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Greece is a country that is known to be the birthplace of Western civilization, the renowned Olympic games, and democracy. With a rich history, culture, and the significance of Greek mythology in understanding the history of ancient Greece, it's no wonder that history lovers have a keen interest in exploring the various ancient Greek sites.
The historical sites in Greece such as the Acropolis of Athens, the Meteora Monasteries, the Delphi Ruins, and several other historic sites dating back to as long as 1600 B.C., all help us get a detailed understanding of the ancient civilization during those times. Let's have a look at the nine most important historical attractions in Greece that you must visit.
The Athens Acropolis is the largest remaining example of a pre-Columbian Greek architectural complex. This famous UNESCO world heritage site is a must-see landmark and a visual treat for anybody who enjoys history and understanding of the Greek ancient ruins. By visiting the Acropolis Archaeological Museum, you can learn more about this ancient Greek site.
The Parthenon, the most important structure of this archaeological site, stands atop the hill and represents the timeless beauty of the ancient city of Athens. Visit the Acropolis Museum, which contains finds from this archaeological site, to discover more about the early history of Greece. After that, proceed to the Ancient Agora, which was a well-known place of gathering in the ancient city, located on the northwest side of the Acropolis.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus was envisioned to be the largest temple ever built in the ancient world and was dedicated to the head of all Olympian Gods - Zeus. Its construction commenced in the 6th century BC by the Athenian tyrants but was completed only in the 2nd century AD by the Roman Emperor Adrian.
Housing 104 columns, this was the largest temple in Greece during its prime. The temple was damaged severely during an invasion in 267 AD and was never repaired. Today, there are 16 pillars remaining in the beautiful ruins of this temple and every traveler must visit it in order to truly understand the ancient world and Greek mythology.
Mycenae
A vital archaeological site of ancient Greece, the Mycenae located in Peloponnese, Greece, about a 2-hour drive away from Athens, is one of the most important ancient monuments in Greece. Known to have been occupied by the Mycenaean civilization, this city is the reason why the period between 1600 BC and 1100 BC is referred to as Mycenean in Greek history.
A few important historical sites you must visit in Mycenae include the Lion's Gate, the North Gate, and the Tomb of Agamemnon. We recommend taking a guided tour of both Mycenae and the Theatre of Epidaurus which is not too far from Myecaene, to truly be able to place and understand the historical elements of these sites.
Address: Mykines 212 00, Greece
Knossos Palace
The Knossos Palace in Heraklion, Crete is one of the greatest Greek Bronze Age archaeological ancient monuments and is said to be located in the earliest metropolis in Europe. The civilization which we now refer to as the Minoans built this palace between 1950 and 1700 B.C.
There used to be a town settlement nearby that was thought to have been inhabited by Minoans in antiquity. In the 20th century, this historic site which is unique and one of its kind underwent excavation and renovation.
The Meteora Monasteries, which are found in Thessaly on the Greek mainland, are perched on enormous rock formations that were created as part of unique geological occurrences millions of years ago. One of the most serene things to do in Greece is to visit Meteora, a well-known UNESCO world heritage site.
Six of the 24 monasteries that were constructed atop these "columns of the sky" by monks who first settled here in the 11th century are still in use today. The monasteries are just ten minutes by car from Kalabaka, and while the ascent of the rocky outcrops may be challenging, it is unquestionably worthwhile. We advise scheduling a tour of a monastery to make things simpler.
Ancient Olympia Archaeological Site
The Ancient Olympia Archaeological Site, a significant part of Ancient Greece, is situated on the Peloponnese peninsula and dates back to the 4th Millennium BC. It served as a place of devotion for the Greek God Zeus.
The original Olympic games as we know them today are said to have taken place in Olympia in 726 BC as a tribute to Zeus. The ruins' remaining pieces are important buildings that had a big impact on modern Greece. This well-known ancient site, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to some of the statues that once belonged to the Zeus Temple and the renowned Hermes Complex. Olympia must be visited in order to fully comprehend the numerous historical sites in Greece.
Address: Archaia Olympia 270 65, Greece
Delphi
One of the most well-known ancient sites and Greece's most significant shrine are the Delphi Ruins. It served as a revered location for the ancient Greek God Apollo. The shrine housed the priestess Pythia and the Oracle of Delphi, which historians think dates back to 1400 B.C.
The ancient Greeks believed Delphi to be the geographic center of the earth. On the side of Mount Parnassus, this UNESCO World Heritage Site provides an immersive look into Greek history. This is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and is breathtaking to look at.
The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes was the residence of the Knights Hospitaller of St. John. Up until the Greek island of Rhodes was taken over by the Ottomans in 1522, this renowned Christian and military order had its headquarters at the fourteenth-century palace. One of the most dreamy and beautiful ancient Greek sites, this palace is s must-visit.
The early Christian era up until the Ottoman invasion is where the majority of the artwork in this ancient castle's museum now originates from. It is a piece of the Medieval City of Rhodes UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nearby Archaeological Museum of Rhodes will teach you everything you need to know about the ancient Greek site of the Medieval City of Rhodes.
Address: Ippoton, Rodos 851 00, Greece
Theatre Of Epidaurus
One of the most prominent Greece historical sites, the Theatre of Epidaurus is a Greek amphitheater that is tucked away in the Epidaurus hills, two hours drive southwest of Athens. It could accommodate 14,000 people seated in 55 rows of limestone seats in its prime and was renowned for its reverberation of sounds. The way the theatre was designed was to be able to provide the best acoustics to the audience, and there are ways to experience this yourself!
The slope of the theatre was skillfully shaped into a bowl on the side of a hill. Both this theatre and its nearby healing center have been proven to be an important part of healing and medicine in the ancient city, as experiencing entertainment and therapy through music were believed to have medicinal therapeutic effects.
Address: Epidavros 210 52, Greece
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