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Greece Highlights 153 images Created 29 Jan 2022

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  • Santorini. Cyclades. Greece. View of the picture postcard village of Oia which is a romantic mix of blue domed churches and whitewashed and pastel colour dwellings clinging to the northern end of the caldera rim. Located at the southern limits of the Cyclades, Santorini is the Mediterranean’s and one of world’s most spectacular islands.
    Greece_Santorini_Oia_001.tif
  • Santorini. Cyclades. Greece. View of the famous golden orange glow of the romantic Santorini sunset Located at the southern limits of the Cyclades, Santorini is the Mediterranean’s and one of world’s most spectacular and uniquely beautiful islands.
    Greece_Santorini_Imerovigli_005.tif
  • Mykonos. Greece. View of a sleeping brown and black dog sitting in front of the green doors and entrance to a hotel in the capital of Chora.
    Greece_Mykonos_005.jpg
  • Methoni. Peloponnese. Greece. View of the fairly-tale like octagonal Venetian Bourtzi tower situated on a little islet and joined by a causeway to the 13th century Venetian fortress.
    Greece_Methoni_001.tif
  • Red hibiscus flower with a backdrop of a blue door and whitewashed buildings. Megalochori, Santorini, Greece.
    Greece-Santorini-Megalochori_001.jpg
  • Santorini. Cyclades. Greece. View of the famous golden orange romantic Santorini sunset over the Santorini island of Therasia. Located at the southern limits of the Cyclades, Santorini is the Mediterranean’s and one of world’s most spectacular and uniquely beautiful islands
    Greece_Santorini_Fira_006.tif
  • Moni Arkadiou. Crete. Greece. View of colourful pot plants lined up against a rustic stone wall inside the beautiful and impressive Monastery of Arkadiou. The Orthodox Monastery of Arkadiou was originally founded in the 11 century and is set on a plateau in the Ida Mountains 23 kilometres southeast of Rethymno. It was the scene of glorious tragic incident event in 1866 during the Cretan resistance against Turkish forces in which a large number of refugees as well as Cretan freedom fighters sacrificed their lives by deciding to blow-up themselves with the powder magazine stores here rather than suffer death at the hands of the Turks. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Moni_Arkadiou_057.tif
  • Delphi. Greece. View from above the theatre of the sanctuary ruins towards the stunning landscape of the Pleistos valley with its sea of olive trees. The theatre was originally built in the 4th century BC and is one of the better preserved from the ancient world. It was remodelled in the 2nd century BC and its 35 tiers of stone seats could accommodate 5000 spectators. Just below the theatre are the ruins of the 4th century Temple of Apollo.
    Greece_Delphi_002.tif
  • Naxos. Cyclades. Greece. View at sunset of the towering marble Gateway of the unfinished 6th BC Temple of Apollo. The gateway’s roots, like those of Naxos lay deep in mythology; Locals believe it to be portal of the palace of Ariadne, the lover of legendary hero Thesues who abandoned her here after she helped him escape the Minotaur of Crete. Legend has it that she then took solace in the arms of Dionysus, Greek god of the vine and protector of Naxos.
    Greece_Naxos_Apollo_Temple_001.tif
  • Naxos. Cyclades. Greece. Cycladic Aegean architecture, with the stunning backdrop of the blue sky and waters of the Mediterranean sea. This was taken near the pretty northern coastal village of Apollonas.
    Greece_Naxos_Island_001.tif
  • Whitewashed houses with blue and cream doors in the village of Megalochori, Santorini, Greece.
    Greece-Santorini-Megalochori_002.jpg
  • Acropolis. Athens. Greece. View of the famous Caryatid porch on the south side of the Erechtheion on the Acropolis summit. The porch or balcony has six sculptured graceful figures of maidens supporting the entablature. These figures are copies, five of the original six maidens are displayed in the new Acropolis museum and the sixth looted by Lord Elgin is on display in the British Museum. Built between 420 and 406 BC, the elegant and unusually shaped Erechtheion Temple was designed to incorporate a number of ancient sanctuaries and cults including that of Athena and her olive tree and Poseidon-Erechtheus. The Erechtheion was part of the monumental rebuilding and transformation of the Acropolis buildings during the time of Perikles. The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    Greece_Athens_1003.tif
  • Colourful fishing boats in the harbour with the elegant 19th century Neo Classical Vogiatsis Mansion in the background. Aegina, Greece.  Aegina town is the capital of the green and historic Island of Aegina which is 35 minutes from the port of Piraeus and part of the popular archipelago known as the Saronic Gulf Islands.
    Greece-Aegina_001.jpg
  • 6th century BC marble statue of a naked athletic youth (Kouros) at the Kerameikos museum. Athens. Greece. Found buried near the Sacred gate in 2002, the archaic era statue would have served as a votive offering or funerary sculpture and is largely intact. In complete form it would have stood 2.10 metres or six feet, six inches tall. Serving as a burial ground as long ago as the 12th century BC, Kerameikos located in the ancient neighbourhood of potters contains part of the ancient city walls and the Dipylon, the main gate of Ancient Athens at a junction of the Sacred Way and Panathenaic Way. It served as a burial ground for the richest and most distinguished citizens of the city.
    Greece_Athens_Kerameikos_001.tif
  • Athens. Greece. View at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens of the magnificent bronze statue of a horse and young jockey. Dating from about 140 BC, the sculpture is an exceptional example of the realism features of Hellenistic sculpture.  It was found from a ship wreck off Cape Artemision in Euboea. The museum’s collections of ancient artefacts are unrivalled and ranks among the very best archaeological museums in the world.
    Greece_Athens_General_Sights_027.tif
  • View of the East and North sides of the Temple of Aphaia or Afea, Aegina Greece. Dating from 490 BC, the Temple is set atop a pine crested hill on the eastern side of Aegina Island and is dedicated to Aphaia, a local goddess. The perfectly proportioned Doric Temple has twenty-five of the original 32 monolithic  limestone columns still standing , and is considered one of the best-preserved ancient temples in the whole of the ancient Greek world.
    Greece-Aegina_012.jpg
  • Narrow lane with vaulted arched passageway in the medieval town of Olympi. Chios. Greece. Olympi was laid out in its present form by the Genoese in the 14th century and is one of the Mastic villages known as the Mastichochoria which have dominated the cultivation of Mastic gum for hundreds of years. Chios Island is the 5th largest island of Greece and belongs to the North Aegean region island group.
    Greece_Chios_Olympi_001.jpg
  • View of the blue waters of the Aegean, from the rear (west) of the Temple of Aphaia, Aegina Greece. Dating from 490 BC, the Temple is set atop a pine crested hill on the eastern side of Aegina Island and is dedicated to Aphaia, a local goddess. The perfectly proportioned Doric Temple has twenty-five of the original 32 monolithic  limestone columns still standing , and is considered one of the best-preserved ancient temples in the whole of the ancient Greek world. The green and historic Island of Aegina is just 35 minutes from the port of Piraeus and part of the popular archipelago known as the Saronic Gulf Islands.
    Greece-Aegina_017.jpg
  • The Doric Temple of Apollo, which dates from 540 BC, Ancient Corinth. Peloponnese. Greece. Built on the highest point of the ancient site, the temple originally had a peristyle of 38 Doric fluted columns (6 by 15) made of limestone.  In the background is the limestone mountain of Acrocorinth, which was first the Greek acropolis and then a fortress for the Romans and Byzantines.
    Greece_Ancient_Corinth_001.tif
  • Ancient Corinth. Peloponnese. Greece.  View of the seven upright majestic columns of the Doric Temple of Apollo, which dates from 540 BC.  Built on the highest point of the ancient site, the temple originally had a peristyle of 38 Doric fluted columns (6 by 15) made of limestone.
    Greece_Ancient_Corinth_002.tif
  • Ruins of the Asklepion, a sanctuary of the Greek God of healing Asclepius at Ancient Gortys, Arcadia, Peloponnese, Greece. The archaeological site of Ancient Gortys is sited beside the River Lousios, at an altitude of 350 metres, near the village of Atsilochos, in mountainous Arcadia.
    Greece_Ancient_Gortys_001.jpg
  • Stone bases of the Zanes leading to the Olympic stadium entrance. Ancient Olympia, Peloponnese. Greece. The Zanes were bronze statues of Zeus erected and financed by the proceeds of the fines levied on athletes who broke the code of the ancient Olympic Games. The name of the offending athlete was inscribed on the base. The Zanes were placed in a visible place at the entrance to the stadium as an example to those competing in the Games. Olympia was the site of the ancient Olympic Games and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    Greece_Ancient_Olympia_001.tif
  • West side view (rear) of the lone standing column of the 5th century BC Temple of Zeus. Ancient Olympia, Peloponnese. Greece. The Temple’s massive Doric columns lay toppled in the ground, unmoved since being destroyed by massive earthquake in the 6th century AD. The Temple of Zeus once housed the 12 metre high golden statue of Zeus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Olympia was the site of the ancient Olympic Games and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    Greece_Ancient_Olympia_002.tif
  • View of the vaulted entrance to the stadium. Ancient Olympia, Peloponnese. Greece. The entrance was built during the 3rd century BC and built beneath the terraces to link the sanctuary to the stadium. Athletes, judges, official and priests entered the Stadium through this passageway, whereas the spectators entered from the embankments. Olympia was the site of the ancient Olympic Games and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    Greece_Ancient_Olympia_004.tif
  • The 4th century BC circular Philippeion, a votive monument dedicated to Zeus. Ancient Olympia, Peloponnese. Greece. The building was named and begun by King Philip of Macedon after his victory at Chaironeia in 338 BC and completed by his son Alexander the Great. Part of the stylobate and three columns of the structure have been restored, originally it had 18 Ionic exterior columns and 9 engaged columns with Corinthian capitals in the cella. Olympia was the site of the ancient Olympic Games and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    Greece_Ancient_Olympia_006.tif
  • View across the sanctuary of Zeus to the Temple of Hera. Ancient Olympia, Peloponnese. Greece. It is dedicated to the Greek goddess Hera a wife of Zeus and dates from around 600 BC. One of the earliest examples of monumental temple constructions in Greece, the structure was built in Doric order, with six columns at each end and 16 along the sides. The columns were originally made of wood and gradually were replaced by stone versions.  The famous 330 BC statue of Hermes by the Greek master sculptor Praxiteles was found in 1877 in the cella of the temple. Olympia was the site of the ancient Olympic Games and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    Greece_Ancient_Olympia_008.tif
  • The Hellenistic ancient Theatre at the ancient city of Sikyon. Peloponnese. Greece. The theatre was built between 303 and 251 BC a with modifications made during the Roman period. The theatre was one of the largest found in the Peloponnese and has picturesque view of the Corinthian Gulf some 2 kilometres in the distance.
    Greece_Ancient_Sicyon_001.tif
  • The citadel of Larissa crowns a hill to the west of Argos. Peloponnese. Greece. The medieval kastro was built by the Byzantines and Franks and enlarged by the Venetians and Turks and incorporates fragments from a Temple of Zeus Larisaos and a Temple of Athena. It was built by the Byzantines and Franks and enlarged by the Venetians and Turks.
    Greece_Argos_Larissa_Castle_006.tif
  • The Hellenistic theatre, cut into the side of the hill, dates from around 320 BC and was remodelled twice during the Roman period. Argos. Peloponnese. Greece. Nestling in the south-eastern side of the Larisa slopes, it is among the largest of ancient theatres constructed in Greece and was able to accommodate 20,000 spectators.
    Greece_Argos_Theatre_001.tif
  • Athens. Greece. View of the sacred rock of Athens, the Acropolis which rises 100 metres above the city as the undisputed symbol of the emergence of western civilization.  Crowning its summit is the magnificent Parthenon Temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena.  The Parthenon, the Propylaia – the monumental entrance to the Acropolis, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion were all erected between 447 and 406 BC and remain to the present day witness to the Greek classical civilisation. In the foreground is the monumental façade Odeion of Herodes Atticus situated on the south west slope of the Acropolis. The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    Greece_Athens_1000.tif
  • Athens. Greece.  View of the Theatre of Dionysos on the southern slope of the Acropolis in Athens. The Theatre was originally established in the 6th century BC and enlarged and improved over the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods and was the first theatre built of stone. The famous tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides and the comedies of Aristophanes were first performed here in the 5th century BC. What is seen today is largely from the 4th century BC during the time of Lycurgus, who controlled public investment in Athens from 338 to 324 BC. The structure has 25 surviving tiers of seats from the original 65 and had a capacity to seat 17,000 spectators. The Stage front is Roman and is represented by the Bema of Phaedrus, which has 2nd century AD decorative reliefs showing scenes in the life of Dionysus, god of wine and patron god of the Greek stage.
    Greece_Athens_1066.tif
  • Ancient Agora. Athens. Greece.  Panoramic view of the Agora with the Temple of Hephaestus prominent. The Agora from 600 BC onwards was the commercial and social centre of Ancient Athens. It was here that laws were written and displayed, commercial goods bought and sold, intellectual discussions were had, and the democratic spirited was born and nurtured.
    Greece_Athens_Agora_001.tif
  • Ancient Agora. Athens. Greece. View of the Hephaisteion, the Temple dedicated to Hephaestus and Athena, divinities of metalworkers and artisans. The Temple which crowns the Agoraios Kolonos hill overlooking the Agora was built between 450-415 BC; the build time was protracted as it was competing for workers due to the great period of rebuilding after the Persians wars. The temple, which is the best preserved of antiquity, has a marble Doric peristyle of 36 columns (6 by 13 columns) and is smaller than the majestic Parthenon although it shares the masterful optical refinements of the famous landmark.
    Greece_Athens_Agora_003.tif
  • Syntagma square. Athens. Greece. View of Greek Evzones departing after performing the very slow and highly stylized ceremonial changing of the guard at the monument to the Unknown Soldier in Athens. The monument to the Unknown Soldier, erected in 1929-1932, depicts a relief of a dying Greek solider and is watched around the clock by pairs of Evzones, elite members of the Presidential ceremonial guard unit, standing motionless outside their sentry boxes wearing traditional dress. These guards are wearing the full dress uniform consisting of a white, bell-sleeved shirt and a white foustanella with 400 pleats (Symbolising the 400 years of Ottoman occupation). It is only worn on Sundays or important national holidays.
    Greece_Athens_Evzones_Guards_006.tif
  • Syntagma square. Athens. Greece. Night view of the lit up neoclassical façade of the Greek Parliament building opposite Syntagma Square in Athens. The building also known as Vouli was erected in 1836-42 and was originally the Royal Palace. Below the building is the monument to the Unknown Soldier, erected in 1929-1932, it depicts a relief of a dying Greek solider modelled on a figure from the pediment of the Temple of Aphaia at Aegina.  The monument is guarded around the clock by two elite members of the Presidential ceremonial guard unit known as Evzones.
    Greece_Athens_Evzones_Guards_007.tif
  • Athens. Greece. Panoramic view at night of the most historical and oldest city of Europe, Athens. In the centre is the flood lit world famous landmark, the Acropolis, with the marble Parthenon crowning the scared rock as it has been since the year 432 BC. To the to rear of the photo is Piraeus which is has been the harbour of Athens since antiquity and further on are glimpses of the Islands of the Saronic Gulf, which are ideal for day trip from Athens.
    Greece_Athens_General_Sights_001.tif
  • Athens. Greece. View of the partly restored Propylon or monumental entrance of Roman Emperor Hadrian’s lavish Library built in 131 AD in Athens. The Propylon consisted of four Corinthian columns and flanking it was an imposing Pentelic marble façade adorned on each wing by seven unfluted Corinthian columns. The library complex consisted of a vast library, a large courtyard with a garden and central pool, mosaics floors, numerous rooms and a facade adorned with Corinthian columns.
    Greece_Athens_Hadrians_Library_001.tif
  • Athens. Greece. View of the attractive neoclassical façade of the Zappeion located at the southern end of the National Gardens in Athens. Designed by Theophil Hansen and constructed from 1874-1888, the building was the first building specially built for the 1896 Olympic Games, in which it was used for the fencing competition. It was also used during the 2004 Olympics as a press and events centre.
    Greece_Athens_National_Gardens_008.tif
  • Athens. Greece. View of shady path lined by sub-tropical plants including Palm trees at the National Gardens, a vast green refuge and oasis in the centre of Athens.
    Greece_Athens_National_Gardens_009.tif
  • Athens. Greece. View of the massive remains Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympieion), the largest temple in Greece which took nearly 700 years to complete.
    Greece_Athens_Olympian_Zeus_Temple_0...tif
  • Athens. Greece. View of the Panathenaic (Kallimarmaro) stadium was used for the first international Olympic games of the modern era in 1896.  The completely marble stadium occupies the exact site of the original, built in 330BC which was used for the Panathenaic games. The current stadium was reconstructed from the remains of the original and used for the 1896 Olympic Games in Athens. In 1896 it had the capacity to seat 80,000 spectators, which has been reduced to 45,000 now. The Stadium hosted the archery competition and the finish of the Marathon in in the 2004 Olympic Games.
    Greece_Athens_Panathenaic_Stadium_00...tif
  • Athens. Greece. View of the Gate of Athena Archegetis, the monumental formal entrance to the ancient Roman Agora or Forum. Built in 11 BC, it consists of a Doric portico with four prostyles columns supporting a pediment of Pentelic marble. Dating from the 1st century BC, the Roman Agora is about 100 metres to the east of the Ancient Agora and is complex consisting of a large rectangular open courtyard surrounded by stoas, shops and storerooms.
    Greece_Athens_Roman_Agora_001.tif
  • Athens. Greece. View of the south and southeast sides of the Tower of the Winds, showing the semicircular reservoir for the water which ran the clocks works.  Also in view is the three arched public building dedicated to Athena Archegetis and the divi Augusti (Defied Roman Emperors) dating from the middle of the 1st century BC.  The octagonal hydraulic clock tower of Pentelic marble built by the astronomer Andronikos Kyrristes in the 1st century BC. Personifications of the eight winds are carved in relief at the top of each of the sides. The tower is on the eastern side of the ancient Roman Agora in Athens.
    Greece_Athens_Roman_Agora_002.tif
  • Vravrona. Greece. View of the 5th century BCE Doric Stoa colonnade at the Sanctuary of Artemis Brauron in the Attic hills.
    Greece_Attica_Vrarona_001.tif
  • View of the wide waterfront of Chios Town, the largest city on the Greek Island of Chios.  Chios Island is the 5th largest island of Greece and belongs to the North Aegean region island group.
    Greece_Chios_Chios_Town_001.jpg
  • Black cat is surrounded by colourful plants and flowers. Medieval town of Mesta. Chios. Greece. The pentagon shape and fortifications of the town has its roots back to the 14th century when the city was ruled by the Genoese. Located on the southern side of the Greek island of Chios, Mesta is one of the Mastic villages known as the Mastichochoria which have dominated the cultivation of Mastic gum for hundreds of years. Chios Island is the 5th largest island of Greece and belongs to the North Aegean region island group.
    Greece_Chios_Mesta_001.jpg
  • Vaulted arched narrow cobblestone lane lined with stone houses. Medieval town of Mesta. Chios. Greece. The pentagon shape and fortifications of the town has its roots back to the 14th century when the city was ruled by the Genoese. Located on the southern side of the Greek island of Chios, Mesta is one of the Mastic villages known as the Mastichochoria which have dominated the cultivation of Mastic gum for hundreds of years. Chios Island is the 5th largest island of Greece and belongs to the North Aegean region island group.
    Greece_Chios_Mesta_003.jpg
  • Aptera. Crete. Greece. Panoramic view of the White Mountains (lefka Ori) that dominates Western Crete. The limestone mountain range highest summit peak is Pachnes at 2453 meters (8,048 feet). The ancient city of Aptera is situated in a commanding position high above Souda Bay in the region of Chania, North Western Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Aptera_001.jpg
  • Aptera. Crete. Greece. View of the inside of the triple vaulted water Roman cistern constructed in the Roman period 1st century BC- 4th century AD.  The cistern supplied water to the city’s two large Roman baths. Water was collected through rain water via openings in the roof and by numerous wells via a network of ducts. The ancient city of Aptera is situated in a commanding position high above Souda Bay in the region of Chania, North Western Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Aptera_007.jpg
  • Venetian harbour ringed by pastel coloured old buildings and elegant neo classical town houses. Chania Town. Crete. Greece. Situated on the north western part of Crete, Chania or Hania is a wonderful mix of east and west and has wonderful architectural legacies of firstly the Venetians who arrived around 1300 and stayed for 400 years and then the Turks who ruled the city for 250 years after that. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Chania_002.jpg
  • Chania. Crete. Greece. View of the beautiful Venetian harbour of the town of Chania with the Ottoman Mosque of the Janissaries prominent on the waterfront.
    Greece_Crete_Chania_003.jpg
  • Chania province. Crete. Greece. View from the north towards the majestic White Mountains or Lefka Ori in the province of Chania. Crete is the home to the Europe’s first civilization and its land has an alluring combination of searing mountains, deep gorges and ravines, endless number of sandy beaches, charming villages and former Venetian towns and hospitable and spirited people.
    Greece_Crete_Chania_Prefecture_001.tif
  • Crete. Greece. Dramatic and panoramic view of the stunning north western coast of Crete with the towering Gramvousa Mountains providing a majestic backdrop in the region of Hania. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Chania_Prefecture_002.tif
  • Elafonisi. Crete. Greece. View of the shallow vivid turquoise waters of the remote semi tropical beach of Elafonisi  which is located in the south west of the island in the Chania prefecture. Crete is the home to the Europe’s first civilization and its land has an alluring combination of searing mountains, deep gorges and ravines, endless number of sandy beaches, charming villages and former Venetian towns and hospitable and spirited people.
    Greece_Crete_Chania_Prefecture_012.tif
  • Panoramic of the eastern valley and slope of the Acropolis ridge. Top left is the Acropolis tower. Ancient Eleutherna. Crete. Greece. Eleutherna was one of the most important Dorian city states in Crete with continuous occupation from the 9th century BC to the Byzantine Period. Eleutherna is located 30 kilometres south east of the town of Rethymnon in the province of Rethymnon.
    Greece_Crete_Eleutherna_001.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. Rear view of the Christian Basilica of Agios Titis at Gortyn. Dating from the 6th century, the Byzantine church it is the best preserved early Christian church in Crete and was the seat of the Archbishops until the Arab invasion. Scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain lays the Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys which is a former ancient capital of Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_001.tif
  • Gortyn. Crete. Greece. Part view of the famous Law Code which is inscribed in the Greek Dorian dialect on huge blocks of stones used to reconstruct the odeion.  Dating from 500BC, they are the first code of law in Europe and they were written in a style known as boustrophedon, that is one line from left to right and the next line from right to left, just as an ox ploughs a field. The Greco-Roman ruins of Gortyn or Gortys, a former ancient capital of Crete, are scattered among fields and olive groves in the middle of the Messara plain. Its archaeological remains date mainly from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
    Greece_Crete_Gortys_016.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of part of the Arthur Evans restored and elevated colonnaded west bastion of the North Entrance of the Palace of Knossos. Adorning its inner wall is a copy of the Charging Bull relief fresco. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_001.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of a copy of the Charging Bull relief fresco which adorns the Arthur Evans restored elevated colonnaded west bastion of the North Entrance of the Palace of Knossos. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_002.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of the Throne Room located on the ground floor of the Palace of Knossos west wing. The room has the throne of Minos made of gypsum standing against the north wall flanked by guardian griffins frescoes and the original benches that seated sixteen noble counsellors. Opposite the throne are a row of wooden columns which provide a barrier to the small lustral basin which is reached by a number of steps and was used for sacred ablutions by the King and court.  The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_003.tif
  • Knossos. Crete. Greece. View of the top level of the cup-bearer fresco copy at the South Propylaeum at the Palace of Knossos. The colourful wall painting which depicts Minoan offerings was part of the enormous Procession frieze which lined the path from the West court to the South Propylaeum. The highly sophisticated Minoans which were Europe’s first great civilization built the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos which is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Knossos_005.tif
  • Moni Arkadiou. Crete. Greece.  View of the façade of striking golden stone Venetian church inside the beautiful and impressive Monastery of Arkadiou. Dating from 1587, the church has a highly decorative façade with a mix of styles including Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic and Neoclassical.  The Orthodox Monastery of Arkadiou was originally founded in the 11 century and is set on a plateau in the ida Mountains 23 kilometres southeast of Rethymno. It was the scene of glorious tragic incident event in 1866 during the Cretan resistance against Turkish forces in which a large number of refugees as well as Cretan freedom fighters sacrificed their lives by deciding to blow-up themselves with the powder magazine stores here rather than suffer death at the hands of the Turks. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Moni_Arkadiou_001.tif
  • Moni Arkadiou. Crete. Greece. View a green plant with pinkish coloured flowers and the back of the beautiful golden stone Venetian church inside the impressive Monastery of Arkadiou. Dating from 1587, the church has a highly decorative façade with a mix of styles including Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic and Neoclassical.  The Orthodox Monastery of Arkadiou was originally founded in the 11 century and is set on a plateau in the ida Mountains 23 kilometres southeast of Rethymno. It was the scene of glorious tragic incident event in 1866 during the Cretan resistance against Turkish forces in which a large number of refugees as well as Cretan freedom fighters sacrificed their lives by deciding to blow-up themselves with the powder magazine stores here rather than suffer death at the hands of the Turks. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Moni_Arkadiou_055.tif
  • Phaistos. Crete. Greece. View of three levels of the palace of Phaistos  which is magnificently sited on a rocky crest overlooking the fertile Messara Plain. In the foreground is the upper level with its Hellenistic ruins: below it is the west court with the theatral area and grand staircase which leads to the vast central court in the distance. The Minoan palatial city of Phaistos or Phaestos was the second most important Minoan palatial city in Crete after Knossos and is situated in central southern Crete in the Iraklio prefecture. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Phaistos_001.tif
  • Fishing boats docked at the picturesque Venetian harbour of Rethymnon, the 3rd largest city of the Greek island of Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_002.tif
  • Fishing boats docked at the picturesque Venetian harbour of Rethymnon, the 3rd largest city of the Greek island of Crete.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymnon_003.tif
  • Agia Galini. Crete. Greece. View of the stunning mountainous landscape near the coastal town of Agia Galini on the south coast of Crete within the province of Rethymno. Crete is Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.
    Greece_Crete_Rethymno_Region_001.tif
  • Delos. Greece. The grand row of five marble lion sculptures crafted and dedicated by the Naxians to the Sanctuary of Apollo in the 7th century BC. Situated on a natural terrace standing guard and overlooking the sacred lake, it is believed that there may have been between nine and nineteen lions.
    Greece_Cyclades_Delos_001.jpg
  • Delos . Greece.  Partial view of the Garchaeological site of Delos from the South East. To the right is the lone Palm tree of the sacred lake where Leto gave birth to Greek God Apollo and his twin sister the Greek Goddess Artemis. In the background are the four re-erected marble columns belonging to the complex of the Foundation of the Poseidoniasts of Berytos (Beirut).
    Greece_Cyclades_Delos_002.jpg
  • Delphi. Greece. View of the circular elegant Tholos with its three restored columns at the Sanctuary of Athena at Delphi. Dating from 390-380 BC, the round temple originally had twenty slim and graceful pentelic marble columns in Doric order on the outside. The dedication and purpose of this exquisite monument are sadly unknown. The site of the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, also known as Marmaria (the marbles) is very ancient, having been occupied during the Neolithic Period and later by the Mycenaeans. It is situated just below the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi.
    Greece_Delphi_009.tif
  • The ancient Greek theatre at the sanctuary of Asklepios (Asclepius). Epidaurus. Peloponnese. Greece. Dating from the 4th century BC, the theatre is perhaps the most outstanding from the ancient world due to its setting and harmonious design. The theatre’s multi-tiered sweep of limestone, seats 14,000 and has near-perfect natural acoustics. The theatre as part of the Sanctuary of Asclepius is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    Greece_Epidaurus_Asklepios_Sanctuary...tif
  • View of the small theatre of Ancient Epidaurus in the town of Palaia Epidaurus. Peloponnese, Greece. Re-discovered in 1970 the theatre dates to the middle of 4th century BC and was dedicated to the Greek God Dionysus. It originally had a to seat 2000 spectators.
    Greece_Epidaurus_Small_Theatre_001.tif
  • View of the facade of the Pyramid of Hellinikon, near the city of Argos, Peloponnese, Greece.  The Pyramid is made of grey limestone blocks and is believed to have been used as either as a memorial, or tomb, or observation tower or perhaps as a garrison. Archaeologists are unsure on its date of construction and various opinions give its construction sometime between 2700 BC to the 400 BC.
    Greece_Hellenikon_Pyramid_001.tif
  • Kastoria. Macedonia. Greece. Panoramic view of Kastoria, a picturesque lake town in mountainous North-western Greece.  Surrounded by impressive high peaks, Kastoria is set idyllically on a hilly wooded peninsula stretching into the Lake Orestiada, with an attractive tree lined waterfront lined with chic cafes. Kastoria is an old historic town with ruins of the city walls of Emperor Justinian built in 535 to keep out invading armies still existing. Its narrow streets have many 17th and 18th century mansions and more than 50 Byzantine and medieval churches, dating from as far back as the 9th century are found throughout the town.
    Greece_Kastoria_001.tif
  • Kastoria. Macedonia. Greece. View of lampposts and the south west side of Kastoria, a picturesque lake town in mountainous North-western Greece.  Surrounded by impressive high peaks, Kastoria is set idyllically on a hilly wooded peninsula stretching into the Lake Orestiada, with an attractive tree lined waterfront lined with chic cafes. Kastoria is an old historic town with ruins of the city walls of Emperor Justinian built in 535 to keep out invading armies still existing. Its narrow streets have many 17th and 18th century mansions and more than 50 Byzantine and medieval churches, dating from as far back as the 9th century are found throughout the town.
    Greece_Kastoria_004.tif
  • First level terrace retaining wall and steps leading to the second level. This image was captured at the Asklepieion, the sanctuary of Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine and healing and son of Apollo. It lays 3.5 kilometers north-west of Kos Town and stands on the slopes of a low hill and enjoys a superb view over the sea and the coast of Asia Minor (Turkey) opposite.
    Greece_Kos_Asklepion_001.jpg
  • Waterfront view and boats docked in the harbour of Kos town, the capital of the Greek island of Kos. Kos is part of the Dodecanese island group and birthplace of the ancient physician and father of medicine, Hippocrates.
    Greece_Kos_Kos_Town_001.jpg
  • Kos Town. View of a section of Palm Tree Avenue. The Avenue was once the castle moat. Kos is part of the Dodecanese island group and birthplace of the ancient physician and father of medicine, Hippocrates.
    Greece_Kos_Kos_Town_002.jpg
  • Kos Town.  View of the restored section of the West Gymnasium built during the Hellenistic period. Kos is part of the Dodecanese island group and birthplace of the ancient physician and father of medicine, Hippocrates.
    Greece_Kos_Kos_Town_003.jpg
  • Road that borders Lake Stymphalia and surrounded by mountainous landscapes, Peloponnese, Greece. Famous in myth as the site where Herakles slew the man-eating Stymphalian Birds, the Stymphalia wetland ecosystem is rich in flora and fauna and hosts over 150 species of birds. The lake is one of the most important wetlands in the Mediterranean and has been included in the European Network of protected areas, NATURA 200.
    Greece_Lake_Stymphalia_002.tif
  • Mountainous landscapes surrounded Lake Stymphalia, which is filled with dense reeds in the summer, Peloponnese, Greece. Famous in myth as the site where Herakles slew the man-eating Stymphalian Birds, the Stymphalia wetland ecosystem is rich in flora and fauna and hosts over 150 species of birds. The lake is one of the most important wetlands in the Mediterranean and has been included in the European Network of protected areas, NATURA 200.
    Greece_Lake_Stymphalia_003.tif
  • View of the church of Agia Fotini, Mantineia, Arcadia, Peloponnese, Greece.  Constructed by architect, painter and hagiographer Kostas Papatheodorou, the church mergers architectural and spiritual elements of different eras, from classical Greece, to Byzantine and modern Greek Orthodox. The complex includes a Jacobs Well and a monument in honour of the local people.
    Greece_Mantineia_Agia_Fotini_007.tif
  • The 4th century BC Ancient Greek theatre located at the Ancient Greek city of Mantineia, Arcadia, Peloponnese, Greece. The theatre had a estimated capacity of 6200 spectators and its construction coincides with the re-foundation of the city soon after 370BC. The mythical founder of the city was Manitineas, the grandson of the ancestor of the Arcadians, Pelasgos.
    Greece_Mantineia_Ancient_001.tif
  • Marathon. Greece. View of the burial mound or tumulus of the 192 Athenian hoplites that died in battle here against the Persians in 490 BC in the famous Battle of Marathon. The massive mound (soros) contains the ashes of the 192 Athenians (they were cremated and buried immediately after the battle) who were part of a small Greek force of around 8,000 free citizen soldiers who won a decisive victory over the 23,000 strong Persian army in 490 BC. Following the victory, Pheidippides, a swift Athenian solider was sent to the Agora in Athens, where after announcing the victory, he collapsed and died from exhaustion. In memory of this event, the modern marathon covers the distance Pheidippides ran.
    Greece_Marathon_001.tif
  • View of the ancient Greek theatre of Megalopolis, Arcadia, central Peloponnese, Greece. The theatre dates to 371 BC and was one of the largest theatres of ancient Greece. It had a seating capacity of 20,000 spectators and was renowned for its acoustics.
    Greece_Megalopolis_Greek_Theatre_001.tif
  • Panoramic view of the archaeological site of ancient Messene. Peloponnese. Greece. Ancient Messene was founded on the foothills of Mount Ithomi in 369 B.C as the ancient capital of liberated Messenia.
    Greece_Messene_Ancient_001.tif
  • View of the ancient theatre which has the cavea is carved into the hillside and dates from around the 3rd century BC. Ancient Messene. Peloponnese. Greece. During the Roman period the theatre was enlarged, and the façade of the scene building had three storeys. In this theatre was held the meeting between King Philipp V Macedon and Aratos the Sikyonian in 214 BC, the day following the revolt of the Messenian people. Ancient Messene was founded on the foothills of Mount Ithomi in 369 B.C as the ancient capital of liberated Messenia.
    Greece_Messene_Ancient_003.tif
  • View of the elegant small theatre or Odeion also known as the ekklesiasterion (Assembly Hall) which is part of the Sanctuary of Asclepius. Ancient Messene. Peloponnese. Greece.  It is believed to have used for political assemblies as well as for theatrical and musical performances in honour of Messene and Asklepius who were worshipped probably side by side in the Asklepieion.  Ancient Messene was founded on the foothills of Mount Ithomi in 369 B.C as the ancient capital of liberated Messenia.
    Greece_Messene_Ancient_005.tif
  • The Gymnasium and Stadium complex at Ancient Messene. Peloponnese. Greece. The horse shoe-shaped end of the Stadium includes 18 tiers of seats with 18 rows of seats divided by stairways. Enclosing the stadium on three sides are Doric stoas belonging to the Gymnasium which has a monumental and elegant Doric Propylon. Ancient Messene was founded on the foothills of Mount Ithomi in 369 B.C as the ancient capital of liberated Messenia.
    Greece_Messene_Ancient_007.tif
  • View of the Doric Heroon or funerary monument mausoleum at the south end of the Stadium.  Ancient Messene. Peloponnese. Greece. The Heroon is a Doric temple with four columns in front, made entirely of local limestone. Dating from the 1st century BC, it is believed the monument was built for the elite Saithidae family who held significant positions such as High Priests and Governors of the Province. Ancient Messene was founded on the foothills of Mount Ithomi in 369 B.C as the ancient capital of liberated Messenia and its archaeological site is one of most impressive and least visited in Greece.
    Greece_Messene_Ancient_011.tif
  • Methoni. Peloponnese. Greece. View of the imposing Seagate on the south side of the 13th century Venetian fortress.
    Greece_Methoni_005.tif
  • Monemvasia. Peloponnese. Greece. View of the charming medieval main plateia, Dzamiou square, which has a 18th century cannon and the 13th century Cathedral of Christ in Chains with its elegant Venetian belfry. Known as the Gibraltar of Greece, Monemvasia is a magical fortified medieval seaport town, encircled by ramparts, crowned by a fortress, with an Upper and delightful Lower town.
    Greece_Monemvasia_001.tif
  • Monemvasia. Peloponnese. Greece. View of a black and white cat sitting on a stone fence of a house with a brown gate and door in medieval narrow alleyway. Known as the Gibraltar of Greece, Monemvasia is a magical fortified medieval seaport town, encircled by ramparts, crowned by a fortress, with an Upper and delightful Lower town.
    Greece_Monemvasia_002.tif
  • Mycenae. Peloponnese. Greece. View of the monumental Lion Gate, the entrance to the citadel of Mycanae. The gate, built in 1250 BC, is named after the two lions carved into the triangular slab of grey limestone above the lintel.
    Greece_Mycenae_001.tif
  • Mycenae. Peloponnese. Greece. View inside the beehive chamber of the tholos tomb known as the Treasury of Atreus, situated outside the citadel walls at Mycenae. Dating from 1350 BC, this tomb is the largest and best preserved of the tholos tombs at Mycenae and in three thousand years it has not settled an inch, so firm are its foundations and fixed its vaulting. The chamber consists of 33 rows of well-fitting stone blocks joined without mortar. Like all other tombs at Mycenae, the tombs had already been plundered before it was excavated.
    Greece_Mycenae_009.tif
  • Mykonos. Cyclades. Grecce.  View of colourful boats in the picturesque and tranquil harbour of Chora, capital of the Greek island of Mykonos.
    Greece_Mykonos_001.jpg
  • Mykonos. Cyclades. Grecce. View of Little Venice, a delightful row of colourful houses with loggias, on the waterfront of Chora, capital of the Greek island of Mykonos.
    Greece_Mykonos_002.jpg
  • Mykonos. Cyclades. Grecce. View of the five traditional windmills, that crown a small hill overlooking the waterfront of Chora, capital of the Greek island of Mykonos. The famous windmills are part of the 16 windmills in total on the island that were built by the Venetian’s in the 16th century.
    Greece_Mykonos_003.jpg
  • Mystras. Peloponnese. Greece. View of the attractive 14th century Monastery of the Perivleptos on the lower town of the deserted Byzantine city of Mystras. Only two buildings remain of the original monastery, which is built under a rock face.
    Greece_Mystras_002.tif
  • Mystras. Peloponnese. Greece. Grape vine provides a cool shady canopy to pathway leading to the nuns’ quarters at the 14th century convent of the Pantanassa.
    Greece_Mystras_020.tif
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