Greece is perhaps the most visited country by tourists from all over the world. It is distinguished by a rich history, amazingly beautiful nature and hospitality. This country is the cradle of all world culture. Her amazing traditions 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 tourism center, but also a center of mass pilgrimage for climbers around the world. This is Mount Olympus in Greece.
What is Olympus for the ancient Greeks?
This massif in antiquity 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 who knows the whole world). And the ancient Greeks believed in this. According to their faith, the gates of Olympus were guarded by the goddesses of time. This is Ory - the daughter of Themis and Zeus. Thanks to them, no living creature could not wander there.
All the goddesses and gods, gathering together, feasted, tasting ragweed (a plant that gives strength and immortality). At the same time, the goddesses of joy (Harita) delighted the vision and hearing of the gods with their magnificent round dance and songs.
Location
The legendary Mount Olympus is located in Greece on the northeastern territory of Thessaly, which is a historical region, off the coast of the Aegean Sea, the distance to which is less than 20 km.
The territory 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 combination of approximately 40 peaks, the highest of which is Mitikas (2917 m). Following him in descending heights are the peaks of Scolio (according to the Greeks - “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.
The top of Skolio is at an altitude of 2912 meters, and Stephanie is 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, the temple of Zeus was discovered. Archeologists here found coins, ancient statues and animal remains that were sacrificed. 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 in honor of the founder. Of course, time did not spare this structure, it has changed a lot. To this day, reconstruction of its individual buildings continues. Despite all this, the monastery is functioning. Not far from it (30 minutes on foot) there is a cave, and along the road to it flows a river with clean cold water. It is forbidden to swim.
Nature
Undoubtedly, the most important natural attraction of these places is Mount Olympus itself. But its surroundings are surprisingly beautiful landscapes. The rocky and steep slopes of the massif are indented by gorges along which mountain streams flow. Forests of oak, maple, cypress, beech and chestnut represent the lower parts of the slopes, and pine and fir grow above. In the forests you can find many roe deer and chamois.
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 the property of the world 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. These 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 all, to overcome this path is not so simple. From its height, an amazing panorama of Greece opens.
These territories are rich in rare plants not found anywhere else. Flora of protected areas is represented by approximately 1700 species of various plants, of which 23 are found only here.
A bit about climbing
Olympus is the center of "pilgrimage" for climbers. Especially for such tourists, a route to conquer it was developed.
Climbing Mount Olympus originates from the small town of Litochoro, however, many have adapted to travel by rental car or taxi to the village of Prionia. The road leading there is a serpentine. This path saves about two hours in time. In this village there is a parking lot and a place where you can have a good meal (restaurant). You have to spend the night in the monastery of St. Dionysius, located nearby.
Travelers with experience in such trips are advised to divide the climbing route into 2 parts. The first day is the road to the guesthouse. Stopping half way, you can capture the amazingly beautiful pink dawn on Olympus.
Mount Olympus in Greece can be reached from Thessaloniki. The length of this route is approximately 100 km. The route passes through the cities 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.
