Piraeus: the modern multi-stop tourist destination
In ancient times, Piraeus was the base of the mighty Athenian navy, home to the agile warships triremes, with which the ancient Greeks faced the huge Persian fleet at the naval battle Salamis in 480 BC. In modern times, Piraeus has become the largest industrial center in the country, 3rd in the world -in terms of passenger traffic and the largest port in Europe, making it the biggest commercial center of the Greek economy.
One of the most beautiful parts of the Basin of Attica, the recently renovated picturesque Mikrolimano, meaning small port, is a pole of attraction for both the citizens of Piraeus and visitors alike. The cute little port exudes the feeling of an Aegean island. It is the smallest but also the most charming of the three ports of Piraeus. It is a beautiful little bay adorned with fishing boats, but also luxury yachts moored along the waterfront. Fish taverns as well as Michelin stars restaurants, cafes, and famous Sailing and Nautical Clubs are based there.
Zea Port – Where the mega yachts moor
In the port of Zea you will find the most impressive concentration of yachts and sailing boats. The luxurious Marina Zeas is a vibrant harbor for mega yachts and a key gateway to explore the Saronic Gulf and the magnificent islands of the Cyclades. The promenade here hosts a wide variety of luxury restaurants and cafes. Right next door, you can visit the amazing Maritime Museum of Greece, while on the arched port road, you can find many restaurants, taverns, bars and shops that satisfy the needs of every traveler.
The Tower is a symbol of the city’s rebirth, It is the second tallest building in Greece, dominating the market center of Piraeus, at the port. Forty-five years after its construction, it is being revived as it is being radically renovated and will be transformed into a state-of-the-art building with offices and shops.
The Piraeus Metro
Among the most recent development achievements of the city are the three metro stations within the Municipality of Piraeus, serving many passengers daily. The «Municipal Theater» terminal station, is also a small archaeological museum, which, has on display findings and illustrations, describing how fresh water was supplied in ancient Piraeus.
An evening at the Municipal Theatre
The monumental Municipal Theater is the epicenter of the city’s modern culture. Designed after the Théâtre de l’Odéon in Paris, this grand theater made quite an impression when it first opened in 1895 and is the best living example of a 19th century Greek theater building. The marble floors, the sophisticated columns of the foyer, the main stage, which is illuminated by an impressive chandelier are remarkable. Greek and international audiences visit this theater all year round to enjoy a wide variety of plays, concerts, interactive theater and cultural exhibitions.
The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus is a little gem that houses some great treasures. The most famous of these are the four bronze statues discovered in1959, including the statues of the goddess Athena and god Apollo (the only known bronze Kouros statue in the world). The museum recently acquired a new exhibit, which was found in the dark warehouse of an abandoned house in Piraeus. It is the tombstone of «Dorcas» from the 4th century BC, with a relief design of a couple with a rare for that time expression of emotions. Just outside the building, are the ruins of the Hellenistic theater of Zea dating from the 2nd century BC.