Brief summary of Greece. Greece: general information, economy and culture

Greece: culture, cuisine, customs, traditions, religion and population.

Literature Greece is the most ancient in the whole world. It was made a standard and studied in educational institutions until the advent of the Renaissance. Knowledge of ancient literature is still considered an indicator in a cultural society. It is divided into several periods: classical, Alexandrian, Roman, Byzantine.

Art in Greece, the periods of its formation also passed, in which pottery, architecture, painting and sculpture developed. It was from Greece, or rather from the ancient Hellenes, that all these types of art came.

music Greece can be described as a joyful ray of sunshine. She harmonized in herself the musical traditions of the Gypsies, the countries of the Mediterranean and the Balkan Peninsula. The plots for the Greek composers were their own legends and ancient history.

Kitchen in Greece it is the kingdom of vegetables and various types of cheeses. By the way, it is here that you will find the largest selection of cheese products, as each region of Greece boasts its own special kind of cheese. Various meats are also prepared: beef, lamb, pork and poultry.

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Greek cuisine.

Religion of Greece.

Greek customs and traditions.

The official name is the Hellenic Republic (Elliniki Dhimokratia, Hellenic Republic). Located in the southeastern part of Europe. The area is 131.957 thousand km2, the population is 10.9 million people. (2001). The official language is Greek. The capital is Athens (741 thousand people, 2002). Public holiday - Independence Day March 25 (since 1821). The monetary unit is the euro (until 2002 - the drachma).

Member of international organizations: UN (since 1945), Council of Europe (since 1949), NATO (since 1952), EU (since 1981).

Sights of Greece

Geography of Greece

It is located between 22° East longitude and 39° North latitude. It is washed by the seas: Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean. Greece is located on the Balkan Peninsula with a heavily indented coastline. Most large peninsula- Peloponnese. The total length of the coastline is 13.676 km due to the large number of islands - St. 2000. The largest islands are Crete, Euboea, Rhodes, Lesbos.

It borders in the north with Albania (282 km), Macedonia (246 km) and Bulgaria (494 km), in the east with Turkey (206 km).

The landscape is predominantly mountainous (4/5 of the total area) with medium-altitude mountain ranges protruding into the sea as peninsulas or chains (archipelagos) of islands. The entire territory from the northwest to the southeast is crossed by two mountain systems. Western: the mountains of Pindus, the massif of the Peloponnese peninsula, the mountains of the islands of Crete and Rhodes. Eastern: Gramos mountains, Otris and Parnassus massifs, the islands of Euboea and the Cyclades. Medium-altitude massifs prevail (1200 - 1800 m). Mount Olympus (2917 m) is the highest point, the second peak is Smolikas (2637 m). The mountains are distinguished by sharp erosional dissection and wide development of karst. In the north-east of the country there are spurs of the Pirin and Rhodope mountains. Small plains are located along the coast of the Aegean Sea: Thessaly, Thessaloniki, etc.

Rivers: Vardar, Maritsa, Strymon, Nestos (Mesta), etc. Dominated mountain rivers. Lakes: Prespa, Trichonis, Vegoritis.

Soils in coastal and low-mountain areas under shrubs and dry forests are brown and brown-brown; above - brown mountain-forest. On the carbonate rocks of eastern Thessaly, Peloponnese, on the Sporades - mountain red soils.

vegetable and animal world has considerable diversity. Recorded approx. 5500 plant species. The most extensive forests are in northern Greece both in the northern and eastern islands Aegean and Ionian Seas - mostly pine, as well as deciduous (more than 200 varieties of trees and large shrubs). Under forest and shrubbery approx. 44% of the territory. National parks: Vikos-Aoos, Mikra-Presna, Eta and others.

On the territory of Greece, there are many animals listed in the Red Book, among them: the Mediterranean sea turtle, the monk seal. The northern forests are inhabited by brown bear, marten, roe deer, less often - wolf, wild boar, fox, wild forest cat. In the south - jackal, wild goat, porcupine. Many migratory birds winter in Greece.

Among the minerals, rich deposits of bauxite stand out, reserves of St. 650 million tons. Deposits of lignite, magnesite, oil, marble, high-quality iron ores.

The climate is transitional from temperate to Mediterranean, with mild and wet winters and dry and hot summers. Average temperatures in January are 4-12°С, in July 25-27°С. The amount of precipitation per year is 400-700 mm in the plains, 1500 mm in the mountains.

Greece population

Population growth over the past 10-20 years has averaged 0.5-1% per year. The birth rate is 9.8‰, the death rate is 9.6‰. Infant mortality 6.25 pers. per 1000 newborns. Sex and age structure of the population: men - 49.49%, women - 50.51%. Under the age of 14 - 14.12%, from 15 to 64 years - 67.36%, 65 years and older - 18.52%. Average life expectancy is 78.74 years, incl. women - 81.48 and men - 76.17.

Urban population - 62.5% (1990). Literacy is 97% of the population: 98.5% male and 95% female. Ethnic composition: 98% - Greeks. The official language is Greek (99% of the population). Religious composition: 98% - Orthodox, 1.3% - Muslims, 0.7% - other.

History of Greece

The first states on the territory of Greece appeared in the 2nd millennium BC. In the 8th-6th centuries. BC. policies (city-states) were formed. In 338 BC Greece is subject to Macedonia. 3rd-2nd centuries - the era of military alliances of policies (Achaean Union). In 146 BC conquered by Rome. From the 4th c. - the main part of Byzantium. All R. 15th c. captured Ottoman Empire. It is customary to begin the history of modern Greece from this period. As a result of the Greek War of Independence (1821-30), an independent Greek state was formed, occupying only part of the territory of modern Greece. The new state included only the Peloponnese, Central Greece, the Cyclades and the Sporades.

The first leader of the country is Y. Kapodistria. Reformer, killed in 1831 by reactionaries. As a result of the intervention of the great powers to restore order, the London Agreement of 1832 established an absolute monarchy. King Otto, son of the King of Bavaria, was placed on the throne. In 1843, a conservative Constitution was adopted (in fact, it was not observed). In 1862 King Otto was forced to abdicate.

In 1864 a new Constitution was adopted, which established the system of a constitutional monarchy. The king remained head of state, subject to the work of a unicameral parliament. George I of the Danish House of Glaxburgh was enthroned. In the same year, the Ionian Islands were annexed, in 1881 Thessaly and part of Epirus were annexed.

In 1875, the principle of parliamentarism was established: the head of the Greek state was obliged to ask the leader of a political party with a parliamentary majority to form a government. In the last decades of the 19th century the country was led by Charilaos Trikoupis, whose reign was marked by radical reforms in the administration, justice, military and educational structures. In the beginning. 20th century Prime Minister (1910-15, 1917-20, 1928-32) Eleftherios Venizelos continued the policy of institutional modernization and reform. As a result of the Balkan Wars (1912-13) and the 1st World War, Macedonia, Epirus, Western Thrace, the island of Crete and the northern Aegean Islands were included in the new state. After the Greco-Turkish War (1919-22) and after the Lausanne Agreement (1923) there was a significant population migration between the two countries, ca. 1.4 million Greeks left Turkey, and 350 thousand Muslims left Greece.

In 1924 Greece was proclaimed a republic. As a result of a rigged plebiscite (1935), the monarchy was restored in Greece, and a military dictatorship was established in 1936. In October 1940, Italian troops invaded Greece (in November 1940 they were expelled from the country). In April 1941, Greece was attacked by Germany, which soon completely occupied it. King George II fled the country. In September 1941, the Greek National Liberation Front (EAM) was created, in December - the People's Liberation Army (ELAS), led by the communists. By the end of October 1944 all mainland Greece was liberated. The "government of national unity" created in May 1944 called in British troops to Greece, which began in December 1944 fighting against ELAS. In September 1946, after a plebiscite, the king returned to the throne. In April 1967, the reactionary military carried out a coup d'état and established a military dictatorship. In July 1974, the regime was overthrown and a civilian government came to power. As a result of a referendum (December 8, 1974), the monarchy was abolished in Greece.

State structure and political system of Greece

Greece is a democratic constitutional state with a republican form of government. The Constitution adopted on June 11, 1975 is in force.

The highest body of legislative power is the unicameral parliament, consisting of 300 seats. Parliamentary elections are held once every 4 years, they are direct and secret. Voting rights are given to citizens over 18 years of age. The parliamentary majority gets the right to form a government headed by the prime minister. Parliament elects the head of state - the president, for a term of 5 years. Executive power is exercised by the president and the government. Since 1995, the President of the Republic is Konstantinos Stephanopoulos (second term). The powers of the president are limited, he does not take a direct and active part in politics. The government consists of a cabinet that includes the prime minister, ministers, and ministers without portfolio. Since 1996, as Prime Minister, Costas Simitis, leader of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK).

Prominent political figures: Andreas Papandreou (1919-96), Konstantinos Karamanlis (1907-98), Charilaos Trikoupis (1832-96), Eleftherios Venizelos (1864-1936).

Administrative divisions: 13 administrative regions- Attica, Western Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Central Macedonia, Epirus, Thessaly, Ionian Islands, Central Greece, Western Greece, Peloponnese, Aegean North, Aegean South, Crete. The regions are subdivided into 51 prefectures (nome): Achaia, Aetolia kai Acarnania, Argolis, Arcadia, Arta, Attica, Halkidiki, Chanion, Chios, Dodecanese, Drama, Evros, Evrytania, Evoia, Florina, Phokis, Phthiotis, Grevena, Ileia, Imathia , Ioannia, Herakleion, Karditsa, Kastoria, Kavala, Kefalonia, Kerkyra, Kilkis, Corinthia, Kozani, Cyclades, Laconia, Larisa, Lasithi, Lefkada, Lesbos, Magnisia, Messinia, Pela, Pieria, Preveza, Refinnis, Rodopi, Samos, Serrai , Thesprotia, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Boeotia, Xanthi, Zakynthos and one autonomous region, Mount Athos.

The largest cities: Athens, Thessaloniki (358 thousand people), Piraeus (178 thousand people).

The system of authorities is multi-level, based on the principle of decentralization. There are local authorities of the first and second levels and the regional administration.

The first level of local authorities consists of municipalities and communities, which are responsible for solving local issues. The total number of communities and municipalities is less than 1,000. The second level of local government is 51 prefectures, headed by prefectural councils and prefects, who are directly elected by the citizens (since 1994). Local authorities of the second level deal with more general issues.

Thirteen regions are governed by general secretaries who are appointed by the government. The secretaries general are representatives of the government. They support central government functions and services and assist the government in formulating regional development policies.

The political arena in modern Greece is essentially dominated by two big parties, namely PASOK (founded by Andreas Papandreou in 1974, chaired by Kostandinos Simitis) and New Democracy (founded by Konstantinos Karamanlis in 1974, chaired by Kostas Karamanlis), which is the main right party. Other parties represented in the Greek Parliament are KKE (Communist Party of Greece, chaired by Aleka Papariga) and Siaspismos (Coalition of the Left, chaired by Nikolaos Konstandopoulos).

In foreign policy, Greece adheres to the principle of adherence to the standards of international legality and respect for international law. Greece is trying to pursue a peaceful and good neighborly policy aimed at establishing peace and stability in the southeastern Mediterranean. A constructive dialogue has begun with Turkey, aimed at defusing tensions in relations between the two countries that have arisen over the issue of the territorial belonging of the islands in the Aegean Sea.

Greece takes an active part in the UN efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem caused by Turkish invasion 1974 and the occupation of the northern part of Cyprus.

Greece participates in the work of various international organizations, has been a member of the UN, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE since their foundation. Greece joined the EU (then the European Economic Community) in 1981 after a long period of association (since 1961). Greece actively supports the future enlargement of the EU, especially the accession of Cyprus as a task strategic importance for Europe and the Middle East in the context of strengthening stability in the region.

A feature of the foreign and domestic policy of Greece is the existence of an extensive Greek diaspora abroad: St. 4 million people Most of them are located in the USA (more than 2 million), where the Greek lobby is considered quite influential. In addition, the Greek diaspora exists in Australia (about 700 thousand), in Canada (350 thousand), in Europe (over 500 thousand). The World Council of Hellenes Abroad (1995) coordinates the interaction of regional organizations.

The Greek Armed Forces are based on a combination of a professional army and conscription for men (duration of conscription from 16 to 23 months). Defense spending is 4.5% of GDP, the highest in NATO. The armed forces consist of the Greek army, navy, air force, police and national guard. The total number of armed forces of Georgia (including in reserve) - 2.6 million people. Greek military personnel participated as part of the UN peacekeeping force in peacekeeping operations in Somalia and in other missions in Albania, Kuwait and the former Yugoslavia.

Greece has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1924).

Economy of Greece

The Greek economy is a market economy with a large share of the public sector. Since the 1970s Greece was distinguished by rather weak economic development, cumbersome labor legislation, low GNP per capita, and high domestic debt. From Ser. 1990s Greece's economy noticeably stabilized due to the fact that the government tightened economic measures in order to bring the economic performance of Greece to the criteria of the Maastricht agreement for the introduction of a single European currency in 2001. In particular, Greece reduced its budget deficit to 0.8% in 2000, and in 2001 for the first time achieved a surplus of 0.1%. The tightening of the monetary policy allowed inflation to be reduced to 4% by the end. 1998, and in 2001 - up to 3.4% (the lowest figure in the last 29 years). In 2001, the GDP was 44,446 billion drachmas. GDP growth 6.3%. The country maintains a high unemployment rate of 9.6% (2002). GNP per capita approx. 3.8 million drachmas (2000). Further restructuring of the economy and the reduction of unemployment are the main tasks of today's Greece.

Greece has traditionally been an agro-industrial country, but recently the importance of the service sector has greatly increased. Sectoral structure of the economy: industry - 22% of GDP, 21% of employees; agriculture - approx. 8% of GDP, 20% of employees; service sector - 70% of GDP and St. 59% employed.

Main industries: food, tobacco, textile, chemical, metalworking, mining, oil refining.

Mining in 1999 amounted to 1.87 million tons of bauxite, 61.8 million tons of lignite, 1.1 million tons of magnesite.

Agriculture continues to play an important role. Export of agricultural products - approximately 22% of total exports. Cultivated: wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, olives, tomatoes, grapes (for wine production), tobacco, potatoes, beef cattle, dairy products are produced. Subtropical fruit growing and viticulture are developed. Sea fishing is one of the fastest growing industries. For 15 years, fishing has expanded and amounted to approx. 60% of the EU production of sea bass and sea bream, two of the most popular Mediterranean game fish species.

In the service sector, tourism and shipping have the largest share.

Tourism is the largest sector of the Greek economy (15th in the world tourism classification). In 2000, St. 13.5 million tourists. The main part (over 90%) are tourists from Europe. Tourism accounts for approx. 15% of GDP.

An important branch of the economy is sea freight: 1946 ships with a tonnage of St. 1000 register tons. The tonnage of the sea merchant fleet is 49.45 million dwt (2002). The Greek merchant fleet is in 1st place among the EU member states, amounting to approx. 50% of the total EU fleet, and 5th internationally.

The total length of railways is 2571 km, incl. 1565 km of standard gauge, 983 km of narrow gauge and 23 km of combined. Roads: total 117,000 km, 107,406 km paved (including 470 km high-speed highways), 9,594 km unpaved.

The inland waterway system (total length - 80 km) consists of three rivers and three coastal channels, including the Corinth Canal (6 km). Pipeline transport: oil pipeline 26 km, product pipeline - 547 km.

Main seaports: Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Elefsis, Alexandropolis. 79 airports, incl. 6 large.

Telephone communication covers the entire territory of the country. Total telephone subscribers - 5.431 million Internet users 1.4 million (2001), providers - 27.

The modern economic policy of Greece is determined by the need to maintain the norms of the eurozone. The government is taking measures to increase tax collection and tighten financial discipline: a more efficient tax collection system is being introduced, the number of tax incentives is being reduced, and additional taxes have appeared. Budget expenditures are growing slowly due to low growth rates of public sector wages. The improvement in the financial situation made it possible to reduce indirect taxes on fuel to reduce inflation.

It is noteworthy that the reduction of the budget deficit in Greece was achieved without resorting to cuts in social programs. However, increased social security spending and public hospital debts are forcing the government to launch social reforms against union resistance. The government also plans to privatize some of the leading state-owned enterprises.

The problem continues to be high public debt, although there is a trend towards its reduction: 108.2% of GDP in 1997, 103.8% in 1999 and 99.7% in 2001.

All R. 1990s banking sector was liberalized. Controlling stakes in almost all banks previously controlled by the state were put up for sale, which caused a wave of consolidation. Leading Greek banks have strong regional influence.

Important reforms of recent years are the complete liberalization of the telecommunications market, the transformation of the Public Energy Corporation into a joint-stock company for subsequent privatization, and the liberalization of the energy sector.

Greece receives financial assistance from the EU in the amount of approx. 4% of GDP annually. The funds are mainly directed to the development of transport infrastructure.

Greece's foreign trade balance is negative. It is offset by a developed service sector: sea freight, tourism. Export: agricultural products, garments and textiles, cement, minerals. Main export partners (million drachmas, 2000): Germany (480), Italy (357), Great Britain (249), USA (211), Turkey (198). The EU countries account for up to 51.6% of all exports. In 2000, total exports (including services) amounted to 25% of GDP.

Imports: engineering products, vehicles, fuels, chemicals. The main suppliers of imported products are EU countries 61% (including Italy 16%, Germany 16%, France 8%, Great Britain 7%), USA 11%.

Science and culture of Greece

The education system consists of three levels: compulsory primary school, secondary school (divided into lyceums and technical schools), as well as special and higher education. There are 18 higher education institutions in the country educational institutions. The largest of them: the University of Athens (1837), the universities of Thessaloniki (1925) and Patras (1966), the Polytechnic Institute in Athens (1836). In the 2000/2001 academic year, St. 148 thousand students.

Greek culture has its roots in the 3rd millennium BC. It is customary to distinguish three main periods of ancient Greek culture: preclassical (before the 6th century BC), classical (5th-4th centuries BC) and Hellenistic (2nd half of the 4th - middle of the 1st century BC AD). In the preclassical era, the Aegean, or Cretan-Mycenaean, culture (3-2 thousand BC), the Homeric non-literate period (11-9 centuries BC) and the archaic period (8-6 centuries BC) stand out. BC), coinciding with the Greek colonization of the coasts of the Mediterranean, Black and Marmara seas. The era of the classics is the peak of the heyday of ancient Greek culture. Roman culture played an important role in the preservation of the Greek cultural heritage. During the Byzantine period, architecture and fine arts, as well as literature, which were predominantly religious in nature, reached their peak.

Modern Greek literature originated during the War of Independence. The exploits of the people are sung by A. Kalvos (1792-1869), A. Sutsos (1803-63), A. Valaoritis (1824-79). A special place is occupied by the prose of Yannis Makriyannis (1797-1864), a general of the national liberation movement, who learned to write at the age of 32. The spirit of romanticism with elements of realism distinguishes the work of Dionyssios Solomos (1798-1857) - the head of the Ionian school, committed to folk traditions and language. Freedom-loving moods are also characteristic of the work of the poets of the 1st Athenian school, which was oriented towards antiquity. Folk language and national themes are approved by the founder of the 2nd Athens school Kostis Palamas (1859-1943). Realism in prose was developed by Emmanuel Roidis (1836-1904). The "Athenian literary school" for the first time raised the question of choosing a modern literary language: close to ancient Greek (kafarevus) or colloquial language (dimotic). I. Psykharis (1854-1929) led the movement for the establishment of the spoken language of Dimotics in art. In prose, prose writer and playwright G. Xenopoulos (1867-1951), A. Papadiamandis (1851-1911) affirm realism with elements of everyday life.

Pessimism is a feature of the poetry of Konstantinos Cavafy (1863-1933), the most famous poet of modern Greek literature. The poetry of Cavafy is in complete contrast to the work of Angelos Sikelyanos (1884-1951), a bright and profound poet who brought the Delphic Celebrations (1927) back to life, the author of long poetic compositions, theatrical plays and literary essays. Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957), the most famous and translated Greek writer. After Cavafy. His literary works include many theatrical plays, travel notes, and translations.

Greek literature enters modernism with the so-called. generation of the 1930s: Georgios Seferis (1900-71), Andreas Embirikos (1901-75), Odysseus Elytis (1911-96), Yannis Ritsos (1909-90).

The international recognition of Greek literature was manifested in the awarding of the Nobel Prize to the poets Georgios Seferis (1963) and Odysseus Elytis (1979).

The fine arts of Greece developed in line with various European schools: German in the 19th century. and French modernism in the 20th century. so-called. the Munich School is the most important circle of artists: Nikolaos Gizis (1842-1901) and Nikiforos Litras (1832-1904). By the 1920s artists absorb the experience of the latest trends in European art: the painter Konstantinos Parthenis (1878-1967), the sculptors Yannoulis Khalepas (1851-1938) and Dimitrios Filipotis (1839-1920). K ser. 20th century in the art of Greece, various directions are defined: following the traditions of the 19th century. (A. Georgiadis), using the experience of realistic European painting of the 20th century. (Yannis Moralis, born 1914), based on medieval patterns (fresco master Fotios Kontoglu, 1895-1965), as well as a trend inspired by the motifs of ancient classics. 1960s were marked by a noticeable turn towards abstract art (in painting, Yiannis Spyropoulos, 1912-90). Panagiotis Tsetsis, Vlasis Kaniaris, Nikos Kessanlis, Kostas Tsoklis are some of the most famous names in contemporary Greek art.

Modern Greek culture, with all the aspirations for novelty and originality, carefully preserves three traditions.

First, antique. Existing museums of ancient culture receive state support and new ones are organized. Yes, close acropolis The Museum of Ancient Performing Arts has recently been created: masks, cothurns, costumes are shown, texts of classical drama are read.

In Greece, quite a lot of ancient open-air theaters have been preserved. In them, and not only in them, ancient tragedies and comedies are staged - Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes. Ancient mythology and literature are studied in schools, mainly in translation.

But in gymnasiums, humanitarian lyceums, and universities, they study the ancient Greek language and classical culture very thoroughly.

classical philology in Greece is at a decent level. The ancient heritage of Greek culture - Greek literature covers poetry, drama, philosophical and historical treatises, travel books.

Homer(9th century BC), author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, was the most famous Greek author of antiquity. The world's first travel writer was Pausanias, who in the 2nd century BC wrote the Guide to Greece. Numerous editions of this book are now available in English.

Sappho(who lived on the island of Lesvos in the 5th century BC) is known for his love poetry dedicated to women.

These days the most famous novelist Nikos Kazantzakis- the most widely read Greek author. And the classics of modern Greece were even awarded the Nobel Prize - these are the writers George Seferis and Odysseus Elitis.

Culture of ancient Greece

When we talk about ancient Greece as a continuous cultural phenomenon, we must remember that, as in any culture, people's ideas about the world and its foundations are subject to evolution.

During the heyday of the Greek city-states, when democracy reigned in Athens, the ideas of the Greeks about the gods already differed greatly from those fabulous, semi-naive ideas that were in the time of Homer.

This can be seen from the changes that the image of Zeus underwent - from a thunderer who quarreled with other gods, was capricious and abused his power, they turned into a reasonable ruler of the world, where everything is done according to his wise instructions.

Most clearly, the changes in Greek spiritual culture are manifested in the relationship between Dionysian and Apollonian principles. This issue has been analyzed in detail Friedrich Nietzsche. According to Nietzsche, the god Dionysus symbolized for the Greeks the self-consciousness of a person living in a mysterious, enchanting, but also full of dangers world of wild nature.

This world, in principle, incomprehensible to man and chaotic, the law in it is the arbitrariness of the gods, symbolizing the forces of nature. However, not only fear caused this world in the Greek man: for him it was possible and natural to dissolve in this chaos, a feeling of happiness of belonging to this mystical world.

Tool of Dionysus- intoxication that knows no barriers, which awakens the soul from the painful sleep of the stream of forms and attracts it to the enchanting area of ​​\u200b\u200blife, which knows no barriers and submissions.

It was precisely this kind of going beyond their own limitations and awe of the magic of the world that the Greeks achieved during the holidays dedicated to the god Dionysus, of which the mysteries held annually in Eleusis are the most famous to us.

At these festivities, the Greek comprehended the nature of the Dionysian world in ecstasy, carrying the soul on the wings of sweet madness to the palace of All-consuming Love, which was apparently understood as the deepest essence of the universe. Nietzsche believes that the significance of the Dionysian orgies is in the redemption of the world and spiritual enlightenment, which allows in other days not to be crushed by the horror of the world.

World of Dionysus- the world of bodily symbolism, and not limited by masks and the severity of the ritual, but completely subjugating the dance, rhythmizing the entire body of the participant, connecting it with everyone and dissolving it in everything.

It is here that Nietzsche sees the origins of musical harmonies, rhythms and dynamics. He also believes that the origins of the great art of ancient tragedy lie in the Dionysian mysteries.

"Irrefutable tradition asserts that Greek tragedy in its ancient form had as its theme exclusively the suffering of Dionysus and that for quite a long time the only stage hero was precisely Dionysus.

The second nature of Greek culture is harmony of order and proportion- laid down in the Apollonian beginning. His personification is a beautiful image of the young god Apollo, who sets people up to lofty feelings, he owns art, most of all - music and poetry, his gift is inspiration and talent.

Apollo- the genius of majestic harmony. From the chaos of the primordial ocean of life, he creates the universe, highlighting the parts, giving them a form, filling them with meaning, commensurate with the idea of ​​integrity. This is the World Artist and his creative power gives the world harmony within the boundaries of stability, order, stability and peace, triumphant and continuous.

Unlike the ever-dying-reborn Dionysus, Apollo is immortal and unchanging, for he is an incarnated Spirit, while Dionysus is striving to be unincarnated.

Nietzsche believes that the Apollonian is a manifestation of an instinct as ancient as that which manifests itself in the Dionysian, but in the opposite direction: this desire for everything to find its place means, first of all, to find a place in the world for oneself, to protect one’s personality from disintegration, agreeing to limitation , but at the same time subordinate the whole world to the idea of ​​this limitation.

Art of Greece.

During the period of Turkish domination, art - in addition to the church and such folk and applied varieties of it as wood carving, metal forging, pottery and embroidery - practically did not develop.

After the declaration of independence, King Otto I invited many Greek artists to study in Munich, where they were influenced by the German art school of the 19th century.

Subsequently, Greek artists trained in other countries of Western Europe, especially in France. As a result, despite attempts to preserve ancient and Byzantine traditions in art, the influence of Western European trends turned out to be predominant.

The leading place among the painters of modern Greece is Kostis Parthenis, it was he who brought the ideas of French impressionism to Greece. Parthenis, like many other Greek artists, did not settle for any one style.

He went through hobbies of expressionism, cubism and other modern trends. Prominent Greek artists Georgos Buzianis and Nikos Hadzikyriakos-Gikas worked in the spirit of expressionism. In addition to modernists, a whole galaxy of neo-realists has developed in the country, including Yannis Tsarouchis and D. Diamantopoulos.

Another significant group of artists, among which stands out Fotis Kontoglu, successfully worked on the revival of the traditions of Byzantine art.

Modern Greek sculptors also belong to different European trends, but there remains a significant group of supporters of ancient traditions.

Of the representatives of the neoclassical school, Kostas Dimitriades stands out, who was brought up in the spirit of French naturalism. Among those who moved away from the romantic school founded by Rodin, we note A. Apartis and M. Tombas, who work in different modern directions. Abstract art is represented in the cubist sculptures by A. Apergis.

Music and theater.

In area musical art preserved old tradition manifested in folk songs. These songs are divided into dance, family, mourning and heroic songs, many of which originated in the Byzantine era or even earlier.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Greek composers, like their compatriots in literature and art, relied on folk legends and ancient stories. Attempts to create national music were made by Manolis Kalomiris (1883-1963), E.Riadis (1890-1935) and Georgios Ponyridis. Kalomiris used themes from Byzantine church music and set to music the poems of Palamas and Sikelianos.

Ponyridis created numerous songs, often with lyrics from lyric poems by Cavafy and other Greek poets. Modern tendencies expressed in the writings of Demetrios Skalkotas (1905–1945) and Georgios Sikelianos. Manos Hadzidakis is a famous composer who was often inspired by folk melodies.

The Athens Conservatory, for a long time the center of the musical culture of Greece, produced many singers and composers of international class, including the composer D. Mitropoulos (1896–1960) and the opera star Maria Callas.

After the revival of theatrical art in the early 20th century. in Greece there was a rise in dramaturgy. Opened in 1930 National Theater, and then a number of other theaters with a permanent troupe were formed.

Every year in Athens, Epidaurus and Dodona, festivals of theatrical and musical art are held right in the ancient amphitheaters, where ancient dramas are performed by artists of the National Theater.

folk art.

In small towns and on the islands, centuries-old traditions of handicrafts are preserved. Products from gold and silver are produced in Thessaloniki, Athens, on the island of Kerkyra (Corfu) and in Ioannina; embroidery and lace - in the Ionian and Aegean islands; Crete and Epirus are famous for their handmade woolen blankets and carpets. Greece also produces carved wooden, ceramic and forged metal products.

Cinema is very popular in Greece.

Several Greek films, including Never on Sundays, have won awards at international film festivals. Among the Greek movie stars, Melina Mercouri has reached world fame. Film director K.Costa-Gavras, who worked in France, received awards for such films as Z and State of Siege.

Greece is a picturesque Balkan country with a rich culture, delicious cuisine and a very long history. The modern state is located on the territory where the center of the great ancient civilization. What is the country like now? What is the area of ​​Greece, its climate and economy? You will learn all the details about the country below.

Geographical position

Greece belongs to the countries of Southern Europe. It is located in the very south of the Balkan Peninsula, as well as on the islands closest to it. On land, the country is surrounded by Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania, with Turkey it has both land and sea borders.

The seas washing Greece (Ionian, Mediterranean, Aegean and Libyan) belong to the Atlantic Ocean basin. The coastline stretches for 15 thousand kilometers. The total area of ​​Greece is 131,944 km2. Geographically, the state is divided into three large regions:

• Mainland Greece and the Ionian Islands.
• Peninsula Peloponnese.
• Islands of the Aegean.

The mainland includes the Central region, Greek Macedonia, Thrace, Thessaly, Epirus. The medium-altitude mountain relief prevails here. Rocky mountains alternate with valleys, and on the coast with bays and lagoons.

The narrow Isthmus of Corinth connects the main part of the country with the Peloponnese. Its width is only 6 kilometers. It used to separate the Ionian and Aegean Seas, but in the 19th century a canal was built here to connect the reservoirs for ease of navigation.

In the Middle Ages, the peninsula was called Morea. It is located in the southwest of the country, covering 22,200 km2. Its shores are very indented, and from above the peninsula resembles a leaf of some plant.

Islands

Approximately 20% of the area of ​​Greece falls on the islands. They cover an area of ​​24,800 km2. There are about 3,000 islands in total, some of them are combined into archipelagos. Only 230 are inhabited. All islands are divided into groups:

• Crete.
• Northern Sporades and Euboea.
• Dodecanese.
• Cyclades.
• North Aegean Islands.
• Ionian Islands.

The largest island in Greece is Crete, followed by Euboea. Crete is also one of the largest in the Mediterranean and the country's most popular tourist island. It was the birthplace of Europe's oldest Minoan civilization.

Lesbos is the third largest in Greece. It belongs to the Northern Aegean Islands, which are located next to the Turkish coast. Many famous names are associated with Lesvos, including the poet Alcaeus and the poetess Sappho.

To the number largest islands Rhodes belongs to the Dodecanese archipelago. It is called the "pearl of Greece" because of the incredibly beautiful nature and many preserved ancient monuments. The old part of its main city was even included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list.

Climate

The climate of Greece is moderate, alpine and Mediterranean. From the central regions and the Peloponnese to Crete and the Dodecanese islands, the Mediterranean subtropical type is characteristic. Winters are mild and wet, while summers are dry and hot. The island of Rhodes, which is the most fertile in the country, has the most favorable conditions.

The climate of Greece on the mainland is determined by relief. In the local mountains it is of the alpine type. The Pindus range separating Thessaly and Epirus influences the amount of rainfall in these regions. Thus, the slopes of Epirus receive much more moisture than the Thessalian slopes, located in the east.

The Alpine climate also operates in the mountains of Western Macedonia, Central Greece, Achaea, Laconia and Arcadia. In Eastern Macedonia and Thrace climatic conditions temperate subtropical with cool, wet winters and dry, hot summers.

There are about 300 sunny days a year. At night in the summer, a breeze appears on the coasts, making the air cooler. On the islands, the holiday season lasts from April to October, on the mainland, especially in the northern part, it is shorter - from May to September.

Nature

Mountains occupy approximately 4/5 of the entire area of ​​Greece, so soils and vegetation in most of the territory are replaced by zones. The mountains contain a lot of limestone, which is why the soils are not very suitable for farming. In the plains, they are more fertile, but dry up quickly during hot periods.

The nature of modern Greece was significantly influenced by people. The region has been inhabited since before our era. Continuous clearing of forests and their transformation into pastures and gardens, as well as hunting for wild animals, has significantly reduced the diversity of local flora and fauna.

More than 6 thousand plants grow in the country. These are mainly shrubs (maquis, frigana, etc.). Deciduous and coniferous forests grow on the foothills and plains; today they occupy only 12% of the country's area. In Greece, you can see olive trees, oaks, beeches, black firs, firs and plane trees.

The animal world is much poorer than the plant world. Best preserved in the country are small mammals and reptiles such as hares, porcupines, badgers, mice, snakes and lizards. From large animals there are bears, jackals, wild boars, lynxes. The red deer is almost completely exterminated by man. Red Book monk seals and Caretta turtles live in local waters.

History of Greece

From the history of this Balkan state we usually remember the classical or "golden" period (VI-IV centuries BC). It was then that the ancient policies appeared with majestic temples and sculptures, spacious squares, houses with sewerage and heating. Art, architecture, science and philosophy of that time influenced the development of European civilization.

But people inhabited the territory of the country much earlier. From III-II millennium BC. e. non-Greek people lived here. It was an advanced Aegean civilization. Later, it was captured and assimilated by the ancient Greek tribes of the Achaeans, Ionians, and Dorians who came here. With the advent of the latter, the Dark Ages, described in the poems of Homer, began.

Culture and language decline, but over time, navigation develops, which is facilitated by the geographical position of Greece. Active trade leads to the expansion of possessions, the emergence of trade and craft centers, economic and social prosperity.

In 146 BC. Greece is captured by the Roman Empire, and after its collapse, it enters the Byzantine Empire. In the Middle Ages, many different kingdoms, duchies, principalities and counties formed on its territory. From the 15th to the 19th century Greek lands belong to the Ottoman Empire.

In 1821, Greece declares its independence, conflicting with Turkey until the end of the First World War. In the 40s, military coups and civil wars followed, after which the country took a democratic course. In 1981 Greece joined the European Union.

Economy

After the end of World War II, the Greek economy experienced a strong recovery. In the 2000s, she was in the top 30 developed countries peace. In recent years, it has experienced a crisis and has again returned to the status of developing states. External debt in 2010 was more than $300 billion.

It is an industrial-agrarian country in which the main industries are metallurgy, chemical, textile, food and mining industries. Production is developing at an average level, and agriculture is mainly represented by small private farms. Olives, soybeans, tobacco, wheat, barley, vegetables, citrus fruits, and grapes are grown in the country.

A quarter of GDP is tourism. About 20 million people visit it every year. About 17% of the country's population works in the service sector. The economy of Greece is also made up of shipping. Foreign ships are allowed to register under the country's flags, making the Greek merchant fleet the third largest in the world.

Population

The population of Greece is 10.853 million people, and is characterized by a negative growth. In 2016 alone, it decreased by almost 45,000 people. The population is of a declining or aging type - the majority of residents (66%) are between the ages of 15 and 65, and only 14% of residents under the age of 15.

The country can be considered mono-ethnic, about 93% of the population of Greece are Greeks. In addition, Turks, Gypsies, Pomaks, Albanians, Armenians, Serbs, Jews and Arabs live in it. About 4 million ethnic Greeks live outside the state, mainly in Australia, the USA and Canada.

According to the constitution, the leading religion in Greece is the Eastern Orthodox Church of Christ. population of several Aegean professes Catholicism, Muslims live in Thrace and the Dodecanese Islands. Separate groups profess Protestantism, Greek neo-paganism, Judaism. About 30,000 people are Jehovah's Witnesses.

Athens

The country does not have a clear administrative division into cities and villages. They are assigned to one group or another based on the number of inhabitants. The largest cities in Greece: Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Larisa, Volos, Heraklion, Acharnes.

Athens is the capital of the state with a population of 3,090 million people. The city is named after the goddess of wisdom, who was considered its patron. It was here, 2.5 thousand years ago, that the classical Greek culture and democracy.

The city is located on a plain surrounded by mountains and the Saronic Gulf. Now it is not only an administrative and cultural center, but also major port. From here, by sea, you can reach many islands and cities in Greece.

The main tourist sites are located in the areas of Plaka and Thissio. On a hill in the old city is the Acropolis with the Parthenon and other temples, an amphitheater and ancient sculptures. The center of trade of modern Athens is the area of ​​Monastiraki.

Nafplio

The city of Nafplio is located on the island of Peloponnese. Only 13 thousand people live in it. According to legend, Nafplio was founded by the son of the god of the seas, Poseidon. This is one of ancient cities Greece, whose population lives mainly on tourism.

locals are also engaged in fishing. The area of ​​Argolis, which includes the city, is specialized in the cultivation of citrus fruits, and the port of Nafplio is the center of their export.

The city has preserved monuments of different eras and cultures. There is Orthodox churches, catholic temples and muslim mosques. Since the time of the Venetian state, mansions, the fortresses of Budzi and Palamidi have remained in it. Near the city there are numerous ancient ruins, as well as the Kanaf spring, in which the goddess Hera herself bathed in order to regain her virginity.

And I

One of the most vibrant cities in Greece is Oia, located on Santorini. It is the northernmost settlement of the island. Many find it very romantic: tangled streets lined with stone mosaics, snow-white walls of houses and blue domes of temples.

The city is picturesquely located on a hill above the sea. It has many mini-hotels designed for just one or two families. In some of them there are special apartments for newlyweds.

People come here to enjoy nature and silence. Car traffic is prohibited in Oia. By car, only the fishing port of Ammoudi is allowed. It can be reached on foot by climbing more than 200 steps.

Greece is one of the most visited countries in Europe. And the point is not only that it has beautiful beaches, a climate suitable for summer holidays and a clear sea. Greece is an open air museum. Each city is imbued with the spirit of antiquity. Even in the most small villages Greece you can find the ruins ancient fortress or fragments of ancient temples. The middle and end of May are the best time to visit Greece. At this time it is still not hot, there are few tourists and it is already possible to swim. The velvet season in Greece is September and October. In July - August it is better to relax on the islands, where the heat is easier to bear due to the breeze.

Geography

Greece is located in the south of the Balkan Peninsula, on numerous islands, in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. Its territory of 132 thousand square kilometers is divided into several large historical regions: Thrace, Macedonia, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Greece, Peloponnese, the islands of the Aegean Sea, Crete, the islands of the Ionian Sea.
Greece is predominantly a mountainous country. Its highest peak Olympus (2917 m) is located in northern Thessaly. Pindus, Parnassus, the mountain range in the north of the Peloponnese and Taygetos also rise above the two thousand-meter mark.
Geographically, Greece is diverse. On the one side - high mountains and mountain ranges, on the other hand, countless surprises of the lacy border of the land framing the sea. It is this deep indentation of the coast that gives Greece that unusual beauty that makes it one and only in the Mediterranean region. The same variety of relief is characteristic of the seabed of the Greek depths, which once, millions of years ago, were a continuation of the land.

Time

The difference with Moscow is 1 hour.

Climate

The climate of Greece is subtropical Mediterranean with hot and dry summers and mild rainy winters. In the year 300-310 sunny days. April and May are the most beautiful months when everything blooms and turns green. Exactly this best time for travel to historical places. In June, the weather is perfect for swimming and relaxing. The hottest months are July and August, when the average air temperature is set at around 32 degrees, and the sea warms up to 27-29 degrees. On the islands, the heat is more easily tolerated due to the proximity of the sea, from where a light refreshing breeze blows. Velvet season - September and October. The heat subsides, and the swimming season is still in full swing. From April to November, the weather is mostly cloudless, rains are rare and short-lived, and in July-August they are completely absent.

Language

The official language is Modern Greek. The staff of hotels, shops and restaurants, as a rule, speaks fluently in English and German.

Religion

Almost 98% of the population of Greece adhere to the autocephalous (independent) Greek Orthodox faith. Visiting the church on weekends and holidays is not only an obligatory ritual, but also an opportunity to chat with neighbors, and at the same time demonstrate a new elegant costume.

Population

The population of Greece is approaching 10 million people, of which approximately 1.4 million live on the islands. The average population density is 79 km2 per person. After the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1922-1923, in addition to small groups of Albanians, Bulgarians, Armenians and Turks in the country, northern regions country, other nationalities are practically gone.
The language of communication in Greece is Modern Greek, which developed from the classical Greek language. Literary and official language very close to ancient Greek, but the pronunciation has changed so much that it would be difficult for the ancient Greeks today to communicate with the inhabitants of the country.

Electricity

The mains voltage is 220 volts. European standard sockets are usually installed in hotels.

Emergency Phones

Tourist Police - 171 (in Athens), 922-7777 (outside Athens)
Police - 100
Fire Department - 199
Ambulance - 166
Pharmacy Information Service - 107 (all over Greece)
Help for drivers - 104

Connection

There should be no problems with searching for telephone boxes in Greece: they are found in almost all settlements, as well as with sufficient frequency come across on the streets major cities, installed on bus stops and petrol stations. To use them, you need to buy a phone card for 100 or 500 units. The most convenient and most commonly used is the 100 unit card. It allows you to make 100 calls within the city (regardless of the duration of the call) or talk about 7 minutes with Moscow. You can buy a card in hotels in Greece, where you will definitely find a pay phone, at newsstands, at the post office, at bank branches. Telephone boxes are standard, with a vertical card slot on the right side. However, it is necessary to take into account that, having finished the conversation, the card can be removed from the slot only after the inscription "take out the card" appears. Otherwise, you will "lose" a few units.
In addition to payphones, there are also red machines with a slot for coins. They can be found in public places, and you can call them only within the city.

Currency exchange

IN major cities and tourist centers there are exchange offices with a sign "EXCHANGE". They are open not only on weekends, but also on weekends.
You can also exchange currency in hotels, international airports and in seaports where bank branches are open 24/7.
When exchanging currency at a bank, you must have a passport with you. In all Greek banks it is forbidden to give change in foreign currency.
Therefore, it is better to have banknotes of different denominations with you. For a currency exchange operation in a bank, a commission fee of 1-2% of the amount is withheld.
Difficulties may arise with the reverse exchange, since foreigners from countries outside the EEC are given no more than $ 100 in their hands during the exchange.

Visa

Consular fee
The consular fee for all types of visas is 35 euros. Payment is made in rubles at the time of submission of documents.
The following are exempt from paying the fee:
- close relatives of citizens of the Russian Federation legally residing in Greece;
- close relatives of EU citizens;
- schoolchildren, students of higher educational institutions, graduate students and teachers accompanying them (provided that the purpose of the trip is education);
- children under 6 years old;
- children entered in the parents' passport.
Legalization of documents:
1. Application - free of charge.
2. Confirmation of signature - 10 euros for a Greek citizen, 20 euros for a foreign citizen.
3. Confirmation of the authenticity of a copy of the document - 5 euros
4. General power of attorney - 50 euros (1900 rubles) per page.
The term for obtaining a visa to Greece is from 3 working days.
Schengen visa to Greece
A visa to Greece is a Schengen visa, as Greece is one of the 25 countries that have signed the Schengen agreement.
It gives the right to enter and stay in the Schengen area for a short time (no more than 90 days within six months), within the periods specified in the visa.

Customs regulations

To enter the country, you must have currency with you at the rate of $ 50 per person for each day of stay. Cash can be checked at Greek customs. Large sums of money when importing and exporting must be declared.
From Greece, the export of original antiques is prohibited. For the export of fur products, you should take an invoice from the store.

Holidays and non-working days

March-April is a three-week carnival preceding Lent.
March 25 - Greek Independence Day.
April-May - Easter.
May 1 is the May Day of Workers and the day of the official Greek Spring Festival.
August 15 - Assumption of the Mother of God. All the churches of the Virgin Mary in Greece hold services.
October 28 - Day "Ohi". A celebration to commemorate the Greek resistance when the Greeks said "ooh!" ("No!") to Mussolini's fascism in 1940. Military parades and schoolchildren's demonstrations are held.
Saints Days. Greeks rarely celebrate their birthdays, more often they invite guests to their name days.

Transport

Bus service within Greece
Traveling by bus within Greece is very convenient and quite cheap, and often much faster than by train.
Greek public transport
Buses run from 5.00 to 24.00, there are night buses on the main routes. One trip by land mode costs 0.3 euros, tickets can be bought at the main bus stations and in street kiosks for ten pieces, but there are no discounts for "bulk purchase". When traveling on buses of the same line, you can make transfers on one ticket. Urban bus routes complemented by trolleybus and tram lines. There are only monthly travel tickets, valid from the first day of the month to the last (15-20 euros), they do not apply to the metro. When boarding, the ticket is validated with a note of the flight number, landing time and direction. For travel without a ticket - a fine of 3 euros.
Metro
The Athens metro is one of the very first in Europe (was built in 1868) and quite convenient. The only line operates from 5.00 to 24.00 and stretches from Piraeus to Kifissia (20 stops). A ticket costs from 0.2 to 0.3 euros depending on the distance, they should be marked in special orange turnstiles at the entrance to the platform.
Taxi in Greece
Taxis can be ordered by phone from the hotel (extra €1 for immediate departure and €1.5 if booked in advance) or "caught" at designated locations on the street. Fare - for landing 0.7 euros, per 1 km. way - 0.1-0.5 euros (depending on the class of car), at night (from 1.00 to 5.00) fares increase by 50%. For calling a radio taxi (marked with a corresponding inscription on the roof of the car), 0.7-0.9 euros are paid extra. An additional amount is paid on holidays (0.3 euros), for trips to and from the airport (1 euro), for trips from ports, train stations and bus stations (0.5 euros) and for each piece of baggage weighing more than 100 kg. (0.6 euros). An hour of waiting for a taxi costs 6-7 euros. Taxi drivers usually pick up other passengers along the way, although the rules require them to first ask permission from a passenger already in the cabin. In this case, each of the passengers pays the full price for his route.

Tips

When in Greece, don't forget to tip! Bills almost always include a 10-15% service surcharge, but the busboy - usually a young man - relies on tips, which are often his only income. Tipping is usually left on the table. Taxi drivers and hotel employees also receive tips. In a restaurant, it is customary to leave 10% of the order amount or 1-2 euros, in a cafeteria - up to 1 euro, in a taxi - 0.5-1 euro (the main fee is strictly according to the meter), to a porter - 30-50 cents for one piece of luggage .

The shops

Greece is an ideal place for shopping, because, as the proverb says, "Greece has everything!". With high quality, Greek products are very affordable and you can always find something to your taste and pocket.
The opening hours of the shops are not the same, as a rule, they are closed during the siesta, on weekends and public holidays. Usually trading goes from 9.00 to 14.00 and lasts from 17.30 to 20.30. Supermarkets are open all days of the week, except Sunday, from 8.00 to 18.00 or 19.00 without a lunch break.
Duty free shops have a sign: "Hellenic Duty Free Shop". They accept both drachmas and convertible currency for payment. Bargaining is possible in bazaars and small shops, especially when buying several items. You should also bargain in the markets where they sell souvenirs and folk art products. The most famous such market "Monastyraki" is located in the center of Athens. Sale of winter things takes place in January-February, summer - in August-September. Prices for shoes and leather goods good quality always low. Many Russians combine holidays in Greece with the purchase of a fur coat. When buying a fur coat, you need to get two sales receipts. The receipts must indicate the name and surname of the buyer, the name of the product and its value in local currency. It is more expedient to buy a fur coat at a large factory or in stores. In this case, when leaving Greece, there will be no complications at customs.
Products of local craftsmen (ceramics, bags, sandals, carpets - all handmade) are traditional souvenirs.

National cuisine

The meal in the life of the Greeks has long occupied an important place. For them, this is both relaxation and communication. In addition, they just love to eat delicious food. In the afternoon, the whole family gathers for dinner, eternal topics are discussed: politics, household and business. Then everyone goes to bed, it's time for the traditional siesta. In the evening and at night, the Greeks like to sit in taverns with friends. Greek culinary traditions are so diverse that tourists who decide to spend their holidays in Greece rarely manage to fully cover the list of local delicacies.
Snacks- an integral part of any meal. Cold snacks, called "mezedes", are especially popular, among which the most famous and loved are:
- melizanosalata - eggplant salad with lemon, olive oil and garlic;
- dolmadakya - minced meat with rice in grape leaves;
- kalamarakya - fried or baked squid in dough;
- Tiropitakya - small triangular patties with cheese;
- kolokmtakya - zucchini fried until crispy.
Very popular is the so-called village salad - "horiatiki": slices of tomatoes and cucumbers with onions, olives and pieces of cheese, poured with olive oil. It is also interesting to taste the exotic salad of dandelions - "horta" or "radikyu".
As a seasoning for some snacks, a sauce of yogurt, cucumber, olive oil and garlic - "tzatziki" is served.
The spices used in Greek cuisine are known and common in our country. These are black and red pepper, cloves, nutmeg, bay leaf, coriander, etc. However, there are some spices that are not widely used in our cuisine, for example, "rigani" (not to be confused with Caucasian rigan), an herb used for salads, meat, fish, poultry.
On the Greek table, invariably, at breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is cheese. It is eaten simply as a snack, and added to salads, and used as a filling for pies and as an ingredient for many national dishes.
The most famous varieties of Greek cheese:
- feta - semi-soft salty cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk;
- graviera - hard yellow cheese;
- kasseri - spicy light yellow cheese;
- kefalotiri - hard salty cheese with small holes;
- mizithra - soft unsalted cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk.
Meat. The most widely used meats are beef, dairy lamb and lean pork. The most common cooking method is on the grill. Stew with various types of sauces is also popular: wine, tomato, onion and the famous "avgolemono", an egg sauce with lemon. Typical meat dishes include:
- brizola - beef or pork chops;
- paidakya - lamb ribs;
- kokoretsi - lamb giblets fried on coals;
- moshari lemonato - beef in lemon sauce;
- arnaki souvlas - lamb fried on a spit.
Meat dishes are usually served with a side dish: french fries, rice with corn kernels or green peas, boiled or stewed vegetables, and often various salads.
In meat cuisine, stuffed vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and eggplants are extremely common. Among the most famous stuffed dishes are "papuzakia", "shoes". Moussakas is also considered traditional - a casserole of eggplant, minced meat, tomatoes, onions, cheese and bechamel sauce.
It is hard to imagine Greek cuisine without fish dishes and other seafood. They eat only sea fish: tuna, mackerel, anchovy - in the freshest form.
It is worth trying "garides", shrimp fried in boiling oil with onions and spinach, garnished with pieces of cheese. A particularly delicious dish is grilled octopus, drizzled with olive oil and grape vinegar.
Tea in Greece, it is not customary to drink, it is used as a cure for colds and other ailments.
Coffee, on the contrary, is a drink for all occasions. There are several popular varieties of coffee: "Greek", which we call "Turkish", "nescafe" (instant coffee), which is served hot and cold, whipped in a shaker. Cold coffee is served in a glass with a straw, "Turkish" - in small cups with a glass of cold water.
Greece is a country of winemaking. Here, thanks to the mild and warm climate, grapes have been cultivated since ancient times. Therefore, the range of wines produced is very diverse.
The most famous dry wine is retsina. Its unusual taste is explained by the fact that a little pine resin is added to it.

Attractions

Athens
It is customary to start each tour to Athens with a tour of the Acropolis, the cradle of the modern city and ancient Greek culture. When planning to visit Athens, you should not neglect the excursion to the Acropolis for several reasons. Firstly, one of the most interesting museums (the Acropolis Museum) is located here, where you can wander for hours. Secondly, Athens in ancient times used the Acropolis as defensive structures, and later it was the center of the cultural, political and economic life of Greece. And, finally, a wonderful view of Athens opens from the Acropolis, because this place is located at an altitude of 156 meters above sea level. Being on vacation in Greece and not visiting the Acropolis is an unacceptable mistake!
Loutraki
It is in Greece that there is a place where "live" mineral water flows literally from the tap. This is the city - the resort of Loutraki. Loutraki - a health resort of world renown - annually receives the Blue Flag from the International Association of Ecologists. Tens of thousands of tourists come here to improve their health, enjoy the beauty, silence, peace and bow to Christian shrines. The location of the resort is unique. It is located on the coast of the Corinthian Gulf, 85 km from Athens. Nearby is the Corinth Canal, connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas and separating Attica and the Peloponnese, the Temple of the Goddess Hera and the Golden Mycenae discovered by the archaeologist Schliemann ... In the air mist, one can see the mountain of Acrocorinth, where the winged horse Pegasus landed, and on top of which Sisyphus rolled his stone. There are 55 hotels of all categories here to receive guests at any time of the year. Loutraki is a resort town immersed in greenery, with clean beaches, a promenade, bars and restaurants. This the best place for a summer holiday in Central Greece: the bustling capital is not far away, and around the main attractions of Ancient Greece and many interesting excursions. Nearby is a water park.
Chalkidiki
Today Halkidiki is one of the largest tourist centers in Greece. The Halkidiki peninsula is located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea, southeast of Thessaloniki. Picturesque mountain ranges here are covered with green forests, and on the coast there are many long sandy beaches. Halkidiki is shaped like a trident turned down. Three "cloves" protrude far into the sea - these are the peninsulas of Kasandra, Sithonia and Aion-Oros (Athos). The capital of the peninsula is the city of Poligiros.
Those wishing to spend their vacation most actively should pay attention to the most western peninsula Cassandra with lively resort centers and round the clock entertainment. On the easternmost "clove" rest is the most calm and pacifying - proximity to this has sacred mountain Athos, sheltering hundreds of Christian monasteries. The middle peninsula of Sithonia does not have as many attractions as Kassandra, but the picturesque bays and beautiful beaches make holidays here just as popular.

Crete
Crete is located in the southern part of Greece and is the largest island that is part of Greece. It is located in the center of the Mediterranean and is washed by three seas: the Aegean, Ionian and Libyan.
The capital of the island is Heraklion.
Crete consists of four parts. The central part of Crete is called Heraklion. This is the most most of Crete.
The western part, Chania, is located on sea ​​coast.
Between Heraklion and Chania is Rethymno.
In the east of Crete is part of Elounda (Lassithi).
Crete has a mild subtropical climate.
It has long been considered one of the healthiest in Europe. The holiday season lasts from April to October. But not only interesting history and ancient monuments attract tourists here. The nature of Crete is unusually picturesque. There are three mountain ranges on the island - Levka Ori, Psiloriti and Dikti, dissected by picturesque gorges with green trees and shrubs climbing up the steep slopes, in which there are more than 3 thousand caves, including those with stalactites and stalagmites. Generous variety of landscapes, mountain villages, crystal-clear sea with blue-green transparent water of the Aegean Sea, long sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife make the island an ideal place for a resort holiday. Two strips of beautiful beaches stretch on the northern coast: from Rethymno to Georgiopuli and from Chania to Kolymbari. On the western side of the island are the magnificent beaches of Falasarna and Elafonisi. In the east, it is worth noting the coast from Agios Nikolaos to Plaka and the sandy beaches of Sitia. In the south, the resorts of Loutro, Frangokastello, Agia Galini, Myrtos are popular. Large tourist complexes and hotels scattered around the island have everything you need for water sports, such as water skiing and windsurfing, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas everywhere. Most hotels have gyms, tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts. Apart from beach holiday people of all ages are attracted by the vibrant nightlife of Crete, which blends seamlessly with the unique romantic charm of Cretan evenings and nights.
And the hospitality of the Cretans can be legendary, because the locals see you as a friend, even if you meet for the first time. Those who want to spend their vacation most actively should pay attention to the westernmost peninsula of Kassandra with lively resort centers and round-the-clock entertainment. On the easternmost "clove" rest is the most calm and peaceful - this is facilitated by the proximity of the sacred Mount Athos, which sheltered hundreds of Christian monasteries. The middle peninsula of Sithonia does not have as many attractions as Kassandra, but the picturesque bays and beautiful beaches make holidays here just as popular.
Delphi
Delphi is located high in the mountains above the northern coast of the Gulf of Corinth. This is the place where the famous oracle was located and the priests of the god Apollo interpreted his mysterious prophecies. A tourist visiting Delphi will be able to enjoy the amazing beauty of nature and stunning ancient ruins. Temple of Apollo, treasuries, theater and stadium - all these monuments of ancient culture that have survived the centuries are open to the public. Here you can wash yourself with the water of the Kastal spring (according to legend, it heals and rejuvenates) and experience the power of the “Delphic echo” (a whispered word is picked up by an echo and spreads throughout the neighborhood, becoming louder and louder until it reaches maximum strength and won't go down). In the Delphic Museum, you can see the bronze sculpture Charioteer and a lot of other valuable archaeological finds. In general, this museum is one of the best in Greece. The tourist will also be able to see the "navel of the Earth" and the Sibylla stone.
Zakynthos
Zakynthos is an island in the Ionian Sea. The coasts of the island are indented with white cliffs, with grottoes and caves that captivate with their beauty, where you can swim in small boats. One of the seven Ionian Islands beautiful bays, white sand, clear water and huge caretta-caretta sea turtles. Mountain villages, monasteries, fertile valleys and landscapes of rare beauty can be found on this beautiful green island. Tourist complexes are concentrated in Laganas, where a strip of soft sand beach stretches for 14 km. More tranquil beaches are found on the north coast at Tsilivi and Alykes. In the very north of the island are unusual blue caves, formed under the influence of waves on the rocks. Zakynthos is the southernmost island of the Ionian archipelago - an almost triangular idyllic Zakynthos - an island of poetry, music and hospitality. This island has something to captivate tourists. Rich in cultural heritage and traditions, an island of wonderful natural beauty, inhabited by rare species of marine animals. The emerald sea, mountains densely overgrown with pine forests, cordial and hospitable inhabitants will remain in memory for a long time. High above the modern city with its beautiful buildings in the characteristic Zakynthos architectural style, a Venetian fortress rises above the squares. The abundance of churches is another feature of the city of St. Dionysius - the patron saint of the island of Zakynthos. A blooming island with azure shores and an unforgettable sunset. Having been to Zakynthos.
Silhouettes of very diverse islands jut out of the blue sea ​​waters. Life on the island is narrow village streets and paths, countless churches, windmills. The locals, with their very special perception of life, is also one of the reasons for the extraordinary attraction of the islands. For visitors here - an abundance of taverns, restaurants and eateries. Despite many similarities - primarily landscapes and architecture - each of the islands is unique. And this uniqueness can be felt only by traveling through them.
Thessaloniki
Founded back in 315 BC, Thessaloniki has a rich historical past and is now a significant industrial and cultural center that plays an important role in the life of the entire Balkan Peninsula, due to its location and a large port, which occupies second place after Athens. The combination of past and present make this city attractive for hundreds of thousands of tourists. In 1997 - Thessaloniki was elected the cultural capital of Europe.
From the day of its foundation by King Cassander, it has always been a crossroads leading from west to east and from the Balkans to the countries of the Aegean. Named after the half-sister of Alexander the Great, the port city was an important strategic center for both Rome and Byzantium. Its former greatness can be traced in the monuments of different eras preserved on the territory of the fortress walls, no doubt, the location of the city was the reason for the constant threat of conquest, and after the decline of Byzantium, it more than once fell victim to the invasion of the Saracens, the ruin and conquest of the Franks, many times passed from hand to hand until it was conquered by the Turks in 1430. The liberation of Thessaloniki and joining the modern Greek state took place only in 1912, two world wars, especially the second, left a deep imprint. Now it is a modern city, with a flourishing trade and industry. Streets, spacious squares, cafes on the sidewalks, gourmet restaurants- invite guests to relax after visiting archaeological sites, fashion stores and commercial centers (offering leather goods, gold and silver jewelry, etc.).

Resorts

Kos island
The island of Kos, known as the birthplace of Hippocrates, is located in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Turkey. This is the third largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago and the second most popular among tourists after Rhodes. The capital of the island is the coastal city of Kos, which is also the largest local resort. Only in the east of the island are low mountains, and plains and plateaus are buried in gardens and greenery. The island is small: its length from west to east is 40 kilometers, and its width is only 8 kilometers.
Kefalonia
The largest of the islands of the Ionian Sea. Kefalonia is famous for its amazing landscape diversity. Steep cliffs, covered with greenery, seemed to be immersed in the blue of the sea. Here you will see old aristocratic mansions, as well as "modest" rural villas, and nearby - the ruins of some ancient city. The ruins are Roman, Venetian or reminiscent of the Byzantine era. Here are the well-known coasts and beaches. In the central part of the island of Kefalonia, next to the tourist village of Divarata, is the highlight of all Greece, Myrtos beach. Myrtos is famous all over the world for its clean water and a natural coast that has not yet been touched by the hand of civilization.
Catherine
In northern Greece, off the coast of Thermaikos Gulf, there is a small modern resort town of Paralia Katerinis. This small town with wide golden beaches is comfortably located under the shadow of the sacred Mount Olympus - the very mountain where the ancient Greeks settled their twelve gods. Therefore, it is in Paralia Katerinis that you can visit Zeus, but be careful not to disturb or anger him. It is said that at such moments, lightning comes from the top of Olympus, shrouded in clouds, and menacing thunder is heard.
In general, the climate in Paralia Katerinis during the beach season, which lasts from May to October, pleases vacationers with gentle sun and calm, clear weather. The purest golden sand of spacious beaches, the clear turquoise sea, the intoxicating air with sea ​​scent mixed with a coniferous smell - all this is the best way to promote complete relaxation and amazing unity with nature.
Cozy coves along the entire coast and a shallow bottom are ideal for comfortable swimming for both adults and children.

Thessaly
Thessaly is two plains surrounded by a ring of mountains. On the territory of Thessaly is the home of the immortal gods - Mount Olympus. In the western part of Thessaly, there is a unique natural formation - 24 sheer cliffs, on which 600 years ago Byzantine monks built the stunning monastery complex of Meteora. Winter and summer are pronounced here, in summer it often rains heavily, generously moistening the fertile soil. The capital of Thessaly is Larissa.
Epirus
Epirus (Epirus) - the most mountainous part mainland Greece. The Greek part of Epirus stretches from Valona Bay in Albania to the Gulf of Arta. The coast is rocky and steep, the soil is not very fertile. The capital of Epirus, Ioannina, lies among the most beautiful lakes in Greece. The local rivers are considered the best in Europe for canoeing and trout fishing.
Rhodes island
Rhodes is an island in the east of the Aegean Sea, almost off the coast of Turkey. It is the largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago. The swimming season here lasts from May to October. The northwestern coast is washed by the Aegean Sea, from the southeastern side of the island - the Mediterranean. The capital of the island - the city and port of Rhodes - is located on its northern tip. The coast of the Aegean Sea is more windy, it is characterized by pebble beaches and constant excitement. The beaches on the Mediterranean side are mostly sandy and very gentle. The Mediterranean Sea is calmer and colder than the Aegean. Respectively, East Coast the island is best suited for a traditional beach holiday, and its west (the resorts of Ixia and Ialyssos) attract mainly windsurfers.
Evia Island
Evia (or Euboea) is an island located north of Athens and stretched along the northern coast of Attica. The island comes so close to the mainland that it is connected to it by a 14-meter bridge. The strait through which this bridge is thrown is an attraction in itself: the water here changes the direction of the flow several times an hour. The island is covered with mountains and forests, it has many hard-to-reach places and impassable roads. When they talk about Evia as a resort, they mean only a small part of its coast, mainly the Eretria region, 15 km from the capital of the island of Chalkis. Eretria is located 95 km from Athens and you can get there from the mainland through the aforementioned bridge or by ferry.