The port city of Piraeus

Piraeus is the third largest city in Greece. Most of today it is known as the largest European port.

Piraeus, close to Athens, is sometimes taken for the outskirts of the capital. But this is not so, the terrain has the status of a separate city. Although it is very difficult to say exactly where Athens ends and Piraeus begins.

Historical reference

The history of the port of Piraeus begins from ancient times. His heyday falls on the 5th century BC. At that time, the inhabitants of Athens united the port of Piraeus with a common wall with the city in order to strengthen it.

When Greece in the 9th century became an autonomous state, the city was in decline, its population was only 50 people. Only a good location allowed the port not to disappear altogether.

During the Middle Ages the city was more known under the name of Porto-Leone. Such a name appeared because of the statue of a lion made of stone, guarding the entrance to the port.

The city was developed after the 1850s, while its ship port became the main trade point in the country. It was then that Piraeus united with Athens into one whole.

Geographical location

The port city of Piraeus is in Greece on the Aegean Sea, 10 kilometers west of the country's capital. It is the leading port of foreign trade in the country. Piraeus is located along the picturesque bay of the Saronic Gulf. If you look at the Aegean Sea on the map, you can easily find the city of Piraeus. It is near Athens.

Athens port of Piraeus is quite conveniently located, you can reach it from anywhere in the capital, using the metro or bus. From the port go ships and ferries, going to the Greek islands of the Aegean Sea and to other countries.

Climate

The beaches here have sunny weather almost all year round. Summer is the hottest time in this area. Autumn and spring are great for visiting famous sights. Although from Parnita Mountain, located near Piraeus, rains come from November to April, they are not too strong.

sights

The most interesting landmark is the port of Piraeus itself with many ships in it. Magnificent panoramic views open from the hill of Castel.

From another hill - Profitis Elias - you can see Athens, Piraeus itself and Saronic Gulf.

In the city you can admire the ruins of the ancient wall, which used to unite Athens with Piraeus. It is necessary to see and the old gate with a part of the fortifications, in good condition preserved until our times.

Not far from the pier is the Maritime Museum. In his collections are models of various ships. In the museum there are more than 2,000 interesting exhibits, including a variety of triremes, paintings with images of sea battles and fishing boats. Also, there is a special exhibition that demonstrates the documents and memorial things of the Greeks who occupied the leading positions in the fleet. You can visit the Archaeological Museum with an interesting exposition. Among the exhibits are outstanding reliefs, objects from ceramics and sculptural images of the Bronze Age, found on the Piraeus embankment and its surrounding territories. And near the museum itself there are the remains of an ancient theater.

Also here there are such museums as the Historical and Electric Railways.

The Municipal Gallery of the city presents works by modern Greek artists. A popular actor Manos Katrakis gave the gallery its own theatrical costumes, personal items and photographs.

It will be interesting to see the main square of the city - Alexandra Square. There are taverns and restaurants, indulging visitors with excellent cuisine, in particular dishes from seafood. Near the square is the main municipal theater, in which many cultural events take place. Well, one of the main events of the city - the international film festival EcoCinema - takes place annually in February.

Entertainment and shopping

The city has a large number of small cafes, where the main dishes are fresh fish and many other sea gifts. Tourists who live in Athens, are invited to specially visit Piraeus to try the fish caught here. All these institutions work around the clock. The resort is well-developed water sports. Here you can rent a yacht or go diving.

Along the harbor near the cruise terminal is a huge number of shops. There are also many of them near the metro stations. Items made by local craftsmen are called the best souvenirs: bags, ceramics, sandals, semiprecious stones used in the jewelry industry. And olive oil, coffee, dried fruits, cheeses from Greece are known for their high quality.

In summer, such festivals as "Rock Wave" and "Sea" are held in the city. And the famous festival "The Way of Three Kings" means the beginning of the carnival, in which the costumed performances take place.