GREECE
Welcome to
Offical name: Hellenic Republic
Capital: Athens
Form of Government: Parliamentary republic
Area: 131,940 km²
Population: 11.1 million
Other major cities: Delphi, Olympia, Meteora, Nafplio
Santorini, Mykonos and Crete
Greece is known as the cradle of Western civilization. It was the birthplace the Olympic Games, democracy and many famous philosophers, mathematicians, scientists and poets.
Famous Ancient Greek figures are Socrates, Plato, Archimedes, Euclid, Pythagoras and Homer. Hippocrates was a doctor who influenced the way we practice “modern medicine.” Greek mythology is prevalent in books, stories, artifacts and movies.
There are countless UNESCO World heritage Sites dotted around Greece. Some of the famous attractions in Greece are the Parthenon temple in Athens, Temple of Apollo in Delphi , the amazing clifftop monasteries in Meteora, the charming port city in Nafplio, the ruins of stunning temple in Olympus, where first Olympic Games were held, best-preserved theater of the ancient world in Epidavros , a luxury cruise from Athens to the islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina in the Saronic Gulf, the whitewashed houses with blue domed churches on Santorini islands and the old-fashioned windmills and sparkling nightspots on Mykonos Islands.
Athens
Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the most popular destination for world travellers. The vast city has 3,000 years of history, rich culture, offers some of the most spectacular ancient artifacts in the world and is home to some of the oldest standing structures in Europe.
For history buffs , fascinating museums can be found throughout Athens.
Athena, patron goddess of Athens
The Acropolis
No visit to Athens is complete without a visit to the Acropolis, one of the biggest touristic draws in Athens. It is one of the world's most breathtaking ancient ruins, not only a symbol for the city, but for the whole Greek civilization as well. It was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Temple of Parthenon
Crowning the Acropolis hill, is the temple of Parthenon, dedicated to goddess Athena, Greek goddess of wisdom and war and namesake of the entire city. It is the largest temple of the classical antiquity period dating from 447 BC to 338 BC. With its monumental rows of Doric columns and stunning sculptural details, the temple is an awe-inspiring sight.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The well-preserved amphitheater located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens， was built during the Roman era。 Today it hosts music concerts and other art performances every summer.
Acropolis Museum
The museum is home to one of the most valuable collections of ancient Greek art in the world.
Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square
The most famous aspect of Syntagma is the changing of the guards by the Evzones in front of the Hellenic Parliament Building where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located.
The changing of the guards takes place every hour while every Sunday at 11 am there’s a more elaborate ceremony. The guards wear traditional costumes complete with pleated skirts, leg tassels, and pompom shoes.
Panathenaic Stadium & Olympic Stadium
Originally built in the 4th century BC, the Panathenaic Stadium hosted a religious festival dedicated to the goddess Athena every four years where ancient Greeks would compete in nude.
After being left abandoned for centuries, it was refurbished in the 19th century for the first modern version of the Olympics Games in 1896.
Panathenaic Stadium has a capacity for 60,000 spectators and is the largest stadium in the world constructed entirely from white marble.
Plaka
Just under the Acropolis, the neighborhood of Plaka gives visitors a taste of ‘old Athens’. It is the ideal place to take a walk or enjoy the local cafes and restaurants. Remember to savor a glass of ouzo under the starry night sky.
Monastiraki Square
Tightly-packed lanes, lined with tons of shops selling everything from jewelry to clothing to food. Full of atmosphere, Monastiraki flea market is the place to go for souvenirs and bargain shopping.
Panaghia Kapnikaréa Church
Gracing a little square along the busy Ermoú Street, is the the Panaghia Kapnikaréa Church, dedicated to Panagia (The Virgin Mary). It is one of the oldest temples in Athens and arguably one of the most splendid example of Byzantine architecture from the 11th-century.
The Athenian Neoclassical Trilogy
These are the 3 neoclassical buildings on Panepistimiou street, designed and built in the 19th century by Danish architect Theophil Hansen. From left to right, it’s the National Library, University of Athens and the Academy of Athens.
Lycabettus Hill
The Lycabettus Hill is the highest point of central Athens and offers the best view of the city, including the Acropolis and see as far as Piraeus and the Saronic Gulf.
Corinth Canal
One of the most impressive engineering works of art ever made, the Corinth Canal, a narrow man-made passage, one of the oldest canals in the world and a very important navigational route in the Greek archipelago connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf.
By chris ww - Pixabay
Delphi
The archaeological site of Delphi is the cradle of one of the most important sanctuaries of the Greek antiquity , second only to the Acropolis of Athens. The temple of Apollo and the Treasury of the Athenians are two of the most important buildings in the main site, which have been partially restored. A UNESCO site and important centre of cultural heritage.
By Shutterstock, Inc. All rights reserved
Epidaurus
Epidaurus, the magnificent open air theatre, built in the 4th century BC, renowned for its acoustics, is still in active for use during the theatre festival.
By Carole Raddato wikimedia.org, CC BY 2.0
Meteora
These mystical, beautiful and awe inspiring clifftop monasteries of Meteora , is a vast complex of giant rock pillars with
monasteries made on the picks of the sandstone cliffs centuries ago. It came into existence in the 14th and 17th centuries, by the monks who had come here to seek solitude.
Meteora comes from the Greek words meaning “floating in the air”, which is a great way to describe how these buildings look when viewed from adjacent hills. There were 24 monasteries in Meteora, but today, there are only 6 left, which are still run by monks and nuns and welcome visitors daily. It is the largest archaeological site of Greece in terms of the area that it covers. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989 and an official holy place for Greece since 1995.
A truly surreal landscape found nowhere else in the world!
Mycenae
This ancient town was one of the most important centers of Greek civilization, home of the legendary Agamemnon (The leader of the Troy War). Visit the impressive archaeological site, see the Lion’s Gate, the Royal Tomb and the Cyclopean Walls. Let the Cyclopean walls take your breath, and learn about the mysterious origins of this fantastic structure.
Nafplio , a charming seaport town used to be the capital of Greece before Athens. Its architecture has Venetian, Byzantine, Ottoman and, Modern Greek influences. Admire the main attractions like the Castle of Bourtzi, the Acronauplia and the Castle of Palamidi built on the top of the hill as well as the various picturesque squares in the city center. The Syntagma Square is the most historically important square in Nafplio.
Nafplio
Olympia
Olympia was the birthplace of the most famous and important sporting event in the ancient world. The Olympic Games took place here every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD. The site was also a place of worship dedicated to the Greek god Zeus from about the 10th century BC.
Thermopylae
Thermopylae, one of the most famous battlefields in the western world. The historic battlefield of the legendary between the 300 Spartans led by Leonidas and the Persian army of Xerxes 480B.C. The huge monument to Leonidas and the 300 cypresstrees commemorate the death of the heroic Spartans. On the monument wall the words “Molon Lave” is written under the statue. The phrase means, “Come and get it”, this is the phrase that Leonidas said to the Persian king Xerxis when he was told to hand over his weapons.
By Maxim Abramov - Unsplash
By Dennis Jarvis-flickr.com
By Dennis Jarvis-flickr.com
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second largest town in Greece. As Thessaloniki is a town with a long history, there is much sightseeing to visit.
For several centuries, the city of Thessaloniki is the second-most important city of the Byzantine Empire, played an important role for Christianity during the Middle Ages and was decorated by impressive buildings. The symbol - and most important monument in Thessaloniki - is the cylindrical, six-storey White Tower, found at the famous Beach Promenade of the city. Constructed in the 16th century by the Ottomans, it was used as a fortress, a prison, and a university workshop. Today it hosts a museum.
In 1988, fifteen monuments of Thessaloniki were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
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City Walls (4th/5th centuries)
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Rotunda of Galerius (4th century)
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Church of Acheiropoietos (5th century)
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Church of St. Demetrios (7th century)
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Latomou Monastery (6th century)
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Church of St. Sophia (8th century)
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Church of Panagia Chalkeon (11th century)
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Church of St. Panteleimon (14th century)
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Church of the Holy Apostles (14th century)
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Church of St. Nicholas Orphanos (14th century)
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Church of St. Catherine (13th century)
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Chapel of the Transfiguration (14th century)
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Monastery of the Vlatades (14th century)
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Church of Prophet Elijah (14th century)
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Byzantine Bath (14th century)
Greek cuisine
Greek cuisine are hearty produces of the Mediterranean area, featuring olives, tomatoes, feta cheese, fish, olive oil and lamb. Be sure to savor some ouzo, the national drink! And don’t miss out on a cup of strong, sweet Greek coffee at a kafenío, a traditional Greek coffee-house. Then turn your cup over and let the woman of the house tell your fortune.
Exquisite jewelry, handmade Saints icons, ceramic, brass and wood handicrafts make good buys. The popular yo-yo toy, and the game of dice originated in the days of ancient Greece, around 3,000 years ago.
By Greg Montani - Pixabay
The Islands
Greece is full of discoveries, charm, mythical legend and secrets…..
A fascinating destination! Come and find out yourself!
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