Top Attractions in Greece
Acropolis and Knossos
Acropolis, Delphi, Olympia, and the Palace of Knossos on Crete are some of the most famous and popular archeological sites in the world. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the archeological legacy of Greece! The Holy Rock of Acropolis is the keystone of the European culture. Everything originated from here: philosophy, democracy, natural sciences, and theater. You’ll be able to see the masterpieces of the Golden Age of Pericles: Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion with its famous Caryatids. In 1987 the Acropolis was included on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites.
Not far from Heraklion you’ll see the Palace of Knossos of the legendary Cretan king Minos, son of Zeus and Europa. The ancient Greek myths about the Minotaur labyrinth, as well as Daedalus and Icarus, are associated with the palace as well. The first palace in Knossos was built near 2000-1700 B. C., but was ruined in an earthquake (about 1700 B.C.). Another palace was built on its place, and it survived to this day.
Delphi and Ancient Olympia
The site of Delphi is located at the foot of Parnassus mountain in Central Greece. In ancient times this place was considered to be the center of the world. According to myths, it was here that two eagles, sent by Zeus from the opposite ends of the world to find its center, met. The city of Delphi with a temple and an oracle founded by Apollo himself, has been an all-Greek cultural and religious center, as well as the symbol of the Hellenic world’s unity, for many centuries.
Olympia, the place where the Olympic Games were held, and a national religious center in ancient times, still fascinates millions of people who were lucky to come here. The Temple of Zeus (5th century B. C.) is a prominent landmark on the site of archeological excavations. It once housed the ancient god’s statue made by famous Phidias from gold and ivory – one of the Wonders of the Ancient World.
