The hauntingly majestic country of Greece helped to shape our modern world, and well deserves its high position on the pedestal of greatness next to Egypt and Rome. The Greek language was revered for thousands of years, the Greek structure of politics greatly emulated. Temples that defied time itself achieved immortal historical importance. The very name of Athens conjures images of the stark white columns of the Parthenon, and the mystic mythological grandeur that still cloaks the region.

For those who have decided to take a trip to the city named for the Greek goddess Athena, the Parthenon is just one destination on the well-rounded sightseeing journey. Many monuments to Greek ingenuity remain and are visited by people from all around the world each year.

When did the great country of Greece begin?

In ancient times, Greece was not a country but a conglomeration of small city-states. Each state had its own identity, such as Athens, the philosophical state, and Sparta, the state steeped in warfare and training. To this day, names such as Socrates, Plato and Hippocrates (The Hippocratic Oath is still used by doctors) have endured into our modern civilization. The term "Spartan" has come to mean sparse, strict, and relentless. Without Greece's contributions, many countries would not have the model of civilization that they possess today. The ancient Greeks believed in engineering huge monuments to their pantheon of gods, and used such timeless materials that many of their achievements still stand.

Arrival and orientation

So now you are here. You've gotten your VISA updated, and have gone through all necessary precautions. The plane has landed at Athens and you are ready to begin your adventure in the mythical land of Hercules. What should you see first? What monuments should you not miss in the precious amount of time you are allowed here? Will there be time to see it all?

Neighborhoods

Athens is divided into several different neighborhoods, which can make navigating difficult. It is best to find a local guide or tour company to point you in the right direction. Once the mazes of neighborhoods have been carefully mapped out, the following attractions are some of what you can expect to see.

Museums

It is evident by the abundance of museums and archaeological sites that modern Greeks are still as fascinated with the care and keeping of wisdom and history as they were in the days of the empire. Whatever your taste may be, there is a museum for you. From folk art to ethnic history to railroads, everything having to do with the region is housed in one of these time capsules. Here are some of the best museums to see for those who have a minimum amount of time:

• The National Archaeological Museum is located in the Athenian neighborhood of Moussio. This impressive collection houses an array of Greek art and culture. From statuary to ancient masks and artifacts, you won't go away without a sense of how Greek culture shaped the history of the world. For those who may be traveling here with an empty stomach, the on-site cafe will fill your needs. It is located in the museum's sculpture garden, guaranteeing a beautiful classical view
• The Jewish Museum of Greece in Plaka is an intriguing break from the ordinary. A variety of displays cover everything, from Jewish history to a memorial for those who died in the Holocaust. Six levels of artifacts and displays tell visitors anything they might wish to know about the Jewish community in Greece. A research library is an added bonus to the museum, and a gift shop serves those searching for souvenirs from this unique experience
• The Byzantine and Christian Museum covers a period of over two thousand years, in which the Byzantine Empire (Emperor Constantine's brainchild) succeeded Rome in greatness. The Byzantine Museum houses paintings, statuary, and many other mediums of Greek art. Although the museum is centered on art and sculpture, you will get a great feel for the progression of the mighty Byzantine Empire, and will understand the creative, artistic minds of its people. The museum itself has a fascinating history. It was built in 1848 for a duchess and was originally a palatial home called Ilisia

Religious Sites

Religion, particularly that of the ancient Greek Orthodox tradition, is an integral part of Greece's vibrant heritage. Many old and venerable religious sites can be found in Athens, complete with Mediterranean architecture and a fascinating history to tell. Here are just some of the scenes of religious beauty you will see:

• Kessariani Monastery in the neighborhood of Kessariani is a Byzantine structure. Its simple but graceful architecture makes it a great place to stop and reflect on spirituality. The monastery dates back a thousand years and was constructed over an earlier church that dates from the 500s. The actual name for Kessariani is "Presentation of the Virgin to the Temple." The 16th century chapel is named for Saint Anthony. One of the best features this monastery has to offer will stun the ancient relic-hunter. Paintings that have existed since the 1600s are displayed at Kessariani for the wandering traveler to see. Also, for photographers of all brands, the hill on which Kessariani is located, Mount Ymittos, provides a backdrop to the many pictures you'll take to remember this reverent site
• The Panagia Gorgoepikoos Church in Plaka may not look like much to the tourist eye, but it is another of the city's ancient treasures. From the 1100s this church has stood here as a beacon to those practicing the Orthodox faith. In the interwoven past of Athens, there was a temple on this spot named Isis-Eileithyia (Isis being an Egyptian goddess; ideas traveled through trade contact). The church has its own hidden treasure, as all historic sites do. The marble murals you will notice upon entering are more than decoration. At least one of the murals was commissioned hundreds of years before the birth of Christ and shows elements of Greek's old pagan culture. The name Panagia Gorgoepikoos literally translates to "the all-hearing."
• For an awe-inspiring leap from the humble to the grand, stop by Metropolis Greek Orthodox Cathedral, also in Plaka. The cathedral, dating from the mid-19th century, is hailed as one of the great religious structures not only in Athens, but in the entire nation. The interior is plush, covered with murals and artwork, and brings to mind the fantastic gilded treasures of the Notre Dame in Paris. The cathedral is still used as a church, but tourists are given a high place of importance to come and explore.

Ancient Monuments

A trip to Athens would be nothing without seeing some of the ancient architecture we've all learned about from school textbooks and would-be historian friends and relatives. Greece was a mighty power in the ancient world, and many of its accomplishments still stand to remind us of their power. There are too many pieces of ancient Greece to see in one visit, but some of the major symbols of the Greek Empire are not to be missed.

• Perhaps you are traveling to Athens expressly to see the Parthenon. Well, you are far from the only one! Countless numbers of people have perused these imposing columns since the beginning of its construction in the 400's B.C., when it was dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos. This is a Doric temple (Doric and Ionic are kinds of sculptured columns) and in the early days of its existence, it would most likely have been painted, in contrast to the white skeletal pillars of today. Like the Eiffel Tower and the Coliseum, the Parthenon represents its country and the age of its Golden Empire. Be sure to look down over the Acropolis while standing in the midst of this ancient temple. The view will merit quite a few rolls of film.
• The Acropolis is the ancient part of the city and is home to the Parthenon. The Acropolis was known as Athens’ "Sacred Rock," pillar of Greek civilization. Many temples and other public sites could be found here in the ancient days. Although not as well-known as the Parthenon, other beautiful temple ruins can be found in the Acropolis. The Temple of Athena Nike, also from the 400s B.C., is an well-preserved representation of pagan Greek temples. The Acropolis' entranceway was headed by the Propylaea, an impressive building with the same stunning architecture and graceful columns as the first two structures
• In ancient times, when the Roman soldiers arrived to seek out new territory, Emperor Hadrian decided to show Athens that he had arrived by building Hadrian's Arch. This monument was built in 131 A.D. and separated the city of the philosophers of ancient days from the newer Roman quarters.

External Links:

• The Guide to Athens city, Greece - Info on anything Athens, helpful to the traveler
• Athens and Greece tourism - Destination Guides to help get you on your way
• Athens Info Guide - A tourism guide for the aspiring traveler