The Greek ruins are a definite must-see. Whether you're an archeologist or not or if you're a history buff or not, these sites are truly something else. They're not just historic. They're something about them that looks and feels grand, imposing, and even almost otherworldly. Of course, you already know about the Acropolis in Athens, perhaps the definitive Greek Ruins on the planet. But do you also know about the Acropolis of Lindos, the Temple of Apollo, the Olympia Theatre, and the ancient city of Corinth? Have you been to any single one of them? If not, then you'd do well to include them in your itinerary the next time you travel to Greece!
Theatre of Epidaurus in Athens
The Acropolis in
Athens is so famous, it trumps all the other Greek Ruins in the capital city. In many ways, it's become the symbol of Greece, similar to the likes of the Colosseum in Italy, the Eiffel Tower in France, or even the Statue of Liberty in the US. And while that's all well and good, you shouldn't miss the other ruins in Athens. Especially the Theatre of Epidaurus! Though it's technically a two-hour drive from the city, it's so close that it's still considered part of the Greek capital. It's also quite a magnificent site, a breathtaking reminder of how grand theater was at that time.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Acropolis of Lindos
Speaking of the Acropolis, it bears noting that the one in Athens isn't the only one in the entire country of Greece. It may be the best-known, but other acropolises are worth checking out too. Not the least of which is the one in Lindos on Rhodes Island. Though not as complete and well-preserved as the one in Athens, it's still pretty grand in its own right. You can see with how tall the columns are that this Acropolis would have been quite the site back when it was still standing.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Monolithos Castle in Rhodes
While you're still on Rhodes Island, don't forget to check out Monolithos Castle too! A Byzantine castle that dates as far back as the 15th century, this is far from the former temples and acropolises that most Greek ruins are known for. Yet it's just as enchanting and historic as the rest. Do note, however, that since it's perched on a mountain, it will take quite a challenging trek to get here. But rest assured that all your efforts won't be in vain. The ruins themselves are already extraordinary, what more are the views from up here too?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Temple of Apollo in Delphi
Apollo, the Sun God, is one of the most prominent figures in Greek Mythology. Anyone who's ever read about it would know who he is. As such, it's only natural that he has his own temple in Greece. And unsurprisingly, it's among the best Greek ruins to see in person. Perched atop Mount Parnassos in the ancient city of Delphi, the ruins are far from their glory. But even then, you can still get a good sense of how important it was back in ancient times. The site even served as the venue for the Pythian Games, which were competitions in music, art, and poetry.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Olympia Theatre
Speaking of games, you already know that the most famous games, the Olympic Games, originated in Greece, right? Specifically in the city of Olympia. Though it's a small town on the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, here stand the ruins of the theater where the first Olympic Games took place. Of course, they aren't exactly the grand sports arenas you're more used to seeing host the games today. But they do serve as the perfect reminder that this international sporting event is a tradition that has been around for centuries.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mystras near Sparta
Staying on the Peloponnese peninsula, there's also the town of Mystras. Located near Sparta, the Greek ruins here are perhaps the most unique on this list. Possibly even on the entire planet. Why? Because instead of Ancient Greece, the ruins here are from the Medieval times. In fact, the entire place looks like the kind you'd expect in the French or
Italian countryside, not necessarily in Greece. From the hilltop fortress that was built by William II of Villehardouin in the 13th century to the charming homes that make up the town, Mystras evoked a storybook-like quality that will charm your pants off!
Source: Flickr.com/ Egui_
Ancient City of Corinth
From a town to a city, the ancient city of Corinth is not to be overlooked. It lies between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese peninsula, these are some of the oldest ruins in Greece. Just how old, you ask? Well, the temple of Apollo that once stood here was from as far back as the 6th century. And there's no doubt that it was also among the finest metropolises in Ancient Greece. It was only when the Ancient Romans invaded the place did the city of Corinth fall. Thus, leading to what the world sees now.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Knossos in Crete
If you can spend
a day in Crete, you ought to go visit the ruins in Knossos! These are also Greek Ruins that aren't exactly what you might expect. Mostly coming from the Minoan civilization of the Bronze Age, the place is surprisingly pretty colorful. Far from the dusty off-white and earthy neutral tones that the other ruins—as well as Greece as a whole—are known for. From the broken-down palaces to the destroyed temples, bright hues of blue, red, and yellow offer a peek at just how colorful ancient times were.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Greek ruins are something that you have to visit and see in person at least once in your life! Not only are they the remnants of the oldest civilizations in the world, but they're also extremely beautiful!
