Attica
The Attica Peninsula forms a unique cultural landscape dotted with
dozens of historical monuments and natural sights, all within less
than an hour from Athens.
Major Sites in Attica:
Famous for its romantic sunsets is the Poseidon Temple at Cape Sounio.
The temple, dating back to the 5th century BC is built on top of a
cliff at the southern tip of the Attica Peninsula, offering a spectacular
view of the Aegean Sea.
Just north of Cape Sounio lies the ancient town of Thoriko with one
of the oldest theaters ever found (built in the 6th century BC), as
well as Lavrion with its rich industrial heritage. The area was a
major silver mining center in the antiquity. Some of the ancient mining
pits can still be seen. The mining industry was revived in the 19th
century thanks to its rich lead, manganese and zinc deposits. A factory
complex is currently being transformed into an industrial heritage
site.
Further north, the archeological site of Vravron features a
temple and other buildings dedicated to the worship of goddess Artemis.
There is also a small museum near the site. On the eastern slope of
Mount Ymittos is the cave Koutouki, just outside the
town of Peania. This cave features impressive stalagmites and
stalactites.
The holy site of Amfiaraion is one of the most romantic archeological
sites of Greece. Hidden in a valley in the pine-clad mountains of
Northern Attica, it served as an oracle and a healing center. It features
the remains of several buildings dating back to the 6th century BC
in eluding a theater.
Southwest of Amfiaraion lies the ancient town of Ramnous with
the remains of two temples built in the 5th century. Nearby, the Tomb
of the Marathon Warriors serves each year as the starting point
of the Athens Marathon Run. This was the site of the victorious battle
of the Athenians and their allies against the invading Persians in
490 BC.
To the west of Athens lies Eleusis, one of the spiritual centers
of ancient Greece made famous by its mystic rituals. The archeological
site features the remains of several temples dating back to the second
millennium BC as well as a museum. |
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Athens
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