Last week I named two places in Greece that I would love to visit. This week I have two more, next week we will explore Italy!
Meteora
The Greek word meteora means “suspended in the air,” and this phrase
aptly describes the spectacular cliffs that rise more than 1,200 feet
(366 meters) into the air overlooking the villages of Kalambaka and
Kastraki in the north central mainland of Greece. What makes these
cliffs even more inspiring are the historic monasteries perched along
the summits. Dating back to the 14th and 16th centuries, these
monasteries were built by monks seeking spiritual isolation and freedom
from religious persecution.
While there were originally 24 monasteries, only six of them remain
intact today. Accessible by a staircase carved from the cliffs, the
monasteries contain some of the world’s best examples of religious
manuscripts and art works, which can be viewed on-site. In addition to
the monasteries, Meteora is also home to several rare bird and flower
species. This makes Meteora a great place to enjoy outdoor recreation. At the base of the cliffs are the main towns of Kalambaka and
Kastraki, peaceful and beautiful villages that offer accommodation,
shops, restaurants and tavernas as well as a number of Byzantine
churches, Greek temples and other interesting historic sites. Meteora can be reached by bus and taxi from Athens in Central Greece.
Holy Monastery of Rousanou, Kalambaka, Greece Monks used to be raised
by ropes to get into the monastery but stairs have now been added, sure
is good for the tourists.
Delphi
Second to the Acropolis in Athens, Delphi is Greece’s most popular
archaeological site. Located about two and half hours from Athens along
the slopes of the awe-inspiring Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once revered
by the ancient Greeks as the center of the earth. Dedicated to the god,
Apollo, Delphi was an important oracle and holy place for worshiping
Apollo. In ancient times, people would come to this sacred spot to
inquire of the priestess for advice on a wide range of topics from
farming to relationships and politics. Over time, as the popularity of the Oracle of Delphi increased, so
did the offerings. Temples and monuments were built, and the wealth of
the area spread to establish the surrounding city that remains today.
Significant ruins and structures at Delphi include the Temple of Apollo,
the Athenian Treasury, Altar of the Chians, the theater, stadium and
hippodrome that once hosted events of the ancient Pythian Games. The town of Delphi offers plenty of hotel accommodation, restaurants,
shops and taverns as well as historic churches, interesting museums and
art galleries. As Delphi is a popular day trip from Athens, tourists will find a
number of bus tours from the capital city. The town of Delphi is within
walking distance of the archaeological site, so walking is the primary
transportation within the area although taxis are available.
The "navel" of the world, Delphi, is situated below the slopes of mount
Parnassus to the south of mainland Greece. Delphi was a place with
springs, exhalations and crevices which gave it a sacred character. Very
early it became the seat of a prehistoric oracle and then it gave place
to the sanctuary and oracle of Apollo, god of music, light and
divination. Those who wanted to consult the oracle asked the Pythia,
priestess of Apollo, who intoxicated by the exhalations gave a quite
often equivocal answer. Soon the oracle acquired worldwide fame and
governors from all the then known world consulted the Pythia and so
Delphi turned into a famous oracle adorned by the splendid offerings of
the worshipers and at the same time a centre of political decision. At
Delphi there is an archaeological site with the ruins of treasuries,
porticoes and the temple of Apollo, all scattered over the uneven
mountain slope. Nearby there is an archaeological museum with the
movable findings of the excavations, with the “Charioteer" being one
of the most famous ones.
If you are in search of culture, archaeology, amazing sights and views then these two places are a must!
Are either of there places on you Bucket List?
Where are some of the place that you would love to visit?
Information by:
http://www.touropia.com
http://www.athensflextours.gr
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