Greece can plausibly claim to be the cradle of European civilisation. It’s here that the basic principles of concepts like democracy were first fleshed out. As a consequence, it’s a place of enormous historical importance, which can make it an appealing place for tourists.
But Greece is also a wonderful place to enjoy peerless art and culture. Booking the right villa in Greece can be a great first step toward enjoying these things. But exactly where might you venture?
Ancient Athens: Where Civilisation Began
Some of the most important historical sites in the capital are known throughout the world. The Acropolis and the Ancient Agora were not just important places politically – the buildings themselves also held great artistic and architectural significance. You can see the formation of classical orders of architecture, here, like the columns that would later be found on government buildings throughout the Western world.
While you’re in the area, you might also pay a visit to some of the capital’s important museums and galleries, like the Acropolis Museum, the Benaki Museum, and the National Archaeological Museum.
Island Hopping through Cycladic Art and Architecture
The Cycladic islands are to be found off the east coast of the Greek mainland. As you might expect, the art and culture on these islands were, for much of Greek history, quite isolated from that of the mainland. Thus, we find plenty of unique movements and artistic styles here.
This is best evidenced by the famous Cycladic figurines, many of which are to be found in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. But you might also visit the islands themselves. On Delos, there is plenty of archaeological interest to sink one’s teeth into. On Santorini, meanwhile, you’ll find the ancient Cycladic settlement of Akrotiri, and the accompanying castle.
Byzantine Brilliance in Thessaloniki
For those with an interest in the Byzantine Empire, it’s difficult to overlook the appeal of Thessaloniki, which contains a number of important churches, as well as the Museum of Byzantine culture. There are also Roman and Ottoman buildings to uncover. You might climb the famous White Tower, walk beneath the Arch of Galerius, or stroll around Aristotle Square. Many of the city’s more famous landmarks have earned UNESCO World Heritage status: a single day spent navigating the city can acquaint you with art and culture from some of history’s most diverse and important civilisations.
Experiencing Contemporary Greek Culture in Urban Centres
Of course, for all of Greece’s historical appeal, there’s still plenty of modern-day appeal to uncover. Many of the major cities we’ve discussed are also home to amazing contemporary art scenes. You might visit modern galleries, or sample street art in Athens. A large part of Greece’s cultural heritage stems from its amazing food, too: be sure to sample what the locals are eating as you travel the country.
The Peloponnese: A Tapestry of Ancient and Medieval History
Finally, we should mention the Peloponnese peninsula, which forms a large part of the country’s south. There are plenty of amazing archaeological sites to uncover here, including Olympia, Mycenae, Tiryns, and Epidaurus. Some parts of the region, like Nafplio, exhibit a Venetian influence that makes them truly unique and worth exploring.
