Greece is home to the world's most influential heritage and architecture. The country, known as Western civilization's birthplace, boasts plenty of hidden gems. From Greek mythology to ancient architecture, Greece is a destination on every architect, history buff, and traveler's bucket list.
The medieval cities, age-old monuments, and numerous temples in Greece are a must-see for any architect or aspiring designer. Here are 10 reasons why Greece is a must-visit for all architects.
10 White Tower Of Thessaloniki
The White Tower of Thessaloniki has become a major tourist attraction over the years. Architects marvel at the tower's Ottoman Architecture which is a product of mosaic floors and walls made of brick, stone, and plaster. Fascinating items inside the museums include wall paintings, Byzantine culture exhibits, and archeological artifacts. Of course, history buffs can't get enough of the tower's rich history, with the monument once serving as a fort housing Thessaloniki's air defense forces.
- Location: Thessaloniki
- Hours Open: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, daily
9 The Parthenon In Acropolis
The Parthenon is yet another huge monument that attracts tourists planning a Greece vacation. Once dedicated to the goddess Athena, architects can now feel like royalty as they walk around the magnificent monument. This piece of architecture boasts rich meaning, from serving as a religious center to being a symbol of power and prosperity.
- Location: Temple of Acropolis, Athens
- Hours Open: Open 24 hours, daily
8 The Metropolitan Cathedral Of Athens
The spectacular cathedral was founded on Christmas Day of 1842 and took 20 years, thanks to exemplary work from three chief architects from Athens. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, also known as The Metropolis, is made of marble collected from 72 demolished churches all over Greece. The cathedral houses three tombs of saints executed during King Otto's reign and is surrounded by several statues worth taking a photograph next to.
- Location: Athens
- Hours Open: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, daily
7 The Town Of Delphi
Delphi, an ancient sanctuary with breathtaking views, is one of Greece's most famous archeological sites besides the Acropolis. Architects and history lovers can immerse themselves in the myths of the mysterious sanctuary, famously known as the Navel of The Earth. Delphi is also home to the Temple of Apollo, The Tholos, and the Greek-themed Pythian Games.
- Location: Phocis
- Hours Open: Wednesday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday 10:00 PM to 5:00 PM
6 Theater Of Epidaurus
The Hellenistic feel of this marvelous theater is every architect's paradise. In Ancient Greece, the great Theater of Epidaurus hosted festivals and sports in the worship of the god of medicine, Asclepius. Its seating capacity is estimated to have held 13,000 to 14,000 audience. The theater features a vast stage, an auditorium, and an orchestral ground, making it one of the world's flawless theaters of acoustics.
- Location: Epidaurus
- Hours Open: Winter 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Summer 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
5 Mystras
Mystras is an exciting cocktail of Greek architecture and Western-style design. The town boasts renovated churches and palaces that make it look like a city of ancient castles. Mystras is nestled on Mt. Taygetos ranges, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts Byzantine houses and medieval-looking streets that architects can admire. Mystras is also home to beautiful villages like Neos and Trypi that tell a tale of the fascinating Byzantine culture and architecture.
- Location: Peloponnese
- Hours Open: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, daily
4 Knossos Palace
Famously known as the center of the Minoan civilization, Knossos Palace is another product of ancient Greek architecture. The archeological site is always teeming with history buffs and architects, all trying to take in the awe-inspiring myths and legends dating back to the Neolithic period. King Mino's throne, which dates back to 1500 BC, sits conspicuously inside the well-preserved ruins of the palace.
- Location: Crete
- Hours Opens: Between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, daily
3 Temple Of Hephaestus
The ancient Temple of Hephaestus is a tourist attraction that makes visitors not want to leave. The monument boasted a blend of classical and Doric architecture and was designed by one of the most talented architects, Iktinus. The Doric columns with lavish decorations capture the hearts of picture lovers. In addition, the temple served as a place of worship for two deities, Hephaestus and Athena.
- Location: Athens
- Hours Open: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, daily
2 Rhodes
When it comes to well-preserved medieval towns around the world, Rhodes tops the list. Conquered and inhabited by Turks, Romans, and Italians, the town is a hotbed of architectural ideas left behind by the three cultures. As a result, the town features stunning landmarks like The Muslim Library and The Palace of The Grand Master of The Knights of Rhodes, a perfect example of Gothic architecture.
- Location: South Aegean
- Hours Open: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Weekdays, 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM on Saturdays
1 Stoa Of Attalos
Stoa means a closed walkway, and King Attalos II built the architectural wonder as a gift to the people for the education he received from the city under the philosopher Carneades. The building is a mix of Greek and Doric architecture and served as the largest shopping center until 267 AD when it was destroyed. Recently renovated in 1956, Stoa of Attalos is now a famous archeological museum that attracts tourists yearly.
- Location: Agora, Athens
- Hours Open: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, daily