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Greece is home to a large number of archaeological sites, monuments, and historical locations that are listed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites. Here is a list of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Greece that you can visit for a memorable trip!
In Bassae, Peloponnese, the Temple of Apollo Epicurius is breathtakingly beautiful. This sanctuary was built between 450 and 400 BC by Iktinos and is situated 1,131 metres above sea level. However, you must note that Charles Robert Cockerell, a British archaeologist, removed several significant friezes in 1815 and took them to the British Museum.
The Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erectheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike make up the Acropolis, which is perched atop a cliff above the city. This structure was constructed during the Golden Age of Athens in the fifth century BC. Many pieces of the Parthenon Temple were removed by the British Lord Elgin in 1816, and he eventually sold them to the British Museum.
The Ancient Delphi is situated near the middle of mainland Greece. Also, the god Apollo is linked with the entire site. Due to its function as a site of union for the local city-states, ancient Delphi also played a political function. The Delphi Archaeological Museum is located below the archaeological site.
As Epidaurus was regarded as the birthplace of the god, the Sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidaurus, eastern Peloponnese, was a very significant healing centre in antiquity. Patients would travel to Epidaurus from all over the Mediterranean to receive a cure that is caused by the visions of god. Also, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is now well-known worldwide.
The Knight Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, who resided on the island from 1309 until 1523, built the Medieval City of Rhodes in its current shape. The Ottomans and the Italians who later inhabited the town also left their imprints on it. The Palace of the Grand Masters, the Great Hospital, and the Street of the Knights are notable examples of Gothic architecture in the Upper Town.
Meteora is situated on the northwest coast of mainland Greece. The rocks of this place are conglomerate and sandstone. In the thirteenth century AD, monks constructed these monasteries atop these rocks. However, only six of the 24 monasteries that had stood atop Meteora are still active today.
The monastic community of Mount Athos occupies the eastern peninsula of Halkidiki in northern Greece and is also considered to be an independent monastic state. Since the Byzantine era, Mount Athos has served as an Orthodox spiritual centre since 1054 and has had an independent statute. Here you can witness impressive monasteries with significant artistic value built for many ages.
Thessaloniki was the second-most significant town in the Byzantine Empire for many centuries and was crucial to the spread of Christianity in the Balkans. Many of these churches and other structures from that period are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Rotonda of Saint George, the Church of Saint Nicolas Orfanos, etc.
In the western Peloponnese, Olympia's location is built along the Alpheios River. To celebrate the god Zeus or the legendary hero Hercules, the ancient Olympic Games were first held here in 776 BC. The Philippeion, the Philippeus, the Hera Temple, the Temple of Zeus, and the Ancient Stadium are all significant Olympian landmarks.
During the latter years of the Byzantine Empire, this fortified town of Mystras was very crucial. The final Byzantine Emperors (the Paleologos line) were born in this town, which was built on the steep summit of Mount Taygetos. It was also the last Byzantine bastion to be conquered by the Ottomans. You can also visit the Palace of Despots, located at the summit of the hill.
Greek mythology describes Delos as the island where the god Apollo was born. For this reason, the entire island was devoted to Apollo, and pilgrims would travel from all across the Mediterranean to venerate him. In the fifth century BC, Delos became more than just a centre of religion. The island is a public archaeological site with numerous intriguing monuments and a small museum. However, it is not currently inhabited.
Although these monasteries are far apart from one another, they were built in the same architectural style and share similar aesthetic qualities. The churches were constructed with a huge dome and a cross-in-square layout. They were embellished with marble artwork and mosaics on a gold background throughout the 11th and 12th centuries, which is considered the second golden age of Byzantine art.
The ruins of the old city and the Eupalinus aqueduct provide evidence of Pythagorion's importance during the Classical and Roman periods. Originally built in the eighth century, Heraion was partially destroyed in the sixth century BC. It underwent numerous reforms in the next years, particularly under the influence of the Romans.
The original capital of the Macedonian kingdom was the ancient city of Aigai. When the tomb of Phillip II, father of Alexander the Great, and other Macedonian rulers was found in 1977, the site rose to fame on a global scale. You can witness the famed golden crown of Phillip as well as other amazing artefacts in the excellent Vegina museum.
The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, the Cave of Apocalypse, and the charming village of Chora in Patmos are all on the UNESCO list. The Monastery of Saint John was founded in the final decades of the tenth century, and it is still a famous religious destination today.
On the eastern side of the Peloponnese, Mycenae and Tiryns are situated close to one another. In this regard, the Trojan War and the town of Mycenae have a close relationship. It inspired numerous other Greek towns to be built in the same manner and gave its name to an entire culture, the Mycenaean civilisation.
The most recent Greek monument to be added to the UNESCO List is the Old Town of Corfu. The Old Town of Corfu, which had two strongholds and a strong Venetian impact on its architecture, served as the island's defence against pirates and invasions during the Middle Ages. The most recognisable part of the town is Liston Avenue, and Spianada Square is the second-largest square in all of Europe after Saint Marc Square in Venice.
Philip II of Macedon founded this place in 356 BCE, and it is the latest inclusion in the Greece UNESCO sites. Also, in 42 BCE, this city was a part of the Battle of Philippi. The Romans reconstructed this place as a "small Rome" by introducing public constructions. In 49–50 CE, after the visit of the Apostle Paul, this city also became a hub of Christianity.
In the list of tentative natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Greece, the Gorge of Samaria National Park. This site also has a great connection with the history of Crete. So, tourists can explore both natural bliss and historical elements here. The place is a well-reserved hilly national park, so you will have a lot to explore here.
Ancient Towers of the Aegean Sea refer to a number of ancient towers situated in different corners of Aegean Island. Each tower has some distinct historical connection and they are situated amidst a beautiful landscape. So, altogether it will be a very engaging tour to explore the Ancient Towers of the Aegean Sea. Some of the famous towers in this list are Cheimarros Tower, Drakanou Tower, White Tower, Siphnos, Tower of Agios Petros, etc.
The National Park of Dadia is also a famous tourist spot in Greece. This national park is situated amidst a mountain region so, tourists can spend adventurous vacation days here. Besides, the thick surrounding forest of deciduous trees has made the location home to different animals and birds. Nature and wildlife lovers can explore almost 400 species of plants, more than 60 animal species, 29 reptile species and many more.
The fortress of Spinalonga is an ancient site in Crete and it is a perfect place for history lovers. The island and fortress have a close connection with the Cretan War. Besides, the seascape and the environment of this island are very attractive here so tourists can have many things to enjoy.
Zagorochoria is a land of historical and cultural heritage. Tourists can come here to explore beautiful architectural excellence and also the natural beauty of the surrounding areas. Besides, the natural formations like the limestone formations, ravines and rock faces will mesmerise you. People can also spot rare animals like Otter, Roe Deer, Pindos Lizards etc here.
To be granted UNESCO World Heritage status, a site must possess outstanding universal value and meet at least one of the following criteria:
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