October 1, 2011

Athens - Experiencing The Magnificence Of Ancient Greece

Athens holds the impressive distinction of being one of the oldest cities in the world, having been around for almost 3500 years. Associated with the name of Athens are many accomplishments and distinctions, including being the home of Aristotle and Plato, being called the "cradle of Western civilization," housing some of the most famous landmarks on Earth, Athens is a city truly unlike any other. While the history of Athens still reigns supreme, it is also a busy city today. If your vacation plans are taking you to the city of Athena, don't forget your passport, and make sure everyone else has one too. Expedited child passports and adult passports can be purchased online.

Americans Will Need A Passport

Online passport services mean you get to completely skip the waiting in long lines at the passport office of post office. Rather, you can just go online from the comfort of your home. From the website, you can complete the forms, decide when you want your passport delivered, and receive the help of trained passport specialists. No matter what sort of service you need, such as replacements for stolen passports, it can be expedited.

Acropolis

One very important Greek site is the Acropolis, a cluster of ancient ruins located on a hilltop. As an officially declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, it contains many important ruins, including the Theater of Dionysis, the Erechtheum, and the Parthenon, one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and a temple dedicated to the goddess and patron of the city, Athena. Standing as a symbol of Greek success and grandeur, the Parthenon is famous for its famous sculptures and architecture, as well as its proportions. Because the entire Acropolis sits high on a hill overlooking the city, it also provides some of the best views of Athens.

Agora

Don't miss out on visiting the Agora as well, a complex that used to serve as a central market place. In addition to being an important commercial center, it was a cultural and political hub. The Agora itself houses many important landmarks as well as an interesting museum. One is the impressive Temple of Hephaestus, a temple that is amazingly well-preserved. This is just one of the landmarks, and it takes hours to explore the entirety of the Agora.

National Archaeological Museum

It almost seems obvious that Athens would be a hot spot for archaeology. If the ancient history of Greece and Athens is something you're interested in, head to the National Archaeology Museum, which happens to be considered one of the best museums in the world. Inside are tons of ancient artifacts that span all through Greece's history, from prehistoric times to classical times. Artifacts include relics from ancient Troy, the golden mask of Agamemnon, the strange and mysterious Antikythera mechanism, intact classical statues, priceless jewels, and even some Egyptian mummies.

Parnitha National Park

If you are looking to escape the bustle of the city and unwind for a little, head to Parnitha National Park, a place where people can walk along the marked paths and see caves, gorges, and springs. The National Garden of Athens is another great place to relax after a day of exploring.

Athens is among the most well-loved cities in the world. If your trip is taking you there, be sure to look into expedited child pass ports and adult passports online. Also remember services like replacements for stolen U S online passports are available too.

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