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The original town of Athens,clustered around the slopes of the Acropolis, became the capital of Greece in 1834,at which time it had a population of just 20,000 Now this bustling, modern city covers an area of nearly 400 spuare Kilometres and is home to some four million people. Apart from being the countr's main business center and popular vacation destination for visitors form around the globe, Athens, with its air and sea connections, is a good starting plae form which to reach the Greek islands - more thsn 2,000 of them,together forming one of Europ,s prime holiday areas. For most Visitors it is the ancient sites that command attention and, because old Athens Was a small town.they are all conveniently Located in the center of the moderm city.The Acropolis and Parthenon - resched by a steep, winding path - dominate the skyline, the theatre of Dionysos and the heater of Herodes Attiushave found a naw purpose as the main vnue of the Athens festival,the Naational Archaeological Museum houses one of the most comprehensive collections of antiquities in the world, including a 3.500-year old fresco from Santorini and the tow- metre high bronze statue of Poseidon dating back 20500 yeare .
When you tire of the ancient world try visit to the plaka. A fascinating warren of narrow winding streets and tiny courtyards where dozens of boutiques bars tavernas and night- clubs vie for the attention and drachmas of visitors and Athenians .
The central shopping area is area is located around syntagma and Omonia squares, where fine jewelers, handicrafts and souvenir shops can be found .
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