Moni Arkadiou
The Arkadi Monastery, in the hills some 23km southeast of Rethymno, has deep significance for Cretans. As the site where hundreds of cornered locals massacred both themselves and invading Turks, it’s a stark and potent symbol of human resistance and considered a spark plug in the s
Theatre of Dionysos
The tyrant Peisistratos introduced the annual Festival of the Great Dionysia during the 6th century BC, and held it in the worlds first theatre, on the south slope of the Acropolis. The original theatre on this site was a timber structure, and masses of people attended the contests
Erechtheion
Although the Parthenon was the most impressive monument of the Acropolis, it was more a showpiece than a working sanctuary. That role fell to the Erechtheion, built on the part of the Acropolis held most sacred. It was here that Poseidon struck the ground with his trident and where
Keramikos
A cemetery from the 3000 BC to the 6th century AD (Roman times), Keramikos was originally a settlement for potters who were attracted by the clay on the banks of the River Iridanos. Because of frequent flooding, the area was ultimately converted to a cemetery. Rediscovered in 1861
Acropolis
The Acropolis is the most important ancient site in the Western world. Crowned by the Parthenon, it stands sentinel over Athens, visible from almost everywhere within the city. Its monuments and sanctuaries of Pentelic marble gleam white in the midday sun and gradually take on a ho
Ancient Messini
The remains of this vast ancient city are at least as extensive as those of Olympia and Epidavros, yet Ancient Messini receives only a fraction of their visitors. Picturesquely situated on a hillside below the village of Mavromati and still undergoing excavation, the site comprises
Ancient Corinth
In the centre of a modern village loom the extensive yet compact ruins of this ancient (mostly Roman) city. Home to the legendary Jason of the Argonauts, stealer of the Golden Fleece, the streets of Ancient Cortinth were once trodden by the likes of Roman traveller Pausanias and St
Agia Triada
Pronounced ah-yee -ah trih-ah -dha, Agia Triada, 3km west of Phaestos, was most likely a smaller palace or a royal summer villa and enjoys an enchanting setting on the tree-covered hillside looking out to the Gulf of Messara. Although it succumbed to fire around 1400 BC, the site w
Phaestos
The site of Phaestos, 63km from Iraklio, was the second-most important Minoan palatial city after Knossos and also enjoys the most awe-inspiring location, with panoramic views of the Messara Plain and Mt Psiloritis. The palace layout is similar to that of Knossos, with rooms arrang
Parthenon
More than any other monument, the Parthenon epitomises the glory of Ancient Greece. Meaning ‘virgin’s apartment’, its dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the goddess embodying the power and prestige of the city. The largest Doric temple ever completed in Greece, and the only one built c
Acropolis Museum
This dazzling modernist museum at the foot of the Acropolis southern slope showcases its surviving treasures still in Greek possession. While the collection covers the Archaic and Roman periods, the emphasis is on the Acropolis of the 5th century BC, considered the apotheosis of Gr
Palace of Malia
The Palace of Malia, 3km east of Malia, was built at about the same time as the great Minoan palaces of Phaestos and Knossos. The First Palace dates back to around 1900 BC and was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1700 BC, only to be levelled again by another temblor around 1450 BC.
Mystras
Spread over a steep, verdant mountainside of the Taÿgetos ranges, this former capital of the Byzantine Empire is the single most compelling set of medieval ruins in Greece. A classic fortified city, Mystras is surrounded by verdant olive and orange trees. Treading the cobblestones,
Ancient Mycenae
World Heritage–listed Mycenae is synonymous with the names Homer and Schliemann. In the 9th century BC Homer told in his epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey , of ‘well-built Mycenae, rich in gold’. These poems were, until the 19th century, regarded as no more than gripping and be
Ancient Olympia
The Olympic Games took place here for at least 1000 years, held every four years until their abolition by Emperor Theodosius I in AD 393. Today, the Olympic flame continues to be lit here for the modern Games. Thanks to the destruction ordered by Theodosius II and various subsequen
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Reopened in 2014 after a long renovation, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is Crete’s outstanding jewel. The two floors of the restored 1930s Bauhaus building make a gleaming showcase for the exhibits that span 5500 years, from neolithic to Roman times, and an extensive Minoa
Doing business & staying in touch while in Greece
Greece: Doing business & staying in touch
Greece Weather, Climate and Geography
Greece Weather, climate and geography
Greece History, Language and Culture
Greece History, Language and Culture
Greece Travel Guide and Travel Information
Greece Travel Guide
