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January 2021 Travel News


INTEGRAL PART OF GREECE’S CULTURE AND TRADITION


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HE islands of the Greek archipelago are the main characteristic of Greece’s morphology and an integral part of the country’s culture and tradition. Greek sovereign land includes 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, of which only 227 islands are inhabited. This is a truly unique phenomenon for the European continent. The Greek Archipelago takes up 7,500 km of the country’s


total 16,000 km coastline, offering a highly diversified landscape: beaches stretching over many kilometers, sheltered bays and coves, sandy beaches with sand-dunes, pebble beaches, coastal caves with steep rocks and dark colored sand typical of volcanic soil and coastal wetlands. Many of these Greek beaches have been awarded the blue


flag under the Blue Flags of Europe Program, providing not only swimming, but also scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing, sailing and windsurfing. Some of the oldest European civilizations developed on the Greek islands (Cycladic, Minoan civilizations, etc.), so therefore the islands have unique archeological sites,


a distinctive architectural heritage and the


fascinating local traditions of a centuries-old and multifaceted civilization.


The ideal climate, safe waters and small distances between


ports and coasts, have made the Greek islands extremely popular among Greek and foreign visitors.


World Heritage Sites Because of its geographical position, Greece was


a crossroad of civilisations that had left their traces everywhere: the architecture of themuseumsand settlements, miniature art, daily life, nutritional customs and in all forms of popular art in the various regions of the country. The visitor can come into contact with this multihued and impressive mosaic through trips into historical, cultural, artistic and folkloric traditions. According the UNESCO’s official website: “The monuments included on the World Heritage List are selected and approved on the basis of their value as the best examples of human creative genius. They exhibit an important interchange of human values and bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or has disappeared.


They are directly linked to important stages in human history and for this reason they have outstanding universal significance and are a part of mankind’s common heritage”. Greece is preferentially included on the list of World Heritage Monuments, satisfying all the institution’s significant and strict criteria.


Eighteen ‘precious stones’


The first monument in Greece to be included on UNESCO’s list was the Temple of Apollo Epicurius in 1986. Since then number of entries on the list has dramatically increased. Today


it includes eighteen monuments


throughout the country. More specifically the monuments are as follows: • Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae (1986) • Acropolis archaeological site, Athens (1987) • Archaeological site of Delphi (1987) • Sanctuary of Asklepios, Epidaurus (1988) • Mount Athos (1988) • Medieval city of Rhodes (1988) • Meteora (1988) • Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki (1988) • Archaeological site of Mystras (1989) • Archaeological site of Olympia (1989) • Archaeological site of Delos (1990) • Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios (1990) • Archaeological site of Heraion of Samos (1992) • Archaeological site of Aigai (Vergina) (1996) • Archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns (1999) • Historic centre (Chora), Monastery of Saint John Theologos and the cave of the Apocalypse in Patmos (1999) • Old Town of Corfu (2007) • Archaeological Site of Philippi (2016) The inclusion of a monument on the list of World Heritage Monuments implies that the international community constantly takes care of their maintenance and promotion. Greece, a country that is a cradle of culture, makes sure of promoting this great wealth.


Travellers can enjoy these splendid monuments and


reflect on the unique human genius that was able to make such measures of progress.


The Acropolis archaeological site in Athens was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1987 Strolling Through History - Discover Greece’s Major Archaeologial Sites


GREECE is literally a vast archaeological site. As the country was already inhabited from prehistoric times, traces of human civilisation can be found everywhere, in all corners of the land. It is worthy of note that in Kavala for example, many apartment blocks on the seafront have ancient walls incorporated into their construction. The major archaeological sites in Greece every year attract hundreds of thousands of visitors. People from all over the world come to see at close hand the origins of western civilisation and to feel the power and vitality exuded by these sites. Constant care is taken by archaeological services and support services, so that one has access to the whole range of information and can pleasantly enjoy the tour.


Places beyond time


The major archaeological sites in Greece seem to stand outside and beyond the reaches of time. They have been recognised as cradles of humanity and the excitement one feels when strolling along their ancient pathways is indescribable. Greece offers the world over 100 outstanding archaeological sites. Theatres, public assembly buildings, great temples, public markets, portray a history exceeding 5000 years.


One of the most emblematic archaeological sites is that in Athens. The Acropolis, standing loftily on the rock of the same name, is a monument from the most illuminated period known in human history, the golden age of Athens. The unified


archaeological sites around the Acropolis, the Agora and the Areopagus, the Hills and Municipalities of ancient Athens, Kerameikos, Hadrian’s Library, the Roman agora, the Olympieion, Hadrian’s Gate, the Kallimarmaro stadium, are filled with the echoes of great philosophers, orators, artists and scientists. Ancient Athens towers agelessly and sublimely over the heart of the modern city. The city of ancient Philippoi in Macedonia was a great cultural centre. Archaeological excavations have brought significant monuments to light. The Acropolis of Philippoi, the theatre, the agora,


along with fine early-Byzantine churches, the Octagon, the palaestra, are spread over a huge area in the shadow of Mount Pangaion. A short distance away stands the famous Orthopetra (Upright Stone) towering enigmatically over the Krinides plain. It is thought to be a prehistoric construction, later engraved with Latin characters by the official Vibius Quartus. Near Orthopetra lies the prehistoric settlement of Dikili Tash, one of the most important in the Balkans. Delphi, in the heart of Mount Parnassus in


Central Greece, was believed by ancient people to be the omphalos (navel) of the earth, the centre of the universe. At the point where the oracle of Delphi, the most important in antiquity, lies, there used to be a prehistoric shrine dedicated to the great earth-mother ‘Gaia’. The place exudes power and mysticism. Nature, with the rustling of the age-old trees, the commanding view and the mythical significance of the oracle give


visitors the impression that they have lifted the veils of time and are standing at the beginning of the world. Epidaurus, with the magnificent theatre and the significant temple of Asclepius, famous Mycenae and Tiryns, as well as the archaeological sites of Ancient Messini and Mystras are some of the most brightly shining archaeological treasures of Peloponnese. In Olympia in the Peloponnese beats the heart


of the Olympic Games. Every four years, just as in antiquity, disputes among men give way to noble rivalry. The great shrine of Olympia was once home to


the chryselephantine statue of Zeus, named as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.


The area was inhabited from at least the 3rd millennium BC. The city was a major spiritual, medical and religious centre; since 900 BC thousands of visitors have flocked here. The complex of buildings brought to light by excavations is stunning: the Doric temple of Zeus, the Philippieion, the stadium and the gymnasium present a picture of classical Greece. Crete has many archaeological sites. The Minoan civilisation was one of the most significant in the ancient world.


The key feature of this civilisation was the joy of life and the lack of a warlike disposition. Excavations in Phaistos, Knossos, Palaikastro in Siteia and elsewhere, brought to light great monuments, but mainly presented a civilisation so radiant and dedicated to simple, everyday joys, that it seemed invincible.


Wandering Through Human Conquests at Greece’s Treasured Museums...


GREEK culture is one of the most emblematic in the world. The habitation of Greece from deep prehistory, the miracle of classical Greek culture, the glory of Byzantium, and the country’s modern history excite the imagination.


Greece is truly a vast exhibition area in which centuries, influences and everyday life are intermingled. Whoever has the chance to visit a small Greek island will surely observe the continuation of culture as even daily utensils are identical to those found in museum show-cases. Archaeological research and collective practice never cease in Greece. Treasures from another era are continually coming to light and we gain a wider understanding of the historical evolvement of the Greek world with every new discovery. The wealth, depth and significance of this lasting Greek culture are on display in countless museums scattered across the country. Museums are arks of memory and memory in Greece reaches far back in time.


Archaeological museums: admiring human origins Greece has more than 100 archaeological museums.


This number is an indication of the country’s


archaeological wealth. Apart from the large national museums, such as the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum in Athens and the Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum, the visitor has the opportunity to enjoy ancient Greek treasures


in almost every corner of the country. Archaeological museums are located very near excavation sites and they keep the relationship of locality between the findings and the archaeological sites. Wandering through Palaiopolis in Samothraki one can feel the power of the place and learn about the magnificent civilization of the Kabeiroi, marvelling at the show-cases in the archaeological museum where unique treasures are housed. Correspondingly in Santorini, the Archaeological and the Prehistoric Museums complete the experience of exploring the Theran civilization that seems to be frozen in time. In Delos, Delphi, Elefsis, Olympia, as well as in the island of Aigina, the Cyclades, Crete, everywhere in Greece, these treasures from ancient Greek culture actively bear witness to a past that graced humanity.


Byzantine Museums: purple and silk


The Byzantine Empire was one of the greatest states in the world. Its extent both in place and in time is impressive. It linked continents, cultures, societies and people, it knew periods of ineffable glory and bestowed on the world great cultural achievements. The 25 Byzantine and post-Byzantine museums and collections in Greece allow the visitor to get to know one of the most mystical civilizations. The relationship between Byzantium and eastern Orthodox Christian tradition goes so deep that religion cannot be


imagined without Byzantium or Byzantium without religion. This bond created greatly spiritual works of art steeped in the godliness of the faith and the glory of the mighty empire. Byzantine churches and monuments can be more easily understood when one sees the wealth of the museums. Mobile icons in the timeless transcendental Orthodox style, liturgical vessels centuries old, mosaics of unequalled skill, coins and ceramic elements; all the exhibits in Byzantine museums captivate the mind of the visitor. An entire era is vividly displayed as one enters the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens, the Crypt of Agios Dimitrios in Thessaloniki, the Byzantine and Post- Byzantine Collection in Chania, Crete.


Historical and folk art museums: endless culture Greece has over 50 historical and folk art museums


which preserve the memory and values of Modern Greek culture. Apart from these large exhibitions, many villages and towns are home to small collections, created by the inhabitants’ love for their homeland. The Folklife and Ethnological Museum of Macedonia- Thrace, the Museum of Greek Folk Art in Athens, the ‘Kostas Frontzos’ Folk Art Museum of Epirus, the Historical Museum of Crete and all the other large and small museums and collections keep alive the memories of heroic national struggles and portray the daily life of an era gone by but not forgotten.


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