Greece, as the birthplace of civilisation, boasts numerous impressive historical sites ranging from ancient sanctuaries to medieval forts – here are 10 of our favorites!
Delphi, the oracular sanctuary of Apollo, stands atop the green slopes of Mount Parnassus and provides an unforgettable experience for visitors from across the ancient world. It was known throughout history for its prophetic oracular services and now its remains offer visitors an unforgettable sight and atmosphere.
Akrotiri
Akrotiri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Minoan towns ever found, dating from late Neolithic period until 17th century CE when buried by Santorini eruption and preserved with volcanic pumice and ash layers – making Akrotiri an excellent alternative to Pompeii for exploring Minoan life. The archaeological site dates from Late Neolithic period with flourishing city living by 17th century CE when covered with volcanic pumice from eruption.
At its heart lies an impressive feat of technological innovation: multi-storey buildings boast jaw-dropping features like underfloor heating, private showers and latrines, innovative drainage and sewerage systems and astounding frescoes dotted throughout.
Visit Akrotiri is one of the must-do experiences in Santorini for history enthusiasts, from joining guided tours or downloading an audio guide app, to exploring its ruins on your own or solo. Be sure not to miss its impressive lighthouse dating back to 1892!
Epidaurus
Epidaurus’ Sanctuary of Asclepius (also called Asklepeion) served as an ancient center of healing during ancient Greece. With temples, baths, athletic venues and even theatre devoted to this god of medicine – people would travel from across Greece in order to worship or seek healing by him.
Temples were often dedicated to various deities, with Asclepius being among the most renowned. When patients came for treatments at Asclepius’ temple hospital, priests could observe and test different approaches with them before perfecting medicine through experimentation and observation of patients.
Epidaurus’ ancient theatre remains an architectural masterpiece with perfect acoustics and harmonious architecture, even after 2,500 years. Once, Greek actors, directors, and opera singers used this stage as an audition hall before performing live. They would dine at nearby tavernas between rehearsals or after performances at this legendary structure.
Ancient Agora
It was a large open area with buildings that provided various functions. From meetings and discussions to commercial transactions and cultural events to athletic contests – as well as being the hub of political life with laws being made and discussed there.
Solon reformated the agora during early 6th-century BCE, dislodging upper class control of political participation while opening it up to all citizens.
Notable buildings located within an agora include the Temple of Hephaestus and Painted (Poikile) Stoa, an Ionic building with Doric detailing on both its outside and inside, that served various functions including meeting places and merchant merchantship.
The Acropolis
The Acropolis –the hill that crowns Athens–is home to numerous stunning temples and other structures. Perhaps best known is the Parthenon, a shrine dedicated to Athena that doubled as a treasury. Every four years Athenians would lead a procession up the Acropolis in order to place Phidias’ massive ivory and gold statue of Athena with her vast peplos robe.
After Athens won its victory in the Peloponnesian War, Athens initiated a building program which transformed Acropolis into an unparalleled complex of temples, palaces, and monuments. A host of celebrated architects and sculptors such as Ictinus, Callicrates and Mnesicles helped construct these stunning monuments that marked the emergence of classical Greek thought, art and democracy – some highlights being Parthenon, Erechtheion and Propylaea as major architectural features on Acropolis.
Mystras
Mystras was once the capital of Byzantine Despotate of Morea between 14th and 15th centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into its glory days. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mystras serves as a testament to these days.
Villehardouin’s fortress was eventually captured by Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos, and it became part of his city Mystras ruled by despots (hence its name) with a palace consisting of multiple 4-story buildings.
Today, Mystras’ main attractions are its cathedrals and monasteries. One church of particular note in Mystras is Agios Demetrios with stunning wall paintings dating back to the end of the 1200s which feature festoons, decorations and traditions associated with Orthodox Christianity.
