteneOlympieionDaAcropoli.jpg|thumb|View of the [[Temple of Olympian Zeus]] (upper right) and the [[Arch of Hadrian]] (lower left) from the [[Acropolis of Athens]].]]

*[[Syntagma Square]] (Constitution Square) is situated in central Athens and near the site of the former Royal Palace, now the [[Hellenic Parliament|Greek Parliament]] and other 19th century public buildings. The [[National Gardens of Athens|National Garden]] behind parliament, stretching to the [[Zappeion]], is a verdant oasis for the city-centre. Syntagma is the [[List of city squares by size|largest square]] in the capital and also home to a number of luxury hotels, including the historic ''[[Grande Bretagne]]'', Athens' first. Constitution Square is a tourist starting-point for the city, at the centre of an area where most of its famous ancient monuments are to be found, all within a radius of 2 km.

*Southeast of Syntagma Square stands the [[Kallimarmaro]] Stadium, the space where the first modern [[1896 Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]] took place in 1896. It is a graceful replica of the ancient Athenian stadium, and the only major stadium (in its capacity of 60,000) to be made entirely of white marble from Mount [[Penteli]], the same material used for the construction of the [[Parthenon]].

*Athens is built around a number of hills. [[Lycabettus]], one of the tallest hills of the city proper, and according to ancient legend, actually a boulder thrown down from the sky by [[Athena]]. Located in the city centre, near [[Alexandras Avenue]] and [[Vassilissis Sofias Avenue]], it offers vistas of sprawling Athens below. At its peak stands St. George's church; [[Philopappos]] hill is another famous landmark, located just to the southwest of Acropolis.

[[Image:Athens Parliament 4-2004.JPG|thumb|The [[Greek Parliament]], located in [[Syntagma Square]].]]

*The city's classical museums include the [[National Archaeological Museum of Athens]] at [[Patission Street]] (housing the world's greatest collection of [[Greek art]]), the [[Benaki Museum]] in [[Pireos Street]] (including its new Islamic Art branch), the [[Byzantine Museum]] and the Museum of Cycladic Art ([[Stathatos Mansion]]) in the central [[Kolonaki]] district, recommended for its collection of elegant white metamodern figures dating back 3000 years. Most museums were renovated ahead of the [[2004 Olympics]]. A [[New Acropolis Museum]], is scheduled to open in mid 2008<ref>http://www.culture.gr/2/21/215/21502/e21509c.html</ref> in the Makriyanni district, designed by Swiss-French architect [[Bernard Tschumi]]. The Athens [[Planetarium]],<ref>http://www.eugenfound.edu.gr</ref> located in [[Andrea Syngrou Avenue]], is considered among the world's best.

*The old campus of the [[University of Athens]], located in the middle section of [[Panepistimiou Street]], is one of the finest buildings in the city. This, combined with the adjacent [[National Library]] and the [[Academy of Athens (modern)|Athens Academy]] close by, form an imposing "Athens Trilogy" built in the mid-19th century. However, most of the university's workings have been moved to a much larger, modern campus located in the eastern suburb of [[Zografou|Zográfou]]. The second most significant academic institution in the city is the [[National Technical University of Athens|Athens Polytechnic School]] (''Ethniko Metsovio Politechnio''), to be found in Patission Street. More than 20 students were killed inside the university in [[November 17]], [[1973]] during the [[Athens Polytechnic Uprising]], against the military junta that ruled the nation from [[April 21]], [[1967]] until [[July 23]], [[1974]].

==Transportation==
The [[Athens Mass Transit System]] consists of a large bus fleet, a [[trolleybus]] fleet that mainly serves the downtown area, the city's Metro, a [[tram]] line connecting the southern suburbs to the city center,<ref>http://linuxweb.internet.gr/tramsa/html/gr/index.php</ref> and the Athens Suburban Railway service.<ref>http://www.proastiakos.gr</ref>

===Attiko Metro===
{{main|Athens Metro}}
[[Image:Metro Athens Syntagma 1.jpg|thumb|Exhibition of archaeological finds that came to light during the construction of the project displayed at the [[Syntagma station|Syntagma]] Metro station.]]

The Athens Metro is more commonly known in [[Greece]] as the Attiko Metro ({{lang-el|Αττικο Mετρο}}). While its main purpose is transport, it also houses Greek artifacts found during construction of the subway.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.culture.gr/2/21/211/21103a/e211ca09.html |work=Hellenic Ministry of Culture |title=Athens Metro |accessdate=2007-01-26 |publisher=www.culture.gr}}</ref> The Athens Metro supports an operating staff of 387 and runs two of the three metro lines;<ref name=xyz>{{cite web |url=http://www.oasa.gr/pdf/FactsAndFigures_en.pdf |title=Athens Urban Transport Network in Facts and Figures (pdf) page 15 |accessdate=2007-02-04 |work=OASA |publisher=www.oasa.gr}}</ref> its two lines (red and blue) were constructed largely during the 1990s, and the initial sections opened in January 2000, and the lines run entirely underground. The metro network operates a fleet of 42 trains consisting of 252 cars, with a daily occupancy of 550,000 passengers.<ref name=xyz/> The Blue Line runs from the western suburbs, namely the [[Egaleo]] station, through the central [[Monastiraki]] and Syntagma stations to [[Doukissis Plakentias]] avenue in the northeastern suburb of [[Halandri]], covering a distance of {{convert|16|km|mi|0|abbr=on}},<ref name=xyz/> then ascending to ground level and reaching [[Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport]], using the Suburban Railway infrastructure and extending its distance to 39 km.<ref name=xyz/> The Red Line, in counterpart, runs from [[Aghios Antonios]] to [[Aghios Dimitrios]] and covers a distance of 11.6 km.<ref name=xyz/> Extensions to both these lines are under construction, most notably westwards to [[Piraeus]], southwards to the Old Hellinikon Airport East Terminal (the future Metropolitan Park), and eastward toward the easternmost suburb of [[Aghia Paraskevi]]. The eastern part is actually no extension per se, but rather an opening of new stations between the [[Ethniki Amyna]] and [[Doukissis Plakentias]] stations. The spring 2007 extension from [[Monastiraki]] westwards, to [[Egaleo]], connected some of the main night life hubs of the city, namely the ones of Gazi ([[Kerameikos]] station) with Psyrri ([[Monastiraki]] station) and the city centre ([[Syntagma]] station).

====Electric railway (ISAP)====
[[Image:Athens-metro 01.JPG|thumb|180px|An ISAP train (Green Line) passes by the [[Stoa of Attalus]] in central Athens.]]

The third line, not run by the Athens Metro, is the ISAP ({{lang-el|ΗΣΑΠ}}), the ''Electric Railway Company''. This is the Green line of the Athens Metro as shown on the adjacent map, and unlike the red and blue routes running entirely underground, ISAP runs either above-ground or below-ground at different sections of its journey. This same operation runs the original metro line from Piraeus to Kifisia; it serves 22 stations, with a network length of {{convert|25.6|km|mi|1|abbr=on}},<ref name=isa>{{cite web |url=http://www.oasa.gr/pdf/FactsAndFigures_en.pdf |title=Athens Urban Transport Network in Facts and Figures (pdf) page 9 |accessdate=2007-02-04 |work=OASA |publisher=www.oasa.gr}}</ref> an operating staff of 730 and a fleet of 44 trains and 243 cars,<ref name=isa/> and a daily occupancy rate of 600,000 passengers.<ref name=isa/> The historic Green Line, a 25 km-long and 24-station line which forms the oldest and for the most part runs at ground level, connects the port of [[Piraeus]] to the northern suburb of [[Kifissia]], and is set to be extended to Agios Stefanos, a suburb located {{convert|23|km|mi|0|spell=us}} to the north of the city centre, reaching to 36 km.

===Suburban rail (Proastiakos)===
The ''[[Proastiakos|Proastiakós]]'' connects [[Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport]] to the city of [[Corinth]], {{convert|80|km|mi|-1|abbr=on}} west of Athens, via the central Larissa train station, and is sometimes considered the fourth line of the Athens Metro. The metro network, Suburban Rail not included, currently extends to a length of {{convert|91|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}, expected to stretch to 124 km (72 stations) by 2009. The Proastiakos will be extended to Aigio (180 km west of Athens), and Chalkida by the end of 2007. The urban and suburban railway system is managed by three different companies; namely ISAP,<ref>http://www.isap.gr</ref> Attiko Metro (lines 2 & 3) and Proastiakós (line 4).

===Buses===
[[Image:Patission Avenue.jpg|thumb|The busy central Patission Avenue.]]

The service operated under Ethel ({{lang-el|ΕΘΕΛ}}) ''Thermal Bus Company'' is the main operator of buses in Athens. It consists of a network of 300 bus lines which span the entire Attica Basin,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oasa.gr/pdf/FactsAndFigures_en.pdf |title=Athens Urban Transport Network in Facts and Figures (pdf) page 5 |accessdate=2007-01-28 |work=OASA |publisher=www.oasa.gr}}</ref> with an operating staff of 5,327, and a fleet of 1,839 buses.<ref name=AB>{{cite web |url=http://www.oasa.gr/pdf/FactsAndFigures_en.pdf |title=Athens Urban Transport Network in Facts and Figures (pdf) page 6 |accessdate=2007-01-28 |work=OASA |publisher=www.oasa.gr}}</ref> Of those 1,839 buses 295 run on natural gas,<ref name=AB/> making up the largest fleet of natural gas-run buses in Europe.

Besides being served by a fleet of natural-gas and normal buses, the Athens metropolitan area is also serviced by [[trolley bus|electric buses]], or ILPAP, as the service is known in Athens ({{lang-el|ΗΛΠΑΠ}}). ''The Electric Buses of the Athens and [[Pireaus]] Region'' (ILPAP) consists of 22 lines and an operating staff of 1,137,<ref name=CD>{{cite web |url=http://www.oasa.gr/pdf/FactsAndFigures_en.pdf |title=Athens Urban Transport Network in Facts and Figures (pdf) page 11 |accessdate=2007-01-28 |work=OASA |publihser=www.oasa.gr}}</ref> and the network operates a fleet of 366 trolley buses able to run on diesel in case of power failure.<ref name=CD/>

===Tram line===
The tram operator has a fleet of 42 trams which serve 47 stations,<ref name=EF>{{cite web |url=http://www.oasa.gr/pdf/FactsAndFigures_en.pdf |title=Athens Urban Transport Network in Facts and Figures (pdf) page 13 |accessdate=2007-01-28 |work=OASA |publisher=www.oasa.gr}}</ref> employ 345 people with an average daily occupancy of 80,000 passengers.<ref name=EF/> This network runs from [[Syntagma Square]] to the southwestern suburb of [[Palaio Faliro]], where the line splits in two branches; the first runs along the Athens coastline toward the southern suburb of [[Glyfada]], while the other heads toward the [[Piraeus]] district of Neo Faliro. Both the [[Syntagma Square|Syntagma]] - Palaio Faliro - Neo Faliro and the Syntagma - Glyfada lines opened on [[19 July]] [[2004]], with further extensions planned towards the major commercial port of [[Piraeus]], and the southernmost suburb of [[Vouliagmeni]].

===Taxis===
There is a plentiful supply of [[taxicab|taxis]] in Athens. They are generally cheap, and during rush hour it is often considered normal to flag down a taxi when not more than one or two other customers are already in (although, officially, this is forbidden); convention dictates that if the second passenger happens to be heading in a similar direction and the original passenger has no complaints (seldom if ever is this an issue), he/she joins the journey, and both passengers give the fare as they would if travelling alone.

===Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport===
{{See|Athens International Airport}}
[[Image:El-Venizelos7.jpg|thumb|Interior of the [[Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport]], only days before its opening in 2001. (''European Airport of the year 2004.'')]]

Athens is served by the state-of-the-art [[Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport]] (AIA) located near the town of [[Spata]], in the eastern Messoghia plain, some {{convert|35|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} east of Athens.<ref name=aia>{{cite web |url=http://www.aia.gr/EN/business/airport_presentation/facts%26figures/body.shtm |title=Athens International Airport: Facts and Figures |accessdate=2007-02-11 |work=Athens International Airport |publisher=www.aia.gr}}</ref> The airport was awarded the "European Airport of the Year 2004" Award.<ref name=pro/> Intended as an expandable hub for the air travel in southeastern Europe, it was constructed in a record 51 months costing 2.2 billion Euros, and employing a staff of 14,000.<ref name=pro>{{cite web |url=http://www.aia.gr/EN/business/airport_presentation/airport_profile.shtm |title=Athens International Airport: Airport Profile |accessdate=2007-02-11 |work=Athens International Airport |publisher=www.aia.gr}}</ref> An express bus service is provided, connecting the airport to the metro system, and 2 express bus services connect the airport to the port at [[Piraeus]] and the city centre respectively. [[Eleftherios Venizelos]] accommodates 65 landings and take-offs per hour, with its 24 passenger boarding bridges, 144 check-in counters and broader {{convert|150000|sqm|sqft|-3}} main terminal,<ref name=aia/> and a commercial area of {{convert|7000|sqm|sqft|-2}} which includes cafes and duty-free shops.<ref name=pro/> In 2006, the Airport handled 15,079,662 passengers, an increase of 5.6% over the previous year of 2005.<ref name=air>{{cite web |url=http://www.aia.gr/EN/business/traffic_statistics/passengers/2006/body.shtm |title=Athens International Airport: Monthly Passenger Traffic 2006 |accessdate=2007-02-11 |work=Athens International Airport |publisher=www.aia.gr}}</ref> Of those 15,079,662 passengers, 5,468,574 passed through the airport for domestic flights, and 9,611,088 passengers travelled through for international flights.<ref name=air/> Beyond the dimensions of its passenger capacity, AIA handled 190,872 total flights in 2006, or approximately 523 flights per day.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aia.gr/EN/business/traffic_statistics/flights/2006/body.shtm |title=Athens International Airport: Monthly Traffic Development compared to 2005 |accessdate=2007-02-11 |work=Athens International Airport |publisher=www.aia.gr}}</ref>

===Railways, highways and ferry connections===
[[Image:Attiki-odos1.jpg|thumb|Interchange at the [[Attiki Odos]] near the Athens International Airport.]]

Athens is the hub of the country's national railway system (OSE), connecting the capital with major cities across Greece and abroad (Istanbul, Sofia etc.). However, this system is not very extensive, largely due to geomorphological reasons. Ferries departing from the major port of [[Piraeus]] connect the city to the numerous [[Greek islands]] of the [[Aegean Sea]]. There are two main highways; one heading towards the western city of [[Patras|Patra]] in [[Peloponessus]] ([[Greece Interstate 8A|GR-8A]], [[E94]]) and the other heading to the north, towards Greece's second largest city, [[Thessaloniki]] ([[Greece Interstate 1|GR-1]], [[E75]]). In 2001-2004, a ring road toll-motorway ([[Attiki Odos]]) was gradually completed, extending from the western industrial suburb of [[Eleusis|Elefsina]] all the way to the [[Athens International Airport]]. The Ymittos Periphery Highway is a separate section of [[Attiki Odos]] connecting the eastern suburb of [[Kaisariani]] to the northeastern town of [[Glyka Nera]]; this is where it meets the main part of the ring road. The span of the Attiki Odos in all is 70 km.

==Olympic Games==
===1896 Summer Olympics===
{{see|1896 Summer Olympics}}
[[Image:1896 Olympic opening ceremony.jpg|thumb|The opening ceremony of the 1896 Olympic Games.]]

1896 brought forth the revival of the modern Olympic Games, by Frenchmen [[Pierre de Coubertin]]. Thanks to his efforts, Athens was awarded the first modern Olympic Games. In 1896, the city had an approximate population of 123,000<ref name=tung/> and the event helped boost the city's international profile. Of the venues used for these Olympics, the Kallimarmaro Stadium, and [[Zappeion]] were most crucial. It was to be more than 100 years before the city would restage the event.

===1906 Summer Olympics===
{{see|1906 Summer Olympics}}

The [[1906 Summer Olympics]], or the 1906 Intercalated games, were held very successfully in Athens. The intercalated competitions were intermediate games to the internationally organised [[olympics]], and were meant to be organised in Greece. This idea later lost support from the [[IOC]] and these games were not made permanent.

===2004 Summer Olympics===
{{see|2004 Summer Olympics}}

Athens was awarded the 2004 Summer Olympics on [[September 5]], [[1997]] in [[Lausanne]], [[Switzerland]], after having lost a previous bid to host the [[1996 Summer Olympics]], to [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta]], [[United States]].<ref name = oly/> It was to be the second time Athens would have the honour of hosting the games, following the inaugural event of 1896. After 1990's unsuccessful bid, the 1997 bid was radically improved also including an appeal to Greece's Olympic history. In the last round of voting, Athens defeated [[Rome]] with 66 votes to 41.<ref name = oly/> Prior to this round, the cities of [[Buenos Aires]], [[Stockholm]] and [[Cape Town]] had already been eliminated from competition, having received fewer votes.<ref name = oly/>

[[Image:Olympic flame at opening ceremony.jpg|thumb|The [[Olympic Flame]] at the Opening Ceremony of the [[2004 Olympic Games]], conceived by the avant garde choreographer [[Dimitris Papaioannou]].]]

During the first three years of preparations, the [[International Olympic Committee]] had repeatedly expressed some concern over the speed of construction progress for some of the new Olympic venues. In 2000 the Organising Committee's president was replaced by [[Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki]], who was the president of the original Bidding Committee in 1997. From that point on, preparations continued at a highly accelerated, almost frenzied pace.

Although the heavy cost was criticized, estimated at $1.5 billion, as is usually the case with most Olympic cities, Athens was literally transformed into a more functional city that enjoys state-of-the-art technology both in transportation and in modern urban development.<ref name = olyy>{{cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/08/29/closing.ceremony/ |title=Athens bids farewell to the Games |date=2004-08-30 |accessdate=2007-03-29 |work=CNN |publisher=CNN.com}}</ref> Some of the finest sporting venues in the world were created in the city, all of which were fully ready for the games. The games welcomed over 10,000 athletes from all 202 countries.<ref name = olyy/> The 2004 Games were judged a huge success, as both security and organization were exceptionally good, and only a few visitors reported minor problems mainly concerning accommodation issues. The 2004 Olympic Games were described as ''Unforgettable, dream Games'', by IOC President [[Jacques Rogge]] for their return to the birthplace of the Olympics, and for superbly meeting the challenges of holding the Olympic Games.<ref name = olyy/> The only observable problem was a somewhat sparse attendance of some early events. Eventually, however, a total of more than 3.5 million tickets were sold, which was higher than any other Olympics with the exception of [[Sydney]] (more than 5 million tickets were sold there in 2000).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.greekembassy.org/embassy/content/en/Article.aspx?office=3&folder=200&article=13956 |date=2004-08-27 |accessdate=2007-03-30 |title=Olympic ticket sales officially top 3.5-million mark |publisher=Embassy of Greece |author=Athens News Agency}}</ref>

==Sister cities==
Athens has the following [[town twinning|sister cities]]:
{{MultiCol}}
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Athens, Georgia]], [[USA]]
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Barcelona]], [[Spain]]
*{{flagicon|China}} [[Beijing]], [[China]] (2005)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ebeijing.gov.cn/ying/default.htm |title=Beijing Sister Cities |accessdate=2007-01-03 |work=City of Beijing |publisher=www.ebeijing.gov.cn}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Lebanon}} [[Beirut]], [[Lebanon]]
*{{flagicon|SRB}} [[Belgrade]], [[Serbia]] (1966)
*{{flagicon|Palestine}} [[Bethlehem]], [[Palestinian Territories]]
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]], USA
*{{flagicon|Romania}} [[Bucharest]], [[Romania]]
*{{flagicon|Egypt}} [[Cairo]], [[Egypt]]
*{{flagicon|Colombia}} [[Santiago de Cali]], [[Colombia]]
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Chicago]], USA (1997)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagosistercities.com/index.php |title=Chicago Sister Cities |accessdate=2007-01-03 |work=City of Chicago |publisher=www.chicagosistercities.com}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Romania}} [[Cluj-Napoca]], [[Romania]]
*{{flagicon|Peru}} [[Cusco]], [[Peru]]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Florence]], [[Italy]]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Genoa]], Italy
*{{flagicon|Cuba}} [[Havana]], [[Cuba]]
*{{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Istanbul]], [[Turkey]]
*{{flagicon|Ukraine}} [[Kiev]], [[Ukraine]]
*{{flagicon|Portugal}} [[Lisbon]], [[Portugal]]
*{{flagicon|Slovenia}} [[Ljubljana]], [[Slovenia]]
{{ColBreak}}
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]], USA (1984)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lacity.org/sistercities/ |title=Los Angeles Sister Cities |accessdate=2007-01-03 |work=City of Los Angeles |publisher=www.lacity.org}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Madrid]], Spain
*{{flagicon|Canada}} [[Montreal]], [[Canada]]
*{{flagicon|Russia}} [[Moscow]], [[Russia]]
*{{flagicon|Cyprus}} [[Nicosia]], [[Cyprus]]
*{{flagicon|France}} [[Paris]], [[France]]
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Philadelphia]], USA
*{{flagicon|Czech Republic}} [[Prague]], [[Czech Republic]]
*{{flagicon|Morocco}} [[Rabat]], [[Morocco]]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Rome]], Italy
*{{flagicon|Chile}} [[Santiago, Chile]]
*{{flagicon|Dominican Republic}} [[Santo Domingo]], [[Dominican Republic]]
*{{flagicon|Bulgaria}} [[Sofia]], [[Bulgaria]]
*{{flagicon|Georgia}} [[Tbilisi]], [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]
*{{flagicon|Albania}} [[Tirana]], [[Albania]]
*{{flagicon|Canada}} [[Toronto]], [[Canada]]
*{{flagicon|Poland}} [[Warsaw]], [[Poland]]
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Washington, DC]], USA
*{{flagicon|China}} [[Xi'an]], China
*{{flagicon|ARM}} [[Yerevan]], [[Armenia]]
{{EndMultiCol}}

==Cities nicknamed "Athens"==
''See [[Athens (disambiguation)]] for other cities named "Athens".''

*Athens of the East - [[Madurai]], [[India]]
*Athens of the West (early 19th c.) - [[Lexington, Kentucky]], USA
*Athens of the West - [[Berkeley, California]], USA
*Athens of the South - [[Nashville, Tennessee]], USA
*Athens of the North - [[Edinburgh, Scotland]]
*Athens of Indiana - [[Crawfordsville, Indiana]], USA
*Athens of North America - [[Boston, Massachusetts]], USA
*Athens on the [[Spree]] - [[Berlin]], [[Germany]]
*Athens on the Isar - [[Munich]], Germany
*Athens of Cuba - [[Matanzas]], [[Cuba]]
*Athens of Latin America - [[Santo Domingo]], [[Dominican Republic]]
*Athens of Finland - [[Jyväskylä]], [[Finland]]
*Serbian Athens - [[Novi Sad]], [[Serbia]]
*Czech Athens – [[Krnov]], [[Czech Republic]]
*Athens of the Bodrog – [[Sárospatak]], [[Hungary]]
*Lusa Athens - [[Coimbra]], [[Portugal]]
*Brazilian Athens - [[São Luís, Maranhão]], [[Brazil]]
*Athens of Minas Gerais - [[Juiz de Fora]], Brazil
*Athens of Sicily - [[Catania]], [[Sicily]], [[Italy]]
*Sardinian Athens - [[Nuoro]], [[Sardinia]], [[Italy]]
*Athens of Florida - [[DeLand, Florida]], USA
*Athens of the Southern Hemisphere - [[Dunedin]], [[New Zealand]]
*Athens of South America - [[Bogotá]], [[Colombia]]
*Athens of Egypt- [[Alexandria]], [[Egypt]]

==Photo Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:07Athen Theater01.jpg|The [[Odeon of Herodes Atticus]], under the [[Acropolis]].
Image:Temple of Hephaestus.jpg|The [[Doric order|Doric]] [[Temple of Hephaestus]] in the central Theseion district, overlooking the [[Ancient Agora of Athens]].
Image:ac.agora3.jpg|The [[Tower of the Winds]] and the ruins of the [[Roman Forum]].
Image:Athens_Plaka07.jpg|A street in the traditional and touristic old district of [[Plaka]], just underneath the Acropolis of Athens.
Image:Athens Roman Agora 4-2004 3.JPG|Remains of the West Gate in the Roman Agora (see [[Ancient Agora of Athens]]).
Image:Zappeion.jpg|The [[Zappeion]] in central Athens.
Image:Stathatos Mansion.JPG|The [[Stathatos Mansion]] in central Athens, designed by [[Ernst Ziller]].
Image:Panathinaiko.jpg|The [[Panathinaiko Stadium]] in central Athens, site of the [[1896 Olympic Games]].
Image:Atene - Cariatidi dell'Eretteo.jpg|The Karyatides statues of the [[Erechtheion]] on the [[Acropolis of Athens|Acropolis]].
Image:propylea-athens.jpg|The first building of the [[University of Athens]].
Image:Choragic Monument of Lysicrates.jpg| The [[Choragic Monument of Lysicrates]] in the central district of Plaka.
Image:Kolokotronis_statue_Athens.jpg|The [[Old Parliament House, Athens|''Palaia Vouli'']] and the statue of [[Theodoros Kolokotronis]].
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[Eurovision Song Contest 2006]]
*[[Hellenic civilization]]
*[[Politics of Greece]]
*[[National Technical University of Athens]]
*[[National and Kapodistrian University of Athens]]
*[[Ancient Greece]]
*[[List of museums in Greece]]
*[[National Technical University of Athens]] (National Metsovion Polytechnic)
*[[Agricultural University of Athens]]
*[[Panteion University of Athens]]
*[[Athens University of Economics and Business]]
*[[Acropolis Museum]] of Athens
*[[National Archaeological Museum of Athens]]
*[[National Library of Greece]], Athens
*[[Foreign Archaeological Institutes in Greece|Foreign archaeological institutes in Athens]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.cityofathens.gr City of Athens official website]
*[http://www.culture2000.tee.gr/ Athens contemporary architecture and suggested walking routes]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unaRdsa9siA Video and map of Athens]
*[http://www.athensguide.org/pictures-of-athens.html Pictures of Athens]
*[http://www.anagnosis.gr/index.php?pageID=54&la=eng An Online History of Athens]
*[http://www.kronoskaf.com/vr/ Athens in 421 BCE]
*[http://rg.ancients.info/owls Athenian Owl coins]
*[http://athens.arounder.com/ Athens Virtual Tour]

===Photos===
*[http://www.cityofathens.gr/portal/site/AthensPortalEN/menuitem.7cb0bb672deb221eebd1de10500000a0/indexadc9.html?vgnextoid=fd7910581092ef00VgnVCM100000d2a4673eRCRD Strolling through Athens]
*[http://euge.smugmug.com/gallery/1946154 Photos of Athens in Summer 2006]
*[http://euge.smugmug.com/gallery/1946065 The Museum of the Acropolis]
*[http://sabin.ro/gallery/athens/ Athens Photo Gallery] - Pictures of the most important travel attractions in Athens
*[http://www.athens.axelhirtzbruch.de Street photography and Parades in Athens]


{{Geographic Location (8-way)
|Centre = Athens
|North = [[Galatsi]] and [[Filothei]]
|Northeast = [[Neo Psychiko]] and [[Papagou]]
|East = [[Zografou]] and [[Vyronas]]
|Southeast = [[Kalithea]]
|South = [[Dafni (Athens), Greece|Dafni]] and [[Ymittos]]
|Southwest =
|West = [[Aigaleo]] and [[Tavros]]
|Northwest = [[Peristeri]]
|image =
}}


<!-- Athens -->
{{Athens}}
{{Landmarks in Athens}}
{{Athens Prefecture}}
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{{Prefectural capitals of Greece}}
{{Capitals of Peripheries of Greece}}
{{Ancient Greece}}
{{World Heritage Sites in Greece}}
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{{Capital cities of the European Union}}
{{European Capital of Culture}}
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{{Olympic Summer Games Host Cities}}
{{Second Journey of Paul of Tarsus}}

[[Category:Athens| ]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Greece]]
[[Category:Coastal cities]]
[[Category:Host cities of the Summer Olympic Games]]
[[Category:Greek prefectural capitals]]
[[Category:Greek regional capitals]]
[[Category:Tourism in Greece]]
[[Category:Ancient Greek cities]]
[[Category:Settlements established in the 3rd millennium BC]]
[[Category:Capitals in Europe]]
[[Category:Former city-states]]

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