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Athens

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Kostas Bakoyannis

Athens has been inhabited by people for at least 7,000 years. Historical evidence shows that as far back as 900 BC  Athens was already a major trading hub because of its central location and easy access to the sea. Culturally, Athens has set the foundations for Western civilization and the development of art and culture. In the Middle Ages, the city gradually began to lose its power, but still managed to maintain its position as a trading hub, especially with Italy. Тhe history of the city from the Middle Ages shows a period of great loss of positions, which lasted until 1833. After the Greek War of Independence in 1834, Athens was declared a capital city. Part of the urban planning process was building a symbol of the continuity between Ancient Greece and the modern city, consisting of the peaks of the Acropolis, Kerameikos and today's Parliament building.

Within the administrative boundaries of the Municipality of Athens, approximately 700,000 people live on an area of ​​38.96 sq.km and in the whole metropolitan area over 4 million, on an area of ​​nearly 3000 sq.km. The city of Athens is divided into 7 large areas which are subdivided into neighborhoods - totaling 34.

 

Today, Athens has the status of a global city, which means it is of great importance for the development of the world economy. The capital is the financial center of the country. Multinational companies such as Siemens, Ericsson, Motorola and Coca-Cola have their research and development centers in Athens. Close to the capital are some of the biggest ports in the country, from where both cargo and cruise ships pass.

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Athens

In 2015 Athens was ranked the third most attractive destination in Europe. The great architectural heritage of ancient Greece can still be seen in the city, which attracts many tourists every year. The Temple of Olympian Zeus, of which 16 columns still remain and can be seen today, is one of the most visited attractions. Other major attractions are the amphitheater Odeon of Herodes Atticus. There are also numerous museums and galleries where ancient art is preserved and displayed. Many cultural festivals, concerts and sporting events also take place in the city.