Athens is the capital of Greece located in the cup-shaped lowland surrounded from three sides by mountains. Its population is about 745 thousand people. The city was called after the goddess Athena who, as the legend says, has won a bet with Poseidon regarding who would be the patron of the city. It is the whole epoch with a long recorded history and numerous events. Not every country can boast it as Athens does. It is the birthplace of democracy; many wise people of those times lived here. Athens today is a modern city with hustling pace. Tours to Athens offer interesting excursions to its museums featuring rare collections of antique and modern art. Athens houses Acropolis — the temple of Virgin Athena — the grand building which can be seen from every spot of the city; the famous ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus, home to the Athens Festival; and the Areopagus — the stocky hill, which in classical times functioned as the high Court of Appeal for criminal and civil cases in Athens. Not far from the city is located the strip of luxurious beaches known as the Athenian Riviera. This region is filled with numerous clubs, bars and entertainment centers.