Attica is the historical region of Greece that surrounds Athens, the country's capital, encompassing ancient monuments, stunning Mediterranean coastline, and verdant mountains. Home to some of the world's most iconic ancient sites including the Acropolis and Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Attica blends millennia of history with a vibrant modern city culture.
Attica has one of the longest continuously inhabited histories of any region on Earth, with evidence of settlement dating to the Neolithic period (4000 BCE). Athens reached its zenith during the 5th century BCE 'Golden Age' under Pericles, producing the Parthenon, direct democracy, and the foundations of Western philosophy, science, and art. The region subsequently fell under Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine, Frankish, Ottoman, and finally modern Greek rule, each leaving indelible marks on the landscape. Modern Athens emerged as the capital of the independent Greek state in 1834 and has grown into one of Europe's most historically rich capitals.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Attica.
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1
Neolithic Settlement
First evidence of human habitation on the Acropolis and surrounding Attica plain during the Neolithic period.
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2
Bronze Age Athens
Mycenaean civilization flourishes on the Acropolis. Athens is a significant palace center. The Mycenaean collapse circa 1200 BCE causes widespread disruption across Greece.
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3
Archaic Period
Athens rises as a city-state under legendary king Theseus (mythological unifier of Attica). Solon's legal reforms (594 BCE) and later Cleisthenes' democratic reforms (508 BCE) establish the foundations of Athenian democracy.
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4
Battle of Marathon
A small Athenian army under Miltiades defeats the invading Persian force at Marathon, northeast Attica — one of the most decisive battles in world history. Messenger Pheidippides reportedly runs to Athens to announce victory.
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5
Persian Sack of Athens
The Persian army under Xerxes captures and burns Athens, including the early temples on the Acropolis. Athenians had evacuated. The Greeks subsequently defeat the Persians at Salamis (naval) and Plataea (land).
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6
Parthenon Construction
Under Pericles, the Parthenon is constructed on the Acropolis by architects Ictinos and Callicrates, with sculptural program by Phidias. The golden age of Athenian art, philosophy, and democracy.
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7
Peloponnesian War
Athens and Sparta engage in a devastating 27-year war. Athens is weakened by plague (430 BCE, killing Pericles) and ultimately defeated. Spartan hegemony follows.
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8
Macedonian Control
Philip II of Macedon defeats Athens and Thebes at the Battle of Chaeronea, bringing Attica under Macedonian influence. His son Alexander the Great continues this expansion.
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9
Roman Province
Greece becomes the Roman province of Achaea. Athens retains cultural prestige as a center of learning and philosophy under Roman rule. Roman emperors patron the city.
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10
Hadrianic Building Program
Emperor Hadrian visits Athens and undertakes major building projects including completion of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Library, and Hadrian's Arch — leaving a lasting Roman legacy.
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11
Herulian Sack
The Germanic Herulian tribe sacks Athens. The Agora is burned and the city's classical character changes as the population retreats behind new defensive walls.
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12
Christian Athens
Emperor Justinian closes the Neoplatonic Academy, effectively ending ancient Athenian philosophical tradition. The Parthenon is converted to a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
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13
Medieval Period
Athens falls under Frankish, Catalan, Florentine, and Venetian rule after the Fourth Crusade. The Parthenon serves alternately as Latin and Orthodox church, then mosque under Ottoman control.
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14
Ottoman Period
Athens is captured by Ottoman Turks. The city shrinks to a small town. The Acropolis serves as an Ottoman garrison. The Parthenon is converted to a mosque; the Erechtheion becomes the Ottoman commander's harem.
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15
Venetian Bombardment
During war between Venice and the Ottomans, a Venetian artillery shell ignites Ottoman ammunition stored inside the Parthenon, causing catastrophic explosion and irreparable damage to the ancient structure.
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16
Elgin Marbles Removed
British diplomat Lord Elgin removes major sections of the Parthenon frieze and sculptures, now held in the British Museum in London — an ongoing source of Greek diplomatic contention.
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17
Greek War of Independence
Greece rises in rebellion against Ottoman rule. Attica and Athens are a key battleground. The Acropolis changes hands multiple times during brutal fighting.
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18
Athens Becomes Capital
Athens is established as the capital of the newly independent Kingdom of Greece under King Otto. Major neoclassical buildings are constructed, reshaping the modern city.
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19
First Modern Olympics
Athens hosts the first modern Olympic Games at the Panathenaic Stadium, revived by Pierre de Coubertin. Greece wins 10 gold medals. The event places Greece back on the world stage.
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20
Nazi Occupation
German forces occupy Athens during World War II. The Greek flag on the Acropolis is famously removed by resistance fighters Manolis Glezos and Apostolos Santas in a celebrated act of defiance.
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21
Athens Olympics
Athens hosts the Summer Olympic Games, the largest Games to that date. €9 billion is spent on infrastructure. The Panathenaic Stadium hosts the marathon finish; ancient Olympia hosts the shot put.
Historical eras
The chapters of Attica's past.
Prehistoric & Bronze Age
Neolithic settlement followed by Mycenaean palace culture on the Acropolis. Attica develops as a prosperous Bronze Age region before the general collapse of Mediterranean civilizations around 1200 BCE.
Archaic Period
The rise of Athens as a city-state with key political innovations including Solon's reforms and Cleisthenes' democratic constitution. The Battle of Marathon (490 BCE) cements Athens' reputation.
Classical Golden Age
Athens' greatest era under Pericles, producing the Parthenon, democracy, tragedy, comedy, philosophy (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle), and the foundations of Western civilization.
Hellenistic and Roman Periods
Athens becomes a university city under Macedonian and Roman rule, respected for its cultural heritage if no longer politically dominant. Roman emperors fund spectacular building projects.
Byzantine Period
Athens declines in importance but remains inhabited. Ancient temples are converted to churches. The Parthenon becomes a Byzantine cathedral.
Ottoman Period and Independence
Four centuries of Ottoman rule followed by the War of Independence (1821-1829) and establishment of the modern Greek state with Athens as capital in 1833.
Historical sites
Places where Attica's past comes alive.
Acropolis of Athens
The greatest surviving monument of ancient Greece, the Acropolis comprises the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, and Propylaea gateway — all dating to the Golden Age under Pericles.
Where: Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athens
Admission: €20 (combined ticket)
Ancient Agora of Athens
The political and commercial heart of ancient Athens for over 1,000 years. The remarkably intact Temple of Hephaestus stands here alongside the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos museum.
Where: Adrianou 24, Thissio
Admission: €10 (combined ticket)
Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro)
The world's only all-marble stadium, originally built in 330 BCE and restored to host the first modern Olympics in 1896. Run on the Olympic track — still possible today.
Where: Leoforos Vasileos Konstantinou, Athens
Admission: €10
Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion
Built in 444 BCE on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Aegean, this Doric temple was the final landmark sailors saw before losing sight of Attica. Lord Byron's name is carved on a column.
Where: Cape Sounion, south Attica
Admission: €10
National Archaeological Museum
One of the world's great museums, housing the Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera Mechanism (world's first analog computer), extraordinary bronze statues, and artifacts spanning 5,000 years.
Where: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athens
Admission: €12
Kerameikos Archaeological Site
Ancient Athens' main cemetery and potters' district, where elaborate funeral monuments line the Sacred Way. One of Athens' most atmospheric and least crowded sites.
Where: Ermou 148, Athens
Admission: €8 (combined ticket)
Archaeological Site of Marathon
The battlefield where Athenian hoplites defeated the Persian invasion, changing the course of Western history. The burial mound (Soros) of the 192 Athenian dead still stands.
Where: Marathon, northeast Attica
Admission: €6
Kaisariani Monastery
A remarkably intact 11th-century Byzantine monastery in the forest of Hymettus, with beautifully preserved frescoes and a spring that has flowed since ancient times — sacred in pagan and Christian eras alike.
Where: Kaisariani, Athens
Admission: €2
Eleusinian Mysteries Archaeological Site
Site of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the most important religious initiation ceremony of the ancient world, held annually for over 2,000 years. The Telesterion (initiation hall) ruins are extensive.
Where: Eleusis (Elefsina), West Attica
Admission: €6
Museums
Curated collections that tell Attica's story.
Acropolis Museum
Modern masterpiece museum housing over 3,000 artifacts from the Acropolis, with direct site views from the top-floor Parthenon Gallery.
Hours: 9AM-5PM Mon; 9AM-10PM Tue-Sun (extended summer)
Admission: €10
Byzantine and Christian Museum
Premier collection of Byzantine art from the 3rd-20th centuries including exceptional mosaics, icons, and manuscripts.
Hours: 9AM-4PM Mon; 9AM-8PM Tue-Sun
Admission: €8
Marathon Archaeological Museum
Excellent regional museum with artifacts from the Battle of Marathon, Egyptian connections of the Marathon area, and local prehistoric finds.
Hours: 8AM-3PM (Tue-Sun)
Admission: €3 (included with site)
Historical tours
Guided experiences that bring history to life.
Walking tours
Free walking tours depart daily from Monastiraki Square at 10AM and 5PM (tip-based). Athens Free Walking Tour and Alternative Athens both have excellent reviews.
Day tours
Full-day historical Athens tours from €40-80 per person, covering Acropolis, museums, and ancient sites with professional guides.
Private tours
Private guides from €80-150 per half day for personalized tours of ancient Athens, Byzantine Athens, or specific historical themes.