Going to Greece to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, you can not only relax, comfortably located near the sea waves or do shopping , but also spend time with benefit, paying attention to the study of the sights of one of the Greek peninsulas - Chalkidiki. To have a restful and interesting holiday you can plan ahead what to see in Halkidiki.
The most popular attractions of Halkidiki (Greece)
Cave of Petralona
The cave is located 55 km from Thessaloniki. It was discovered by a resident of the village of Petralona Philip Hadzaridis in 1959. However, the cave, known all over the world, became one year later - after another resident of the village of Christ Saryanidis found the skull of an ancient man. Also, bone tools, jaws of animals were found.
Monasteries of Meteora
Meteors are massive rocks, on which the monastery of the same name, which became a home for hermits, has been located since the 11th century. The first monastic community appeared only in the 16th century. Six communities are valid at the present time.
You can get to the monastery of Meteora by asphalt road. Leading directly to the foot of the temple. However, in order to climb onto the rocks, it was necessary to use a special system of ropes, baskets and carts with horses.
The monastery houses unique frescoes, icons and shrines, as well as a library containing manuscripts of the Middle Ages.
Greece: Holy Mount Athos
Mount Athos is the eastern ledge of Halkidiki, which is located in the waters of the Aegean Sea. The height of the mountain is 2033 meters at sea level.
It was believed that in ancient Greece on top of the mountain was the temple of Zeus, which in Greek was called "apos" (in Russian "Athos"). Hence the name of the mountain itself.
According to the legend, in 422 Athos was visited by the daughter of Theodosius the Great Tsarevna Plakidia. She wanted to enter the monastery of Vatoped on the hill, but, hearing the voice from the icon of the Mother of God, refused to visit the temple. The fathers of Athos forbade women to enter the Holy Mountain. This law remains to this day.
Fortress of Platamonas
At the foot of Mount Olympus, in the village of Platamonas there is a fortress of the same name, which was built in the 13th century. It is the boundary between Thessaly and Macedonia.
Initially, the citadel of Byzantine times belonged to the ancient city of Irakli.Vozveli fortress on the orders of Boniface Momferatico.
Inside the fortress you can see dilapidated houses and churches, built in the 10th century.
Currently, in the summer, the International Festival of Olympus is held in the fortress: musical groups give concerts, put on representations of ancient Greek authors.
Tempi Valley
Tempei Valley is located between the mountains of Olympus and Ossa. It is distinguished by the presence of abysses of various widths and depths. In the valley there is a temple of St. Paraskeva, to which pilgrims from all over the world come. Also there is a large number of curative springs.
Halkidiki: Olympus
Many of us remember the legend according to which the Ancient Greek gods lived on Mount Olympus. In total there are four peaks of Olympus:
- Mikikas (height of 2918 meters);
- Skolio (height of 2912 meters);
- Stephanie (2905 meters);
- Rock (2866 meters).
You can get to Olympus both on foot and along the road, leading the serpentine up. However, walking will be preferable, because in this case you can observe in the local forest for mouflons - animals from the genus of rams.
The path to the summit of Olympus is quite heavy and takes a lot of time and effort. Therefore, in the gorges of the mountains shelters are located, where tourists can rest. The cost of one bed is 15 dollars.
At the highest peak of Mikikas there is a magazine in a special box made of iron. Everyone who has mastered the ascent to the highest point of Olympus can leave his message in this magazine. And upon arrival at the orphanage you will be solemnly handed a certificate confirming the fact of climbing the mountain.
Chalkidiki is rich in history, which has survived to this day in the structures and monuments of architecture of this small but such beautiful peninsula.