10.27.2015
In Greece, the myth becomes reality – this is no longer advertising trick of tour operators, but quite a fair fact. In mythology There is mention of almost every region of the country. But if you prove the existence of Tartarus or the River Styx is impossible, then to see the place the birth of Zeus or visit the legendary Olympus on the strength of each to the tourist.
Today we will continue the journey in the footsteps of the myths of Greece.
Olympus
Olympus – the most important of the real places, associated with Greek mythology. On this sacred mountain dwelt Zeus, his wife Hera, Apollo with Artemis, Athena and Aphrodite. AT the kingdom of Zeus there was no snow or rain – only the eternal and joyful summer. Above Olympus stretched bottomless sky, from which flowed shine. And below the mountain, under the clouds, hid a distant land, where happiness gave way to grief, and in the summer autumn came.
At the palace of Zeus there were two vessels from which he drew and distributed to people evil and good. God did not spare those who do not established by him order. Compliance with the laws vigilantly watched goddess Dike (defender of truth) and Themis.
Now Olympus is not just a legendary mountain range, but also monument of nature. National Reserve known biodiversity. It attracts lovers of active tourism – on the territory of Olympus is equipped with special trails. Routes start from the town of Priony. And in winter, there are alpine skiing on Olympus. centers. At the foot of Olympus, you can visit one of the iconic places. Ancient Greece – Dion. Here they worshiped gods and made sacrifices. In Dion preserved theaters, stadium, ancient baths, bath complex. The ancient city will help to feel the spirit of the past.
How to get there
Olympus can be reached from Thessaloniki by car on the slopes E90 and E75. And you can take a bus to Thessaloniki or Athens, take a ride to Katerini. Next – by taxi, rented car or bus to Prionii.
Ticket price
For visiting Olympus will not have to pay. But if you wish take advantage of the main benefits of civilization, take your time and enjoy the conquest of Olympus worth remembering the extra expenses. On the way there will be a cafe and a few shelters in which you can relax and spend the night. Prices for Accommodation starts from 10 euros.
Dikteyskaya cave
By studying the information about Crete, it can be found that this Greek the island became the birthplace of Zeus himself. According to the myth, the first gods were considered to be Gaia and Uranus. The latter was very afraid to lose his power, therefore, all heirs he dumped in the depths of the earth. But Gaia was able to save his son Kronos, who then threw his father into the sea. Kronos, like his father, got rid of the children – he swallowed them. Then his wife Ray went to Crete, where he was born in one of the caves Zeus.
Photo: Dmitry Zharikov
It is believed that Dikteyskaya has become this cave. She settled down on one of the elephants of the Dikty range, from where the incredible Views of the Lassithi Plateau. Antechonic cave for the ancients was cult place. Here found a variety of statues, tools labor, altars of several eras and vases. The cave is decorated with stalactites, and in a small lake Zeus might have bathed.
How to get there
On the bus to the cave of Zeus is not so easy to get there. He goes to Village Psychro, where you have to go on foot. More convenient to rent car and move on the map and signs. Also any tour operator and local agency offering excursions to Dikteon. Their cost will depend on the location of the hotel in Crete.
Ticket price
4 euros. Children can go for free.
Mount Mosihl on Lemnos
In the mythology of Greece, Limnos is listed as the island of Hephaestus. God of fire, born lame, during a quarrel with Zeus, he was thrown to the ground. Namely – on Lemnos, where he fell without signs of life. Islanders out Hephaestus. In gratitude, he taught them blacksmithing, and At the top of Mount Mosichl, the god of fire created a forge. After return Hephaestus at Olympus always burned in it.
In antiquity on Lemnos Hephaestus was incredibly revered. Here built a pagan temple in his honor – exactly at the place where according to legend, God fell from Olympus. The temple became an annual site. for the celebration of fire. And the fire itself was maintained year-round.
How to get there
You can reach Lemnos from Thessaloniki, Athens or from the island Lesbos The island’s airport only accepts domestic flights. Good A ferry service is developed that connects Lemnos with many regions of Greece. Mosihl Mountain is a popular destination today. for hiking, bears the name Despotis and is located near Kocinas (north of Lemnos). It can be reached by bus from the capital of the island. Kotsinas himself deserves no less attention. Here the city was located, and now there are only fragments of the fortress, churches and statues.
Over the centuries, the origin of the Greek myths remains the secret. But the very existence of places somehow connected with names of the gods invariably attracts tourists to Hellas for dating this mysterious side of Greek history.
