55 Interesting Facts About Athens [Free Fact Cards]

Are you ready to travel back in time and explore one of the oldest cities in the world? Let’s pack our imaginations and go on an adventure to Athens, the capital of Greece. Athens is a city that’s like a giant outdoor museum, filled with ancient buildings, myths, and stories that are thousands of years old. So, let’s start our journey and discover some cool facts about Athens, an amazing city!

Did you know that Athens is super famous for its old ruins? Have you heard of the Parthenon? It’s a huge temple on top of a hill called the Acropolis. The Parthenon is really old and was built a long, long time ago when people believed in gods like Zeus and Athena. When you look at it, you’re seeing history right in front of you!

Athens isn’t just about old buildings, though. It’s also known as the birthplace of democracy. That means it’s where the idea started that people should have a say in making the rules they live by. Pretty important, right? This idea from ancient Athens has helped shape the whole world!

Did you know that Athens hosted the very first modern Olympic Games? That’s right! In 1896, athletes from all over the world came to Athens to compete in sports. It was like bringing an ancient tradition back to life!

Are you excited to learn more facts about Athens, this fascinating city? From its ancient temples to its big role in history, Athens is full of exciting stories and secrets waiting to be discovered. Let’s keep exploring and find out all the cool and interesting things about this ancient city!

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Best Facts about Athens

1. Athens was the birthplace of the modern Olympic games in 1896. However, the ancient Olympics were never actually held in the Greek capital.
2. Athens’ port of Piraeus is Europe’s largest passenger port.
3. At Mnisikleous Street Stairs, there are several restaurants with patios and tables right on the staircase.
4. Theater also played a key role in the life of the ancient Athenians. 
5. Athens has been inhabited for over 4000 years.

6. Athens was ruled by kings until the 9th century BC
7. In Ancient Athens, bread, cheese, figs, olives, legumes, and grapes were popular foods, and of course wine. Back then, meat was rarely part of the menu.
8. In Athens, you will find small museums inside metro stations.
9. Athens is considered the birthplace of democracy. The word itself comes from the Greek words “demos” – the people, and “Kratos” – power, or state.
10. On July 10, 1977, the temperature in Athens reached a record breaking high of 118.4 °F – the hottest temperature ever recorded in Europe.

11. Athens is similar in size to Durban, South Africa. 
12. The Acropolis Museum was exclusively built to showcase artifacts from the Acropolis. It is considered one of the most important museums in the world.
13. The population of Athens and Greece has continued to drop since the crisis started, and this trend is expected to continue.   
14. The Olympic marathon event has a connection to Ancient Athens.
15. The first ever plays were performed in Athens.

16. Athens is the capital and largest city in Greece.
17. Athens wasn’t the first capital of modern Greece
18. The 2004 Summer Olympics and Paralympics were hosted by Athens, and the city had failed to win the bid in 1996.
19. Athens’ golden age is responsible for its most famous landmarks.
20. The weather in Athens is notoriously difficult to predict and varies widely within the city because of its complex landscape built around a number of hills.

21. The tallest building in Athens is Athens Tower 1, which has 28 floors and stands 103 m (338 ft) tall.
22. Athens showcases examples of the most famous periods of architecture.
23. Athens is the oldest capital of Europe
24. The most famous structure at the Acropolis is the Parthenon. It was built in the 5th century BC for the goddess Athena and is an enduring symbol of Western civilization.
25. The octagonal Tower of Winds in the Roman Agora in Athens is considered the world’s first meteorological station. It dates to 50 BC or possibly earlier.

26. In 1869, steam railways began running in the city. They went electric in 1904. It would later become the Athens Metro.
27. The marathon was named after a long run to Athens in 490 B.C. 
28. It’s home to one of Greece’s 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
29. Athens is the birthplace of democracy
30. About 18 million tourists visit Athens each year.

31. Kathimerini, the nation’s leading newspaper, was first published in 1919.
32. In 2018, UNESCO designated the city of Athens as a World Book Capital 
33. It was the first European Capital of Culture.
34. Athens has been inhabited since the late Neolithic Era
35. English is widely spoken in Athens

36. Traditions of Greek Theatre Flourished in Athens
37. Athens has more theaters than any other city.
38. Athens is famous as one of the sunniest places in Europe.
39. Athens has experienced nearly all forms of government.
40. The Areopagus is mentioned in the Bible.

41. Athens was Named after Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom
42. Athens has more theatrical stages than any other capital city in the world. 148 stages have been found to date.
43. Athens has the largest digital planetaria in the world
44. Athens Houses the Largest Pipe Organ in Greece
45. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Athens was 1.22°F (-17.1 °C) in 1938.

46. The Ancient Olympic Games were never held in Athens.
47. Athens once had a king.
48. The Parthenon of Athens was once a church and a mosque
49. Athens is a seafood lover’s paradise.
50. Athens takes its name famously from the goddess Athens.

51. Lycabettus Hill is the tallest point in Athens, at 277 m (909 ft) above sea level.
52. Athens was the First European capital of culture
53. The oldest traces of human habitation in the Athens basin go back to the 5th millennium BC.  
54. Athens has an eventful history
55. Athens was the first capital city in Europe to be named “The Capital of Culture”.

Do you have even more interesting facts about Athens? Share them with us in the comments! Also, don’t forget to grab your free moon fact cards to add to your collection!