A protestor holds banner which reads 'Frau Merkel Get Out' in front of Parliament on October 9, 2012 in Athens, Greece. Up to 7,00 police officers are said to be on duty ahead of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel's one day visit to Athens, which is her first since the Eurozone crisis erupted almost three years ago . (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)
Police close roads in the city centre on October 9, 2012 in Athens, Greece. Up to 7,00 police officers are said to be on duty ahead of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel's one day visit to Athens, which is her first since the Eurozone crisis erupted almost three years ago . (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)
Police close roads in the city centre on October 9, 2012 in Athens, Greece. Up to 7,00 police officers are said to be on duty ahead of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel's one day visit to Athens, which is her first since the Eurozone crisis erupted almost three years ago . (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)
Police close roads in the city centre on October 9, 2012 in Athens, Greece. Up to 7,00 police officers are said to be on duty ahead of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel's one day visit to Athens, which is her first since the Eurozone crisis erupted almost three years ago . (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)
Police close streets around the German Embassy in the city centre on October 9, 2012 in Athens, Greece. Up to 7,00 police officers are said to be on duty ahead of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel's one day visit to Athens, which is her first since the Eurozone crisis erupted almost three years ago . (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)
ATHENS, Greece (CBS) -- Germany's Angela Merkel arrived in Greece on Tuesday (October 9) on her first visit since Europe's debt crisis erupted three years ago, braving protests to deliver a message of support - but no new money - to a nation hammered by recession and fighting to stay in the euro.
Thousands of Greeks defied a ban on protests, gathering in Syntagma square in central Athens as Merkel's plane touched down. Many blame her for forcing painful reforms on Greece in exchange for two EU-IMF bailout packages totaling over $258.5 billion.
Outside one hospital doctors, nurses and hospital staff protesting against health cuts tried to block the street where Merkel's motorcade was to pass towards the Prime Minister's office. Police held back the protesters from blocking the road. The protesters shouted and booed, then staged a sit in on the ground, after police fought them back with their shields.
Police have readied 6,000 officers, including anti-terrorist units and rooftop snipers, to provide security during the six-hour visit. German sites in the Greek capital, including the embassy and Goethe Institute, are under special protection.
Merkel was given the red carpet treatment and full military honors at Athens airport. Prime Minister Antonis Samaras greeted her with a handshake as she exited the German air force jet. A band played the German and Greek national anthems.