5 interesting facts about Athens you did not know

Athens continuously surprises. With centuries of rich history, the city holds countless stories - some of which are forgotten, waiting to be rediscovered. Read on to uncover 5 of the most interesting facts about Athens.

1. One of the Oldest Capitals in the World

Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, second only to Damascus. The city itself is like an open-air museum, with a compact center that's easy to explore on foot. From the imposing Acropolis to the Panathenaic Stadium and Lycabettus Hill, choose from a fascinating range of Athens tours with a myriad of sights to see.

2. A Cultural Hub of Antiquity

As one of the world’s most ancient cities, Athens was a major center for philosophy, science, and art during the Classical period. Famous philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle lived and taught here. Walking the same paths as these great thinkers is an experience that one can enjoy on any of the Athens Walking Tours. Remarkably, ancient Athens once boasted 148 theaters, more than any other city in the world. The Theatre of Dionysus, located on the slopes of the Acropolis, was the birthplace of Greek drama.

3. The City's Five Hills with a View

One of the more interesting facts about Athens is its terrain. Besides the Acropolis, the city is home to several notable hills: Lycabettus Hill, Philopappos Hill, Areopagus Hill, and Pnyx Hill. Lycabettus Hill is the highest, offering the widest panoramic view of Athens, including a view of the other hills and famous landmarks. While Lycabettus is easily visible from other points, views between Philopappos Hill, Areopagus Hill, and Pnyx Hill may vary depending on your position.

4. The Olympic Games and Marathon Race

Athens is the birthplace of both the modern Olympic Games and the marathon. In 1896, the city hosted the first modern Olympics, with events held at the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. The modern marathon race, meanwhile, is inspired by the legendary run of Pheidippides, who covered the 26 miles from Marathon to Athens to announce a victory over the Persians. Both these legacies solidify Athens as a symbol of global athletic history. 

5. Unique Street Names

As you'd expect from a city steeped in history, many of Athens’ street names pay tribute to ancient philosophers, mathematicians, and gods. Ermou Street, a pedestrianized commercial street in the city center, is named after Hermes, the god of commerce. Similarly, Athinas Street, which links Omonoia to Monastiraki, is named after the goddess Athena, the city's patron and protector. As you explore, you’ll find many more street names that honor key figures from the past. It is a fun activity and one of the many unique aspects of Athens.

Athens is a time-warp of history, inviting visitors to peel back layers of the past with each step. Choose Keytours to discover interesting facts about Athens that you didn't know existed.