Archaeological Sites
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The Archaeolgical sites at Mount Olympus
Sacred Sites and Crusader Castles
Mount Olympus offers an enchanting blend of classical Greek mythology and rare flora and fauna. A trip to Olympus wouldn’t be complete without exploring the rich history of this legendary land. From touring the sacred site of Dion, to exploring one of the largest crusader castles in Greece, to uncovering a former refuge and monastery, here are the top three archaeological sites to visit in Olympus.
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Dion Archaeological Park
You’ve surely heard of the god of all Olympian gods, Zeus, but have you heard of the ancient Macedonian city that was built and dedicated to the worship of Zeus? The history of Dion dates back to the Hellenistic period where the gods of Olympus were worshipped. Over the years, Dion developed into a prospering city with theaters, living quarters, stadiums and more. Later, the Romans would take over this thriving city and incorporate Roman baths and other characteristics of their motherland. Before reaching its end some time after the 10th century, the city also served as a bishopric and an administrative district for the Byzantine emperor.
Castle of Platamon
Overlooking the single most important passage in Northern Greece – the route connecting Macedonia with Thessaly and southern Greece – lays the Castle of Platamon, a stately medieval fortress. This historic castle dates back to the 13th century where dominance over the castle belonged to Crusaders, then to the Byzantine Emperor and finally to the Turks. Controlling this impressive fortress meant control over the Vale of Tempe. The Platamon Castle is surrounded by tall stonewalls and watch towers placed at irregular intervals for safeguarding. The castle also housed several houses, churches, a smithy, pottery and many other buildings that have been preserved throughout the centuries.
Saint Dionysios Monastery
Saint Dionysios Monastery was founded in 1542, by a single monk that was living in a cave not too far. For hundreds of years the monastery served as not only a religious sanctuary, but also as a refuge and shelter for locals and soldiers. The first attack on the monastery was made in 1821 by Veli Pasha, son of Ali Pasha. During the Olympus Revolution of 1878, St. Dionysios Monastery functioned as a shelter for women and children by halting the prohibition of women in the monastery. Throughout the Macedonia Struggle and WWII, the monastery served once again as a shelter until it was almost burned to the ground by the bombarding of German invaders.
Katerini
The capital of Pieria, and just second largest city in Central Macedonia, Katerini, is a lively and welcoming city where local hospitality and urbane lifestyle meet. Two close waterfront villages by Katerini that are favored amongst locals and tourists are Olympiaki Akti and Paralia. Apart from its close proximity to shimmering blue waters, Katerini is also home to a small oasis, the Katerini Municipal Park, found right within the city center, where one can visit a small zoo or wander through the pathways of the park. Katerini offers the modern traveller all the necessary amenities, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, bakeries and shops, while being in the vicinity of Mount Olympus.
Old Panteleimon Village
Old Panteleimon holds a well-earned reputation as one of the most picturesque villages of northern Greece. This once abandoned settlement is not only a national heritage site, but also attracts visitors from Greece and abroad all year-round. With stone-built mansions, narrow alleyways and inviting little inns and taverns, there’s a fairytale-like atmosphere that will entice you to come back again and again. In the center of the town there’s a celebrated towering sycamore tree where locals gather for holidays, festivals or other social events. Enjoy meandering the streets of Old Panteleimon at your own convenience, as cars are forbidden to enter the premises of the town.
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