The Parthenon temple, located on the Acropolis of Athens, is one of the world’s greatest cultural symbols. Dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos, or Athena the Virgin, it was completed in 438 BC.NICK KONTIS FOR USA TODAY
Email Twitter Facebook ShareThe opulent structure known as the Erechtheion is located on the north side of the Acropolis. The name derives from Erechtheus, the mythical king of Athens, who was worshipped there.
Email Twitter Facebook ShareOn the flatlands of the Acropolis lies the Ancient Agora, or marketplace. The agora was the center of ancient Athens culture. Most impressive is the Temple of Hephaestus, which was completed in 415 BC, two years before the fabled Parthenon.NICK KONTIS FOR USA TODAY
Email Twitter Facebook ShareThe name derives from akro, meaning peak, and polis, the word for city. The upper citadel was a place of escape in times of invasion.NICK KONTIS FOR USA TODAY
Email Twitter Facebook ShareNo matter where you find yourself in the city, the majestic hill looms large. The awe-inspiring view of the Parthenon from the rooftop restaurant bar at the Herodion Hotel is just one of the many elevated perspectives that you will find throughout Athens.NICK KONTIS FOR USA TODAY
Email Twitter Facebook ShareDirectly below the Acropolis is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, built by the Romans in 161 AD. The historic ruins are still used today for concerts, ballet and other performances.
Email Twitter Facebook ShareIt’s nearly 2,000 years old, but for most of that time it has stood in ruins, destroyed by barbarians just a century after it was built. It was only restored to action in 1950, and immediately found its role as a place of spectacle in a spectacular location.NICK KONTIS FOR USA TODAY
ShareThe stage here has been graced by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Placido Domingo, Jean Michel Jarre, Jethro Tull, Deep Purple, Elton John and local legends like Nana Mouskouri.NICK KONTIS FOR USA TODAY
ShareBuilt on awe-inspiring rock formations, Meteora is one of the most significant Greek Orthodox village complexes.NICK KONTIS FOR USA TODAY
ShareIt took many years to complete construction of the monasteries on the monolithic cliffs. Ropes, ladders and nets were used to transport people and material up the steep slopes to complete the archeological marvels.
ShareDespite overwhelming odds, 24 monasteries in total were built in the 14th century as a hiding place from the Turkish invasion. Today, six of the grand houses of the holy remain.GIANNI BIANCHINI
ShareThe Byzantine creation is a Christian sanctuary preserving the 2,000-year-old Christian Orthodox faith.NICK KONTIS FOR USA TODAY
ShareNothing can prepare you for the sheer, jaw-dropping beauty of these monks’ quarters, built on rock pillars that were formed 60 million years ago. The name itself translates to “suspended in air.”NICK KONTIS FOR USA TODAY
ShareThe iconic Philippeion is one of the many jaw-dropping sites you will see while wandering the tree-shaded ruins of the Altis of Olympia. It was built by famed Macedonian King Phillip II, father of Alexander the Great, in 338 BC.
