If you are planning a trip to Greece, well congratulate yourself for making an excellent choice. After all, you will come across plenty of gems across the country, and there is so much to see and explore. You will find an endless number of ancient temples and palaces, mansions, and museums. If you have not seen the leading architectural wonders created by the Greeks, then your trip to Greek is undoubtedly incomplete. Just rent a house in Greece which is close to the travel hub and not far away from the touristic attractions and architectural wonders. One will come across different architectural styles from Ottoman, Byzantine and Minoan empires that were known for their creativity and richness of mind. You are bound to be impressed by the simplicity and perspective in Greek architecture.
Greece civilization was influenced by Greece by others and it, in turn, influenced Roman Empire. Their architectural and cultural styles gradually spread to other parts of Europe and thus founded the foundation of Western civilization. When it comes to picking the seven best architectural wonders of Greece, it sure is a daunting task and not an easy one.
The Parthenon, Athens:
The Parthenon remains one of the most striking architectural wonders from the ancient times. Built around 438 BC., the Parthenon is situated on the hill of the Acropolis of Athens. It was dedicated to goddess Athena and stands as an impressive building even today. It had a couple of various used and included a mosque, Christian church, and a fortress. The Parthenon was seen as a means of thanksgiving to the gods and celebrating the victory over the Persians. It remained an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece and Athenian democracy. It is said to be the acme of the Doric order and reflects the high-end Greek Art.
Temple of Apollo, Delphi:
Another significant structure is the temple of Apollo that dates back to the 4th century BC. The impressive structure of Doric order underwent numerous incarnations and stands in a ruinous state today. Built by two prominent architects, Agamedes and Trophonios, it caught fire during the 6th century. There are six columns in the temple in the front and fifteen at the flanks. The temple was rebuilt again after an earthquake in 373 B.C destroyed it. The architects from Corinth and Athenian sculptors overlooked its construction and beautiful sculptures.
Knossos Palace, Crete:
Several myths and legends surround Knossos, the center of the Minoan civilization. Located on the beautiful island of Crete, the archaeological site of the Knossos Palace is one of the largest in Europe. Dating back to the early Neolithic period, the palace attracts thousands of visitors every year. There are numerous rooms and circuitous corridors in the palace. The visitors can’t help but admire the colorful frescoes and stunning mosaics of the captivating palace.
The Great Theatre of Epidaurus, Epidaurus:
The ancient theatre is said to be a perfect theatre thanks to its perfect acoustics and aesthetics. Polykleitos the Younger is the architect behind the making of the Great Theatre of Epidaurus. The seamlessly symmetrical theatre is large enough to accommodate about 14,000 people. It was a place for not just singing, music and drama but hosted the worship of Asclepius. The ancient Greeks believed that drama, song, and music were good for physical and mental health. The heritage monument reflects the Hellenistic structure and boasts of an auditorium. Orchestra and stage building.
Temple of Artemis, Corfu:
The Temple of Artemis was built in the historic city of Korkyra, Based on the architectural style of Achilles and Memnon, it is a milestone in ancient Greek Architecture. Listed among the top works of western Architecture, the temple featured two pediments and is in a reasonably good condition. There is a rectangular inner chamber in the center of the temple. It is the only Greek temple, besides Parthenon to have eight columns between antae. The Temple of Artemis is a proof that the Greeks were precise with their mathematical calculations and understood the distribution of weight and stress on the stone very well. The Greeks were the first to make freestanding structures out of stone.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Acropolis:
The stone theatre is a significant part of Greek culture and is situated on the southwest slope of the Acropolis. Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus built the theatre in remembrance of his wife. It was a steep-sloped theatre with a three-storied front and a wooden roof made of valuable Lebanon timber. The theater capacity of 5,000 and was used to host music concert. Today, it is a popular venue for a large variety of Greek and International performances. The stunning open-air theatre is described as the most beautiful building of its kind. The circular orchestra paved with black and white marble is like a semi-circle.
Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens:
Constructed with the stone in Doric style, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was built in the ancient city of Korkyra. Seen as the biggest temple of its times, it is indeed a milestone of Ancient Greek architecture. The temple’s construction influenced the design and architecture of other important building’s and structures. There are two pediments in the front and back of the temple, which is in relatively good condition. However, the eastern pediment lies in fragments. The identical pediments are sculpted in high relief and decorated with mythical figures. It is perhaps the first example of a decorated pediment in Greece.
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