The top 10 Archaeological sites in Greece

Acropolis

The Acropolis, or “The Holy Rock” of the Acropolis along with the ruins of the Parthenon dominate the modern architectural imitations. From all parts of Athens, the white marble monument that adorns the lightning against the blue sky of Attica.

The deep wounds that these monuments carry with dignity in now degrading ways from the awe-inspiring with which the visitor feels emotional contact with full expression of the architectural contribution that the ancient Greeks made to this domain of art.

The monument of Parthenon, whose highest point is 156 meters above sea level, is the work in the Golden Age of Pericles, a period when the world’s greatest sculptors and architects of all time lived. Phidias, Mnisicles, Iktinos and kallicrates are the names behind the creation of this wonder that shone like the sun through centurys.

Ancient Agora of Athens

Agora was the core of ancient Athens – an “Open Space” that was the core of political, commercial, administrative and social activities for centuries. shopped People, argued and listened to philosophers here. Inhabited since the Neolithic, the Romans and Ottomans have all had a say in the long history of the Agora.

The area was finally abandoned in the 6th century only to be rediscovered as a residential area in the 19th century. Even now in ruins, there is much to see and learn. Visit Temple of Hephaestus, Stoa of Zeus, Eleutheriosm, Stoa of Zeus, Eleutherios, Temple of Apollo, Patroos, Monument of Eponymous Heroes. Altar of twelve gods. Odeon of Agrippa, Royal Stoa (Stoa Basileios) and Tholos.

Delphi

Located about a hundred miles northwest of Athens, Delphi is considered by archaeologists to be one of Greece’s hugest cultural treasures.

The complex includes the Temple of Apollo (home of the famous oracle), the sacred Corycian Cave and the Castalian Spring.

In mythology, Delphi was considered the center of the world or “Navel of the Earth”. Legend has it that the sanctuary was originally guarded by the female dragon Pytho, who was eventually killed by Apollo. Leave at least half a day to visit the site.

Epidaurus

The shrine of Asclepius on Epidaurus is a spiritual place worth traveling around the world to visit. In fact, as soon as the Greeks did just that, to honor their spiritual units before Asclepius, and to ask the gods for compensation for their physical afflictions.

It was a healing center as well as a cultural center in ancient times. Epidaurus was built around the 3rd century BC. and is adorned with a variety of buildings most famous is the ancient theater of Epidaurus.

This is one of the few theaters that retains its original circular “Orchestra”, and it is a rear aesthetic sight.

Mycenae

Mycenae were the legendary home of Atreides, the victor of the Trojan War. Situated on a small hilltop on the lower slopes of Euboea Mountain north of Corinth, Mycenae has been inhabited since about 4000 BC. and civilization flourished there until about 1350-1200 BC.

The ruins of the earliest Mycenae are located near the center of today’s modern Mycenae. The city has a citadel housing the ruins of an Acropolis, a palace, royal tombs, cyclopean walls and the tomb of the Greek hero Agamemnon. The sights of this old town are simply stunning.

Olympia

Olympia is located in the western Peloponnese and was the site of the first Olympic Games. Every four years, sports competitions were held at Olympia to honor Zeus. Games began in 776 BC. and continued until the 5th century BC.

There is a lot to see at Olympia with some of the most important monuments of the place, including the Temple of Zeus, The Temple of Hera, the Stadium, the Bouleuterion where athletes were sworn in, the Prytaneion (the site of the eternal flame) the government bonds, Gymnasium and Leonidaion (a guest house dating from 330 BC).

The Archaeological Museum at Olympia contains some interesting exhibits.

The palace of Knossos

The Palace of Knossos was built around 1700 BC. and is currently located about 6 km from the center of Heraklion, the capital of Crete.

Cradle of the Minoan civilization, Knossos was not too far from the sea and the port of Heraklion.

This huge site stood on an area of about 22,000 m² and consisted of a central courtyard, where gymnasts performed, around which a huge complex was built that included the royal and staff quarters, the halls of administrative officials, the areas used for worship and receptions and the shops of various artisans. –

Vergina and the archeological site of Aigai

Vergina is located about half an hour away from Naoussa, at a total distance of about 33 km (19 km to Veria plus 14 more from there to Vergina. On the way, you will pass the Aliakmonas dam).

Vergina is very close to Aigai, the location of the ancient capital of Macedonia and with the excavations of the archaeologist Manolis Andronikos (1976-1980) very important findings came to light.

The most important attraction of Vergina is the Royal Tombs in the ancient necropolis of Aigai. A museum has been formed there with the findings, right next to the tombs, covered with soil, as the tombs have been for so many years. Passing the entrance of the museum, in a dark environment, the visitor feels that he is passing to another era.

There are many exhibits in the museum, but the most important and most famous is the golden shrine with the Macedonian star that contained the bones of King Philip II and the golden wreath worn by the deceased.

Apart from the royal tombs, in the archeological site of Vergina, there are also the Ancient theater, the Sanctuary of Eukleia and the Palaces.