The European Schools Newspaper April issue | Page 3
The European Schools Newspaper, Issue No 3, 47th Primary School of Piraeus
History
Piraeus has a long recorded history dating back
to ancient Greece. The city was largely developed
in the early 5th century BC, when it was selected to
serve as the port city and was transformed into a
prototype harbour concentrating all the import
and transit trade of Athens.
Consequently, it became the chief harbour of
Ancient Greece, declined gradually after the 4th
century AD, growing once more in the 19th century,
especially after Athens declaration as the capital
of Greece.
Nowadays, Piraeus is a large city full
of
activity
bearing
all
the
characteristics of a huge marine and
commercial industrial centre. It is the
focal point of contact between
mainland Greece and the Greek islands,
as well as a development hub for both
Greek shipping and the country’s
economy.
Attractions
The city of Piraeus is marked by the
diversity
of
culture
among
its
neighbourhoods. The hill of Castella is one
of the most prosperous and attractive
districts of the city, with a panoramic view
over Athens and the Saronic Gulf.
Its elegance comes from its neoclassical mansions, while the Veakio theatre and the
‘Prophet Elias‘ church are the most popular buildings.
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