The Parthenon and other main buildings on the Acropolis were built by Pericles in the fifth century BC as a monument to the cultural and political achievements of the inhabitants of Athens.

The city is bounded on three sides by Mt Parnitha, Mt Pendeli and MtHymettos. Within Athens there are no less than eight hills, of which the Acropolis and Lykavittos are the most prominent （重要的，著名的）. The hills provide a peaceful respite（短暂的休息或喘息）from the clamour （喧嚣，吵闹）of the city, and offer stunning² views to the glistening³ waters of the Saronic Gulf⁴ - the city's boundary on the south side.

Syntagma Square is the main square of Athens. Syntagma means Constitution so it is also known as Constitution Square. There is a metro5 station here and a fountain and the main post office and a MacDonalds too.

Just about everything of interest to the traveller is within a small area surrounding Plateia Syntagmatos (Syntagma Square). This area is bounded by the districts of Plaka to the south, Monastiraki to the west, Kolonaki to the east and Omonia to the north.

Plateia Syntagmatos is dominated by the old Royal Palace and is the beating heart of the business district, with luxury hotels, banks and airline offices. Plaka, nestled below the Acropolis, is the old Turkish quarter and virtually all that existed when Athens was declared the capital of independent Greece. Though Plaka is packed with tourists in high season, it's also one of theprettiest and most atmospheric⁶ areas of the city. Monastiraki is the market district and a fascinating part of town to wander. Psiri, nearby, is brimming （盈满的）with stylish⁷ cafes and bars and makes a great place to stop for a spot of lunch. Kolonaki, a classy residential⁸ area tucked in under Lykavittos Hill, is full of trendy boutiques （时尚专卖店）, art galleries and cafes.