Athens, Greece

Athens is the capital and largest city in Greece

The Ancient Agora of Athens is the most well known Agora (ancient marketplace) in Greece

The term Acropolis refers to "high city" and there are many places in the world with this name.

The Acropolis of Athens is the world's most famous Acropolis and is often referred to as "The Acropolis

The Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Greece is the birthplace of democracy, western literature, geography, science and drama.

The "Porch of Maidens" on the Erectheion, built approx 421 BC

During this visit to Athens, many of the historic site were under renovation for the 2004 Olympics

The Parthenon built in the 5th century BC, is the best known remaining building of ancient Greece

The Hercules Atticus Odeon, built in 161, is still used for musical event during the Athens Festival

The Theater of Dionysus was a major theater in ancient Greece and sat up to 17,000

Olympeion was at one time the largest temple in Greece

The temple is now in ruins. Photo above shows the most substantial surviving part of the temple.

Olympic Site of the 1st modern Summer Olympic Games in 1896.

In 1896 Greece had the highest medal count with the USA in 2nd place.

Here is the new Olympic Stadium as it was under construction for the 2004 Summer Olympics

2004 was the first year that Greece had hosted the games since the original 1896 contest.

Athens has many top museums

Greece is regarded as the cradle of western civilization

All photos ®Liquid Blue