Greece is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, breathtaking sights, and remarkable monuments, many of which have received UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage status. Exploring these treasures is an absolute must during your visit.
Uncover the wonders of the Old Town of Thessaloniki in Macedonia, where 15 Early Christian and Byzantine monuments, including the city walls, grace the World Heritage List. These architectural masterpieces have stood the test of time, preserving their artistic beauty despite being 1,000 to 2,000 years old.
As you stroll through this town, founded in the late 4th century BC and named after the sister of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki, you'll immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere. These monuments, constructed over centuries from Roman times to the 15th century, have contributed to the city's multicultural heritage as a bustling seaport and prominent trading hub. Don't miss the remarkable Rotunda, St. Demetrius Church, and Latomou Monastery, where you'll find awe-inspiring mosaics showcasing the artistry of the Early Byzantine period.
Venture to the Old Town of Corfu on the eponymous island in Western Greece, which is the latest addition to UNESCO's cultural list. This beautiful neo-classical urban ensemble boasts a fascinating history, having been under Venetian rule from the 15th to the 19th century, before being conquered by the French and British, and ultimately passing into the hands of the Greek government. Explore the Old Citadel and the New Fort, and take a leisurely stroll along the narrow, winding, stone-paved alleys known as "kantounia." Marvel at the Venetian architecture gracing the buildings and charming squares, and take note of the lines connecting opposite buildings, where laundry is hung to dry. Indulge in a delightful walk along the Liston pedestrian street and Spianada Square, immersing yourself in the vibrant ambiance.
Discover the hidden gem of Mystras, a medieval settlement nestled on a hill in southeastern Peloponnese, considered a lesser-known UNESCO site in Greece.
This fortified town thrived from the 13th to the 19th century, offering a glimpse into the Late-Byzantine era. Include this unique destination in your Greek itinerary and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from its hilltop location. Mystras stands as the sole remaining example of a once-thriving Byzantine city in Greece, serving as an administrative and intellectual provincial center of the Byzantine Empire. Renowned for its impressive land use planning, rich culture, and architectural marvels, the state buildings, churches, and houses adorned with exquisite mosaics and murals tell a captivating tale of this glorious past.
No visit to the stunning island of Rhodes in the southeast Aegean Sea would be complete without immersing yourself in the remarkably well-preserved Medieval City of Rhodes.
Step into the world of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem as you explore the awe-inspiring Palace of the Grand Masters. This stronghold, which reigned over Rhodes and the surrounding Dodecanese Islands from 1309 to 1523, showcases an impressive ensemble of Gothic architecture, unrivaled in Greece. The addition of Islamic monuments constructed during the Ottoman occupation in the 16th century adds to the city's architectural diversity. Make sure to also visit the Archaeological Museum, home to archaeological finds that narrate the island's 3,000-year-old history.
Embark on a journey through time and uncover the UNESCO treasures that Greece has to offer, and you'll be rewarded with a vacation filled with historical curiosity, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences.
