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| Attica Prefecture | |
|---|---|
| Name | Attica Prefecture |
| Native name | Νομός Αττικής |
| Country | Greece |
| Region | Attica |
| Capital | Athens |
| Area km2 | 3808 |
| Population | 3564646 |
| Density km2 | 936 |
| Established | 1833 |
| Abolished | 2011 |
Attica Prefecture was a former administrative prefecture in Greece encompassing the metropolitan area centered on Athens, including the port of Piraeus and the southern peninsula of Attica. It served as the primary political, economic and cultural hub linked to ancient sites such as the Acropolis of Athens and modern institutions including the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Hellenic Parliament. The prefecture was reorganized during the Kallikratis reform and its territory now corresponds to regional units such as North Athens, South Athens, Piraeus and West Attica.
The prefecture occupied the core of the Attica peninsula bounded by the Saronic Gulf, Aegean Sea, and mountain ranges including Mount Parnitha, Mount Pentelicus, and Mount Hymettus; the coastal plain encompassed Phaleron and Eleusis, while the Saronic Gulf shoreline included Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Faliron. Major rivers and streams such as the Kifissos River and the Ilissos traversed the urban agglomeration, and islands proximate to the prefecture included Aegina, Hydra, and Salamis Island which hosted the Battle of Salamis. The topography created distinct zones: the densely urbanized core around Syntagma Square and Monastiraki, suburban belts like Marousi and Kifisia, industrial corridors in Perama and Elefsina, and agricultural patches in Messapia and Aspropyrgos.
The area formed the heartland of ancient Attica and the city-state of Athens, pivotal in events such as the Persian Wars, the Golden Age of Athens, and the Peloponnesian War. During the classical era figures and institutions like Pericles, the Athenian Agora, and the Delian League shaped Mediterranean history; Hellenistic and Roman periods featured sites like the Temple of Olympian Zeus and visitors such as Julius Caesar and Hadrian. Byzantine era developments involved the Theme of Hellas and ecclesiastical centers like the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople; Ottoman rule brought changes tied to the Siege of Athens (1687) and the presence of families such as the Phanariotes. The 19th century saw the Greek War of Independence and the selection of Athens as capital by King Otto, followed by modernizing projects by figures like Ioannis Kapodistrias. The 20th century included upheavals related to the Balkan Wars, World War II, the Greek Civil War, migrations from Asia Minor, and the 2004 Summer Olympics hosted across venues like the Panathenaic Stadium and Athens Olympic Sports Complex.
Administratively the prefecture was subdivided into municipalities such as Athens Municipality, Piraeus Municipality, Kallithea, Peristeri, Nea Ionia, Glyfada, Marousi, and Kifisia, and into provinces reflecting historical demarcations like Eleusis Province and Tatoi. Following the Kapodistrias reform and later the Kallikratis reform the former prefectural area was reconstituted into regional units including Central Athens, North Athens, South Athens, West Athens, Piraeus, East Attica, and West Attica. Prefectural services had coordinated with entities like the Hellenic Police, the Hellenic Fire Service, and the Attiko Metro authority during the prefecture's existence.
Population centers included Athens, Piraeus, Salamis, Elefsina, and suburbs such as Nea Smyrni, Kallithea, and Perama. Demographic shifts reflected waves of migrants from Asia Minor, Balkans, and Pontus following the Population exchange between Greece and Turkey and later internal migrations from regions like Peloponnese and Macedonia. Religious and cultural institutions such as the Holy Metropolis of Athens and the Jewish Museum of Greece attest to diverse communities including Greek Orthodox Church, Romaniote Jews, and immigrant groups from Albania and Bulgaria. Census records showed concentrations of population in wards around Syntagma Square, Omonoia Square, and suburban hubs like Glyfada and Marousi.
Economic activity centered on maritime trade through Piraeus Port Authority, finance in districts like Syntagma, manufacturing in zones such as Elefsina Industrial Zone and Perama Shipyards, and services clustered around institutions like the Athens Stock Exchange and the National Bank of Greece. Tourism relied on attractions including the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora of Athens, and the Plaka neighborhood, while events such as the 2004 Summer Olympics spurred infrastructure investment by contractors including Olympic Air and partnerships with multinational firms. Industrial heritage sites in Lavrio and energy facilities near Aspropyrgos also contributed, alongside ports serving Mediterranean Sea shipping lanes and ferry links to islands like Aegina and Hydra.
The prefecture featured transport systems such as the Attiko Metro, the Athens Tram, suburban rail Proastiakos connections to Elefsina and Athens International Airport, and the Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos). Road networks included the Attiki Odos, national routes like Greek National Road 1, and seafaring links via Piraeus Port Authority terminals serving ferries to the Saronic Islands and international lines to Izmir and Istanbul. Utilities and services involved entities like the Public Power Corporation and the EYDAP water company, while cultural institutions collaborated with transport agencies during major events like the 2004 Summer Olympics and festivals at venues such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Cultural landmarks encompassed the Acropolis of Athens, Parthenon, Temple of Hephaestus, Ancient Agora of Athens, National Archaeological Museum, Benaki Museum, Panathenaic Stadium, Mount Lycabettus, and coastal sites like Vouliagmeni Lake. The region hosted festivals at the Athens Festival, performances at the Hellenic National Opera, and exhibitions at institutions such as the Onassis Cultural Centre and the Goulandris Museum of Natural History. Culinary traditions featured tavernas in Plaka and fish markets in Varvakeios Market and Piraeus Fish Market, while sporting clubs like Olympiacos F.C., Panathinaikos A.O., and AEK Athens F.C. played central roles in local identity. Preservation efforts involved organizations such as the Ephorate of Antiquities and international collaborations with bodies like UNESCO for the safeguarding of sites including the Acropolis of Athens.