Cultural Routes
The Magic of the Ancient World
The advantageous location of Harmony Hotel Apartments offers the possibility of daily visits to important archeological sites in Greece.
Our cultural heritage is an important legacy for us all. Organize your day trip to Ancient Olympia, Delphi, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Ancient Corinth. Visit the Holy Rock of the Acropolis of Athens, admire the Parthenon and the surrounding archeological monuments, see the unique exhibits.
Ancient Olympia
In the place of the prehistoric sanctuary and oracle of Gaea, one of the largest and most important sanctuaries of antiquity was founded in the valley of the river Alpheus.
Its creation dates back to the 10th century B.C. The great development of the sanctuary began in the Archaic era and its prosperity is placed in the classical era, when the majestic temple of Zeus was built (470-456 BC). The ruins of the huge temple of Zeus are impressive, where the ivory statue, created by Pheidias, was 12.4m high, as well as the well-preserved stage of the area, with the sanctuary of Hera. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia, one of the most important in Greece, hosts exhibits of inestimable value, including the famous statue of Hermes of Praxiteles. The first Olympic Games took place in the sanctuary of Ancient Olympia in 776 B.C, and the idea of sportsmanship was first developed. The education of the youth was based on physical and spiritual exercise, so that in this way they could approach divine perfection. The games were held every four years and all hostilities ceased for the duration so that everyone could participate. The last Olympic Games took place in 393 AD as the emperor of Byzantium, Theodosius I put an end to the tradition, considering the institution pagan. In 1896, the Athens Olympic Games marked the revival of the institution and since then they are held every four years, with the lighting of the flame being done on the altar of Hera and the torchlight being transferred to the respective country hosting the games.
The archeological site of Delphi
The “navel of the earth”, where, according to mythology, the two eagles sent by Jupiter from the ends of the universe met to find the center of the world.
At the foot of Mount Parnassos, between the two giant rocks of Phaedriades, where the icy water of the sacred spring of Castalia gushes, the great sanctuary and oracle of Apollo was founded on the site of the prehistoric sanctuary of Gaea. The period from the 6th to the 4th century B.C coincides with the great prosperity of the Delphic oracle. Cities, rulers, and ordinary people rushed to get the reliable prophecies from the priestess Pythia which were interpreted by the priests of the god Apollo. The Delphic oracles and the establishment of the Amphictyonic League of Delphi (religious and political union of 12 tribes of Thessaly and Central Greece), influenced decisions and events not only among the Greeks, but also among other peoples. Every 4 years the organization of the Pythian Games with pan-Hellenic participation honored Apollo. At the archeological site of Delphi you will tour the Holy Road, see the Castalia spring, and view the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and other important monuments, parts of which are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Delphi.You will also admire the theater of Delphi and the restored monuments of the Athenian treasure and the dome of Athena Pronea.
Epidaurus
The Great sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, god of medicine and son of Apollo.
The 2nd consecutive medical center of antiquity was developed here, also known for the application of psychotherapy to patients. As in all ancient sanctuaries, the celebrations in honor of the gods included nude, musical and dramatic games. One of the buildings of the sanctuary was the famous theater with a capacity of 14,000 spectators,built in the 4th century B.C by Polykleitos the younger. It is considered a miracle of architecture and perfect acoustics. The visit to the sanctuary and the museum gives a complete picture of the place. As part of the Epidaurus Festival, which takes place every summer under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, the Ancient Theater hosts selected theatrical tragedies and comedies directed by world-renowned directors.
Mycenae
A unique city, inhabited from the 5th millennium B.C
Known as the largest commercial and economic center of antiquity, but also an important philosophical, religious and artistic center It had 2 ports with roads.that connected them with the city center, with the various sanctuaries of the city and approximately 1,000,000 inhabitants at the time of its greatest prosperity during the 6th BC. century. Above the ancient city the acropolis of Corinth (575m), Acrocorinth, with walls 2,000m long, with sacred and public buildings dominates the landscape. The walls that surrounded the city started from the foot of the hill and reached the port of Lechaio in the Corinthian gulf. The apostle Paul visited and stayed in the city for about a year and a half in order to teach the word of God and to establish the first Christian church. That is why it is considered a place of worship for Christians from all over the world.
Ancient Korinthos
A unique city, inhabited from the 5th millennium B.C
Known as the largest commercial and economic center of antiquity, but also an important philosophical, religious and artistic center It had 2 ports with roads.that connected them with the city center, with the various sanctuaries of the city and approximately 1,000,000 inhabitants at the time of its greatest prosperity during the 6th BC. century. Above the ancient city the acropolis of Corinth (575m), Acrocorinth, with walls 2,000m long, with sacred and public buildings dominates the landscape. The walls that surrounded the city started from the foot of the hill and reached the port of Lechaio in the Corinthian gulf. The apostle Paul visited and stayed in the city for about a year and a half in order to teach the word of God and to establish the first Christian church. That is why it is considered a place of worship for Christians from all over the world.
Acropolis of Athens
In the center of modern Athens the sacred rock of the Acropolis where was the majestic sanctuary, dedicated to the goddess Athena, patron saint of the city dominates the view.
In the middle of the 5th century B.C., during the period when, on the initiative of Pericles, the headquarters of the Athenian Alliance was moved to the Acropolis and Athens was the most important center of the spiritual world, the most important monuments that the visitor can admire today began to be built. The Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheum and the Temple of Athena. Nike with architects Iktinos and Kallikrates under the supervision of the Athenian sculptor Pheidias. The monuments of the Acropolis are unique masterpieces of architecture that express a pioneering correlation of rhythms and trends of classical art. The Parthenon maintained its form until the 5th century AD. where it was converted into a Christian church, while during the years of Ottoman rule it became a mosque. In 1687 it was bombed by the Venetians and much of it collapsed. In the early 19th century, the decoration and sculptures were looted and plundered by Lord Elgin, most of which are now in the British Museum. For the last 38 years, the Acropolis Monuments Conservation Committee with leading Architects has carried out restoration and restoration works of the Monuments aimed at preserving and passing on to the next generations this unique masterpiece of classical culture. In 2009 the new Acropolis Museum was inaugurated, which houses all the findings from the sacred rock of the Acropolis.
