Piraeus (Pireas)in Greek is the port of Athens and the main port of Greece and one of the major of the Mediterranean.
Pireus is the center of maritime export-import and transit trade and the base formerchant navy. On the road the links Athens with Piraeus is full of factories and industries as well as warehouses and offices.
Piraeus has been the port of Athens since classical times. Themistocles, after his victory in Salamis against the Persians, transferred the whole navy from Phaleron to Piraeus and Pericles extended the fortifying walls to Athens. These Long Walls were destroyed by the Spartans and rebuilt by 400 BC.Ancient remains are very few, while the finds from excavations are housed in the archaeological Museum of Athens. There is a Maritime Museum with important items. Along the length of the shore one can see traces of the ancient fortifications, while nearby at the port of Zea are ruins of the ancient theatre.
In 1834, when Athens became the capital of Greece, Piraeus became the main port with new shipping offices and banks, theatres , schools and churches.
Must see: The Museum of Piraeus, housing the magnificent statue of Apollo and the oldest bronze statue of Piraeus Kouros, the Maritime Museum, The Theatre of Piraeus, many Byzantine churches St.Nicolas near the port, Aghia Triada,Prophet Ilias.
The beautiful hills of Castela as well as the ports of Mikrolimano, Freattis and Zea.
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