Exploring Greece’s Rich History - Top Sites for Expats to Visit
- Sean
- Apr 20
- 5 min read
If there is one thing that you should know about Greece, it has plenty of history. In fact, the history of Greece is among some of the most important parts of history and has gone a long way in shaping the society that we now know.
It is all too easy, when you move to a new country, to let time pass you by and not really give yourself space to explore and learn about your new home. This is a real shame, but no more so than if you have chosen to live in Greece.
So, if you think that your time is limited, but that you still want to explore the rich history of Greece as much as possible, then here are some of the top sites that expats are going to want to visit. If you need to move your personal belongings to Greece, you can always contact the team at Pinnacle Removals & Storage.
1. The Acropolis in Athens
When it comes to well-known ruins around the world, the Acropolis in Athens is probably up there with the best. Not only is it rather instantly recognisable, but the location that it is found on is also incredibly impressive.
Some people say that the complex (which is made up of the Parthenon, the Propylaia, The Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheum is exactly what we all think of when we consider Ancient Greek history. If you are planning on living in mainland Greece, then it is safe to say that you cannot learn about the history of the country and miss the chance to see this incredible place.
2. The Meteora in Central Greece
If you are in Central Greece, then you can visit the Meteora, which is located near the town of Kalambaka. The Meteora is a UNESCO-protected monastery that is high above the waters and has been that way since the Byzantine period.
It is thought that Meteora was one of the most important of the monasteries in the whole of Greece. However, life there wasn’t for everyone. The location, which was so difficult to reach, meant that those who chose to live there would do so in relative solitude and exclusion from the outside world. There were once 24 monasteries spread throughout Greece, but of these, only 6 remain.
3. The Delphi in Central Greece
It is said in history that this particular spot, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, is where the Greeks believed that Heaven and Earth once met.
The Delphi is also known as the Temple of Apollo and it is thought that this religious place, is where Pythia, the priestesses of Apollo, would deliver the prophecies of Apollo to a keen audience of listeners.
4. Mycenae in Peloponnese
Another home of a god, this time Agamemnon, Mycenae was not only mentioned in a number of Greek myths but also in poems. So much so, that it became the capital of the ancient world and has, since then, still remained an incredibly key ancient Greek site.
One of the highlights of the Mycenae is the Lion Gate, which is recognised as being the largest surviving prehistoric sculpture in the region.
5. Olympia in Peloponnese
If you hear the name Olympia, then there is a good chance that you will think of the Olympic Games, and you would be right to think this. Olympia, in Peloponnese, is the home of the Pan-Hellenic Games, which then became the modern Olympic Games.
This particular site not only was the home of sport, but also it was a religious site that was dedicated to celebrating the god Zeus. So much so, that there was once a gold statue of the god, which has become one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
6. The Acropolis of Lindos in Rhodes
Whilst there are lots of fascinating places on the mainland, there are also plenty when you travel further afield. Many of the islands that make up Greece also have their own incredible historical places of interest that you can choose to visit.
In Rhodes, this is the Acropolis of Lindos. Away from the picture-perfect town that is Lindos, the Acropolis of Lindos was one of the main reasons why the town became a trading centre and stayed that way for many years.
There are lots of things to love about this particular historical site, however, our favourites include the Temple of Athena Lindia, the theatre, the Castle of the Knights of St John and the 13th-century Church of St John.
7. Agora in Athens
Once considered to be the heart of the ancient city of Athens, the Agora is found directly beneath the Acropolis, which is what we would see as a modern-day market.
It was the place where traders went to sell their crafts and also for everyday people to meet up with their friends and socialise.
Whilst it is not the home of markets now, in our modern world the Agora still provides us with an insight into how life may have looked in Ancient Athens.
8. Epidaurus in Peloponnese
If you want to see a beautifully preserved ancient building, then the breathtaking theatre of Epidaurus is one of the best out there. So much so that, despite its age, the theatre is still holding concerts and productions through the summer months.
Once upon a time, it managed to hold more than 13,000 people, and whilst lots of people do go and watch the comedies and tragedies of Ancient Greece that are presented in the space, the number is nowhere near this.
9. Knossos in Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece, which means that it is probably not a surprise that the island has its very own amazing archaeological site for you to visit. Knossos is known to be the ancient capital of Minoan Crete. Which, if you recognise your ancient Greek history, then you may recognise this as being a part of the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur.
The palace of Knossos was the heart of a wide complex, which was well-known for being an incredibly wealthy spot, shown with works of art, murals and also a variety of halls and chambers.
Are you looking to ship your furniture and boxes to Greece from the UK?
As you can see, there are lots of wonderful historical spots that Greece are proud to call their own. So, if you are planning on moving there, no matter where you choose to call your home, you are likely to never be far away from an incredible spot of ancient history.
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