Greece is often referred to as the birthplace of Western civilization. During ancient times, the country was home to some of the world’s greatest philosophers, artists, and scholars. These ancient Greeks lived in advanced structures and cities, of which the remains can be found around the country. Here are some of the top historical sites in Greece:

The 10 most famous archeological sites in Greece

The Acropolis

Located in the city of Athens, the Acropolis is a citadel that was built in the 5th century B.C. The Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the most popular tourist attraction in Greece. It is home to several important ancient buildings, including the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and more:

1. The Parthenon
   It is often believed wrongly that the Parthenon and the Acropolis are the same sites since the Parthenon is the most famous structure on the Acropolis. It is a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, built in the 5th century B.C. The Parthenon is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Greek architecture.
2. The Theater of Dionysus
   Located on the slopes of the Acropolis in Athens, the Theater of Dionysus was the first theater in ancient Greece. It was built in the 6th century B.C. and was used for drama performances and other cultural events.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus

Located in the center of Athens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is a temple dedicated to the king of the gods. It was built in the 6th century B.C. and is one of the largest temples from ancient Greece.

The Delphi Archaeological Site

Located in central Greece, the Delphi Archaeological Site is a UNESCO World Heritage site that was home to the Oracle of Delphi, a sacred place where people came to seek guidance from the gods. The site is home to several ancient buildings, including the Temple of Apollo and the Theater of Delphi.

1. The Temple of Apollo
   Located at the Delphi Archaeological Site, the Temple of Apollo was a sacred place where people came to seek guidance from the god Apollo. The temple was built in the 4th century B.C., at the present time, it is one of the most well-preserved ancient temples in Greece.

The Ancient Agora of Athens

Located in the center of Athens, the Ancient Agora was the center of public life in ancient Greece. It was home to several important buildings, including the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos. At the present time, the Agora is a popular tourist destination, with ancient ruins and artifacts on display.

The Theater of Epidaurus

The ancient theatre of Epidaurus is known as the most well-preserved ancient theater. Above all famous for its amazing acoustics. Although the theatre is constructed in the 4th century B.C., it is still used for performances during the summer months. Due to the theatre’s exceptional preservation and architecture, it is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage.

The Palace of Knossos

Located on the island of Crete, the Palace of Knossos was the center of the ancient Minoan civilization. It was built in the 4th millennium B.C. Therefore, it is considered to be one of the oldest palaces in Europe.

Mycenae

The ancient city of Mycenae is one of the oldest archeological sites in Greece, constructed between 1350 and 1200 B.C. Although Mycenae is famous for its cyclopean walls and impressive lion gate, don’t forget to check out the underground cistern and tholos tombs. The site is located on the Peloponnese peninsula and is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage. Even though Mycenae is not as famous as, for example, the Acropolis, it is one of the most impressive ancient sites you can visit in Greece.

The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

Although located in western Turkey, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was built in the 6th century BCE and was dedicated to the goddess Artemis.

The Temple of Athena at Lindos

Located on the island of Rhodes, the Temple of Athena at Lindos was built in the 4th century B.C. It is dedicated to the goddess Athena. It is a well-preserved temple that is popular amongst tourists.

The Archaeological Site of Philippi

Phillipi is located in Nort-East Greece and was named after the powerful Macedonian king Phillip II. The archeological site is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage. Phillipi offers a range of very different but interesting ruins. Examples are a theatre from the 4th century B.C., coupled with a forum from the 2nd century A.D., and a Christian church from the 4th century A.D. 

Archeological sites are everywhere

In conclusion, Greece is home to many important historical sites that are worth a visit. Whether you’re interested in ancient architecture, art, or culture, there is a site to suit your interests. From the ancient ruins of the Acropolis in Athens to the Palace of Knossos on the island of Crete, these sites offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Greece. 

Besides the list of sites provided above, the country offers a glimpse of history in even the smallest towns. Historical sites are literally everywhere, and in order to explore ancient Greece, you often don’t have to travel far.