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Top 7 Ancient Historical Sites to See in Greece

Posted: 25 Apr 2012 09:21 AM PDT

Today we are featuring Drew C., a writer for an insurance website. It’s a great place to look if you need family care travel insurance. When he isn’t working, Drew loves to read, travel with friends, play soccer and spend time with his family.

Greece is a country rich in ancient history. Visiting Greece can be overwhelming if you don't know where to start. The culture and landscapes of Greece consistently draw in visitors from around the world. There are numerous historical sites to visit, but these are the top seven that will make your trip memorable.

Athens

Athens is a major historical site with an urban vibe. All of the top tourist spots are located in Athens.

In this city travelers can find:

-The Acropolis
-The Parthenon
-The Agora
-National Archeological Museum
-Sntagma Square
-The Plaka
-Cape Souniou
-The Temple of Poseidon

The Parthenon is the one of the most significant locations in the world. It was built in 440 BC and is recognized around the world. The architecture and sheer size of this ancient temple is a must-see for anyone.

Olympia

If the name sounds familiar, that is because the Olympics started here. The archeological sites here are all full of the ancient Greek history. Ilia is home to Mt. Kronion, the most sacred spot in all of Olympia. The Olympics are an important part of world history, and visiting here will allow to see just how it all began.

Meteora

Many people come here and claim that being in Meteora is like being on another planet entirely. Rock pillars shoot up into the sky from the otherwise flat landscape. Monasteries here are perched delicately atop high cliffs where monks and nuns worship. Architecture here compliments the dramatic landscapes. Meteora is a massive historical site. The summer months can be brutally hot, while winter months are very cold. Visit here in the early summer, spring or late summer as temperatures drop.

Rhodes Island

This is an island in Greece that is known for it's beautiful shores that are part of the Aegean Sea. Historically relevant sites are scattered throughout this island including Temple of Apollo, Acropolis of Rhodes, and Acropolis of Lindos. Additionally, Rhodes has a vibrant nightlife with clubs and restaurants. You can museum stroll by day and go clubbing at night.

Corfu Museums

Crystal clear azure ocean waters are famous in Corfu. Unique architecture here is a star point of visiting. Much of the architecture takes cues from Venetian-Roman styling.

In Corfu you can:

-Visit the historically significant City Hall
-Visit Mon Repos palace
-Visit crafter shops that sell traditional goods
-Attend a dance ceremony

Corinth the Ancient City

Visiting Corinth is a short 48 mile trip from Athens. Corinth was an ancient city in Greece. Apostle Paul was known to live here. It holds religious and spiritual significance. Temples of Apollo, Aphrodite and Octavia are also located in Corinth.

Cave of the Apocalypse

This sacred grotto in Patmos, Greece is the ancient place where St. John had visions. These visions led to the Book of Revelation. The cave entrance is decorated with a mosaic. There are also writings about the visions in the cave area. This is a Greek Orthodox Biblical site.

Visiting Greece is a historical journey through early human history. There are dozens of important sites to see. Spend your time at each one, but be sure to balance your schedule to include as many as possible. A longer vacation may be beneficial to enjoy more of the historical places in Greece.

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Thursday, April 26, 2012