Mount Olympus is the highest point in Greece. The highest mountain in ancient greece

Greece has long been famous for its mountains. True, not so much because of the unprecedented heights, but because of the legends associated with them. Remember at least Olympus - sacred mountain V ancient Greek mythology where, according to legend, Zeus himself lived. For this reason Greek gods often referred to as Olympians. The most interesting thing is that Olympus is the highest Greek mountain.

Olympus

Currently, Olympus is a mythological and historical symbol, as well as a protected natural monument. The reserve, located near the mountain, is interesting in that a huge number of plants are represented on its territory - more than 1,700 species, but animals are dozens of times less.

You can easily climb Olympus on your own. Usually the ascent starts from the city of Litochoron, where the information center for climbers is located. Here you can also take a taxi and get to the point of Prionia, which is located at an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level. There is a restaurant, toilet, parking. There is no hotel, but you can spend the night in the monastery of St. Dionysius, which is located nearby. Then walking route you can get to the so-called Shelter A, located at an altitude of 2100 meters. From here you can get to other shelters and to the top.

The most high peak Olympus - Mitikas, its height is 2917 meters. There are others, but they are somewhat lower.

Zmolikas

The second place is occupied by Mount Zmolikas. It is located in the northwest of Greece. Height highest peak reaches 2638 meters. The length of the mountain is, according to various estimates, from 15 to 20 km, and the width is about 10 km.

Near the mountain there are two nature reserves at once, and on one of the slopes you can find the lake Drakolimni of the alpine type.

nije

Bronze goes to Mount Nidzhe, which is located on the border of Greece and Macedonia. The highest point is the Kaimakchalan peak, which is located at 2521 m above sea level. Since the peak is quite popular, it is often called the mountain itself.

Nije is considered very old mountain, older than many others in the country. It is very rich in animal species, there are not so many plants.

You lower your eyes and suffocate with delight - around snow-capped peaks, tall pines, or alluring azure, lying at the foot of the sea.

The most high mountain in Greece it is Olympus, which is located in Thessaly. Many of us are familiar with it from ancient Greek mythology. If you remember, it was on Olympus that the gods of the Greeks lived, and this myth was born for a reason. Height of this mountain range reaches 2917 meters. It is the array, because of this, all the confusion occurs, since most often, the most high mountain Greece is called Mitikas, but this is not a mountain in itself, but just one of the peaks of the Olympic mountain range. Its height reaches 2919 meters, the next highest peaks are Skolio, height 2912 meters and Stephanie 2909 meters. Mount Olympus is not one peak or two peaks, it is about 50 peaks, the height of which ranges from 760 to 2919 meters. These peaks are cut by numerous ravines that create the most beautiful and awesome landscapes. The highest mountain in Greece was only conquered in 1913.

According to researcher Richard Onians, the legendary ambrosia - the food of the Olympian gods, giving them youth and immortality - is the divine equivalent of olive oil. So every Greek could taste the divine food.

In ancient times, the Greeks believed that twelve main gods lived on Mount Olympus, who, under the leadership of the main god Zeus, crushed the titans, and after that order reigned in the world. Olympus, in addition to serving as the abode of the gods in ancient times, also performed another function. served natural boundary between Macedonia and Greece. Over time, the mythology of the ancient Greeks changed a little and Olympus began to be called not only the mountain, but the entire sky above Greece, in fact, the ancient gods now lived there.

In ancient Greek mythology, Olympus is a sacred mountain, the seat of the gods, led by Zeus. Olympus is a mountain in Thessaly, where the gods live. The name Olympus is of pre-Greek origin (possible connection with the Indo-European root "rotate", i.e. an indication of the roundness of the peaks) and belongs to a number of mountains in Greece and Asia Minor. On Olympus are the palaces of Zeus and other gods, built and decorated by Hephaestus. The gates of Olympus open and close the Oras as they ride out in golden chariots. Olympus is thought of as a symbol of the supreme power of a new generation of Olympian gods who defeated the titans. Initially, Olympus (it is not known which one) was occupied by the serpentine titan Ophion and his wife, the oceanid Eurynome. Cronus and Rhea liked this place, and they occupied it, expelling Ophion and Euryne, who had taken refuge in the ocean. Kronos and Rhea were expelled from Olympus by Zeus. The gods lived carefree and fun.

The Flemish painter Peter Rubens painted The Feast of the Gods on Olympus. The researchers could not determine the exact date of its writing until the astronomers saw the picture. They found that the characters were positioned exactly like the planets in the sky in 1602.

The gates of Olympus were guarded by the virgin goddesses of the time, the Ora. Neither animal nor man could wander there. Gathering together, the gods and goddesses feasted, enjoying ambrosia, which returned strength and gave immortality. They quenched their thirst with fragrant nectar. Nectar and ambrosia were carried to the gods and goddesses by the young handsome Ganymede. There was no shortage of entertainment on Olympus. To delight the hearing and sight of the celestials, the white-footed Charites, goddesses of eternal joy, holding hands, led round dances. Sometimes Apollo himself took up the kithara, and all nine muses sang along with him.

If music, songs and dances bothered, it was possible from the height of Olympus. look at the ground. The most fascinating sight for the gods was the war that flared up here and there. The inhabitants of Olympus had their favorites. One sympathized with the Greeks, others with the Trojans. Sometimes, seeing that the wards were being crowded, then one or the other god left the place of observation and, descending to the ground, entered into battle. Entering into a rage, the combatants did not see the difference between mortals and celestials. Then the gods had to take flight, clutching the flowing streams of colorless fragrant blood with their palms.

As the Greek myths say, the gods, having settled on Olympus, agreed that it does not belong to any of them, and decided not to choose a ruler. But soon Zeus and his brothers and sisters seized power: Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Hestia and Demeter. Zeus, the supreme god, was the youngest of them in age.

Subsequently, when people ancient world learned more about the universe, by Olympus they began to understand not one mountain, but the whole sky. It was believed that Olympus covers the earth like a vault and the Sun, Moon and Stars wander through it. When the Sun was at its zenith, they said that it was at the top of Mount Olympus. Thought that in the evening when it passes through west gate Olympus, i.e. the sky closes, and in the morning it is opened by the goddess of the dawn, Eos.

Now the entire massif is a nature reserve. Visiting which you can see rare representatives of the Greek flora and fauna, and from the mountain itself offers a stunning view of Greece. Many tourists want to visit this ancient abode of the gods. However, getting to the top itself will not work because of the English military radar installed there.

In 1938 Olympus was declared national reserve, more than 1700 species of plants and animals that grow and live only here, make up the unique ecosystem of this mountainous area. Protected by UNESCO since 1981. Since 1985 it has been declared an archaeological monument.

The holy martyr Neophyte lived in a cave on the slope of Mount Olympus. At the age of 15, he came to the mountain for a white dove. A huge lion lived in the cave, but, having heard the words of the Neophyte, he obeyed him and went to another place. Neophyte lived in this cave until the time of his martyrdom, when he was ordered to be killed by the ruler Decius.

In 1961, a temple of Zeus was discovered on one of the peaks of Agios Antonios, dated from the Hellenistic to the late Christian period. The remains of sacrificial animals, coins, statues were found. Also in various places were discovered the temple of Delphic Apollo and the ancient tomb of Orpheus. The Temple of Apollo is located at an altitude of 1000 meters, and it is known that it was from there that Xenagoras, using a telescope and geometric calculations, determined the height of Olympus at 2960 meters, which is not so far from the truth. A few hundred meters from Shelter A there is an exit to the monastery of St. Dionysius, built by himself and dated 1542. During all the time it was destroyed more than once, but the greatest damage was done during the Second World War.

Over the next 60 years was in the process of reconstruction. More precisely, individual buildings were reconstructed, but the dilapidated ancient walls were preserved intact, reminiscent of the fact that, unfortunately, the evil of war penetrated even into the sanctuary of antiquity. It is interesting that to this day, it is active, so the monks ask visitors to be appropriately dressed, as indicated by the sign at the entrance. A 20-minute walk across rough terrain is a sacred cave, apparently, the saint originally lived there. The place is secluded and conducive to meditation. Along the way, there is a mountain river, in which it is forbidden to swim and pollute it, since the water there is drinkable, cold and tasty.

Words, words... Words are empty unless confirmed by our main source of information - sight. The places are really amazing. Even if you are not touched by the idea that thousands of years ago people devoted their lives to the gods living on Olympus, even if the very existence of these mountains long before us and long after us does not inspire awe, nevertheless, nature here can delight the most captious person. Beauty is beyond competition, it envelops.

You lower your eyes and suffocate with delight - there are snow-capped peaks around, tall pines, or alluring azure, lying at the foot of the sea.

The highest mountain in Greece is Olympus, which is located in Thessaly. Many of us are familiar with it from ancient Greek mythology. If you remember, it was on Olympus that the gods of the Greeks lived, and this myth was born for a reason. The height of this mountain range reaches 2917 meters. It is the massif, because of this, all the confusion occurs, since most often, Mitikas is called the highest mountain in Greece, but this is not a mountain in itself, but just one of the peaks of the Olympic mountain range. Its height reaches 2919 meters, the next highest peaks are Skolio, height 2912 meters and Stephanie 2909 meters. Mount Olympus is not one peak or two peaks, it is about 50 peaks, the height of which ranges from 760 to 2919 meters. These peaks are cut by numerous ravines that create the most beautiful and awesome landscapes. The highest mountain in Greece was only conquered in 1913.

In ancient times, the Greeks believed that twelve main gods lived on Mount Olympus, who, under the leadership of the main god Zeus, crushed the titans, and after that order reigned in the world. Olympus, in addition to serving as the abode of the gods in ancient times, also performed another function. It served as a natural border between Macedonia and Greece. Over time, the mythology of the ancient Greeks changed a little and Olympus began to be called not only the mountain, but the entire sky above Greece, in fact, the ancient gods now lived there.

Subsequently, when the people of the ancient world learned more about the universe, by Olympus they began to understand not one mountain, but the whole sky. It was believed that Olympus covers the earth like a vault and the Sun, Moon and Stars wander through it. When the Sun was at its zenith, they said that it was at the top of Mount Olympus. They thought that in the evening, when it passes through the western gates of Olympus, i.e. the sky closes, and in the morning it is opened by the goddess of the dawn, Eos.

In 1938 Olympus was declared a national reserve, more than 1700 species of plants and animals that grow and live only here, make up the unique ecosystem of this mountainous area. Protected by UNESCO since 1981. Since 1985 it has been declared an archaeological monument.

The culture of Ancient Greece had a huge impact on the world. Even after several millennia, we are studying with interest ancient history and get to know its characters. The most important symbol of ancient Greek culture is Mount Olympus, where, according to legend, only selected Gods could live.

Today Mountain peak accepts thousands of tourists who want to touch the ancient shrine. How to conquer Olympus and what awaits travelers on it mountain slopes, we will tell in today's article.

Olympus is located in the mainland of the country, and more specifically in the area where the border of the regions of Thessaly and Macedonia is located.

The most famous mountain in Greece, this is not one peak, but a whole mountain range. The term Greek Olympus means mountain range of 40 pointed rocks covering an area of 500 km 2. Therefore, do not be surprised that when asked what is the name of the highest mountain in Greece, the answer to Olympus is not entirely correct. After all, the ridge is made up of peaks of various heights.

Mitikas is the highest mountain in Greece, which is included in the chain of peaks of Olympus. At its highest point, its height reaches 2,917 meters. This is the highest mountain in Greece, but there are several more rocks in the Olympus chain that are quite a bit behind the top of Mitikas. These include:

Skolio (2912 m);
Stephanie (2909 m);
Skala (2886 m);
Antonios (2815 m).

The mountain range is covered with snow, and even in summer time the temperature at the peaks does not exceed -5 degrees.

Long time on mountain rocks no human foot has set foot. Only in 1913, brave climbers conquered the famous Greek peak. However, this does not mean that the Greeks did not climb the mountain at all. Later, as a result of excavations, it turned out that the inhabitants of ancient Hellas climbed low rocks and even built altars and temples there.

Mount Olympus and Ancient Greece

The history of the Olympic Range, where the highest mountains in Greece are located, is closely connected with mythological tales.

Initially, the mountain range became the abode of the Titans generated by Gaia. They were so huge that the rocks served as thrones for them. The highest peak was occupied by Kron, the mightiest of the Titans.

But here on Greek land came Zeus, who, as you know, never tolerated competition. A battle ensued between the Titans and the Gods, the winners of which emerged new deities. Thus, Olympus, as the highest mountain in Greece, became the abode of Zeus and eleven other major gods.

By the way, the famous heights of Greece got their name for the snow-white slopes of the peaks, brightly shining in the sun. According to a common version, the toponym Olympus is formed from the Indo-European word "ulu". It has two meanings: rotate and shine. Perhaps, in ancient times, the Olympic peaks were semicircular, which connected them with "rotation", "hemisphere". As for glitter, even today it is a frequent guest of snow-covered rocks.

The ancient inhabitants believed that the Gods live at an unattainable height, where the passage is closed to mere mortals. Therefore, no one thought to climb the sheer peaks. But in order to be under the protection of the famous Gods, the Hellenes settled at the foot of the mountains. So, on the eastern slope is located ancient city Dion, Cultural Center Macedonia. The settlement is named after the almighty Zeus, who was erected here majestic temple. The ruins of the building have survived to this day.

If we talk about the inhabitants of the Olympic peaks, then according to legend, 12 gods lived here. Among them was the famous blacksmith Hephaestus, who made lightning and aegis for Zeus. On special occasions, demigods and heroes could ascend the mountain. On the peaks, ancient bohemia led an idle life, drinking nectar and watching the deeds of mere mortals.

The significance of Olympus for modern Greece

Oddly enough, with the advent of Orthodoxy, the attitude of the Greeks towards the shrine did not change. On the contrary, now Orthodox monasteries are located on the mountain slopes: the monastery of the Holy Trinity, Kanalon and the monastery of St. Dionysius. So the Greek Olympus remains a place where religion is revered and the divine power is revered, only now it is associated with the monuments of Orthodox culture.

The modern Olympus in Greece is also a protected reserve, on the territory of which more than 1,700 plant species grow. Previously, lions were even found in these places, but they were exterminated in ancient times. Today there are roe deer, wild boars, eagles, vultures and other animals. The reserve is not so much the property of a country or city, but of the whole world, therefore the Olympic Mountains are under protection international organization UNESCO.

Where is Olympus and how to get there on your own

As already noted, the mountain range is located in the northeast of Thessaly, where its border with Macedonia is located. In ancient times, the rocks were the natural border of the regions, but today the mountain complex is completely included in the possession of Thessaly. For a better understanding, see how Mount Olympus is marked on modern map Greece.

There are several ways to get to the hill, which is located 90 km from Thessaloniki. Firstly, organized and individual excursions. Secondly, direct buses run from Thessaloniki to Litohoro (a village at the foot of the mountain). Flights depart every 1.5 hours and the cost of the trip is 9.5 euros. And finally for independent travel You can rent a car or order a taxi. The Thessaloniki-Katerini route runs along the E90 highway, after which you should turn onto the E75 road and head to Litochoro.

The most big mountain Greece remained unconquered for a long time, despite the fact that ancient Hellenes still lived here. Until 1913, not a single person dared to conquer the peak of Mitikas, although the ascent to it from Litochoro is quite simple for climbers. Perhaps the ancient cult is to blame for this, according to which Mount Olympus and Greece were perceived as the home of the gods, because it was here that Zeus and his associates lived.

Today climbing the mountain range is popular tourist entertainment. Conquering the peaks depends only on the seasons, because. V winter period only ski slopes are open. For the most part, Mount Olympus in Greece is not sheer and tourists do not need special training to climb. The only exception is Mitikas Peak, which is better to conquer with professional equipment.

Excursions to Olympus

trip to mountain ranges and conquering the heights of Mount Olympus in Greece will be an excellent addition to the cultural and beach holiday in Greece.

Climbing the mountains is an interesting path, full of unique landscapes. Excursion to Olympus along the trails popular route to the top is safe even for beginners, because. the path is equipped with the necessary infrastructure and numerous signs that will not allow you to go astray. In addition, you can always use the services of an experienced guide who will spend the most interesting route and tell local legends and stories.

Climbing routes

The way to the top sometimes takes two days, so there are shelters in the mountains where you can spend the night. If desired, you can make the ascent in a day, but in this case there will not be enough time to visit local shrines and capture panoramic views of nature.

The process of climbing Mount Olympus consists of several stages:

Litochoro - Prionia (3-3.5 hours);
Prionia - Shelter A (3 hours);
Shelter A - Rock (2.5 hours);
Skala – Skolio (20 min) or Skala – Mitikas (60 min).

The beginning of the path is at the foot of Mount Olympus in the town of Litochoro. From here, the route leads to the settlement of Prionia, located at an altitude of 1100 m. This part of the path does not have to be covered on foot: Prionia is easily reached by a rented car or taxi. So you will save strength for further ascent, but, of course, you will lose in the beauty of the views and the sensations of conquering the mountain.

In Prionia there is everything you need for a tourist halt. Here you can have a bite to eat, take a shower and even stay overnight in the hospitable monastery of St. Dionysius. If time permits, it is better not to try to conquer the mountain "in one day". Mountain sunsets, clean air and natural beauty Worth the trip for a couple of days.

The next part of the path is aimed at reaching the mark of 2100 meters, where the shelter A (Refuge A) is located. This is Spilios Agapitos Pension, which offers travelers a hotel, a cafe and a camping area. Further, the road will lead to the top of Skala, at a height of 2886 m. Here, tourists come to a fork: turning right leads to Skolio, and left to Mitikas. To the peak of Skolio there is a convenient a tourist route, and the ascent to Mitikas is more difficult.

Attractions Mount Olympus

In 1961, the temple of Zeus was found. Ancient statues, a stadium, a theater and even malls, coins, the remains of animals sacrificed. Also found were the temple of Apollo and the tomb of Orpheus. You can also visit monastery of St. Dionysius, built by himself around the middle of the 16th century.

Since then, the monastery has changed a lot, time has not been kind to him. Reconstruction of individual buildings is still ongoing. The monastery is active, so visitors must be dressed accordingly, which is indicated on the sign at the entrance. Half an hour's walk is the cave where the saint originally lived. Along the way, there is a river with cold and tasty water, in which swimming is prohibited.

Since 1938, the Olympus mountain range has been declared a national reserve. And in 1981, Mount Olympus was declared part of the natural heritage of the world and protected by UNESCO. In 1985, the massif was recognized as an archaeological and historical monument. The ecosystem of Olympus is represented by a huge variety of living organisms (more than 1700 species). Here you can see rare plants, not found anywhere else, the mountain offers an amazing view of Greece. Many tourists want to conquer ancient monastery gods, but to be at the very top is very difficult.

The steep and rocky slopes of the mountain range are indented deep gorges with mountain streams running through them. The lower parts of the slopes are overgrown with forests of maple, beech, chestnut, oak, and cypress. Fir and pine forests. Here you can meet curious chamois and roe deer. There are many of them here. Even higher, meadows and rare thickets of shrubs are increasingly common.

At an altitude of about 2500 meters, there is practically no vegetation.

Here a good place for nesting vultures, eagles. The upper part of the massif is almost always covered with snow and shrouded in clouds.

in winter The best way to get acquainted with the Greek mountain peaks is to go on a ski run. The mountains are open for skiing from January to March. Tourists are brought to the slopes by modern lifts, named after the ancient gods. A single visit to the ski base will cost 11 euros, and accommodation in local hotels costs 50-60 euros per day.

An excursion to Olympus means panoramic views, unique vegetation, fresh Mountain air and a unique feeling of pride from visiting the impregnable abode of the Gods. Fascinating travel and conquer new heights!

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ascent

Olympus is a center of world tourism and pilgrimage for climbers. Crystal waters and clean air enchant numerous tourists and nature lovers from different corners the globe. Especially for tourists, a safe route to conquer Olympus has been developed.

Just a few steps and civilization is left behind. Climbing Mount Olympus starts at small town Litochoro, but many prefer to take a taxi or a rented car along the serpentine to the village of Prionia. Thus, you can save about two hours of travel. Prionia has a car park and a restaurant. You will have to spend the night in the monastery of St. Dionysius, located nearby.

Experienced travelers are advised to spread the climbing route over two days. The first part of the journey (to the boarding house), although not difficult, is very tiring and requires some endurance. But there is an opportunity to meet and capture the pink dawn on Mount Olympus. It must be remembered that you will have to not only climb Olympus, but also descend from it. It is important to calculate your strength and not rush to go all the way in a day.

The path goes through the forest. Lianas, trees, waterfalls, mountain rivers - everything attracts the attention of the traveler. opens beautiful view to neighboring cliffs and valleys. On the way, unfamiliar plants come across, chamois see them off with a curious look. The trail is marked, even inexperienced tourist it's hard to get lost here. It is advisable to dress warmly, but do not wrap up, because the closer to the top, the colder.

At an altitude of about 2000 meters is the shelter "Agapitos" or, as it is also called, shelter A. The shelter is a small boarding house where you can relax and prepare for the most important part of the route. The cost of an overnight stay in a shared room is 10 euros per person. They will provide you with a pillowcase and a blanket, but many travelers prefer to use their own sleeping bags. The guesthouse is open from May to October. At the disposal of travelers there are two dining rooms, open until late in the evening, and 110 beds.

Conquest of Mythikas

They leave backpacks at the shelter and move on at dawn. The journey to the top takes three hours. It is dangerous to go to Mitikas at night. climbing equipment not required to have. From the shelter there is a rocky path to the Skala pass 2882 meters high, then the path goes along the rocky slopes to the top of Skolio 2912 meters high.

From here begins the ascent directly to the top of the high peak mountain range. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the meadows and valleys stretching out at the foot. Although all the trails are quite passable and provided with the necessary signs, it is advisable to take an experienced guide with you. He will not only guide you through the most interesting places, but will also talk in detail about interesting facts from the life of the Greek gods.

Mitikas has a special journal in which the conquerors of Olympus leave their autographs and greetings to their followers. It is stored in an iron box. In the shelter, tourists receive a document confirming the ascent to Olympus.

Greece is wonderful place for vacation, honeymoon, holidays. You can swim in the warm sea or go snorkeling. Mountain forests and gorges, as it were, invite you to take a walk, and Olympus is waiting for its new conquerors. It has been noticed that many couples, having visited Olympus once, will definitely come back here again.

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All significant myths and legends are connected with Olympus in Greece. This mountain is the highest in the country. Rocky cliffs and mountain peaks of Olympus smoothly flow into the park of the same name. The nature around the Realm of the Gods looks so attractive that it seems as if it was created by the Celestials themselves.

Mount Olympus: description

The height of the mountain range Olympus is 2917 meters. Its three famous peaks: Mitikas, Skolio and Stefani are the highest points of the mountain range.

On the northern slope of the Olympic Mount is the Macedonian sanctuary of Dion. national park Olympus includes 1700 species local flora and about 250 species of representatives of the Greek fauna.

Climbing Olympus today

Previously, no mortal could just climb Olympus. Today, organized ascents are made there, which begin at local city Lithochoron.

From a height of 1100 meters, a hiking trail to Olympus stretches. This mark can be reached by taxi or private car. Climbing in a group is made from locality Prionia. There you can also visit the monastery of St. Dionysius.

At an altitude of 2100 meters there are organized parking. From there the path leads to Skolio and Mitikas. The road to the summit must be overcome during the day, it is too dangerous to climb Olympus at night due to unpredictable weather conditions.

« When climbing Olympus, there are rules, which can be found in information center in order not to anger the Gods, it is better to observe them strictly».

The peaks of Olympus were conquered for the first time in 1913. The ascent was made by Christ Kakalas.

Mount Olympus is considered amazing and very beautiful. It doesn't hurt to know the following about her:

Olympus - native home for the twelve major Greek Gods;
At Mitikas peak there is an iron box with a special magazine where those who managed to conquer the peak can leave their message;
Olympus - an object included in the UNESCO list;
The descendants of the Gods (Greeks) began to call themselves Olympians thanks to the name main mountain Greece.

The Greeks associated many myths and legends with this mountain. Since Olympus is the cradle of Greek civilization, everything that happens there affects the lives of mere mortals.

One of the myths says that once Hades fell in love with the daughter of Demeter herself and part-time the goddess of fertility, Persephone. He stole a girl from Olympus. Then prosperity left the mountain, and the first winter came. Zeus tried to get Persephone back, but she was already married to Hades. Then the Gods made a deal with their underground brother, according to which Persephone would have to spend 9 months on Olympus, and 3 months in Underworld with husband.

Olympus is a cultural heritage of the Greeks, a natural monument and an important historical object. His landscapes fascinate with colors and variety. Climbing Mount Olympus is still considered dangerous, although not forbidden. Previously, people had no right to climb the sacred mountain at all, unless they received the personal permission of the Gods. Today, the Gods have mercy, and tourist excursions are organized to Olympus.