The most ancient state, on the territory of which one of the first civilizations of the world arose, has a colossal cultural and historical heritage. The Greek land carries the spirit of its former grandeur, and numerous architectural monuments reflect a rich history. The sights of Greece, created by human hands and nature itself, made its appearance unique.
Priceless antique monuments
Sunny Country is a place of large-scale archaeological excavations. Inhabited since prehistoric times, it is of interest to scientists, since traces of human civilization are found throughout its territory. Millions of tourists rush here to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of past eras, get acquainted with priceless monuments, and feel their greatness. And the skill of the restorers allows each guest to see historical objects that have become a real legend and learn about their rich history.
In our article we will tell you thata must see in Greece for tourists who want to combine holiday resorts and visit unique sights.
Visiting card of Athens
Famous objects are concentrated in the heart of the ancient world, causing close interest of travelers. For many tourists, the country of fascinating myths is associated with the Athenian Acropolis. In Greece, this was the name given to a well-fortified place of temple buildings, and in every city there was a similar hill. However, the historical monument in Athens located on a rock is the property of all mankind.
The people who lived before our era built a fortress here, in which they took refuge during long wars. After a fierce battle with the Persians, a new construction of the historical center began under the leadership of the outstanding orator and ruler Pericles. The modern look of the unique landmark of Greece was formed more than 23 centuries ago. The French conquerors built a huge castle in front of the entrance to the largest temple complex, and the Turks rebuilt the buildings several centuries ago, turning them into mosques. However, now all the traces left by the invaders have been destroyed, and every traveler admires the amazing beauty of the visiting card of Athens. Thanks to the laborious work of the restorers, the buildings appear in their original form and amaze with both intricate labyrinths of corridors and high snow-white columns.
Dive into past eras
The pearl of world architecture has long been a significantplace for city dwellers. The history of the monumental building is closely intertwined with Greek mythology. The unique Athenian Acropolis (Greece), which allows you to dive deep into the millennia, stands on a sacred hill that rises above the city. Brilliant architects connected the powerful walls of the colossal complex with the slopes of the mountains into a single whole, giving the area a harmonious completeness.
The main temple of ancient Athens
The majestic construction of the sanctuary in the VI century turned into a Christian church. The Parthenon is located in the heart of the historic center. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, who gave her name to the city, it is the most famous building of the ancient complex and the most visited.
The Parthenon temple in Greece, built of expensive marble, surprises even modern travelers who have seen a lot on their way. From afar, it seems quite small, but as it approaches, it seems to grow in front of visitors. The talented creator of the project, the brilliant architect of that time Iktin used optical illusions, trying to capture the imagination of the ancient Greeks. The temple seems to be straight, but in fact, in its architecture, all the details have a slight slope. And even the upper part of the steps bends in the center, and it seems to visitors that the stairs are absolutely even. The researchers even came up with a special term for a system of irregularities and curvature - "Parthenon Curvature".
In the very center of the legendary monument of ancient architecture stood a tall statue of the patroness of the city, and her spear and helmet were visible even from the sailingships. The eleven-meter monument, made of gold and ivory, has not survived to this day.
Temple complex
Behind the main gate, the so-called Propylaea began - bizarre buildings with columns, plunging into the world of the mysterious sights of Greece. There was also a temple of Nike Apteros, the wingless goddess.
Next to the Parthenon, the Erechtheion is located, which was a treasury of various relics and a place for religious rites. The beautiful temple, dedicated to Athena, Poseidon and King Erechtheus, has undergone extensive restoration, as the building was completely destroyed during the country's struggle for independence.
Visitor reviews
As tourists who visited a well-preserved architectural ensemble during a fascinating many hours of excursion in Greece admit, they really seemed to have met face to face with ancient Hellas. It seems as if one of the long-known myths comes to life right in front of the astonished guests. The fabulous place is amazing, evoking long-forgotten images familiar from the school curriculum. This is a journey not only through modern, but also ancient Greece. Despite the mercilessness of time, the great architectural monument has not lost its grandeur.
The highest mountain in the country
Another symbol of Greece is the legendary peak - the abode of powerful gods. The popular attraction of Greece, the description of which is presented in the article, is located near the city of Thessaloniki, in the historical regionThessaly. This is a huge array of snow-covered main peaks.
The height of Mount Olympus in Greece is 2918 meters. It is determined by the main peak - Mitikas. The former abode of the gods is being studied by archaeologists, who in the 60s of the last century discovered the temple of Zeus himself with ancient statues, the sanctuary of Apollo and the tomb of Orpheus. The active monastery of St. Dionysius, which appeared in the 16th century, is also located here. And nearby is a cave in which the Athenian thinker stayed for a long time.
Climbing the mountain
Mount Olympus has been declared a national reserve, archaeological site and part of the natural heritage of the world. Hiking trails and roads lead to its top. Those who wish can spend the night at the mountain base, enjoying a wonderful sight. Judging by the reviews, ascent and descent as part of a group accompanied by an experienced guide remain in the memory of tourists forever. At Mitikas Peak, everyone signs in a special magazine and takes amazing photos. Breathtaking impressions pay off any prices for an excursion in Greece. And those who believe in miracles and still adore ancient Greek myths speak of the adventure with great admiration, because the wonderful view from the picture appears in reality.
Holy Land
The UNESCO-protected spiritual center of Orthodoxy is considered one of the most mysterious places on our planet. Not only pilgrims from all over the world strive to get to this Greek peninsula, but also ordinary travelers who have heard about the miracles that are happening onholy land covered with legends. The eastern part of the Halkidiki peninsula, washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea, is the main stronghold of Eastern Christian monasticism. Holy Mount Athos (Greece) beckons all Orthodox who have both material and spiritual needs.
Christian tradition says that during a storm the ship of the Virgin Mary nailed exactly to the shore of the peninsula, the beauty of which so struck the Mother of God that she prayed to the Lord to leave her this land. God agreed to grant her request, naming Athos "port of salvation". Since then, all women have been banned from the mountain, and men of any religion will have to obtain special permission.
Now there are 20 monasteries in which approximately 1800 monks live. In addition, numerous sketes are scattered on the territory, differing from the monasteries in their status. The way of life of people living on the mountain is not subject to worldly laws. Their souls are inspired by thoughts of eternal life, and none of them aspires to material we alth. A few decades ago, the monastic republic, ruled by the Holy Kinot, was inaccessible to Russian pilgrims. And now our compatriots have come here to bow to the shrines and receive spiritual help.
What do tourists say?
Many tourists who visited Athos say that they changed their lives after getting to know this amazing place. Some are even so impressed by what they see that they decide to drop everything and settle onholy land by becoming a monk. The religious landmark of Greece is completely dedicated to prayers and service to the Lord. A pacifying bright place, marked with the stamp of special purity, is always open to the world, and only here Orthodoxy appears in all its diversity. A small piece of land is recognized as a genuine spiritual school that purifies the soul of a person and makes him change dramatically.
Palace of the Grand Masters (Rhodes)
One of the most beautiful architectural monuments in the world is located in the capital of the island of Rhodes. A delightful masterpiece created by medieval engineers appeared in the 14th century on the site of a destroyed citadel. An impressive building, built according to the laws of fortification art, turned into the main residence of the masters of the Order of St. John. However, soon the knights, fleeing from the militant Turks, left the island. The invaders turned the palace, more like a powerful fortress, into a prison.
Only at the beginning of the 20th century, when Rhodes passed to Italy, the new owners returned the sights, emphasizing the strength and influence of the knightly brotherhood, to their former gloss. The restored building is today a famous museum displaying unique relics. Visitors will be able to see only 24 halls out of 200. But even this is enough to understand the scale of the majestic building and appreciate the luxury of the interior decoration. Marble sculptures, antique furniture, beautiful vases, multi-colored frescoes on the walls, bright mosaics on the floor create an indelibleimpression.
Visitor reviews
Visitors of the museum seem to be transported to the Middle Ages, when knightly tournaments were held, and valiant warriors rattled their armor. Causing associations with something mystical and mysterious, the fortress amazes with both power and beauty. It seems that a small city can fit inside. Tourists who plunge into the past admire the architectural complex that has retained its grandeur. And the curious expositions of the museum leave no one indifferent.
Miraculous underground monument
On the island of Kefalonia is a natural wonder - the cave lake Melissani. In Greece, it is considered one of the most beautiful miraculous monuments. The underground attraction, which was once used for religious ceremonies, was formed more than 20 thousand years ago. During a strong earthquake, the dome of the cave collapsed, and now the sun's rays penetrate inside, through a kind of window, illuminating the water surface with bright light and painting it in the most incredible shades - from light turquoise to dark.
Reviews of tourists
Tourists sailing on a boat, it seems as if they are hovering over a miraculous masterpiece, the water in which is incredibly clear. You can even see the rocky bottom, as well as small fish splashing. It is best to come here on a clear day, when the azure waters shimmering in the sun fascinate with magical beauty.
All lovers must put their hands in the underground lake so that their love is happy. And lonely travelerswash themselves with clean water in order to finally find their happiness.
If you want not only to have a great rest, but also to get acquainted with the rich heritage of the state, go to Greece, where "everything is"! The Orthodox country, on whose land great heroes and Olympian gods walked, has retained the mystery of antiquity and the carelessness of modernity.
