1. A FLASHBACK IN HISTORY

The geomorphology of Piraeus and its name suggest that in its furthermost past it must have been an island on the other side of Phalero, which was connected with the rest of Attica by the alluvial deposits of Kifissos river.

The prehistoric Piraeus must have been populated at least around the middle of 3000 b.c. as it is shown by the poor evidence of buildings and the discovery of tools in various locations.

According to the tradition, the so called Minyes, that is said to have set out from the Beotean Orchomenos, settled down in Piraeus (as it happened with other Pre-Hellenic tribes) around the end of the 13th century b.c. on the hill of Mounichia (Prophet Elias’ hill) and they had for anchorage the homonymus harbour (Mikrolimano). It is said that the Minyes carved the “Aretousa’s Cave” in the rock of Prophet Elias’ hill, as well as the “Siraggio” in the rock that dominates above the Votsalakia beach.

During the historic times, Piraeus was proclaimed “dhemos” (Municipality) in 517 b.c. with Kleisthenes’ reformation. Phalero was the harbour of Athens, until Themistocles chose Piraeus, when he was nominated “eponymos archon” after the sea battle of Salamina (480 b.c.).

Therefore, the three natural harbours: the big harbour of Kantharos, Zea and Mounichia and the public works that were realized by Pericles created the conditions for the commercial and economic growth of Piraeus in the Golden Age of the 5th century b.c.. Relics of the ancient city are scattered all over the area of modern Piraeus.

In the harbour of Kantharos (the area of the modern port), Zea (Pasalimani) and Mounichia (Mikrolimano) relics of the ancient “neosoikoi” have been found (the shelters for the battle ships situated by the sea).

The foundations of the middle 4th century b.c.“Skevotheke “ of the architect Philon ( the ware house for the battle equipment of the athenian battle ship “trieres”) were found by chance during excavation works.

In the period between 451-431 b.c. the urban planning of Piraeus that was worked out by the architect Hippodamos from Miletos, was completed. The visitor can have an idea of the ancient city from the archaeological site located in the wider area of Terpsithea.

The works for the fortification of Piraeus that started before 480 b.c. finished between 471 b.c. and 465 b.c.. The lower part of the walls dating from the days of Konon and which were rebuilt in the place of the Themistoclean older walls, is visible in our days at the “Peiraiki Akti” as well as parts of the “Hetionia” gate and the North Gate towards Athens.

During the centuries, the decline of Piraeus reached its climax, especially after the Roman Sulla’s looting (85 b.c.) and other invasions. As a result, Piraeus’ ancient name fell into oblivion and was renamed “Porto di Lione” after a lion’s statue which is now in Venice!

After centuries of desertation, the first new residents came in the 19th century and in 1835 the Municipality of Piraeus was established with first Mayor Kyriakos Serfiotis from Hydra.

In the end of the 19th century, the miracle of Piraeus’ regeneration had been accomplished with the final reformation of the city based on the urban planning of Kleanthis-Schaubert-Klenze.

At that time, many public and private buildings were built such as the beautiful Municipal Theatre ( 1884-1885 ).

In 1930 the foundation of the Port Authority of Piraeus formed the basis for the contemporary growth of the city which made it the first port of Greece and one of the strongest commercial and trasport centres in the Mediterranean.

2. ATTRACTIONS FOR TOURISTS

Piraeus has lots of picturesque spots where the citizens and visitors go for a walk by the sea and enjoy themselves at the trendy cafes, bars and restaurants.

Famous places are the following: Pasalimani, Marina Zeas, Phreattis, the promenade of Piraiki Akti, Mikrolimano, the hill of Prophitis Elias with the homonymous religious fair, Kastela, Alexandra’s square.

On the hill of Prophitis Elias, the “Veakeio” Municipal amphitheatre, with the magnificent view and celebrating its thirtyfifth anniversary, is the venue for quality performances, while the ‘’Menandreio” open theatre (Delfinario) is one of the best comedy stages of Athens.

At the new “Karaiskaki” football stadium and the renovated Stadium of Peace and Friendship the sports fans watched fascinating games during the Olympic Games of 2004. Piraeus has many Museums: the Archaelogical Museum with the Ancient Theatre of Zea, the Maritime Museum, the Panos Aravantinos Museum of Theatrical Stage-Painting. Last but not least are: the Municipal Gallery, the Municipal Library and the Historical Archive at the Municipal Theatre.

More information about Piraeus:www.piraeus.gr