Piraeus is the third largest city in Greece. Today, it is known to most as the largest European port.
Piraeus, located close to Athens, is sometimes mistaken for the outskirts of the capital. But this is not so, the locality has the status of a separate city. Although it’s very difficult to say exactly where Athens ends and Piraeus begins.
Historical reference
The history of the port of Piraeus dates back to ancient times. Its 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 to not disappear at all.
During the Middle Ages, the city was better known as Porto Leone. This name appeared from behind a stone lion statue guarding the port entrance.
The city developed after the 1850s, while its ship port became the main trading point in the country. It was then that Piraeus united with Athens into one.
Geographic location
The port city of Piraeus is located in Greece on the Aegean Sea, 10 kilometers west of the country's capital. It is the leading foreign trade port 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.
The port of Piraeus of Athens is quite conveniently located, it can be reached from anywhere in the capital using the metro or bus. Ships and ferries departing from the port departing for the Greek islands of the Aegean Sea and in other countries.
Climate
On the beaches there is sunny weather almost all year round. Summer is the hottest time in the area. Autumn and spring are great for visiting famous attractions. Although it rains from November to April from Mount Parnita, near Piraeus, they are not too strong.
sights
The most interesting attraction is the port of Piraeus itself with many ships in it. Magnificent panoramic views open from the hill of Kastela.
From another hill - Profitis Elias - you can look at Athens, Piraeus itself and the Gulf of Saronicos.
In the city you can admire the ruins of the ancient wall that used to unite Athens with Piraeus. You must also see the ancient gate with part of the fortifications, in good condition, preserved to this day.
Not far from the pier is the Maritime Museum. In his collections are models of various ships. The museum has more than 2,000 interesting exhibits, including a variety of triremes, paintings depicting sea battles and fishing longboats. There is also a special exhibition that shows the documents and memorial items of the Greeks, who held dominant positions in the Navy. You can visit the Archaeological Museum with an interesting exhibition. Among the exhibits are outstanding reliefs, ceramics and sculptural images of the Bronze Age, found on the promenade of Piraeus and its surrounding territories. And near the museum itself are the remains of an ancient theater.
There are also museums such as the Historical and the Electric Railways.
The Municipal Gallery of the city presents the work of new-fashioned Greek artists. And the popular actor Manos Katrakis presented the gallery with his own theatrical costumes, personal items and photographs.
It will be interesting to see the main square of the city - Alexandra Square. There are located taverns and restaurants pampering visitors with excellent cuisine, in particular seafood dishes. Near the square is the main municipal theater, which hosts many cultural events. Well, one of the main events of the city - the international film festival Ecosinema - is held 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 seafood. Tourists living in Athens are offered a special visit to Piraeus to try the fish caught here. All these establishments work around the clock. The resort has well-developed water sports. Here you can rent a yacht or go diving.
Along the harbor near the cruise terminal there are a lot of shops. There are also a lot of them near 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 all their high quality.
In the summer, the city hosts such festivals as "Rock Wave" and "Marine". And the famous festival "The Way of the Three Kings" marks the beginning of the carnival, which hosts costumed performances.