Greece is a well-known tourist destination and for a very good reason. Its beautiful ancient cultural heritage and wonderfully carved monuments are indeed wondrous sights to behold. The ancient Greek ruins have been a favorite with most people around the world.
Five of the most famous Ancient Greek Ruins:
(1) The Acropolis
It is said to be the most important archaeological site in Greece. In fact, it is one of the most famous ruins in the world. It contains evidence of human inhabitation as far back as the Neolithic era however it is the monuments of the golden age that tourists actually flock to see and the Parthenon that is dedicated to Athena the goddess of wisdom, justice, and war.
(2) Delphi
In ancient times, Delphi was considered to be the place where heaven and earth meet. This is where people went when they very literally wanted to feel closer to god! It was the center of worship for the sun god Apollo.
It is the second most famous archaeological site in Greece after the Acropolis. There are still some who say that visiting Delphi can be a profound spiritual experience if one keeps his mind and ears open and listen to the wind that carries messages from Apollos spirit that is said to still reside there!
(3) Olympia
One of Greece’s most enduring contributions to our global culture has been the Olympic Games. Every two years, alternating in summer and winter, the world gets together to celebrate the ancient ideals of sport and peaceful competition. All year round, you can visit the place where these rituals took shape thousands of years ago, here in Olympia.
The Olympic flame is still lit before every Olympic Games here, where the ruins of the Temple of Hera still stand. Try to get to the site early in the morning, before the crowds, and explore the Temples of Zeus and of Hera, and the remains of the ancient stadium in peace.
(4) Knossos
It has stood strong as a powerful symbol of the reign of King Minos. It is found on the sun-baked island of Crete, the home of the monster, the Minotaur. It was one of the most advanced buildings of its time and the ruins were found in the early 1900s.
(5) Sounion
The Temple of Poseidon, dedicated to the ancient god of the sea, is like the Parthenon, only in front of the stunning backdrop of the bright blue Aegean Sea. The temple was a landmark for ancient sailors, sitting on top the edge of a cliff on Cape Sounion, the southernmost tip of mainland Greece.
For hundreds of years, its dramatic ruined beauty has drawn visitors from around the world. If you look closely, you can even find some graffiti left by Lord Byron.
