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Introduction
| A T
H E N S |
Benjamin
Disraeli once said, "A great city, whose image dwells in the memory of man, is the
type of some great idea…. Athens embodies the pre-eminent quality of the antique
world, art." John Milton referred to this city as "Athens, the eye of Greece,
mother of arts and eloquence" and tourist brochures by the dozen wax eloquent about
the architectural splendours of this city- about the Acropolis, the Parthenon; the many
temples and palaces which dominate Athens.
All with due justification. For Athens, one of the oldest capital cities in the world, is
also one of the most richly endowed in terms of art. The ancient ruins of Athens are works
of art in themselves, and throughout the city’s many museums are hundreds of
exquisite artefacts. All of which may get a little hidden behind the crowds, the bustle
and the crass commercialism which have taken over modern Athens. The Athens of today is
not the haven of art and culture it was in the time of Perikleus; now it’s a wild,
exuberant mishmash of the East and the West, the mundane and the elevated- but it’s
Athens, nevertheless. Enchanting, attractive, addictive- and definitely worth a visit. |
F A C
T B O X |
| Population |
3.1 million |
| Religion |
97% Greek Orthodox |
| Language |
Greek |
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