Greek Mythology is full of stories related to places located in Greece. There is barely anyone who have read the Greek epics and mythical short stories and yet not fascinated by the features of the gods and their good and bad. In this article, we are going to read about the top 10 places to visit in Greece for Greek Mythology lovers. All these places are named out of the gods, goddesses, main settings, and the epic incidents of the war.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Greece for Greek Mythology Lovers:
Ithaca
No story is more epic than 10 year-long journeys for the homecoming of Odysseus after the Trojan War because Poseidon was a great rival. His success is owed to the sacrifice of men and his courage. You can read a lot about his tribulations and trials in Homer’s book Odyssey. You must lookout for the archaeological sites while on the island, you will get to understand his views when he would have returned home, camouflaged as an old man.
Santorini
Santorini Island or Thera is a volcanic island present in the Cyclades. It is breathtakingly beautiful for the sunsets, the black beaches, and the great caldera. It is also known for the volcanic eruption that almost ruined the Minoan civilization.
Acheron River
According to Greek mythology Archeron river, in Epirus separates the land of living from the kingdom of the dead. In the myth, there is mention of this river as Orpheus had to cross this river to seek his wife, Eurydice in the underworld or hell, the kingdom of Hades.
The Minotaur and Knossos
This is the place where the genius inventor Daedalus made the Labyrinth, where Minotaur was kept. According to Greek mythology, the Cretan king demanded of Athens to give seven maidens and seven young men to be fed to Minotaur as a tax. But Theseus killed the monster and put an end to this system.
Athens
Athena gave her name to Athens after competing with Poseidon to become the benefactor of the city. The honor would be of the one whose contribution is more priceless. Poseidon struck the rock of the Acropolis with his three-pronged spear, gaping up a well from which discharged a never-ending supply of water. But being the sea god, Poseidon’s water supply was undrinkable and saline. On the other hand, Athena created a blooming olive tree, believed to be far more priceless by the people of the city. And so, the Greek capital is named Athens and not Poseidonia.
Sounion
Even though Athena won the battle with Poseidon and became the protector of Athens, Poseidon was compensated with a magnificent temple built by the Athenians in his honor at Cape Sounion.
Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus is the home of 12 gods and goddesses according to Greek Mythology. It is the perfect place to enjoy and be in awe of the grandeur of ancient Greek. It was first scaled in modern times in the year 1913, and ever since there are many spots on its peaks and slopes that will make you feel the essence of the mythology.
Nemea
This is one of the most important sites in the mythology about the powerful demigod, Hercules. He traveled to Nemea to overpower the Nemean lion, as a part of his 12 feats. Sports events still happen in the ancient stadium. One can enjoy the exquisite Greek wine in Wisdom of Nature along with Greek cheeses.
Mount Ida
Mount Ida is also known as Psiloretis is a mountain in Crete where according to the myth Rhea, the mother of Zeus hid him from Cronos because Cronos ate his children to protect himself from potential dethroning. One can also visit the Dikteon Andron cave, which is one of the most significant places of worship and pilgrimage in Ancient Greece, it is the place where Zeus was said to be born.
Delos Island
The king of gods often cheated on his wife Hera with several mortals, nymphs, and goddesses. Leto, one of those victims of Zeus’ treachery got pregnant with twins and Hera would not let her give birth. Leto took sanctuary in this Delos Island and gave birth to Apollo and Artemis. There are many archaeological sites and temples are present on Delos island.
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