An amazing country is Greece. Reviews of tourists coming here from all over the world invariably remain enthusiastic. We invite you to get acquainted with the main attractions of this country. There are many of them, and most of them are connected, of course, with the history of such a unique state as Ancient Greece. Reviews of tourists have allowed us to highlight the attractions that are of most interest today.
Holidays in Greece in the summer: weather conditions
Weather is an important factor to consider when planning your trip. Greece is warm all year round. From May to October, numerous Greek resorts await beach lovers. Reviews of tourists about the rest here are only positive. All this time, weather conditions allow you to enjoy swimming in the sea.
In general, the climate of this country is quite pleasant all year round, but in the summer it can be too hot. Very attractive for a beach holiday is Greece in June. Reviews of tourists confirm that the weather at this time is warm (average air temperature is 30 ° C, water - 23 ° C). The hottest period begins in July and lasts until mid-August. Not everyone may like Greece in July. Reviews of tourists, however, are different: the heat does not bother anyone. However, it should be noted that the average temperature is 35 ° C at this time. But the water warms up to 26 ° C! Greece has the same temperature conditions in August.
Reviews of tourists who saw with their own eyes the unique architectural monuments of this country are always enthusiastic. Even hot weather does not affect this, because when you admire them, you forget about everything. We present to your attention the monuments of Ancient Greece that will definitely impress you.
Acropolis of Athens
Each acropolis was in every polis, however, in terms of scale, none of them was superior to Athens. The capital of Greece is unthinkable without it. It is considered to be the visiting card of Athens, as well as a real mecca for tourists coming here from all over the world.
The imperial palace was originally located on the hill of the Acropolis. And in the 7th century BC. e. the foundation was laid for the first temple - the Parthenon. Its main decoration was a statue of Athena made of gold and ivory, which was taken to Constantinople in the 5th century BC. e., where it burned during a fire.
Erechteinon is no less grandiose. An olive branch was kept here. In the temple, in addition, there are sculptures of Caryatids - six beauties replacing the columns of the temple, as well as many friezes and mosaics preserved in places.
The temple of the goddess Nika also stands out among the rest. And very close is the theater of Dionysus, in which comedies and dramas of Euripides, Sophocles, Aeschylus and Aristophanes were staged.
Dionysus Theater
For the first time the tragedies of Euripides, Sophocles, Aeschylus, the comedies of Menander and Aristophanes were shown on the stage of this theater. It is located in the open air and is the oldest theater in the world, built in the 5th century BC. e.
Initially, it was wooden. Various celebrations were held here. It held performances twice a year - during the Great and Small Dionysius. Theatrical competitions were also held during the Great. 3 playwrights competed, of which each put 3 tragedies and 1 satire drama. Comedy authors also competed. In the diaskaliia, special inscriptions, the results were recorded.
Only in 330 BC e. the stage and rows of this theater became stone. He consisted of 67 rows at that time. They simultaneously accommodated up to 17 thousand spectators, which amounted to half Athens. Stone benches towered to the base of the Acropolis. Today, the remains of the last rows can still be seen.
The theater was also rebuilt by the Romans, who used it for gladiatorial and circus performances. It was then that a high side closing the 1st row appeared.
Acropolis in Lindos
Not only the Acropolis of Athens is famous for Greece. The reviews of tourists who visited this country make it possible to consider the Lindos Acropolis as a very attractive and interesting place. Lindos is a city with a history of 3,000 years. In addition to the acropolis, the ruins of an early Christian church, as well as the walls of a knight's castle, are preserved here. It is best to go here in the morning or in the late afternoon, taking with you a supply of water. The fact is that it is difficult to hide from the strong sun in this ancient city.
In order to see all its sights, you should go from the gate of Lindos to the top point of the city. The path is quite long, however, it can be overcome on a donkey. The road leading to the acropolis is very beautiful. On the way you will encounter stone fountains, as well as white houses and taverns where you can try Greek cuisine.
The Acropolis is the second largest after the Athenian. It is known for the fact that the ruins of a building built in the 2nd century BC are still preserved here. e. the ancient temple, as well as the Pythian stadium and the amphitheater of oratory. Ruins are scattered all over Mount Monte Smith.
Tourists like the acropolis. They are photographed with great pleasure on the steps of the amphitheater, at the ancient oratory and in the stadium.
Mount Olympus
Today there are many who wish to climb one of the peaks of Olympus. There are only 4 of them: Skoglio (2912 meters), Mitikas (2918 meters), Stephanie (2905 meters) and Skala (2866 meters). By the way, Stephanie Peak is also called the throne of Zeus. Apparently, this is where this god once set up his office.
There are signs on all the Olympic paths, so it’s impossible to make a mistake with the direction. It is not necessary to climb on foot, since Olympus is surrounded by a serpentine road. You can also use the lifts.
Rhodes fortress
Many masterpieces of ancient architecture can offer its guests Greece. Reviews of tourists - history buffs - are especially enthusiastic. Many of them admire the Rhodes fortress. It was built back in the Middle Ages to protect the island's capital, the city of Rhodes, from invaders. 4 km is its total length, it is the longest fortress in Europe. Tourists who want to be in the central part of the city must go through 11 gates. Knights of the Middle Ages erected this fortress on the site of the ancient acropolis. The fortress was impregnable - the cannonballs did not take it, only left potholes. On the lawns, by the way, you can still find large cores. Notable, in addition to the fortress, is the Palace of the Grand Master. In this old house, an interesting mosaic decorates the floor, and its walls look at the city's embankment.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
The construction of this temple, the most impressive structure in the ancient world, began on the initiative of Pisistratus, ruler of Athens, long before our era. This master’s plans were ambitious: the construction would certainly overshadow all the wonders of the world that existed at that time, including the famous temple of Artemis. The dream of Pisistratus, in general, came true, but only after his death.
Emperor Hadrian completed this project. The Athenian agora with his hands acquired more than one masterpiece of architecture. However, time was merciless. Only the 3rd century did the temple of Zeus exist (and it was built over 6 centuries). This masterpiece of architecture was destroyed by an earthquake.
Today, only the ruins are preserved from the once great temple. But they are very impressive. The corner of the room, which consisted of 14 columns, is clearly visible. Another column stands a little at a distance, and the last, 16th, is inundated. The temple of Zeus in the original consisted of more than a hundred Corinthian 17-meter columns, which were located along the perimeter of the building in several rows. The width and length of the room were respectively 40 and 96 m.
Not much is known about the interior of this temple. It is believed that a huge statue of Zeus occupied almost the entire area of the hall. It was made of ivory and gold. Not far from the temple was the arch of Hadrian, which was the gateway to the new quarters of the city.
Knossos palace
Interesting to visit is not only the mainland, but also the islands of Greece. Reviews of tourists who visited the island of Crete, make it one of the most attractive. One of the most impressive architectural monuments of Crete is the Palace of Knossos. Tourist avenues, souvenirs and postcards of this island are adorned with his image.
Two periods of the existence of this palace are distinguished. The first is 2000-1700 BC. e. It is called the early palace period. It was at this time that it was erected, and then, in 1700 BC. e., destroyed by an earthquake this palace. After the ruins, the Minoans subsequently erected a new one, and it is with this masterpiece of the late palace period of architecture that one can now admire. The Minoans at the peak of civilization's heyday (1700-1450 BC) achieved remarkable craftsmanship in architecture, engineering technology, and painting. Knossos Palace is a vivid evidence of this.
This is the largest of all the Minoans built palaces. Its area is 130x180 m. The palace includes more than 1000 halls and rooms for various purposes. It was, in essence, not just the residence of the highest dignitaries and the king, but the economic and administrative center around which the city of Knossos was located.
Knossos Palace - the labyrinth of the Minotaur?
It is the Knossos Palace that is often considered the labyrinth of the Minotaur, in which there lived a terrible monster with the head of a bull and a human body, devouring people and causing fear to the local population. And in fact, the palace is huge, and its layout is very confusing. On the walls there is a maze - a sign of the maze. This is probably why this hypothesis arose.
Lake Vulizmeni
However, the Knossos Palace does not end with the sights on the island of Crete (Greece). Reviews of tourists who visited it, allow you to highlight a number of other interesting places. For example, Lake Voulizmeni located in the center of Agios Nikolaos. The most recognizable view of this city is a small narrow strait that connects Lake Vulizmeni with the bay. Rows along its banks line boats and boats, creating picturesque scenery for numerous cafes located near the lintel.
A beautiful legend is associated with this lake. It, according to her, has no bottom. Of course, the lake has it, just finding it is very difficult: for its small size it is very deep, and below is a thick layer of silt. The depth of the lake, with a diameter of 135 m, is about 65 m.
According to another, more beautiful legend, the goddess Athena bathed in it. Alas, today you would not advise anyone to swim in this lake: it is very littered. True, a tower for diving has been preserved here since ancient times, and sometimes there are people who want to try it. However, the water is still very dirty.
Samaria Gorge
This place is rightfully proud of Greece. Reviews of tourists, photos of the Samaria Gorge attract more and more visitors here, contributing to the prosperity of the tourism industry of the economy of this country. And this is not surprising - this gorge is the largest in Europe. It stretches for 18 km. This gorge is located in the town of Chania, in the south-west of Crete. Its name comes from the village of Samaria. In combination, the gorge is also a national park with rich fauna and flora. It grows up to 450 plant species. Samaria Village is a classic architecture of Crete. The old houses where the park guards live are well preserved here. But the inhabitants left their places in the 60s of the last century.
A unique opportunity to touch history is provided by tours to Greece. The reviews of tourists who visited this country allow us to recommend it as a great place to relax.