Discover the Wonders of Ancient Greece

Not only is Greece famous for its people, lovely weather and beaches. This country is rich in wondrous, historical structures and grand archaic architecture which date back to the Ancient Greek civilization; one of the greatest ancient civilizations in history. It ruled between the 8 BC to 146 BC, followed by the Roman Empire which had been influenced by Greek culture. The effects and influences of the Greek and Roman Empires echoed down through history and set the foundations for modern-day Western civilization. 

Remember to visit these amazing archaic wonders during your stay in Greece to have an epic holiday. These have amazed people through millennia due to their high-scale proportions, architecture, engineering and artistic features. 

Find out which are the historical wonders you mustn't miss out:

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1) Parthenon

Visiting the Parthenon is a must during your stay in Athens, as it is one of the most iconic representations of the Classical period. What the Colosseum is to Rome, Parthenon is to Greece. This historical structure is in itself an emblematic model of politics, art, culture, and society of ancient times. Perched on the highest plateau of Acropolis in Athens, this amazing structure is surrounded by illustrious monuments of the classical world-- and boasts one of the most spectacular views of this ancient city. Parthenon--meaning "residence of the youth or virgin"-- was dedicated to the goddess Athena and constructed by the sculptor Phidias between 448-462 BC. The temple has a religious nature, given Ancient Greece was entirely dedicated to religion, where the citizens went to worship, pay homage and make offerings to this divinity. Given that priests dwelled in the temple, Athena's altar was placed outside. 

Throughout history, this temple was also used as a treasury, mosque and church. 

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2) Theatre of Epidaurus

This extraordinary theatre is located in the archaeological complex of the Sanctuary of Asclepius (not far from Athens). It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988, making it an essential visit during your stay in Greece. This gargantuan structure was built in 4 BC and designed by Polykleitos. It could hold over 13000 people and served as one of the main venues for the "Aclepeia"--- the Panhellenic games were held every four years and included sports, music, ceremonial events, and dramatic plays. Set against a beautiful lush landscape, this theatre is a postcard-worthy photograph.

3) Temple of Apollo in Delphi

The wondrous Temple of Apollo at Delphi, erected in 7BC, deserves a special visit. This ancient Greek temple boasting a Doric structure can take an entire day to explore-- as it is located in the heart of a massive sacred site with plenty to see and learn. According to historians, many theories surround the symbolism of the temple. One is that it was used to commemorate the victory of democracy over tyranny. Alternatively, it was to celebrate the Athenian victory over the Persians at the Battle of Marathon.

This temple was destroyed due to a massive earthquake and fortunately reconstructed again. 

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4) Palace of Knossos

The Palace of Knossos is known as one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world. Located on the island of Crete and constructed between 1700 and 1400 BC, the palace was recurrently rebuilt after periodic natural disasters. The palace served as a political and ceremonial centre at the height of the Minoan period-- and became the source of the Minotaur myth. 
King Minos designed this luxurious palace with an impressive but dizzying architectural layout consisting of a maze of 1300 interconnected rooms, living spaces, workrooms, and a theatre. 

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5) Settlement of Santorini

Santorini, a volcanic island off the coast of the Aegean sea, is home to one of the most emblematic historical structures of Ancient Greece: the Settlement of Santorini. This settlement was founded during the Minoan Bronze Age and was once called the "Minoan Pompeii". It was destroyed in the Thera eruption around 1627 BC and became completely immersed by volcanic ash. This eruption caused Plato's speculations of the existence of the mythical Atlantis.  

The site covers 20 hectares, and many ruins have been unearthed in a well-preserved state thanks to the volcanic ash, such as frescoes of Minoan art, and multi-storey buildings. Hitherto merely forty buildings have been discovered; which represent a fraction of what was once this ancient town. Therefore, a lot more is yet to be excavated.

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6) Dion

Dion was one of the largest Macedonian sanctuaries and one of the most prominent cities in Ancient Greece. It was constructed at the foot of Mount Olympus-- a very strategic location near the sea for commercial pursuits and battles. This city was fortified by a wall dating back to 4 BC and boasted an impressive layout network. Excavations have unearthed cobbled streets, multi-storied buildings, workshops, theatres, and houses. One of the most important sanctuaries inside Dion was devoted to Zeus and the Pierides Muses. 

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