The Best Places in Greece to Experience Arts and Culture

Greece is a southeastern country in Europe well known for its ancient culture and epic mythology. It is also known for its multitude of beaches and cultural attractions. Though the world knows that this country is bustling with ancient ruins and sites to see, it is not that well known that Greece is also a trailblazer in modern art and culture. From theatres where ancient Greek life still comes alive to tombs that still hold the bodies of kings in Greece, the places to visit in Greece are unique, wonderful, and worth visiting. This magnificent country houses some of the most impressively innovative buildings which in turn house famous contemporary art pieces. If you were pondering which are the best places in Greece to experience arts and culture, this article is for you. Read on to know more about some of the interesting places in Greece.

Best Places in Greece to Experience Arts and Culture

Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis Museum
Delphi
Mycenae
The Temple of Hephaestus
The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
The National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens
The Kalfayan Galleries

Acropolis of Athens

There’s no doubt why Acropolis tops the list of best places in Greece to experience arts and culture. I would say that there’s no better attraction to see while in Greece than visiting this Historical site. “Acropolis” in Greek means “High City”. Acropolis in Athens is one of the most renowned historical sites in the world and is definitely well-known and worth visiting. This site is perched on a high hill of limestone rock and is home to multiple cultural buildings. It is believed that the limestone rock dates back to the ages of dinosaurs.

The Parthenon, a temple built in honour of the goddess Athena stands in remnants. The view of this stunning and definitely a treat to your eyes. If you walk further through the ACropolis you are sure to find the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This is a stone open-air theatre that was built in 161 AD. This theatre often comes to life with classical Greek shows and musicals and will definitely transport you back to ancient greek times.

The Acropolis Museum

With Sleek and modern glass designs, Acropolis is a spot you shouldn’t miss. This museum boasts ancient artefacts found from the Acropolis of Athens spread over 90,000 square feet of space. The museum also has a cafe and terrace that is popular among visitors for its stunning view of the city. It is highly recommended that you start your tour from the top floor of the ‘Parthenon Gallery’ and then go down.

Delphi

Delphi is a UNESCO world heritage site that rests just outside of Athens and alongside Mount Parnassus. It is one of the most famed pilgrimage locations for honouring the ancient Greek god Apollo, the god of light. The ruins of Delphi is undoubtedly a popular tourist attraction in Greece. The main path for walking through Delphi is called the sacred way. It is at the end of this pathway, you will find the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. Very next to the temple is a glorious ancient theatre and the Stadium of Delphi.

While at Delphi, you’ll enjoy exploring the Archaeological Museum of Delphi that lies just between the ancient ruins and the modern town. This museum is very well-known for hosting ancient Greek art and artefacts found from the Delphi archaeological sites. Make sure to pay your visit to the Sphinx of the Naxians which is one of the earliest known portrayals of the mythical creature in ancient Greece.

Mycenae

Does this sound familiar to you? If you had read Homer’s the Iliad or the Odyssey before in your English classes then you will recognise Mycenae. Mycenae is the land from which King Agamemnon reigned when he led the battle against Troy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is definitely one of the best places in Greece to experience arts and culture. You are sure to feel a part of history as you walk through these archaeological ruins at Mycenae. The other sites you can view while you are here are the Lion Gate, the Cyclopean Walls, and the Museum of Mycenae.

The Temple of Hephaestus

The Temple of Hephaestus dates back to 450 BC. It is dedicated to Athena and Hephaestus, the god of fire. You can find this temple on top of the Agoreao Koronos Hill in Athens. This temple is mostly intact and can be called as one of the best-preserved temples in Greece. The temple was built in a Doric style featuring large columns with sculptures lining the building, and friezes that depict mythological stories including Hercules and the Trojan War.

Long shot of the temple — Source: Unsplash

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki is one of the largest museums in Greece. If you are a lover of art and culture you are sure to visit the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. Built in a modern fashion this museum is a outright contrast to the centuries of histories waiting to be explored inside. This museum boasts extraordinary collections of artefacts from all the way back to the Prehistoric age, to ancient Macedonian times.

The National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens

It is in Athens you will find the astonishing National Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum prides itself for its stunning showcase of contemporary Greek and international art. This museum also boasts exhibitions and programs as well as a diverse collection of art mediums like sculptures, installations, and industrial designs, for the public. Though Greece is well-known for its historical and mythological attractions, you won’t regret viewing this modern side of the country.

The Kalfayan Galleries

The Kalfayan Galleries are located in both Athens and Thessaloniki, thereby making it easy for you to visit in whichever city you are. These galleries are known for connecting the Western and Eastern worlds. They showcase arts from not just Greece but also from the Middle East and the Balkans. These galleries are popular around the globe through their magnificent work in international art fairs and collaborations with other art institutions.

If you are a lover of art and culture make sure to include these 8 best places in Greece to experience arts and culture in your itinerary. If you are looking for more places, you can also visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and the Romantso. And if you feel tired of all the explorations, make sure to pay a visit to the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil. You are sure to feel refreshed after visiting this museum.

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