Athens took its name from the goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge: this is where democracy was born. This is where that marvel of architecture, the Parthenon, was created. Athens, one of the most important cities of mankind, is rich with history. Here is a short sightseeing guide for visitors to Athens listing the most important places for tourists to see while in the Greek capital:

The Acropolis area.  
The rock of the Acropolis has been inhabited since Neolithic times. Today's layout of the fortified citadel is the work of Pericles. The Parthenon, which dominates the scene, was the first temple to be built and was dedicated to Athena. The museum at the site contains many pedimental sculptures, reliefs and statues. The Acropolis hill is the crown jewel of Athens and all of Greece. With the still standing Parthenon temple as its symbol, the Acropolis is truly a wonder of the world, containing four ancient buildings. The Parthenon was built between 447 and 432 B.C. and most of the artifacts from the temple are housed today in the Acropolis museum near the Parthenon. Also on the Acropolis are the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Propylaea. 

Just below the Acropolis hill are two ancient theaters, which must not be missed the Dionysos and Odeon of Herod Atticus. The oldest of the Greek theaters, built in the fourth century B.C., the Theater of Dionysos once hosted plays of Euripides, Aristophanes, Sophocles and Aesculus which were played for the first time. It could seat as many as 17,000 spectators, but only one third that number could fit in the seats now destroyed. The reconstructed Odeon of Herod Atticus amphitheater is used during the summer to host the Athens Festival performances. Truly one of the most impressive ancient monuments in Athens it was first built by Roman ruler Herod Atticus in the second century A.D. The theater can seat 5,000 spectators and has 32 rows of seats. The ancient Supreme Court, the Areopagus, is located just below the entrance to the Acropolis. It was here where the first court of homicide was held and where St. Paul addressed the Athenians in 54 A.D. 

At the foot of the Acropolis is the Ancient Agora, known as the commercial and public center of ancient Athens. During the classical age, such notables as Sophocles and Aristotle taught there. Although much of the marketplace is in ruins, one can still distinguish the layout of the area. The museum nearby houses many of the artifacts found in the area. The Thesseion, one of the most intact of the ancient Greek temples, is located at one end of the Ancient Agora. It was first built in 450 B.C. 

Plaka
Once the life of Athens earlier this century, the Plaka area of the city is located on the north slope of the Acropolis. Old-timers will tell you stories about how the 19th century town was the center of nightlife activity. The Plaka is a pleasant, cobblestone walkway with cars banned from most of the area. Narrow streets and winding stairways and some old mansions are what's left of old Athens, which contained a cluster of 500 homes. There are tavernas and numerous tourist shops in the Plaka area and some ancient sites worth visiting. The Tower of the Winds, with its water clock, sun dial and weather vane, built in the first century B.C., is a striking octagonal monument. Each side has a relief depicting the wind that blows from that direction. At the west side of Plaka is the Roman Agora which includes Hadrian's Library, built by the Roman ruler in the second century A.D. The Monument of Lysikratous, a well preserved fourth century B.C. monument rising 21 feet from its base is also worth visiting in the Plaka area. 

Monastiraki
If it's a bargain you are after and if you still have not decided what souvenir to take back home, don't forget to visit the Monastiraki Flea Market. Here you will find shops selling a wide selection of souvenir to suit all tastes and budgets. The best time to visit Monastiraki is on Sunday mornings when the Flea Market is running full and before the crowd rush later in the afternoon. The Flea Market is next to the Monastiraki metro station and just off the square with the same name. Just two blocks up from Monastiraki Square heading towards Syntagma Square is the Greek Orthodox Cathedral (Mitropolis) where the country's dignitaries attend services on holidays. It is a massive structure composed of stones from 72 demolished cathedrals around the city, destroyed by the Turks. With an impressive interior, the cathedral was built in the previous century. Near the end of the Flea Market is the Keramikos Cemetery located on Ermou Street going towards Pireos Avenue. It was the famous burial ground for the most important ancient citizens of Athens. Most of the finds of the cemetery are in the museum within the grounds. 

Temple of Olympian Zeus
The largest ancient temple in Greece, the Temple of Olympian Zeus began to be built in the beginning of the sixth century B.C. and was not completed until 700 years later. The temple was dedicated to the supreme god Zeus and 14 of its original 104 very tall Corinthian style columns still stand today. 

Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square, now recognized as the center of Athens and from where to orientate yourself to the city, is an acre large plaza filled with expensive outdoor cafes, some trees and a fountain in the center. Around Syntagma you will find every type of tourist shops, airline offices, banks, a fast food restaurant, other restaurants and first class hotels. Also called Constitution Square by foreigners, Syntagma is faced at the top by the Parliament building. In front of the Parliament building is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where all visiting dignitaries lay wreaths, and is guarded day and night by two evzones dressed in the traditional skirted uniforms. On Sundays at 10.30 A.M. the evzones, accompanied by a military band, march from the Parliament building in full regalia, well worth a picture by tourists.

Other areas
On the way to Omonia Square from Syntagma Square on Panepistimiou Street, is the impressive neoclassic University, National Library and Academy buildings, all built in the previous century. These buildings are always worth a picture or two by tourists. The next important square after Syntagma in Athens is Omonia It is the most noisiest place in Athens but offers many tourist shops and snack bars. The highest hill inside Athens, Mt. Lycabettus, offers a visitor a panorama view of the city from all sides. On the summit of the 912foot high hill is a tiny 19th century chapel of St. George. Kolonaki side of the hill. The Pedion Areos, a large park on Alexandra Avenue, has a playground, plenty of shady areas and peacocks. Yet another escape route if the hot summer sun gets to you.