Greece Travel Guide

This list admittedly does not do justice to a country that is literally overflowing with cultural and historical sites. However, as Squidoo is all about recommendations, these are our recommended places to visit on a cultural tour of Greece. At the bottom of this list is a link to the list of Greek historic sites in the Unesco Cultural Heritage list. Excluded from both lists are many, many sites that others might select, such as Akrotiri in Santorini, temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion, Hadrian's Arch and Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, etc. The list could go on and on.

1. Acropolis / Parthenon / Caryatids
Acropolis, in Greek, literally means 'High City'. The Acropolis is a hill that rises dramatically 500 feet (150 meters) above sea level in the center of the city of Athens. On top of the Acropolis is the ancient Parthenon or Temple to the goddess Athena. (Parthena is Greek for 'virgin' and Athena was a virgin goddess). Four of the original Caryatids, the six female statues of the Erectheion of the Acropolis, can be seen in the acropolis museum currently located on the Acropolis. A new acropolis museum is being built and will be located nearby in the city.

2. Delphi
The Oracle at Delphi was, in ancient times, considered the center of the Universe and the place to go to learn your fate. A sacred temple of Apollo, his priestess Pythia would prophesize the future here. Kings, politicians, warriors and heros consulted Pythia before any important decision was made. Delphi featured in many important Greek myths and plays from Oedipus to the Trojan War. Delphi, located on Mount Parnassus, has a beautiful view of the landscape below, and a mystical and magical feeling about it. It is easily reached on a day excursion from Athens.

Combine your excursion with a visit to the pretty nearby ski resort village of Arachova.

3. Olympia
Olympia, located in the Peloponnese was the site of the ancient Olympic Games. Originally a sanctury to the God Zeus, it was the home of the original Olympic games for over 1000 years. While much is in ruins, many interesting sites remain, such as the start and finish lines of the 120 meter sprint as well as judges seats. The Palaestra where wrestling, boxing and other athletic events is still recognizable as is the olympic stadium which has since been restored and was the site of the 2004 Olympic shotput competition. The Olympic flame originates here. Weeks before the events, it is lit using a parabolic mirror and taken to the altar at the Temple of Hera, where runners begin the relay to wherever the Olympics are being held. Read the legend of Pelops and Hippodamia.


4. Meteora
Words can not describe Meteora, it has to be seen to be appreciated. These magnificent rock pillars, some reaching over 600 meters (2000 ft) can be best compared to those of Arches or Monument National Parks in the US. 11th and 12th century monks somehow constructed monastery fortresses on top of many of the towering rock formations to protect their religious icons and holy treasures from Turkish invaders. At the time, the only way to get to the top was to ask a monk to lower a basket, climb in and be raised up. Today stairways carved into the rock provide easier access.

5. Mt Athos
Sorry ladies, Mt Athos is for men only. In Greek called Agion Oros, or Holy Mountain, this mountain and a peninsula is home to 20 ancient orthodox monasteries. The monks of Mt Athos permanently live here secluded from temptations of the world. In order to allow them to focus on their prayers, all females, including female domestic animals are prohibited. A limited number of male pilgrims are allowed to visit and even stay at the monasteries for a short time. Many of the monasteries are over 1000 years old, and when you enter, you feel like you have taken a trip back in time. Modern conveniences are forbidden, and even a different time is used: at sunrise the clocks are at one o'clock and at sunset, twelve o'clock. A visit is highly recommended but special permission is required. Read the legend of Gigantes (giant) Athos.

6. Medival City of Rhodes
Rhodes has seen many civilizations over its long history and each left its mark. Romans, Arabs, Turks, Knights and Italian World War II soldiers have occupied it and modified it. The Medieval Town is a product of the architectural design of these various occupiers, though the greatest impact of all came from the Knights of St. John. The Medieval Town is not only an interesting historical site it is also a lively, vibrant city within an enormous walled fortification.

7. Cave of the Apocalypse
Exiled to the Greek island of Patmos in 95 AD by Roman Emperor Domitian, St. John is said to have heard the voice of God in this cave, which commanded him to write the Book of Apocalypse otherwise known as Revelations which he dictated his vision to his disciple Prohoros. A monastery was founded here in the 10th century and still receives pilgrims.

8. Knossos
Thought to be the site of the mythological Labyrinth which was built by the great architect Daedalus to house the half-man / half-bull Minotaur. Read the legend of Theseus before coming here.

9. Mystras
Originally, Knights built watch towers here but later it became a large Byzantine city. Early fresco work is found in the painted decorations. This lovely hill, with its ancient fortress, palace, churches, and monasteries ruins is very impressive and inspiring.

10. Epidavros
The theater of the Asklepieion of Epidaurus is considered one of the ultimate achievements of ancient Greek architects. Well known for its exceptional acoustics it allows perfect comprehension of unamplified words from the stage to its 15,000 spectators. In the early 1990s, I saw a Sir Peter Hall's production of Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Kolonos at Epidavros. Watching this ancient Greek play in this ancient Greek Theater on a moonlit summer night is still a high-point of my travel experiences.

Unesco World Heritage List
A list of Unesco Culural Heritage sites in Greece

The 1964 film, Zorba the Greek, was based on the novel Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis. The film starred Anthony Quinn, not a Greek but actually Mexican. This movie is loved internationally and also in Greece.

Zorba, nominated for 7 Oscars and winner of three was filmed in Crete, and featured the beautiful town of Chania. The theme song which is also known as Sirtaki dance or Syrtaki dance was written by the famous Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis. The famous Sirtaki dance was shot on the beach of Stavros Village in Crete.

Theseus
Theseus, the much loved hero of Athens who slayed the half-man, half-bull minotaur and freed Athens. Beautiful Ariadne helps him to escape the famous labyrinth. What did she give him?

Icarus and Daedalus
Icarus was the boy who wore wings made of wax. Against his fathers advice, he flew too high. What happened next?

Trojan War
The Trojan War was not a battle between two condom manufacturers. The beautiful Helen is wisked off to Troy by the handsome Paris. A great battle ensues. What is the gift that the Greeks give the Trojans? Why do they regret it?

Hercules
Hercules did some terrible things. As his punishment he had to do twelve great tasks. The nastiest of which is to clean up cow manure?

Perseus
Medusa lost her head when Perseus rescued the lovely Andromeda. What made her do it?

Jason and the Argonauts
Jason led the Argonauts on the search for the golden fleece. Why does Medea disobey her father to help him?

Oedipus
Oedipus does the unimaginable. He 'accidently' killed his father and married his mother. Would Freud agree?

Prometheus
Prometheus gives fire to man. Why is he is chained to a rock and tortured? What does his brother's beautiful lover do to cause sorrow to all of mankind?

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