Piraeus, (Πειραιάς), is a city in the periphery of Attica, situated 12 km. southwest of the centre of Athens. The municipality of Piraeus constitutes the third biggest municipality and settlement in Greece with a population of approximately 176,000 inhabitants.
The city is bounded by Mountain Aigaleo to the northwest and the Saronic Gulf to the south and west.
Nowdays, Piraeus is the biggest industrial centre of the country, the biggest port in Europe and the third biggest port in the world, serving about 20 million passengers annually.
Every two years, Piraeus organizes a major shipping convention, known as Posidonia, where maritime industry professionals from all over the world meet.
The central port serves ferry routes to almost every island of Greece, while the western part of the port is used for cargo services.
The following operators serve the port:
- Minoan Lines
- ANEK Lines
- Blue Star Ferries
- GA Ferries
- NEL Lines
- LANE Lines
- Aegean Speed Lines
- Hellenic Seaways
- Louis Cruise Lines
- Monarch Classic Cruises
The city of Piraeus is decorated by the busts of many people distinguished in letters and arts, such as Porfiras, Volanakis, Veakis, Paksinou and others. The statue of G. Karaiskakis is situated at the homonymous square, while the statue of Themistocles stands in front of the homonymous garden. Finally, of great importance is the monument of G. Karaiskakis near the homonymous stadium in New Faliro and the monument of the unknown sailor, (a modern piece of art), in the «Baikoutsi» Bay of the Piraeus peninsula.
The city of Piraeus provides a wide variety of entertainment, such as tavernas and restaurants. Most of them are to be found along the coasts of Mikrolimano and Piraiki, specializing in seafood. For the lovers of nightlife, Piraeus offers numerous bars and nightclubs, many of which are installed in the old storehouses and the abandoned factories around the port.
Sopping areas can be found on the central avenues of Piraeus, such as Iroon Polytechneiou and Grigoriou Labraki.
One of the most popular events in Piraeus is the Ecocinema International Film Festival, staged annually in late February. During this event, several films are screened at the cinemas within the city’s Town Hall Square.
In the summer, the Maritime Festival and the Piraeus Rock Wave Festival take place, while the Three Kings’ Way Festival marks the beginning of the annual carnival.
The visitor can distinguish a great diversity of culture among the city’s neighborhoods. The hill of Kastella, (also known as Profitis Ilias), is of unique beauty with a panoramic view over Athens and the Saronic Gulf. At the top are situated the picturesque little church of Profitis Ilias and the Siragio or «Paraskevas Cave», which most probably served as a sanctuary in honor of the local hero Siraga. The cave was discovered by Christos Panagos in 1897, penetrating 12 meters into the rock. During the Roman period in Siragio operated a public bath.
The coastal area of Neo Faliro has been upgraded and is, also, prominent with the Stadium of Peace and Friendship.
Mikrolimano and Pasalimani, (Zea Marina), are Piraeus’ smaller harbors, attracting a great number of visitors due to their vigorous nightlife. In antiquity, Mikrolimano was protected by the goddess Mounihia Artemis, while Pasalimani was one of the main harbors for the warships of Themistocles.
On the other hand, the area of akaminia is a working class neighborhood, preserving, still, its traditional character.
The I.S.A.P. station, (metro stop of Piraeus), is situated across the entrance of the harbor, built in the year of 1929. On the walls are displayed the works of the students of the school of Fine Arts.
Piraeus consists of many impressive churches, dating from the beginning of the 19th century. Most important among them are the Cathedral of Piraeus and Agia Triada, (St. Trinity). At the basement, ruins from the ancient city buildings can still be seen. Other significant churches are St. Nicolas and St. Dionysios on the east and west side of the port.
