GREECE THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC
ATHENS
THE PARTHENON The Parthenon (/ˈpɑːrθəˌnɒn, -nən/; Ancient Greek: Παρθενών; Greek: Παρθενώνας, Parthenónas) is a former temple[4][5] on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron. Construction began in 447 BC when the Athenian Empire was at the peak of its power. It was completed in 438 BC, although decoration of the building continued until 432 BC. It is the most important surviving building of Classical Greece, generally considered the zenith of the Doric order[by whom?]. Its decorative sculptures are considered some of the high points of Greek art. The Parthenon is regarded as an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece, Athenian democracy and Western civilization,[6] and one of the world’s greatest cultural monuments. To the Athenians who built it, the Parthenon and other Periclean monuments of the Acropolis were seen fundamentally as a celebration of Hellenic victory over the Persian invaders and as a thanksgiving to the gods for that victory.[7] The Parthenon itself replaced an older temple of Athena, which historians call the Pre-Parthenon or Older Parthenon, that was destroyed in the Persian invasion of 480 BC. The temple is archaeoastronomically aligned to the Hyades. [8] Like most Greek temples, the Parthenon served a practical purpose as the city treasury.[9][10] For a time, it served as the treasury of the Delian League, which later became the Athenian Empire. In the final decade of the 6th century AD, the Parthenon was converted into a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Acropolis of Athens The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon. The word acropolis is from the Greek words ἄκρον (akron, “highest point, extremity”) and πόλις (polis, “city”). [1] Although the term acropolis is generic and there are many other acropoleis in Greece, the significance of the Acropolis of Athens is such that it is commonly known as “The Acropolis” without qualification. During ancient times it was known also more properly as Cecropia, after the legendary serpent-man, Cecrops, the supposed first Athenian
king. While there is evidence that the hill was inhabited as far back as the fourth millennium BC, it was Pericles (c. 495–429 BC) in the fifth century BC who coordinated the construction of the site’s most important present remains including the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike.[2][3] The Parthenon and the other buildings were damaged seriously during the 1687 siege by the Venetians during the Morean War when gunpowder being stored in the Parthenon was hit by a cannonball and exploded.[4]
SANTORINI Akrotiri Lighthouse
Akrotiri Lighthouse is a 19th-century lighthouse on the Greek island of Santorini.[1] The lighthouse was built by a French company in 1892, making the lighthouse one of the oldest in Greece. The lighthouse ceased operating during World War II. The Greek Navy recommissioned the lighthouse in 1945. The lighthouse is famed for its sunset views.[2][3]
Emporio Village Emporio is the largest village of Santorini, situated at the center of the south part of the island, at a distance of 12 kilometers from Fira. It is built in the lowlands, at the foot of Profitis Ilias Mountain. The village was probably named Emporio (=trade) because it used to be the center of the commercial affairs in the past. Nowadays, Emporio is a peaceful settlement with beautiful houses and yards, many of which have been renovated, making the place very attractive. You can find plenty of shops, cafes, bars and traditional taverns with savory dishes and fine wines. There are some luxury hotels and villas or charming traditional houses and rooms for your stay. An asset of Emporio village is the fact that it is close to Perissa village and the cosmopolitan volcanic beaches of Perissa and Perivolos. There one can find pool bars, clubs, a vivid nightlife and the most popular beach resorts with many facilities. Another remarkable spot is the Gavrilos hills that have eight traditional windmills and offer a ravishing view. The village holds admirable blue-domed churches and tiny chapels, among them the great church of Agios Nikolaos Marmaritis which is made of marble. The big attraction of Emporio is the medieval Kasteli, one of the five fortified castles of Santorini. Inside the castle there is a church that dates back to the 16th century or earlier. In close distance lies the Tower of Nimborio (The “Goulas�), a square building that was used as a watchtower and a refuge.
Mykonos
Little Venice Little Venice is one of the most romantic places in the whole of Mykonos. This neighborhood is replete with elegant and gorgeous old houses that are situated precariously on the edge of the sea. Many discerning travelers in the past have fallen in love with this charming quarter to its magnetic appeal. Quite amazing are the sunset views from Little Venice. Its whitewashed edifices against the backdrop of the azure blue Aegean Sea is simply marvelous. The air of nonchalance that prevails in Little Venice disarms the most discerning of travelers.
Church of Panagia Parapotiani
The Church of Panagia Paraportiani (Greek: Εκκλησία της Παναγίας της Παραπορτιανής) is situated in the neighbourhood of Kastro, in the town of Chora, on the Greek island of Mykonos. Its name literally means “Our Lady of the Side Gate” in Greek, as its entrance was found in the side gate of the entrance to the Kastro area. Construction of this church started in 1425 and was not completed until the 17th century. This impressive, whitewashed church actually consists of five separate churches which are joined: the four churches (dedicated to Saint Eustathios, Saint Sozon, Saints Anargyroi and Saint Anastasia) are at ground level and constitute the base of the fifth church that has been built above them. The Church of Panagia Paraportiani in Mykonos, Cyclades: The lovely church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Paraportiani is among the most photographed churches not only in Mykonos but in the whole world. It is located at the entrance of Kastro neighborhood, right by the sea. Its name (Paraportiani) actually means standing next to the entrance door, meaning that the church was next to the Castle door. The special thing about this church is that it actually consists of five small churches that were built one on top or next to the other. The church of Agios Efstathios is the center of this complex, surrounded by the churches of Agios Anargyros, Agios Sozon, and Agia Anastasia. On top of these four churches, there is the church of the Virgin Mary, which looks like a dome. The five churches were not constructed at once, but gradually along centuries. The oldest church is Agios Anargyros, which was built in the late 14th century. The other churches were built in the 16th and the 17th century, while there were renovations till 1920.
Experience Greece Savor fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables cooked with a healthy dose of Greek olive oil. Visiting Greece is a feast for the senses.