Greece is perhaps the most visited country by tourists from all over the world. It is distinguished by its rich history, amazingly beautiful nature and hospitality. This country is the cradle of all world culture. Her amazing legends about the great deities of Olympus are known to all mankind.
The article will introduce you to an amazing place, which is not just a center of tourism, but also a center of mass pilgrimage for climbers from all over the world. This is Mount Olympus in Greece.
What is Olympus for the ancient Greeks?
This array in ancient times served as the border between Thessaly and Macedonia. Many are familiar with ancient Greek mythology, where Olympus is the abode of the almighty gods who crushed the titans. All this happened under the leadership of Zeus (the thunderer in charge of the whole world). And the ancient Greeks believed it. According to their belief, the gates of Olympus were guarded by the goddesses of time. These are Ores - the daughters of Themis and Zeus. Thanks to them, no living creature could wander there.
All the goddesses and gods, gathering together, feasted, eating ambrosia (a plant that gives strength and immortality). At the same time, the goddesses of joy (Kharitas) delightedsight and hearing of the gods with their magnificent round dances and songs.
Location
The legendary Olympus mountain range is located in Greece in the north-eastern territory of Thessaly, which is a historical region, at the very coast of the Aegean Sea, the distance to which is less than 20 km.
The area adjacent to the mountain is a National Reserve.
Description of Mount Olympus
The statement that Olympus is one peak is very erroneous. This is a collection of approximately 40 peaks, the highest of which is Mitikas (2917 m). Following him in descending heights are the peaks of Skolio (according to the Greeks - the "Throne of Zeus") and Stephanie. The name of the first arose due to the fact that it is similar in shape to the back of a chair. The height of other peaks varies between 2100-2760 meters.
Skolio summit is at 2912 meters and Stephanie at 2905 meters.
Sights of Olympus
There is something to see on the territory of the National Reserve. In the area of Mount Olympus in 1961, a temple of Zeus was discovered. Archaeologists have found coins, ancient statues and animal remains that were sacrificed here. The tomb of Orpheus and the ancient temple of Apollo were also discovered.
Here is the monastery of St. Dionysius, built in the middle of the XVI century and named after the founder. Of course, time did not spare this building, it has changed a lot. To this day, the reconstruction of some of its buildings continues. Despite all this, the monastery is active. Not far from it (in30 minutes on foot) there is a cave, and on the way to it a river flows with clean cold water. It is forbidden to swim in it.
Nature
Undoubtedly, the most important natural attraction of these places is Mount Olympus itself. But its surroundings are amazingly beautiful landscapes. The rocky and steep slopes of the massif are cut by gorges through which mountain streams flow. Forests of oak, maple, cypress, beech and chestnut represent the lower parts of the slopes, and pines and fir grow above. Many roe deer and chamois can be found in the forests.
Further (above) there are rare thickets of shrubs and meadows. There is almost no vegetation at an altitude of 2500 meters, but these places are well adapted for nesting eagles and vultures. The uppermost sections of the massif are almost always covered with snow and shrouded in air clouds.
Olympus has been a national reserve since 1938, and since 1981 it has been recognized as a world heritage and is under the protection of UNESCO. Since 1985, the massif has been a historical and archaeological site.
The rich ecosystem of Olympus is represented by a variety of animals. In total, about 200 species live here. There are many birds, wild mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Many tourists dream of conquering this ancient abode of the gods, but the top of Mount Olympus is not subject to everyone, it is not so easy to overcome this path. From its height, an amazing panorama of Greece opens up.
These territories are rich in rare plants, notfound nowhere else. The flora of protected areas is represented by approximately 1700 species of various plants, of which 23 are found only here.
A little about climbing
Olympus is the center of "pilgrimage" for climbers. Especially for such tourists, a route to conquer it has been developed.
Climbing Mount Olympus starts from the small town of Litochoro, but many have adapted to travel by rented car or taxi to the village of Prionia. The road leading there is a serpentine. This path saves about two hours in time. This settlement has a parking lot and a place where you can eat well (restaurant). You have to spend the night in the monastery of St. Dionysius, located nearby.
Travelers with experience of such trips advise dividing the climbing route into 2 parts. The first day is the road to the boarding house. Stopping half way, you can capture the amazingly beautiful pink sunrise on Mount Olympus.
Mount Olympus in Greece can be reached from Thessaloniki. The length of this route is approximately 100 km. The route passes through the towns of Katerini and Litochoro, located at the foot of the massif, and then by car or on foot to Prionia, located at an altitude of 1100 m.
Where else is Mount Olympus?
Besides Greece, there are mountains with this name in Cyprus, Turkey and the planet Mars. In Cyprus, at the location of Mount Olympus, two mountain ranges stretch: Troodos and Kyrenia. And in Turkey, Olympus is a local naturalattraction. At its foot lies the city of Tahatali, which has an antique style.
However, indescribable sensations arise only on the legendary Olympus - on the highest mountains of Greece. No wonder the gods chose this sacred mountain.
