There’s 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 historical temples, cliff-hanging monasteries, and misplaced cities straight out of a fantasy, this nation is virtually a residing museum of historical Greece ruins. However determining which historic websites to go to may be overwhelming. That is the place we are available. From the long-lasting Acropolis to the mysterious ruins of Akrotiri, listed below are one of the best historic websites in Greece — plus the right G Adventures excursions to get you there.
Acropolis
If you happen to go to Athens and do not see the Acropolis, have you ever even been to Greece? This hilltop masterpiece has been towering over town for the reason that fifth century BC, housing the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion, the place mythology says Poseidon and Athena fought over who could be 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 manner that makes even probably 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 day by day dose of drama. Whereas many ruins right here have crumbled, the Temple of Hephaestus stays impressively intact and is likely one of 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 a very powerful non secular website in historical Greece. Pilgrims, kings, and the widely superstitious travelled from throughout the recognized world to seek the advice of the well-known Oracle, a priestess who, after inhaling some questionable fumes, would ship cryptic prophecies. Even with out 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 is perhaps probably the most photogenic spoil 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 pageant honouring Zeus. Right this moment, you may nonetheless run on the traditional stadium monitor, admire the stays of the Temple of Zeus (as soon as residence to a Surprise of the Historical World), and take a look at early sports activities tools on the Olympia Archaeological Museum. It is easy to image toga-clad athletes competing in occasions like wrestling, chariot racing, and pankration — a mixture of boxing and MMA with principally no guidelines.
See it for your self on: Journeys: Uncover Greece
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 willpower. Right this moment, you may hike up winding stone steps to discover fresco-covered chapels and get probably the greatest panoramic views in Greek historical past.
See it for your self on: Basic 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 for the reason that fifth century BC. Devoted to Poseidon, god of the ocean, it was a beacon for historical sailors, providing a spot to wish for secure voyages or thank the gods for a profitable return.
The temple’s location is nothing in need of dramatic. Crumbling marble columns stand defiantly in opposition to the wind, framed by the huge blue of the ocean. It’s simple to know 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 website — it’s a front-row seat to one in all Greece’s finest 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
If you happen to 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 struggle in opposition to 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. In line with fantasy, King Minos of Crete ordered the development of a large maze to imprison the fearsome half-man, half-bull Minotaur. Enter Theseus, the Athenian hero who — because of a little bit assist from Minos’ daughter, Ariadne — discovered his manner 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 stuffed with winding corridors, grand staircases, and complex frescoes that depict bulls and legendary creatures.
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Theatre of Epidaurus
Historical Greeks beloved their drama (actually). The Theatre of Epidaurus is likely one of the best-preserved on the earth, with acoustics so good {that a} whisper from the stage may be heard within the again row. Constructed into the plush hills of the Sanctuary of Asklepios, the theatre was initially designed for performances honouring the god of medication. Right this moment, it’s nonetheless used for stay performances, particularly throughout the Epidaurus Pageant, when Greek tragedies and comedies are staged below the celebs. Think about watching Euripides’ Medea or Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex in the identical theatre the place they had been carried out hundreds of years in the past.
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Akrotiri
Akrotiri on Santorini is what occurs when a sophisticated civilization meets a volcanic catastrophe. Typically referred to as the Greek Pompeii, this historical Minoan metropolis was buried below volcanic ash round 1600 BC, preserving its buildings, frescoes, and artifacts in astonishing element. However in contrast to Pompeii, no our bodies had 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 consider the catastrophe may need impressed the legend of Atlantis, the misplaced civilization swallowed by the ocean. Right this moment, guests can stroll by way of Akrotiri’s streets, peering into well-preserved houses with indoor plumbing (sure, that they had that 3,600 years in the past) and admiring vibrant frescoes depicting all the things from boxers to saffron harvesters.
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Sesklo
Older than the Parthenon by 7,000 years, Sesklo is a Neolithic settlement with the ruins of the earliest recognized 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.
