Ancient Greek Sites To Witness With Your Own Eyes

For those of you fascinated by ancient Greece, there are numerous landmarks still remaining that you should see once in your lifetime. These amazing spectacles have enduring the test of time, providing us with a small glimpse into history. Here are 20 of the most stunning ancient Greek sites that'll have your jaw on the ground.

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1. The Parthenon

As one of the most famous temples in all of Greece, The Parthenon is a must visit for any fans of the ancient Greek era. Built to honor the goddess Athena, who was seen as the protector of Athens, this landmark showcases ancient Greek architecture and art at its finest. Millions of tourists continue to visit it every single year, taking in this amazing spectacle. 

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2. The Acropolis of Athens

Not to be confused with the Parthenon, the Acropolis is an ancient citadel that houses numerous buildings and landmarks (including the Parthenon). It comes from the Greek words that translate to "highest point" and "city," which makes sense given it sits atop a massive hill. Thanks to its special place in ancient Greek history, but also its role in legends and myths, it's been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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3. Ancient Agora of Athens

Also situated in the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora of Athens is said to have been a meeting point used for casual and political purposes. Think of it as the hot spot of ancient Athens, the heart of the city. Supposedly built in the 6th century BC, it's amazing we even get to witness its remains. 

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4. Knossos Palace

If you have an interest in ancient Greek legends, Knossos Palace is one particular ancient site you need to see with your own eyes. Tied to many iconic myths involving the Minotaur, Icarus, Daedalus, and Theseus, this landmark is deeply tied to history. Some strongly believed this was the home of the massive and complicated maze that housed this half-man, half-bull creature. 

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5. Site of Olympia

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the archaeological remains of Olympia was once the grounds for sanctuaries that mainly honored Zeus, King of the Gods. It was also home to many stadiums and sports buildings where the ancient Olympic games were held, an incredible event that is not to be confused with our more modern take. 

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6. Temple of Poseidon

As god of the ocean and considered one of the Big Three, it only makes sense that such a grand and spectacular temple was designed and dedicated to Poseidon. Built on a cliffside so ships could easily spot it, it's a wonderful way to honor his position as "master of the sea." Poseidon played such an important role in ancient Greek life after all - they strongly believed he supported all of their trade and travels by water.

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7. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Sometimes also referred to as the Olympieion or Columns of the Olympian Zeus, this historical landmark was built with being the greatest temple ever created in mind. Of course, nothing less could've been expected for the King of the Gods. While only 15 columns are left standing out of the initial 104, it's enough to make you gawk at the sheer splendor of this temple - it's one of the largest from ancient history!

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8. Temple of Apollo (Portara)

The Temple of Apollo (or sometimes called Portara) is considered an important site for its connection to Greek mythology. Seen as the birthplace of Apollo, the god of the Sun, music, and prophecies, the actual landmark is sadly incomplete. Though it was once intended to be the most marvelous temple in all of Greece, Lygdamis (its creator) was overthrown before he could see it through. 

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9. The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

Theatre was a major source of entertainment in ancient Greece which is why the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus has been credited with being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only is it important for its cultural impact, its architectural design has been deemed one of the most perfect in all of ancient history. Thanks to its amazing build, it has been used to host both theatrical and musical events. 

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10. Sanctuary of Delphi

Delphi has always been an integral part in ancient Greek culture. Many viewed it as the center of the world thanks to a myth that states it was the meeting point of two eagles sent by Zeus from opposite ends of the planet. Home of the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Apollo, the religious impact of this site is undeniable. 

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11. Panathenaic Stadium

Blending the ancient world with the modern, the Panathenaic Stadium is a very special landmark that once celebrated the Panathenaic Games, a sporting event held every four years to honor Athens' protector, Athena. Able to hold up to 50,000 spectators and is the only stadium in the world built completely from marble, there are so many fantastic historical facts to uncover. 

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12. Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is an iconic Greek landmark thanks to all the legends and myths surrounding it. Believed to house the 12 main ancient Greek gods, this mountain had an important religious purpose. But as the highest mountain in all of Greece, it's quite magical just seeing it as is too. 

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13. Temple of Sangri

Built way back around 530 BC out of Naxian marble is the Temple of Sangri, a sanctuary that is believed to have been dedicated to the goddess Demeter. As the one responsible for harvest and agriculture, the Greeks tried building her monuments and temples on fertile grounds out of respect. 

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14. Ancient Kameiros

Once inhabited by ancient Mycenaean Greeks, there's not much remaining to this ancient city. Supposedly built on three different levels, it included an Acropolis at the very top of the hill, eventually spanning out to the bottom where a Doric temple of Apollo was built alongside the Fountain House and Agora. 

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15. Temple of Hera (Olympia)

Often remembered as the Queen of the Gods and wife to Zeus, Hera was a highly regarded goddess that many prayed to. As a result, The Temple of Hera in Olympia is the oldest in the area and is seen as one of the most respected. Though it was initially built as a joint temple, it became purely dedicated to her after a separate one was built for Zeus.

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16. Kerameikos Cemetery

Given the eerie vibe cemeteries usually provide, you're probably not surprised hearing that Kerameikos Cemetery is one of the least visited ancient Greek landmarks. While it's definitely a crucial part of history, it's not something that interests every tourist. It was once home to many potters, but is now the largest cemetery in all of Greece. 

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17. Acropolis of Lindos

The Acropolis of Lindos is another historic archaeological site that houses numerous amazing landmarks. If you get a chance to visit today, you'll still get to witness the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia and The Propylaea of the Sanctuary. 

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18. Ancient Aigai

As the once capital city of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia, the ancient sites of Aigai hold a lot of secrets that still need to be uncovered. For one, multiple tombs have been found here, one of which is the tomb of Euridice which houses Philip II's mother, and one that holds Phillip II himself, the father of Alexander the Great.

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19. Temple of Hephaestus

Built in Athens, the Temple of Hephaestus was meant to honor this god of fire, blacksmiths, and forgeries. Out of the temples on this list, this is arguably the best-preserved one. More interestingly enough, this iconic landmark is built on top of Agoreos Koronos Hill, which was said to have been a meeting area for craftsmen and artisans back in ancient Greece. It definitely feels like a respectful nod to the god. 

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20. Temple of Athena Nike

Built as a way to honor and pray to both Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, and Nike, the goddess of Victory, the Temple of Athena Nike represented the Greeks hopes of being victorious in battle. Though it may be the smallest temple sitting at the Acropolis, its significance is much larger than its actual size. 

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