From bustling stone markets humming the tales of past commerce to towering marble temples awash with centuries of worship, Greece promises remnants from all eras of human civilization, including the Prehistoric, Hellenistic, and Medieval Periods.
Be it visiting ancient ruins made famous through Greek mythology and legends or walking through castles once occupied by some of history’s most celebrated figures, exploring Greece’s ancient history is by far one of the best things about visiting this iconic country.
Whether you are a history buff or looking for something to do while visiting Greece, these are the 30 best ancient Greek ruins and historical places in Greece for uncovering the evolution of the country’s trade, religion, and social politics.
- Greek Ruins and Historical Places in Athens
- Greek Ruins and Historical Places in the Peloponnese
- Greek Ruins and Historical Places in Central Greece
- Greek Ruins and Historical Places in Northern Greece
- Greek Ruins and Historical Places in Crete
- Greek Ruins and Historical Places in Rhodes
- Greek Ruins and Historical Places on Other Greek Islands
Greek Ruins and Historical Places In Athens
1. Acropolis of Athens
Explore The Cradle of Western Civilization’s Most Iconic Landmark.
Perhaps one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, the Acropolis of Athens boasts a history dating back thousands of years, and no visit to Greece would be complete without first marveling at this iconic structure.
Dating back to prehistoric times, the Plateau of the Acropolis Hill has served as the social center of the region for millennia. The Mycenaeans were the first to fortify the hill with castles and walls in the 14th BCE, but these early structures have since been lost following the city’s ransacking at the hands of the Persians in the early 6th century BCE.
The Acropolis the world knows and loves today originates from the Classical Period, with a series of constructions led by the legendary statesman Pericles. Beginning around 500 BCE, the construction of the Acropolis Hill is said to have lasted fifty years.
While Pericles didn’t live long enough to see the final fruits of his labours, visitors to Athens can still marvel at several structures attributed to his original plans. While the Parthenon is the famous centrepiece of the Acropolis Hill, other historical landmarks found at the site include the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
2. The Ancient Agora of Athens
Walk the Streets Where Ancient Greeks Carried Out the Affairs of the Day.
Located just below the Acropolis along the hill’s Northwestern slope, the Ancient Athenian Agora was the center of the Ancient Athenian world and served as its cultural and commercial hub for over 5,000 years.
Over its long history, the agora has undergone several demolitions and reconstructions. Most of the ancient ruins present today are the remnants of the classical period, along with some Ancient Roman additions constructed between BCE. and the second century CE.
Some of the top ruins that help make this one of the most incredible ancient sites in Greece are the Monument of the Eponymous Heroes, the Altar of the Twelve Gods, and the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus, known as the Hephaestion.
Along with its own historical ruins and attractions, the Athenian Agora also offers some of the city’s best views of the Acropolis. In fact, the Acropolis can be seen from anywhere in the agora, allowing visitors a glimpse into what it was like to live in the shadow of one of the most awe-inspiring monuments of Athens.
While walking the paths and gardens of this fantastic preservation of Ancient Athenian Society, it is easy to understand how this ancient community was able to produce so many great people and innovations that have shaped our world today.
3. Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion
Marvel at the Timeless Ruins of the Sea God
While inhabited since the Bronze Age, the current ancient temple found on Cape Sounion dates back to the 5th century BC. Like the Hephaestion and Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon is attributed to Pericles’ plan for the spiritual development of Athens.
The highlight of this archaeological site is the beautiful landscape it occupies on Cape Sounion. Located on the southernmost point of the Attica Peninsula, the temple itself stands as a beacon over the Aegean as merciless waves crash against the rough rocks of the coast.
This ancient marvel is best experienced in the evening, as the sun sets behind the derelict temple and the fresh splash of the sea offers testimony to the god this ancient site was built to honour.
4. Ancient Eleusis, Athens
Discover the Home of Ancient Greece’s Most Important Religious Ceremonies.
Founded in the 2nd millennium BCE, Eleusis has been inhabited for over 4000 thousand years, although the city didn’t rise to prominence until around the 8th century BCE, during the Panhellenic period.
During this time, Eleusis became one of the five sacred cities of Ancient Greece, along with Athens, Delphi, Olympia, and Delos. The city was dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone and was known all around the ancient world for the Eleusinian Mysteries.
The most famous religious rites of the Ancient World, the Eleusinian Mysteries, were a nine-day festival held every September to honour the Goddess of the Harvest in hopes of a fruitful upcoming season.
Attracting pilgrims from all over the ancient world, Eleusis boasts landmarks and constructions dating from the pan-Hellenic period to the Roman period, with some of its most iconic sites being the Kallichoron Well, the Sacred Court, and the Holy Road, which marks the end of the ancient 30 km footpath connecting the city to Athens.
Greek Ruins and Historical Places in the Peloponnese
5. Olympia, Peloponnese
Channel Your Inner Champion As You Uncover the Origins of the Olympic Games.
One of the most celebrated of all the city-states, Ancient Olympia was the birthplace of the Olympic Games of Antiquity and was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the city became a centre for the worship of Zeus in the 10th century BC.
Olympia later established the Olympic Games in 776 BC, elevating itself as a cultural leader among the city-states. Held every four years, the Olympic Games of Antiquity attracted athletes and diplomats from all over the Greek world, and participants sought fame and riches by contending and winning in the celebrated athletic events.
Every inch of this archaeological site offers new and unique ruins that embody the city’s history. Still, the site’s highlights are the Ancient Olympic Track, where you can recreate the Ancient Games’ events, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, found in the very centre of the city.
The temple’s claim to fame is in being the once-proud home of the Statue of Zeus. Built by the Athenian sculptor Phidias in 435 BC, the statue was considered a Wonder of the Ancient World. This monument stood as a tribute to the city’s patron god until the temple was destroyed in the 5th century AD.
The well-preserved Greek ruins and affiliated museums commemorating the glory of the city and its athletic events make this one of the most historic places in Greece for following in the footsteps of ancient Greek athletes and diplomats.
6. Ancient Amphitheatre of Epidaurus, Peloponnese
Marvel at the Impressive Structure of the Ancient World’s Largest Amphitheatre.
While habitation was present in the area since the Mycenaean period, Epidaurus was only a small village until the 4th century BCE, at which point the community developed into an important commercial center in the northeastern Peloponnese.
Between the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, Epidaurus experienced a series of construction projects, with some of its most important buildings being the temple of Asclepius. Famed as a sanctuary of Asclepius, other Greek ruins found within the modern archaeological site include a stadium, gymnasium, baths, and a tholos.
While the city offers plenty of Greek history to explore, the archaeological site’s main attraction is the Ancient Amphitheatre of Epidaurus. With a capacity of 14,000 attendees, the Amphitheatre of Epidaurus is the largest theatre of the Ancient World.
Despite its size, the theatre’s mastery of natural acoustics makes every whisper said on the stage audible to even the furthest row. Overlooking the beautiful landscape of the Argolis region, this ancient amphitheatre is a testimony to Ancient Greece’s cultural and acoustic supremacy and even promises modern performances throughout the summer months.
7. Mycenae, Peloponnese
Tour the Capital City of One of Greece’s Oldest Civilizations.
Finding its roots in as much mythology as in its rich history, Mycenae was said to have been founded by the legendary Greek demigod Perseus. However, it is more commonly known in mythology for being the seat of power of King Agamemnon, leader of the Mycenaean Kingdom featured in Homer’s Iliad.
While it is unknown how much of the city’s mythology is grounded in truth, it is known that the Ancient City of Mycenae was once the capital city of one of Greece’s first powerful kingdoms. Dating between 1700 and 1200 BC, the iconic ruins of Ancient Mycenae are one of the oldest ancient sites in Greece and a must-visit for any history buff.
Some of the archeological site’s best ruins include the iconic Lion Gate entrance, the Grave Circle A, Agamenmon’s Palace, and several tholos tombs.
8. Ancient Corinth, Peloponnese
Admire the Ruins of the Influential City Near the Breathtaking Gulf of Corinth.
Like many of these ancient cities, the area around Corinth has been inhabited since prehistoric times but only rose as a prominent city during the Mycenaean period in the 8th century BC.
As the city began to grow as a centre of ancient commerce, the Corinthians broadened their reach through territorial expansion and quickly became the dominating power around the Isthmus by the end of the century.
As a hub of ancient commerce, Corinth became the direct rival of Athens in both trade and political influence. Thanks to its prominent position in society, Corinth played an active role in both the Peloponnesian and the Corinthian Wars and maintained its influence well into the reign of the Roman Empire.
Today, the city’s ruins are some of the best representations of city planning in Ancient Greece. Located on the slopes of the monolithic rock known as the Acrocorinth, the ruins feature the Archaic Temple of Apollo overlooking the ancient city’s agora, baths, and forums.
9. Messene, Peloponnese
Uncover Underrated Ancient Ruins Amidst Natural Beauty and Olive-Covered Hills.
While not often talked about, ancient Messene’s religious temples and stadion make it one of Greece’s most underrated ancient sites.
Dating back to the 4th century BC, the city’s pulse was found in the large Doric Temple known as the Sanctuary of Asklepios, dedicated to the doctor-demigod Asclepius, and quickly became popular among ancient pilgrims seeking healing at the temple.
Along with the remnants of the sanctuary, the well-preserved ancient theatre stadium, the city’s bathhouses, the agora, and the Temple of Zeus make this archaeological site one of the best representations of all aspects of Ancient Greek life.
Additionally, Messene is my personal favourite ancient site in Greece, largely due to the fact that it experiences far less foot traffic than the more popular sites, being off the beaten track. Combined with its beautifully preserved ruins and breathtaking location, Messe makes it easy to transport back in time to the height of its glory.
10. Mystras, Sparta
Discover a Fortified Castle Town Near the Rugged Coasts of the Peloponnese.
Located only a 10-minute drive from modern Sparta, the Archaeological site of Mystras was constructed in the 12th century by Prince William II Villehardouin following the Frank’s occupation of Constantinople during the Crusades.
Perched atop Mount Mystras, the historic castle town became known as the Wonder of the Morea but only remained under Frank rule for 13 years, following which it was conquered by the Byzantines in 1262.
While serving as the seat of Byzantine power in southern Greece for the following centuries, Mystras again changed hands following the region’s conquest by the Turks in 1460. The town experienced a brief time under Venetian occupation but ultimately returned to the Ottomans until its abandonment in 1821.
Today, Mystras remains one of Greece’s best-preserved fortified towns and was even declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. Some of the site’s best-preserved buildings include Mystras Castle and the Palace of Myustras, along with a collection of historical churches and monasteries.
11. Ancient Megalopolis, Peloponnese
Stroll Through the Ancient Ruins of a Peloponnesian City-State
Located along the northwestern slopes of the modern city, Ancient Megapolis was founded around 371 BCE by Epaminondas of Thebes following their victory over Sparta in the battles of Lefktro.
Translated to “Large City” or “Great City,” Megapolis then served as the Seat of the Arkadian League as a containment of Sparta and quickly developed fortified infrastructure, including strong city walls and a defensible position.
Despite the weakening of the Arkadian League, Megapolis managed to fend off Spartan attacks in 353, 331, and 234, following which the city joined with the Achaean League.
Megapolis fought off all of Sparta’s offensive attacks until 223, at which point the city finally fell to Cleomenes III of Sparta, was plundered, and left to decay into ruin.
While the city only thrived for two centuries, it remains one of the best historical sites in Greece, with its modern Greek ruins consisting of the remains of the city’s ancient wall, a square agora, a theatre, and a thersilion.
Greek Ruins and Historical Places in Central Greece
12. Delphi, Central Greece
Make a Pilgrimage to the Site of Delphi, the Center of the Ancient World.
Considered to be the centre of the Ancient World, the Religious Sanctuary of Delphi was a cultural hub of trade, philosophy, and art. Pilgrims from all over Greece and surrounding regions would make their way along the spine of Mt. Parnassus to pay homage to the Temple of Apollo and the Oracle that had once presided here.
Today, the mystical Delphi is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a centre of archaeological excavations. Modern-day pilgrims can walk the ‘Sacred Way,’ the same path that the pilgrims of antiquity would have taken through the sanctuary. The path features the celebrated Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, and the well-preserved Ancient Theatre. All of which overlooks the awe-inspiring Pythian landscape.
Being the centre of the Ancient World influences from several ancient cultures are found within the archaeological site. From sculptures to entire buildings, pilgrims from all over the region would leave gifts of their civilizations, making this one of the most important ancient sites in Greece today.
And when visiting, don’t forget to check out the Archaeological Museum of Delphi to explore one of the largest collections of sculptors and artifacts taken from the site.
13. Meteora, Central Greece
Climb to the Historic Sites of Meteora’s Mountain Top Monasteries.
Translating to “suspended in air,” Meteora is a collection of monasteries dating back to the Byzantine era, perched atop mountain cliffs in Central Greece’s Thessaly region.
While the first organized monasteries were established in the 12th century, the region around Meteora has actually attracted hermits since the 9th century, who flocked to the mountains for a quiet and isolated lifestyle in the landscape’s many caves.
However, about three centuries later, these dispersed monks came together to form the first organized monastic group in the region. Establishing rules and cannons for the monk to follow, this group became the first monastic community, with its central point later becoming known as the Chapel of Doupiani.
Following this establishment, monastic groups started popping up all over the mountain range, with Meteora reaching the height of its monastic presence in the 16th century. Around this time, the region boasted 24 different monasteries with their own rules, policies, and cannons.
While the monastic presence in Meteora has since declined, six monasteries continue to operate in the mountains, and the region continues to attract visitors seeking the opportunity to explore this monk’s lifestyle while exploring the natural wonders of the area.
14. Dion, Central Greece
Discover One of the Most Religiously Important Cities in the Macedonian Kingdom.
Set at the foot of Mount Olympus, Dion was one of the most important religious cities to the Ancient Greeks and was dedicated to the worship of Zeus (Dios directly translates to “of Zeus”). Along with honouring the king of the gods, Dios was also once believed to be the burial spot of the ancient Greek hero, Orpheus, who it was said died and was buried in the region.
Founded in the fifth century BCE, Ancient Dion was sacred to the Macedonian kingdom during the height of its glory, with both Phillip II and Alexander the Great having been known to celebrate victories and offer sacrifices to Zeus in the city.
The city thrived until 219 BCE, at which point it was destroyed by the Aitolians. However, the site was rebuilt by Philip V, who maintained it until the Romans conquered the city in 169 BC.
Today, Greek ruins from throughout antiquity can be explored within the Archeological Park of Dion, with its oldest ruins being the Sanctuary of Demeter, which dates back to the 6th century BCE. Other popular sites at the archaeological park include the Sanctuary of Zeus Hypsistos, the Sanctuary to Isis, and the Basilica ruins.
Greek Ruins and Historical Places in Northern Greece
15. Ancient Aigai, Northern Greece
Visit the First Capital of Macedonia and the Tomb of Philip II
Located near the modern city of Vergina in Northern Greece, the ancient city of Aigai was the first historical capital of the Macedonian Kingdom.
The city’s most important remains today are the luxurious palace decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes and the venerable burial grounds with more than 300 tumuli dating back to the 11th century BC, which include the royal crypts of Phillip II himself.
Phillip II is best known for fathering Alexander the Great, famous for uniting the Hellenistic World through conquest. However, well before Alexander gained power, his father was already one of the most influential leaders in history.
Philip II’s conquest of the Greek City-states united the country under one kingdom for the first time in history. As such, Aigai became the seat of power, and the grandeur of the palace was developed to reflect its supremacy. Today, the palace ruins are one of the best ancient sites in Greece for exploring the Macedonian Empire.
16. Pella, Northern Greece
Marvel at the Birthplace of Alexander the Great.
Constructed at the end of the 5th century BCE by King Amyntas III, Pella in northern Greece took over as the capital of Ancient Macedonia in the 4th century BCE.
Throughout antiquity, Pella served as a commercial and cultural center of the region but is perhaps more notably famous as the birthplace of Alexander the Great and his father, Philip II.
While the city continued to thrive under Cassander and Antigonus following the death of Alexander the Great, the city ultimately fell to the Romans in 168 BC.
While the city was left to ruin for over two millennia, excavations on the site began in 1957, and modern visitors can still explore the keystone of the Macedonian Kingdom through the ancient Greek ruins that include colonnaded courts, mosaic floors, and ancient houses.
17. Archaeological Site of Philippi, Northern Greece
Visit the Site of the Battle of Philippi and the Birthing Spot of the Roman Empire.
Another critical city within the ancient Macedonian Kingdom, Philippi was founded by Philip II in the 4th century BCE and was continuously inhabited for over two millennia, passing through the hands of the Macedonians, Romans, and Byzantines until it’s ultimate abandonment following the conquests of the Ottoman in the 14 century CE.
Throughout its time as a thriving hub of the ancient world, Philippe played host to many historical events and figures, starting with its golden era under the rule of Philip II.
The presence of natural resources and a convenient location along the Via Egnatia trading route connecting Europe to Asia made Philipi one of the most important cities in the world during the Hellenistic period.
However, Philippi’s greatest claim to fame is in being the location in which the Roman Republic ended to make room for the Roman Empire. In 42 BCE, the city became the conflicted center in the Battle of Philippi, which ultimately saw the armies of Mark Antony and Octavian Brutus and Cassius, establishing the historic city as the eastern cornerstone of the new Empire.
Following Philipi’s incorporation into the Roman Empire, the city continued to host many important figures, including the Apostle Paul, who converted the city into a metropolitan of early Christianity. Philpi would continue to become an important site within Byzantine Christianity.
Nearly 800 years following its abandonment, the archeological site of Philip can still be visited today and is home to ruins that span a thousand years and three civilizations.
Popular ancient Greek ruins include the Macedonian theatre and private and public buildings. Other sites found within the park include the Roman Forum, the Prison of St. Paul, and several Byzantine churches.
18. Olynthus, Northern Greece
Discover an Ancient Ruined City and a Small Museum of Archaeological Finds.
Said to be founded by the son of the legendary Greek hero Heracles, Olynthus was inhabited by the Bottiaeans from the 7th century BCE to the 5th Century BCE, at which point it was conquered by the Persians and handed to the Chalcidice Greek peoples.
While the newly formed Greek city-state was ruled by Athens in the following years, Olynthus revolted their way to independence in 424 BCE. The city quickly grew into the chief city-state in the region and founded the Chalcidian League in 432 BCE.
Nearly a century later, Olynthus initially allied itself with Philip II during a Macedonian-Athenian war but shifted allegiances shortly after. Incurring the ire of Philip, Olynthus was conquered by the Macedonians and razed to the ground in 348 BCE.
Olynthus never recovered from the conflict and remained in ruin and abandoned until excavations began on the site in 1928. Today’s visitors can still explore the archaeological site, which consists of the city’s original floorplan and some of the oldest mosaic floors in mainland Greece.
While not much remains of the city, much of the site’s archaeological finds can be explored at the Archaeological Museum of Olynthus.
19. Ancient Stagira, Northern Greece
A Remarkable Site Responsible for Producing the Famous Philosopher Aristotle.
Another ancient city within the Chalcidice Peninsula of Northern Greece, Stagira, was founded in 655 BCE by settlers from the Ionian island of Andros. For nearly two centuries following its establishment, Stageira was a thriving independent city-state until it was occupied by Xerxes I of Persia in 480 BCE.
Following the Persian’s retreat, Stageira joined the Delian League but later left the alliance in 424 BCE. As a result, the Athenian Demagogue Cleon led an attack on the city. And while Stagira fended off the invasion, the conflict did lead the city to side with Sparta in the Peloponnesian War.
Stageira spent the following decades once again an independent city-state and even bore its most celebrated historical figure during this time – the celebrated philosopher Aristotle.
However, in 348 BCE, Stageira was invaded and destroyed by Philip II of Macedon. Aristotle was invited into the king’s court and even became the tutor of Alexander the Great, for which Philip II rebuilt the city and restored its inhabitants.
Today, the ancient Greek ruins of Stagira are largely attributed to this reconstruction, and visitors can explore some iconic landmarks such as the shrines to Demeter, aqueducts, and historical houses.
20. Amphipolis, Northern Greece
Ancient Greek City State with a Roman Bridge, Gymnasium, and Christian Church.
Built atop the 6th-century Thracian tribal community of Ennea Hodoi, Amphipolis was established by the Athenians around 437 BCE in an attempt to consolidate power in the area around Mt Pangaion.
Thanks to its convenient location only three miles from the Aegean Sea, along with abundant nearby timber, gold, and silver deposits, Amphipolis quickly grew into a strategic transportation and commerce center.
While the city temporarily passed between Athens and Sparta, Amphipolis was largely independent until it was conquered by Philip II of Macedonia in 357 BCE. Amphipolis again changed hands with the Romans, who took control of the city in 168 BCE, making it the headquarters of the Roman Governor for Macedonia.
Today, visitors can still explore the ancient Greek ruins of the city, which include the Roman architecture of a bridge, gymnasium, sanctuaries, and cemeteries, along with four basilicas dating back to the early Christian period, around 500 CE.
Greek Ruins and Historical Places in Crete
21. Knossos, Crete
Discover Europe’s Oldest City at the Minoan Palace of Knossos.
Knossos palace served as the seat of power for the Minoan Civilization that dominated Crete and surrounding islands. Built-in 2000 BC, Knossos is considered to be one of the oldest cities in Europe. The palace was said to have belonged to the mythological King Minos and consisted of an elaborate grand staircase, wide supporting pillars, and intricately designed stoai.
Along with the lavish palace, other highlights of the archaeological site include the Royal Villa, the House of the High Priest, and the Little Palace. Archaeological findings from the site can be found in the nearby Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
The Archaeological Site of Knossos has undergone an intricate restoration in the early years of its rediscovery. While this takes away from the site’s authenticity, it does offer the best visuals of an ancient city in all of Greece.
22. Minoan Palace of Phaistos, Crete
Explore One of Crete’s Most Authentic Historic Sites at the Palace of Phaistos.
Just to the south of Knossos, on the island of Crete, is the Minoan Palace of Phaistos. While not as intricate as the Minoan capital city, the site in Phaistos offers an authentic archaeological ruin of a lavish Minoan palace.
The site features a complex floor plan, large spanning courtyards, and a sweeping overarching view of the Messara Plains.
The greatest find during the archaeological dig of the palace is the Phaistos Disk, which features an ancient script that has yet to be deciphered.
While not as elaborate as Knossos to the North, the Palace of Phaistos is a true testament to the architectural longevity of Europe’s oldest civilization, making it one of the most underrated ancient sites in Greece.
23. Venetian Fortezza Castle
Tour at 16th Century Citadel Overlooking One of Crete’s Most Beautiful Cities.
Believed to have been built on top of ancient Rhithymna’s Acrpoplis, the Venetian Fortezza Castle is a 16th-century citadel constructed by the Venetians but conquered by the Ottomans only shortly after in 1646.
While not as old as many of the other historical places featured within this list, the Fortezza of Rethymno is one of the most impressive fortifications in Greece and consists of an impressive stone wall, four Bastions, a cavalier, and a magazine.
While once separated from the rest of mainland Crete on a small island, water currents and sand deposits have since built a connecting isthmus, making it easily accessible from the modern city of Rethymno.
Greek Ruins and Historical Places in Rhodes
24. The Grandmasters Palace, Rhodes
Visit the Administrative Center of the Knights Hostpitaller of Rhodes.
Rumoured to occupy the same spot as Antiquity’s Temple of the Sun God and the Colossus of Rhodes, The Grandmaster’s Palace in Rhodes was constructed as a Byzantine citadel in the 7th century CE and was converted into an administrative center for the Knights Hospitaller during their occupation of the island in 1309.
During this time, the Knights of St John made many additions to the complex, and by the end of the renovations, the palace boasted 158 rooms, including the Grand Reception Hall, the Waiting Room, the Music Room, and the Medusa Mosaic.
Today, only 24 rooms are open to the public, but The Grandmaster’s Palace remains one of the most important historical places in Greece and offers a unique insight into the past, complete with antique furniture, marble sculptures, and Oriental vases.
25. Acropolis of Lindos, Rhodes
Discover the Iconic Acropolis Atop the Highest Point of the City.
The most famous Ancient Greek ruins on Rhodes, the Lindos Acropolis, sits atop a 116-meter high cliff, which overlooks the nearby town and surrounding sea.
One of the oldest Greek cities, the iconic Acropolis of Lindos was constructed in the 9th century BCE and was dedicated to the goddess Athena. The hilltop was fortified in the 6th century BCE, with further construction of battlements occurring in the medieval period by the Knights of Saint John.
Continuously inhabited for nearly three centuries, the Acropolis of Lindos boasts remnants of numerous cultures, civilizations, and time periods and invites visitors from all over the world to climb its historical footpath up to the site.
Of its many ancient Greek ruins, the most popular are the goddess Athena Lindia temples with their Doric columns, the Propylaea, the Hellenistic stairway, and the castle of the Knights of St John.
26. Ancient City of Kamiros, Rhodes
Tour the ruins of One of the Most Important Historical Sites on Rhodes.
Located on the northwestern coast of the island, Kameiros was one of the three cities that united the powerful city-state of Rhodes throughout the 5th century BCE, with the other two cities being Lindos and Ioalyssos.
Like many cities on the island, Kamerios was founded in prehistoric times by the Dorians but was later inhabited by the Achaeans. The oldest remains date back to the 8th century BCE and consist of ancient Greek ruins scattered throughout three levels.
The top of the hill was the site of the ancient Acropolis, dedicated to Athena Kamerias, while the middle level housed a reservoir capable of serving 400 families. Meanwhile, the lowest level of the town housed doric temples and the agora and was the political center of the community.
Having been destroyed twice by earthquakes in 226 and 142 BCE, Kameiros was abandoned in the 2nd century BCE and left to ruin until excavations began in the 1850s. Today, Kamiros remains one of the most important archaeological sites in Rhodes.
Greek Ruins and Historical Places on the Other Greek Islands
27. Delos, Cyclades
Visit the Legendary Birthplace of Apollo.
According to mythology, the small Cycladic island of Delos was considered the Sun God Apollo’s birthplace. Combined with the island’s geographical location in the Aegean centre, Delos was a hub for religion and trade in the Ancient World.
The island bears remnants of civilizations from the Bronze Age(3000 BC) to the Paleochristian Era(260 AD), making it one of the most wide-ranging ancient sites in Greece.
Some of the top ruins on the island are those found in the Sanctuary of Apollo. Known as the Sacred Precinct, the sanctuary is home to a dried-up ancient lake believed to be Apollo’s birthplace.
While the island of Delos is protected as an archaeological site, tourists can still visit the historic island along a guided tour from nearby Mykonos or from one of the other nearby islands making up the Cyclades group.
28. Akrotiri, Santorini
Discover a Lost City At “Greece’s Pompeii.”
One of the oldest and most historic places in Greece, Akrotiri is an ancient Bronze Age settlement that can date its earliest inhabitants to the 5th millennium BCE, when the area got its start as a small fishing and farming village.
By the third millennium, Akrotiri was a thriving Bronze Age community under Minoan Rule and was a hub of commerce, with trading routes spanning throughout the Mediterranean with known contact reaching as far as Egypt and Syria.
Akrotiri continued to thrive until the 16th century BCE, at which point the volcanic eruption of Thera covered the city in volcanic ash, preserving the community exactly as it was at the time of eruption for the next three thousand years, earning the city the title of “Greece’s Pompeii. Some even attribute this volcanic eruption and Akrotiri as the origin of the legend of Atlantis.
Today, Akrotiri remains one of the most historical places in Greece and invites visitors to explore the marvelously preserved ancient city, which consists of frescoes and artifacts portraying ancient life.
29. Pythagoreion and the Heraion, Samos
Explore the Ruins at the Largest Temple of Hera from the Ancient World.
An ancient city found on the North Aegean island of Samos, Pythagorean had been inhabited since prehistoric times, with its main historical settlement starting in the 10th century BCE.
The city reached its peak in the 6th century BCE, with its convenient location making it a cultural and commercial hub in the area. Several archaeological remains can still be explored within the ruins of the city, including sanctuaries, public buildings, and temples dating to the Roman times and Hellenistic periods.
However, the most celebrated of Pythagoreion’s landmarks is the Heraion, a temple dedicated to the goddess Hera, located approximately 6 kilometres from the main ruins. The temple was built in the 7th century BCE and was the largest in the world at the time, according to Herodotus.
The temple was later overshadowed by other larger temples on the island. The Heraion remains one of the most popular historical places in Greece and features the ruins of altars, smaller temples, stoas, and statues, which can all be visited today.
30. Ancient Samothrace, Northern Aegean Islands
Uncover One of the Most Important Religious Cults of Ancient Greece.
A mountainous island in the northern Aegean Sea, Samothrace was colonized by Greek settlers around 700 BCE and is most notable for its rugged landscape and Mt Saos, which rises 1,611 meters above sea level.
And while Samothrace wasn’t particularly prominent throughout ancient times, it did boast the Sanctuary of the Greats, one of the most important historical places in Greece during Hellenic and pre-Hellenic times.
In fact, the importance of the cult was second only to the Eleusinian Mysteries in ancient Greece, and pilgrims from around the ancient world would flock to Samothrace for its ceremonies.
Modern visitors can explore the ancient Greek ruins of the sanctuary at the archaeological site on the island’s northern shores, which consists primarily of 4th and 3rd-century buildings, temples, frieze, and a shrine where it is believed the mysteries were performed.
