The Greek city of Piraeus is the main port for Athens and one of the busiest ports in Europe. Each year, around 19 million passengers go through the port, many of them heading for the Aegean Islands and other Greek destinations. For many visitors, Piraeus is a means to an end but there is plenty to see and do in this ancient Greek city to distract visitors for a few days. In Piraeus hotel rooms are plentiful and cater for every budget.
The origins of the city date back to the middle of the 5th century BC. The architect Ippodamos planned the layout of the city and the vision of two statesmen, Themistocles and Pericles, turned Piraeus into a thriving municipality. It took over from the bay of Faliron as the primary port of Athens and never looked back.
However, wars and invasions took their toll on the city and from around 396 BC it fell into a decline that lasted for around 15 centuries. The Municipality of Piraeus was established in 1835 and the city began to pick itself up, booming during the early 20th century until it was hit hard by Greece's involvement in the Second World War. Since the war ended, the war damage has been repaired and Piraeus has become a thriving port city once again.
The city is steeped in maritime history and the industry dominates the city today. It is built around three ports, which are the central port, the Zea Marina and the Mikrolimano, or small port. In the days of ancient Greece, the Zea Marina was one of the main harbors for Themistocles' warships. These days, the warships are replaced by large yachts and cruise ships .The marina is lined with tavernas, bars and restaurants catering for the yacht crews and cruise ship passengers. In Greek myth, the goddess, Mounihia Artemis protects the attractive Mikrolimano. The small harbor contains fishing boats, small crafts and luxury yachts and attracts many visitors for its fish and seafood tavernas.
In Piraeus hotel rooms can be found across the city and port area. Many are close to the main port and the railway station to cater for visitors traveling on to the islands. The hotels offer many facilities for the convenience of their guests such as 24-hour reception desks, tea and coffee making facilities and room service. Many have free Internet access available and some of the larger hotels have spa facilities.
As ouzo and seafood are synonymous with Greece, in Piraeus hotel bars and restaurants provide their guests with a true Greek experience. Hotel restaurants have some of the best local fish and seafood available on the menu, ready to be prepared to their guests' liking.
Visitors interested in the seafaring history of the city should head for the Maritime Museum. Its exhibits span around 3,000 years of nautical history in Greece and include models of ancient and modern ships and paintings of seascapes by great 19th and 20th century Greek artists. There are also many maritime articles such as guns, flags, maps, medals and nautical instruments. The city's Archaeological Museum has displays and exhibits covering the ancient history of the port and its surroundings.
Piraeus is an easy city to explore. Panoramic views across the city are possible from Profitis Ilias hill, where visitors will also find the Veakio open-air theater which hosts many shows and events, particularly during the summer months. Down the hill is the Peace and Friendship Stadium, which is used as an exhibition center and also includes parks and sports and leisure activity areas. Nearby is the large open-air municipal theater, the Menandrio, or Delfinario.
The old neighborhood of Neo Faliro is said to be one of the most beautiful districts of Piraeus and was celebrated in many Greek songs of the 1940s and 1950s. As well as children's areas and a fun fair, there is the Karaiskakis Football Stadium, with its monument celebrating the liberator of Piraeus. The city's Municipal Theater is also worth a visit to see its Neo-Classical building.
Fish and seafood lovers are spoiled for choice with many restaurants and tavernas offering locally caught produce. Ouzo is the drink of choice in the city's bars and visitors seeking a lively nightlife should head for the clubs and bars housed in abandoned storehouses and factories across the city or for the coast road between Passalimani and Mikrolimano. The east site of Mikrolimano also has several fashionable bars and clubs.
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