subject: Globalisation Of Civilisation: Created In One Nation [print this page] Athens became the nation's capital in the middle of the 19th century when it was only a small village that had fallen from grace of days past when it had enjoyed a prestigious past. What remained of better days were ruins that had great political and economic importance when they stood tall. This re-installation of national importance saw many architects hired to create a new city next to the ruins to once again make Athens a dominant metropolis, and keeping the ruins close by reminds people of their Greek heritage.
During the early part of the 19th century little progress was made in taking Athens forward but this was largely due to the two World Wars. Later on in the century more effort was put into regenerating the city and restoration of old buildings in the historical centre of Athens went ahead, along with the creation of many new and attractive post modern buildings. Whilst this construction brings in a new identity the city also keeps its old charm, forging a unique and intoxicating atmosphere.
Paying a visit to the Acropolis, a Unesco World Heritage Site, you will find an ancient fortified town that has some of the greatest ruins of classical Greece. Inside you can see fantastic buildings such as the Erectheion, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Parthenon. You will also find the Temple of Olympia Zeus located inside the Acropolis walls, though it is now reduced to ruins.
The Panathiniko Stadium is a gigantic, white marble stadium that is shaped like a horseshoe and was the venue for the first modern day Olympic Games, held in 1896. In ancient times it was used to host parts of the Panathenaic games in honour of the Goddess Athena.
Near the ancient Acropolis site you will find The New Acropolis Museum which is the home to the archaeological discoveries in the area, going from the Bronze Age to Byzantine and Roman Greece. The museum was open to the public as of late June 2009, and inside there are over 4,000 objects on show.
As you enter Athens you may be deceived by some of the buildings because they look out of shape but on closer inspection the city will amaze you. Narrow streets will uncover a new gem around every corner some providing sights of ancient Greece whilst other will present of Athens new unique culture. If you plan a trip to Athens for Easter weekend you will be fortunate enough to be witness to hundreds of people make their way down a hill, each holding a candle as part of the Easter Vigil.
by: Archie Arch
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