Known as the 'cradle of civilization', Athens is the largest city of Greece with a rich historical and cultural heritage.
The origin of Athens dates back to 3,000 BC, making it the oldest city in the world!
The early origin of the city makes it a birthplace for democracy, Western literature, mathematical principles, philosophy, theater, political sciences and Olympic games among others!
It is believed that the city has tried every form of governance - capitalism, communism, monarchy, socialism, democracy, since its inception!
Athens is known to be the birthplace of democracy. It was in 500 BC that a law was passed in the city that enabled citizens to vote on laws, giving rise to democracy!
Theatre originated in Athens and is believed to have originated with the concept of democracy in the city. Greek tragedies take center stage as far as popularity is concerned while comedies were a different popular genre!
Athens has about 148 theatre stages - more than Broadway and West End combined!
Today's marathon events are inspired by the long run of the Greek soldier, Pheidippides, who ran from Greece to Athens in 490 BC!
The Acropolis of Athens that was built in 448 BC holds a place in the list of Greece's 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Athens wasn't always the capital city of Greece. Nafplio was the Greek capital from 1821- 1834, after the War of Independence.
The Hotel Grande Bretagne that is located in Syntagma Square is the oldest hotel in the city! It was used as a royal guesthouse in the 19th century and served as a Nazi headquarters during World War II.
Due to the ancient origin of the city, multiple architectural styles - from Neoclassical to modern and from Greco to Roman, are on display in the city!
Until 2002 -2003, there was no contemporary art museum in the city! The National Museum of Contemporary Art of EMST is the first museum of its kind in Greece!
The highest temperature of 118.4 °F was recorded in Athens in 1977. It is the hottest ever temperature recorded in Europe.
The first institute of higher learning in the Western world was created by Plato, Athens' most influential teacher.