There may be a lot to know and love about Greece. It is the place the place democracy was born, the place gods meddled in mortal affairs, and the place structure reached divine ranges of perfection. Whether or not you are a die-hard historical past buff or simply somebody who likes their ruins with a aspect of spectacular surroundings, Greece delivers. With its historic temples, cliff-hanging monasteries, and misplaced cities straight out of a fable, this nation is virtually a dwelling museum of historic Greece ruins. However determining which historic websites to go to will be overwhelming. That is the place we are available in. From the long-lasting Acropolis to the mysterious ruins of Akrotiri, listed below are the perfect historic websites in Greece — plus the right G Adventures excursions to get you there.
Acropolis
In the event you go to Athens and do not see the Acropolis, have you ever even been to Greece? This hilltop masterpiece has been towering over the town because the fifth century BC, housing the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion, the place mythology says Poseidon and Athena fought over who can be the town’s patron god. (Spoiler: Athena received.) Climb up early within the morning to beat the crowds and watch the golden mild hit the traditional ruins in a means that makes even essentially the most Instagram-weary travellers whip out their telephones. For travellers who need a full dose of Greek historical past, the Acropolis Museum on the base of the hill showcases statues and artifacts.
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Agora, Athens
Just under the Acropolis sits the traditional Agora, aka the OG city sq.. This spot is the place Socrates stirred up philosophical debates, politicians plotted democracy’s subsequent transfer, and Athenians got here to buy, gossip, and get their every day dose of drama. Whereas many ruins right here have crumbled, the Temple of Hephaestus stays impressively intact and is among the best-preserved Greek temples in existence. Wander by way of the Stoa of Attalos, a reconstructed colonnade, and picture retailers haggling over amphorae and olives.
See it for your self on: Journeys: Uncover Greece
Temple of Apollo
As soon as upon a time, the Temple of Apollo in Delphi was an important non secular web site in historic Greece. Pilgrims, kings, and the widely superstitious travelled from throughout the identified world to seek the advice of the well-known Oracle, a priestess who, after inhaling some questionable fumes, would ship cryptic prophecies. Even and not using a time-travelling Oracle, Delphi is pure magic. The ruins cling to Mt Parnassus, providing sweeping views of olive groves and the Gulf of Corinth. Do not miss the Tholos of Delphi, a mysterious spherical temple that could be essentially the most photogenic smash in Greece.
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Olympia
Lengthy earlier than the 5 rings and gold medals, the Olympic Video games began right here in 776 BC as a competition honouring Zeus. In the present day, you may nonetheless run on the traditional stadium observe, admire the stays of the Temple of Zeus (as soon as dwelling to a Marvel of the Historical World), and take a look at early sports activities gear on the Olympia Archaeological Museum. It is simple to image toga-clad athletes competing in occasions like wrestling, chariot racing, and pankration — a mixture of boxing and MMA with mainly no guidelines.
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Meteora
Meteora seems to be like one thing out of a fantasy novel. Perched atop towering rock formations, six energetic monasteries defy gravity and logic. Constructed by monks between the eleventh and sixteenth centuries as a retreat from invading forces, these monasteries required some severe dedication — assume rope ladders, pulley programs, and sheer dedication. In the present day, you may hike up winding stone steps to discover fresco-covered chapels and get among the best panoramic views in Greek historical past.
See it for your self on: Traditional Greece to Turkey Journey
Temple of Poseidon
Some ruins have a historical past you may really feel, and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, a day journey from Athens, is one in all them. Perched on a rugged cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, this temple has been standing guard over the waters because the fifth century BC. Devoted to Poseidon, god of the ocean, it was a beacon for historic sailors, providing a spot to wish for protected voyages or thank the gods for a profitable return.
The temple’s location is nothing wanting dramatic. Crumbling marble columns stand defiantly towards the wind, framed by the huge blue of the ocean. It’s simple to grasp why Lord Byron, the famously rebellious Romantic poet, couldn’t resist scratching his title into one of many columns. (Not that we’re advocating graffiti; let’s simply say he had good style in ruins.) For contemporary travellers, the Temple of Poseidon is greater than a historic web site — it’s a front-row seat to one in all Greece’s greatest sunsets. Because the solar dips beneath the horizon, the sky explodes into shades of gold, crimson, and violet, casting an ethereal glow over the ruins.
See it for your self on: Greece & Turkey: Athens to Istanbul Journey
Mycenae
In the event you love Greek historical past, you may’t miss Mycenae, the Bronze Age stronghold that impressed Homer’s Iliad. Mycenae is the place King Agamemnon allegedly dominated earlier than setting off to wage warfare towards Troy. Step by way of the Lion Gate, admire the Treasures of Atreus (a beehive-shaped tomb match for a king), and picture the whispers of historical past echoing by way of these 3,000-year-old ruins.
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Knossos
No journey to Crete is full with out getting into the mysterious ruins of Knossos, a sprawling Bronze Age palace linked to probably the most well-known legends in Greek mythology: the story of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth. Based on fable, King Minos of Crete ordered the development of an enormous maze to imprison the fearsome half-man, half-bull Minotaur. Enter Theseus, the Athenian hero who — because of a bit of assist from Minos’ daughter, Ariadne — discovered his means by way of the Labyrinth, slayed the beast, and escaped. However was there ever an actual labyrinth? Whereas no twisting maze has been found, the Palace of Knossos itself is a labyrinthine construction filled with winding corridors, grand staircases, and complex frescoes that depict bulls and legendary creatures.
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Theatre of Epidaurus
Historical Greeks liked their drama (actually). The Theatre of Epidaurus is among the best-preserved on the earth, with acoustics so good {that a} whisper from the stage will be heard within the again row. Constructed into the luxurious hills of the Sanctuary of Asklepios, the theatre was initially designed for performances honouring the god of medication. In the present day, it’s nonetheless used for reside performances, particularly in the course of the Epidaurus Competition, when Greek tragedies and comedies are staged beneath the celebrities. Think about watching Euripides’ Medea or Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex in the identical theatre the place they have been carried out 1000’s of years in the past.
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Akrotiri
Akrotiri on Santorini is what occurs when a sophisticated civilization meets a volcanic catastrophe. Generally known as the Greek Pompeii, this historic Minoan metropolis was buried beneath volcanic ash round 1600 BC, preserving its buildings, frescoes, and artifacts in astonishing element. However in contrast to Pompeii, no our bodies have been present in Akrotiri, which means that the Minoans had time to evacuate earlier than the eruption. The place they went stays a thriller, however some imagine the catastrophe may need impressed the legend of Atlantis, the misplaced civilization swallowed by the ocean. In the present day, guests can stroll by way of Akrotiri’s streets, peering into well-preserved properties with indoor plumbing (sure, they’d that 3,600 years in the past) and admiring vibrant frescoes depicting every thing from boxers to saffron harvesters.
See it for your self on: Journeys: Uncover Greece
Sesklo
Older than the Parthenon by 7,000 years, Sesklo is a Neolithic settlement with the ruins of the earliest identified Greek village. It isn’t as flashy as different websites, nevertheless it’s the place civilization started, a humble begin to an epic historical past.
