Articles about Greece
Greece touristic attractions
The most visited city of Greece is Athens of course, the capital. With a population of 3.3 million people, Athens is the economic, financial, industrial, political and cultural center of Greece. The city has taken a considerable momentum on its way to becoming the biggest business in the European Union.
Ancient Athens was a powerful city-state and also a center of art, study and philosophy, being the place where Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum were located. Many politicians, philosophers and writers of prominent ancient world were born here. Among them are: Socrates, Sophocles, Pericles. Athens is regarded as the cradle of Western civilization and the place where democracy was born, mainly because of the impact of political and cultural achievements gained in the fifth century and fourth century . Parthenon is regarded as a symbol of ancient Greece and of Athenian democracy, is one of the greatest monuments of the world and together with the Acropolis, it was inserted in the list of protected monuments by UNESCO. The Parthenon replaced an older temple of Athena, the Parthenon or Pre-old Parthenon, which was destroyed during the Persian invasion in 480 BC. Like most Greek temples, the Parthenon was used as cash. In the 6th century, Parthenon became a Christian church dedicated to Virgin Mary. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted into a mosque (early 1460). In 1806 Thomas Bruce, seventh Duke of Elgin, took the sculptures of the Parthenon to England some after an agreement with the Ottomans. They sold the museum the British Museum in 1816. The Greek government continued to fight for return of their owns to the country, but so far without any success. Around the Acropolis and Plaka there are some ruins, some other Greek novels. There are some very interesting museums, including the Benaki Museum and the National museum. From Athens for one day trips to Delphi, Sounion, Meteora, Nafplio and the Argolis. Although there are some pieces of heaven, once isolated from the rest of the world, the monasteries of Meteora attract thousands of visitors today. Other monasteries are open on different days to allow the monks in monasteries to work - so you should find out beforehand what you may visit. If you have a certain monastery on the list it would be good for you to be sure that it is open and available for visits. Some were even converted into museums. You like to climb stairs ? This would be good, because many of the monasteries are accessible only after climbing quite a good part which can only be done on foot. Holy Monastery of St. Stephen is the most accessible and less accessible to the Holy Trinity. Prepare for pain the day after the climbing legs.
Greece is an amazing country, with a lot more interesting touristic spots that are longing for people`s all over the world to visit them. Also, Greece is the main attraction for the sea lovers, because of its almost complete hot season, and the beautiful beaches and resorts.
The Interesting Historical Attractions of Greece
Merely deciding which sights to see in Greece can be a daunting task. For lovers of history and ancient architecture, a vacation to Greece can be a dream come true. There are great deals of places rich in history to visit.
Athens is home to Acropolis, one of the city's main attractions, and is the most famous acropolis not only in Greece, but in the world. A visit to this site is recommended for every Athens itinerary. Part of a protective wall that was constructed during the Bronze Age still stands today at the site. Throughout the centuries, the Acropolis has been subject to looting, vandalism, and other damage, though from 1975 to the present day, efforts have been made to restore and conserve the monument.
As the largest museum in all of Greece, the National Archaeological Museum is a must-see, if only to see its dramatic neo-classical building. With approximately twenty thousand exhibits to see, this visit can take plenty of time well spent. The exhibits are arranged in chronological order, an excellent layout for browsing. This museum was originally a place to keep artifacts from Athens, but over time it expanded, developing into the National Archaeological Museum of Greece.
An important monument to history and culture, the Benaki Museum is the oldest privately-owned collection in Greece. It was dedicated by the Benakis family, a prominent clan who retained their affluence after the Greek War of Independence in 1921. Located in the heart of Athens, the Benaki Museum was established in the year 1929. The opulent neo-classical building houses a collection including Paleolithic and Neolithic relics, as well as a number of other exhibits that are of great importance to the history and culture of Greece.
Kallimarmaron, or the Panathinaiko Stadium, is another impressive landmark within the heart of Athens, Greece. This stadium dates back to ancient times, and was once a venue for the Panathenaic Games. The Panathinaiko Stadium was constructed with wood originally, but was rebuilt in the year 329 B.C. with pentelic marble. Seeing what an impressive monument it is to visitors today gives an idea of what its majesty was like centuries ago. In fact, the Panathinaiko Stadium was recently given a glimpse of its past when it was used as an Olympics stadium in the year 2004.
The best known monastery in Greece, the Church of Metamorphosis is a picturesque structure atop a scenic mountain. It was constructed in the fourteenth century B.C. by Athanasios the Meteorite, a revered figure in Orthodox monasticism. One of the wealthiest and most influential monasteries in its day, the Metamorphosis Greece church has been updated and expanded several times throughout the years. There are six original monasteries, the Church of Metamorphosis included, which still house practicing nuns and monks to this day.
Greece is rich in history and beautiful architecture. As a vacation spot for lovers of such topics, it is unforgettable. Whether the vacationer is interested in museums, priceless artifacts or ancient ruins, Greece can offer a one of a kind experience for the tourist.
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