Interesting and Memorable Landmarks of Greece
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Visiting Greece offers an opportunity to explore unique and breathtaking landmarks. Surrounded by natural beauty, these sites will add to your trip to the country. If you are in the areas were these landmarks are, you should make it a point to visit them. Here’s more information about them:
Parthenon
The Parthenon is a temple that is visible from many areas throughout Athens. The Parthenon’s construction was completed 438 BC and it was dedicated to the goddess Athena. The temple was built using limestone as the foundation and marble for the temple itself. Close to the Parthenon, there are two other interesting sites: The Temple of Athena Nike and the Erectheion. The Parthenon is open to visitors every day.
Knossos Palace
Located on the island of Crete, Knossos Palace is a site of historical importance. Excavations of the palace were started in 1878, but it was Sir Arthur Evan’s excavations during the early 1900s that would reveal much of Knossos Palace that can be seen today. If you take a guided tour of the palace, you will gain valuable information from a knowledgeable guide.
Meteora Monasteries
The six monasteries of the Meteora in northwestern Thessaly are a must-see when visiting the area. The rock pinnacles that house these monasteries are as tall as 984 feet. The Meteora Monasteries can be accessed via stairs, paths, and stone bridges. The lowest rock of the group houses the Ayia Barbara monastery, which was the only nunnery of the complex. The Megalo Meteoro monastery is located at the highest point and is the most popular of the six.
Delphi
The archeological site of Delphi is a memorable landmark on Mount Parnassas, just outside of Athens. The buildings of Delphi include the sanctuary where the oracle lived; the Temple of Apollo; a stadium; and a theatre. The Heraklion Archeological Museum of Delphi houses artifacts that were found at the important landmark. At the museum, you will get a deeper look into life at Delphi.
Palace of the Grandmaster
On the island of Rhodes in Greece is a medieval castle known as the Palace of the Grandmaster. This is a unique landmark in that it is one of the few in Greece that features Gothic architecture. The palace was built during the 14th century by the Knights of Saint John. The Palace of the Grandmaster features an arched gate to welcome guests and impressive spherical towers. The palace now serves as a museum where visitors can come to learn about the history of the site, as well as the island and its people.
Temple of Poseidon
Located at Cape Sunion is the Temple of Poseidon. Built during the 5th century, the Temple of Poseidon is a marble shrine to worship Poseidon, the king of the sea. 16 of the original 32 marble Doric columns still remain today. Lord Byron, the British poet, once carved his name into one of these columns. Visiting this temple also offers a view of Serifos, Kea, and Kythnos as well as the sea. The sunset from the temple is also worth seeing.
While in Greece, you won’t want to miss the chance to visit these landmarks!
Categorized in: Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
