The main architectural monuments of ancient Greece. Culture of ancient Greece

Architecture of Ancient Greece. Periodization. Characteristic. main monuments.

The history of architecture and culture of ancient Greece is divided into three periods.
1. Ancient period - archaic. Having repelled the invasion of the Persians, having liberated their lands, the Persians got the opportunity to freely create. 600-480 AD BC.
2. The heyday is a classic. Alexander the Great conquered vast territories with different cultures, the eclecticism of these cultures was the reason for the decline of Greek classical art. The heyday came after his death. 480-323 BC.
3. Late period - Hellenism. This period ended in the thirtieth year BC with the conquest of ancient egypt Romans, which was under Greek influence.
Greece is a country with a great architectural past, in which much attention was paid to the construction of temples. The Greeks in the construction of ancient temples in the archaic era replaced wood with white marble and yellowish limestone. Such material not only looked noble, but was also distinguished by its centuries-old durability. The image of the temple resembled the ancient dwelling of the Greeks, which in its shape resembled a rectangular structure. Further, the construction continued the well-known logical scheme - from simple to complex. Very soon the layout of each temple became individual. But some features still remained unchanged. For example, the stepped foundation of temples remained unchanged. The temple was a room without windows, which were surrounded by columns in several rows, and inside the building there was a statue of a deity. The columns supported the gable roof and floor beams. The people were not allowed to enter the temple, only the priests had the right to be present here, so everyone else admired its beauty from the outside.
Greek temples are different in their compositions, stylistic elements in each are used in a special way.
1. Distil - “temple in ants”. The earliest type of temple. It consists of a sanctuary, the front facade is a loggia, bounded along the edges by side walls (antami). Two columns were installed along the front pediment between the ants.
2. Forgiveness. It is similar to Antov, only not two, but four columns are installed on the facade.
3. Amphiprostyle or double prostyle. On both facades of the building there are porticos with 4 columns.
4. Peripter. Occurs most often. Columns surround the temple around the perimeter. There are six columns on both facades.

5. Dipter. A type of temple, on the side facades of which there were two rows of columns.
6. Pseudo-dipter. The same as Dipter, only without the inner row of columns.
7. Round peripter or Tholos. The sanctuary of such a temple has a cylindrical shape. The temple is surrounded by columns around the perimeter.
In Greek architecture, the types of columns and friezes were distinguished, which received the names of orders. The earliest, Doric, is associated with the culture of the Dorians who lived in mainland Greece. In the Doric order, powerful and short, tapering upwards, columns with flutes end in a capital with a square abacus and do not have a base. The Ionic order developed in insular and Asia Minor Greece. Ionic columns, thinner and more elongated, rest on a base and end with a capital carved from a rectangular block. The capital is formed by two curls (volutes). In most of the temples that have come down to us, Doric and Ionic orders are used. The Corinthian order appeared in Athens in the 5th century BC. e. The column is crowned with a magnificent capital, which is a curly shoots of acanthus. This order was widely used in the Hellenistic era. In construction, exceptional attention was paid to natural conditions, the greatest artistic fit of the building into the surrounding landscape. The noble forms of architecture of Ancient Greece are striking in our time. Although from a constructive point of view, everything was very simple. Only two elements were used: the bearing part (beams, lintels, slabs) and the bearing part (walls and columns).

Many different structures of a public nature were erected: palestras, stadiums, theaters, residential buildings. The theaters were built on the slopes of the hills, the stage was made across the slope, the stage was at the bottom. Residential buildings were built in such a way that a small rectangular courtyard was obtained in the center.
Main monuments: The pearl of Greece, of course, Athens. In addition to the Acropolis with the Parthenon temples, the Erechtheion with a portico of caryatids, the temple of Nike Apteros, in the city and its environs there are many living witnesses of antiquity - propylaea, the temple of Hephaestus (Theseion), the monument of Lysicrates (334 BC). Tower of the Winds - built in 44 BC. weather station - bears the features not of Greek democracy, but of Roman imperial architecture. The Temple of Hera at Paestum (5th century) and the Temple of Hephaestus at Athens (Theseion) are the two best-preserved monuments. Much more survived other monuments of Ancient Greece - amphitheatres. Hewn in mountain slopes, they resisted destruction more strongly and amaze with their excellent acoustics. The amphitheaters in Epidaurus, Delphi, Athens, now empty, were once as crowded as cinemas and supermarkets are now. Theaters at that time were also religious, and not entertainment, structures.

23. Art of the Aegean World. Chronology. Geographic limits. General characteristics of the phenomenon. Bibliography of the issue.
Aegean culture played an important role in the development of the culture of the peoples living near the Mediterranean Sea. It developed on the islands and shores of the Aegean Sea, in the eastern Mediterranean, for almost two thousand years, from 3000 to 1200 BC. simultaneously with the art of Egypt and Mesopotamia. The island of Crete was the center of the Aegean culture. It also captured the Cyclades, the Peloponnese, where the cities of Mycenae, Pylos and Tiryns were located, and the western coast of Asia Minor, in the northern part of which Troy was located. The Aegean culture is also called Cretan-Mycenaean.
Cretan architecture was dominated by vast palace complexes. Among them is the Palace of Knossos (about 16,000 sq.m.). Its throne room was decorated with an emblem in the form of a double-sided ax-labrys, sacred in Crete. With its majestic architecture, it resembled ancient Egyptian temples with halls and open courtyards. In the center is a vast rectangular courtyard of ceremonial significance. Rooms with verandas, galleries, pools, colonnades, and stairs adjoined the courtyard from all sides. A distinctive feature of Cretan architecture was the lack of symmetry in the buildings. In construction palace interiors wooden columns played a significant role. They narrowed to the bottom without capitals, the color of the columns is red. All of them are covered with zigzag patterns, reinforcing the impression of a picturesque and dynamic solution to the space. There is a bathroom, plumbing, underground rooms - a labyrinth. Fresco painting in the form of friezes or panels.
The life of its inhabitants was depicted: solemn processions, ritual dances, people gathering bright flowers, cats hunting pheasants, fish among algae. The images are dynamic, colorful, the ornament is curled, spiral, splash of waves, wind. Dynamics is characteristic of Minoan art; frozen poses and self-absorption are alien to it. True transmission of human movement. The image of human figures is fragile, with a thin waist, the male figures are painted brown, the female figures are white. The paintings were dominated by bright, major colors. For the Cretans, nature was sacred because of its divinity. Everything divine is perfect, but nature is full of special beauty. Therefore, the Cretans often depicted flowering meadows instead of gods. The role of trees, herbs, flowers in this world was great, without them no human act could be imagined. The small plastic art of Crete, like painting, is exquisitely decorative and dynamic. These are figurines of animals (goats and kids, a bull, figures of graceful women). Ceramic vases are distinguished by subtle artistic taste. Perfection was achieved by the master of metal processing.

24. Art of the Minoan era. Chronology. Geographic limits. General characteristics of the phenomenon. Question bibliography
Minoan era 2600-1100 BC. The English archaeologist Arthur Evans, who excavated the palace of the legendary king Minos in Knossos, named the entire era and the unique civilization that developed during it after the latter. Three phases: 1) Early Minoan (2600-2000 BC), 2) Middle Minoan (2000-1600 BC) and 3) Late Minoan (1600-1100 BC) . Around 1900 BC the island is experiencing significant prosperity. At this time, the first palaces appeared in Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, Archana, Zakros and Kydonia. The Minoans paid special honors to the dead. The tombs discovered during the excavations were domed or carved into the rock - chamber, however, a large number of burials were also found in crevices, in small caves and on the coast. The dead were placed on wooden stretchers or in sarcophagi made of wood, clay or stone, and next to them were placed funeral gifts - objects used or generally loved by the deceased during their lifetime. Initially, the Minoans used a type of writing reminiscent of Egyptian hieroglyphics (each sign is indicated by an image of an animal or object). Then the Minoans began to use "Linear A", consisting of simplified images, and, finally, after 1450 BC. and the establishment of the dominance of the Achaeans, "linear writing B" became widespread. The highest creations of the Minoans were created in the field of fine art, which is distinguished by originality, grace and liveliness. Architecture flourished, the most significant examples of which are the palaces at Knossos, Phaistos, Zakros and Malia. The palatial building at Arhani, the palace at Agia Triada, the luxurious villas of nobles and landowners, and the simple dwellings of peasants and artisans should not be overlooked either. The frescoes that adorned the walls of palaces and villas deserve special mention. When after 1700 B.C. palaces were rebuilt, their walls were painted with magnificent scenes representing human images, landscapes, animals, ritual or funeral processions, competitions, etc. The architecture of the tombs and the picturesque decor of the sarcophagi are also remarkable. Characteristic works of Minoan art are ceramics and vase painting. Famous vases style "Kamares", characterized by rich colors and characteristic motifs. Finally, small Minoan plastic art, metalwork and jewelry art are known for many masterpieces of small forms.

25. Art of Mycenae. Painting. Architecture, arts and crafts. Peculiarities. Monuments
The Mycenaean culture was formed under the strong influence of the Cretan, acquiring, however, features that distinguish its monuments from the monuments of Crete itself. The murals in Tiryns, adjacent to Mycenae, are more schematic, less picturesque than in Knossos. The Cretan magical lightness has disappeared along with the incomparable Cretan elegance and pictorial craftsmanship.
The new features of the Mycenaean artistic genius are especially evident in architecture and monumental sculpture. Unlike the Cretan ones, the Mycenaean palace buildings are surrounded by fortified walls. Cyclopean masonry, so named for the huge size of the stones, which only fairy-tale giants can lift, gives the buildings a somewhat primitive, but impressive look. It is characteristic of both Mycenae and Tiryns.
Powerful stone walls do not allow individual cells of the building to spread, as happens in the Palace of Knossos, they collect the building together, turning it into military fortress, where the central room dominates - the megaron - with four internal columns supporting the roof and framing the hearth. Megarons of the kings in Mycenae and Tiryns, rectilinear in plan palace isolated buildings, consisting of an open vestibule with two pillars, a front room and a hall with a hearth in the middle, are considered the prototypes of the first Greek temples.
The gate leading to the Achaean citadels had an impressive appearance. The entrance to the acropolis of Mycenae - the famous Lion Gate - was decorated with a slab of golden yellow stone depicting two lionesses leaning with their front paws on a pedestal with a column resembling a Cretan one. The lionesses breathe with a confident power that Cretan art did not know.
Mycenaean ceramics are technically better than Cretan ones: the walls of vessels are thinner, stronger than paint, the manner of depicting a plot drawing seems careless, but the drawing itself, which served only as a decorative pattern in Cretan ceramics, has now become the spokesman for a complex artistic idea. As on Cretan vases, images of marine motifs are especially frequent here, but octopuses, cuttlefish freeze and are schematized, gradually turning into a geometric ornament. Mycenaean and Tirynthian masters loved strict symmetry, schematic forms.
The features of clarity and completeness of form, tectonics and isolation, outlined in this ancient Greek art, will be further developed in young Greek art. They will appear in the plans of temples, similar to the megaron, in the early appearance of monumental painting, in some subjects, compositional techniques, ceramic technique.
Despite the differences in arrangement, the interior of the Mycenaean palaces was typically Cretan. Here, too, the walls were covered with frescoes, although the artists showed much less ingenuity and imagination than before. Mycenae was dominated by battle and hunting scenes. The frescoes told about the life of kings and the aristocracy and almost nothing about life ordinary people.
Craftsmen of this period made linen, potters, along with amphoras and hydrias, made terracotta baths and many other vessels. The same was the case with furniture. Stone tables of various types are mentioned: inlaid with ebony, gold and silver, and ivory. Round, with a spiral ornament, with a different number of legs and so on.
At the beginning of the XII century BC. e. the states of the Aegean world are in decline. Starting from the north new wave Greek tribes - Dorians. This wave destroys the centers of the Aegean culture for several centuries, suspending the development of realistic art.

It took several centuries before the Dorian tribes, who came from the north in the 12th century BC, by the 6th century BC. created a highly developed art. This was followed by three periods in the history of Greek art:

1) the archaic, or ancient period, from about 600 to 480 BC, when the Greeks repelled the Persian invasion and, having freed their land from the threat of conquest, were again able to create freely and calmly;

2) the classics, or the heyday, from 480 to 323 BC. - the year of the death of Alexander the Great, who conquered vast areas, very dissimilar in their cultures; this diversity of cultures was one of the reasons for the decline of classical Greek art;

3) Hellenism, or late period; it ended in 30 BC when the Romans conquered Greek-influenced Egypt.

Greek culture spread far beyond its homeland - to Asia Minor and Italy, to Sicily and other islands of the Mediterranean, to North Africa and other places where the Greeks founded their settlements. Greek cities were even on the northern coast of the Black Sea.

Temples were the greatest achievement of Greek building art. ancient ruins temples date back to the archaic era, when instead of wood, yellowish limestone and white marble began to be used as a building material. It is believed that the ancient dwelling of the Greeks served as a prototype for the temple - a rectangular structure with two columns in front of the entrance. From this simple building, various types of temples, more complex in their layout, grew over time. Usually the temple stood on a stepped base. It consisted of a room without windows, where there was a statue of a deity, the building was surrounded in one or two rows of columns. They supported the floor beams and the gable roof. In the semi-dark interior, only priests could visit the statue of God, while the people saw the temple only from the outside. Obviously, therefore, the main attention was paid to beauty and harmony by the ancient Greeks. appearance temple.

The construction of the temple was subject to certain rules. Dimensions, ratios of parts and the number of columns were precisely established.

Three styles dominated Greek architecture: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian. The oldest of them was the Doric style, which had already developed in the archaic era. He was courageous, simple and powerful. It got its name from the Doric tribes that created it. Today, the surviving parts of the temples are white: the paint that covered them crumbled over time. Once their friezes and cornices were painted red and blue.

The Ionic style originated in the Ionian region of Asia Minor. From here he penetrated into the Greek regions proper. Compared to the Doric, the Ionic columns are more ornate and slender. Each column has its own base - the base. The middle part of the capital resembles a pillow with corners twisted into a spiral, the so-called. volutes.

In the Hellenistic era, when architecture began to strive for greater splendor, Corinthian capitals began to be used most often. They are richly decorated with floral motifs, among which images of acanthus leaves predominate.

It so happened that time spared the oldest Doric temples, mainly outside of Greece. Several such temples have been preserved on the island of Sicily and in southern Italy. The most famous of these is the temple of the god of the sea Poseidon at Paestum, near Naples, which looks somewhat ponderous and squat. Of the early Doric temples in Greece itself, the most interesting is the temple of the supreme god Zeus at Olympia, which is now in ruins - holy city Greeks, where the Olympic Games originate from.

The heyday of Greek architecture began in the 5th century BC. This classical era is inextricably linked with the name of the famous statesman Pericles. During his reign, grandiose construction work began in Athens, the largest cultural and artistic center of Greece. The main construction was carried out on the ancient fortified hill of the Acropolis.

A - a fragment of the Parthenon, b - clothes, c - a fragment of the capital of the Erechtheion, d - a golden comb, e - a vase, f - an armchair, g - a table.

Even from the ruins one can imagine how beautiful the Acropolis was in its time. A wide marble staircase led up the hill. To the right of it, on a dais, like a precious box, there is a small graceful temple to Nike, the goddess of victory. Through the gate with columns, the visitor got to the square, in the center of which stood the statue of the patroness of the city, the goddess of wisdom, Athena; further on was the Erechtheion, a peculiar and complex temple. Its distinguishing feature is a portico protruding from the side, where the ceilings were supported not by columns, but by marble sculptures in the form of a female figure, the so-called. caryatids.

The main building of the Acropolis is the Parthenon temple dedicated to Athena. This temple, the most perfect building in the Doric style, was completed almost two and a half thousand years ago, but we know the names of its creators: their names were Iktin and Kallikrat.

Propylaea - a monumental gate with Doric columns and a wide staircase. They were built by the architect Mnesicles in 437-432 BC. But before entering these majestic marble gates, everyone involuntarily turned to the right. There, on a high pedestal of the bastion that once guarded the entrance to the acropolis, rises the temple of the goddess of victory Nike Apteros, decorated with Ionic columns. This is the work of the architect Kallikrates (second half of the 5th century BC). The temple - light, airy, extraordinarily beautiful - stood out for its whiteness against the blue background of the sky.

The goddess of victory, Nike, was portrayed as a beautiful woman with large wings: victory is fickle and flies from one opponent to another. The Athenians portrayed her as wingless so that she would not leave the city, which had so recently won a great victory over the Persians. Deprived of wings, the goddess could no longer fly and had to remain forever in Athens.

Temple of Nike stands on a ledge of a rock. It is slightly turned towards the Propylaea and plays the role of a lighthouse for the processions that go around the rock.
Immediately behind the Propylaea, Athena the Warrior proudly towered, whose spear greeted the traveler from afar and served as a beacon for sailors. The inscription on the stone pedestal read: "The Athenians dedicated from the victory over the Persians." This meant that the statue was cast from bronze weapons taken from the Persians as a result of their victories.

In the temple stood a statue of Athena, sculpted by the great sculptor Phidias; one of the two marble friezes, girdling the temple with a 160-meter ribbon, represented the festive procession of the Athenians. Phidias also took part in the creation of this magnificent relief, which depicted about three hundred human figures and two hundred horses. The Parthenon has been in ruins for about 300 years - ever since in the 17th century, during the siege of Athens by the Venetians, the Turks who ruled there set up a powder warehouse in the temple. Most of the reliefs that survived the explosion were taken to London, to the British Museum, at the beginning of the 19th century by the Englishman Lord Elgin.

At the beginning of our millennium, when Greece was ceded to Byzantium during the division of the Roman Empire, the Erechtheion was turned into a Christian church. Later, the Crusaders, who took possession of Athens, made the temple a ducal palace, and during the Turkish conquest of Athens in 1458, the harem of the commandant of the fortress was set up in the Erechtheion. During liberation war In 1821-1827, the Greeks and Turks alternately besieged the Acropolis, bombarding its buildings, including the Erechtheion.

In 1830 (after the declaration of independence of Greece), on the site of the Erechtheion, only foundations could be found, as well as architectural decorations lying on the ground. Funds for the restoration of this temple ensemble (as well as for the restoration of many other structures of the Acropolis) were given by Heinrich Schliemann. His closest associate V.Derpfeld carefully measured and compared the antique fragments, by the end of the 70s of the last century he was already planning to restore the Erechtheion. But this reconstruction was subjected to severe criticism, and the temple was dismantled. The building was restored anew under the guidance of the famous Greek scientist P. Kavadias in 1906 and finally restored in 1922 /

As a result of the conquests of Alexander the Great in the second half of the 4th century BC. the influence of Greek culture and art spread over vast territories. New cities sprang up; the largest centers were formed, however, outside of Greece. Such, for example, are Alexandria in Egypt and Pergamon in Asia Minor, where construction activity has gained the greatest scope. In these areas, the Ionic style was preferred; an interesting example of it was a huge tombstone of the Asia Minor king Mausolus, ranked among the seven wonders of the world.

It was a burial chamber on a high rectangular base, surrounded by a colonnade; a stone stepped pyramid towered above it, topped with a sculptural image of a quadriga, which was controlled by Mausolus himself. After this structure, later they began to call mausoleums and other large solemn funeral structures.

In the Hellenistic era, temples were paid less attention, and squares surrounded by colonnades were built for walking, open-air amphitheaters, libraries, various kinds of public buildings, palaces and sports facilities. Residential buildings were improved: they became two - and three-story, with large gardens. Luxury became the goal, and different styles were mixed in architecture.

Greek sculptors have given the world works that have aroused the admiration of many generations. The oldest sculptures known to us arose in the archaic era. They are somewhat primitive: their motionless posture, hands tightly pressed to the body, and forward gaze are dictated by the narrow long stone block from which the statue was carved. One of her legs is usually pushed forward - to maintain balance. Archaeologists have found many such statues depicting naked young men and girls dressed in loose folded outfits. Their faces are often enlivened by a mysterious “archaic” smile.

In the classical era, the main business of sculptors was to create statues of gods and heroes and decorate temples with reliefs; secular images were added to this, for example, statues of statesmen or winners at the Olympic Games.

In the beliefs of the Greeks, the gods are similar to ordinary people both in their appearance and way of life. They were portrayed as people, but strong, well developed physically and with a beautiful face. Often people were depicted naked to show the beauty of a harmoniously developed body.

In the 5th century BC. the great sculptors Myron, Phidias and Poliklet, each in their own way, updated the art of sculpture and brought it closer to reality. The young naked athletes of Polykleitos, for example, his “Dorifor”, rely on only one leg, the other is freely left. In this way, it was possible to unfold the figure and create a sense of movement. But standing marble figures could not be given more expressive gestures or complex poses: the statue could lose balance, and fragile marble could break. These dangers could have been avoided if the figures were cast in bronze. The first master of complex bronze castings was Myron, the creator of the famous "Discobolus".

Many artistic achievements are associated with the glorious name of Phidias: he led the work on decorating the Parthenon with friezes and pediment groups. Magnificent are his bronze statue of Athena on the Acropolis and the 12-meter-high statue of Athena covered with gold and ivory in the Parthenon, which later disappeared without a trace. A similar fate befell the one made from the same materials huge statue Zeus seated on the throne for the temple at Olympia is another one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

As much as we admire the sculptures created by the Greeks in their heyday, these days they may seem a little cold. True, there is no coloring that revived them at one time; but their indifferent and similar faces are even more alien to us. Indeed, the Greek sculptors of that time did not try to express any feelings or experiences on the faces of the statues. Their goal was to show perfect bodily beauty. Therefore, we admire even those statues - and there are many of them - that have been badly damaged over the centuries: some even lost their heads.

If in the 5th century BC. lofty and serious images were created, then in the 4th century BC. artists tended to express tenderness and gentleness. Praxiteles gave warmth and awe of life to the smooth marble surface in his sculptures of naked gods and goddesses. He also found it possible to diversify the poses of the statues, creating balance with the help of appropriate supports. His Hermes, a young messenger of the gods, leans on a tree trunk.

Until now, sculptures have been designed to be viewed from the front. Lysippus made his statues so that they could be viewed from all sides - this was another innovation.

In the era of Hellenism in sculpture, the craving for pomp and exaggeration intensifies. In some works, excessive passions are shown, in others, excessive closeness to nature is noticeable. At this time, he began to diligently copy the statues of former times; thanks to copies, today we know many monuments - either irretrievably lost or not yet found. Marble sculptures that conveyed strong feelings were created in the 4th century BC. e. Scopas.

His greatest work known to us is his participation in the decoration of the mausoleum in Halicarnassus with sculptural reliefs. Among the most famous works of the Hellenistic era are the reliefs of the great altar in Pergamon depicting the legendary battle; the statue of the goddess Aphrodite found at the beginning of the last century on the island of Melos, as well as the sculptural group “Laocoon”. It depicts a Trojan priest and his sons who were strangled by snakes; physical torment and fear are conveyed by the author with ruthless credibility.

In the works of ancient writers, one can read that painting also flourished in their times, but almost nothing has been preserved from the paintings of temples and residential buildings. We also know that in painting, too, artists strove for sublime beauty.

A special place in Greek painting belongs to the paintings on vases. In the oldest vases, silhouettes of people and animals were applied with black varnish on a bare red surface. The outlines of details were scratched on them with a needle - they appeared in the form of a thin red line. But this technique was inconvenient and later they began to leave the figures red, and the gaps between them were painted over with black. So it was more convenient to draw the details - they were made on a red background with black lines.

The center of ancient Greek culture was Balkan Peninsula. Here, as a result of invasions and movements of the Achaean, Dorian, Ionian and other tribes (who received the common name of the Hellenes), a slave-owning form of economy was formed, which strengthened various areas of the economy: handicraft, trade, agriculture.

The development of economic ties of the Hellenic world contributed to its political unification; the entrepreneurial spirit of the sailors who settled the new lands favored the spread of Greek culture, its renewal and improvement, the creation of various local schools in a single line of common Hellenic architecture.

As a result of the struggle of the demos (the free population of cities) against the tribal aristocracy, states are formed - policies, in the management of which all citizens take part.

The democratic form of government contributed to the development of the social life of cities, the formation of various public institutions, for which they built assembly halls and feasts, the buildings of the council of elders, etc. They were placed on the square (agora), where the most important city affairs were discussed, and trade transactions were made. Religious and political center The city had an acropolis, located on a high hill and well fortified. Here they built temples of the most revered gods - the patrons of the city.

Religion occupied a large place in the social ideology of the ancient Greeks. The gods were close to people, they were endowed with human virtues and shortcomings in exaggerated sizes. In the myths describing the life of the gods and their adventures, everyday scenes from the life of the Greeks themselves are guessed. But at the same time, people believed in their power, made sacrifices to them and built temples in the image of their dwellings. The most significant achievements of Greek architecture are concentrated in cult architecture.

Dry subtropical climate of Greece, mountainous relief, high seismicity, the presence of high-quality scaffolding, limestone, marble, which are easy to process and model in stone structures, determined the "technical" prerequisites for Greek architecture.

The town-planning completion of the square was in the Hellenistic period, porticos providing shelter from the sun and rain. The post-beam construction of these elements of buildings was the main object of constructive and artistic developments of ancient Greek architecture.

Stages of development of ancient Greek architecture:

• XIII - XII centuries. BC e. – The Homeric period, vividly and colorfully described by the poems of Homer
• 7th-6th centuries BC e. - archaic period (the struggle of the slave-owning democracy against the clan nobility, the formation of cities - policies)
• 5th–4th centuries BC e. - classical period (Greek - Persian wars, the heyday of culture, the expansion of the union of policies)
• 4th century BC. - l c. AD - Hellenistic period (the creation of the empire of Alexander the Great, the spread of Greek culture and its flowering in the colonies of Asia Minor)

1 - temple in antah, 2 - prostyle, 3 - amphiprostyle, 4 - peripter, 5 - dipter, 6 - pseudodipter, 7 - tholos.

Architecture of the Homeric period. The architecture of this period continues the Cretan-Mycenaean tradition. The oldest residential buildings, built of brick - raw or rubble stone megarons, had a rounded wall opposite the entrance. With the introduction of framing, molded bricks, and hewn stone blocks of standard dimensions, buildings became rectangular in plan.

Architecture of the archaic period. With the growth of cities and the formation of the policy, a slave-owning tyranny was formed, based on the support of the free population. There are various forms of public institutions: symposiums, bouleuteria, theaters, stadiums.

Along with city temples and sacred sites, pan-Hellenic sanctuaries are being built. The planning composition of the sanctuaries took into account the complex terrain conditions and the very nature of religious ceremonies, which were primarily cheerful holidays with solemn processions. Therefore, the temples were placed taking into account their visual perception by the participants in the processions.

The peristyle type of dwelling house is finally established in the Hellenistic regions. The isolation of the dwelling from the external environment is still preserved. Rich houses had swimming pools, lavishly decorated with paintings, mosaics, and sculptures. Cozy places for rest and fountains were arranged in the landscaped courtyard.

The Greeks built well-equipped harbors and lighthouses. History has preserved descriptions of giant lighthouses on about. Rhodes and on about. Pharos in Alexandria.

The Rhodes lighthouse was a huge copper statue depicting Helios, the god of the Sun and the patron of the island, with a lit torch, anointing the entrance to the harbor. The statue was built by the Rhodians c. 235 BC e. in honor of their military victories. Nothing has survived from her; it is not even known how tall she was. The Greek historian Philo calls the figure "seventy cubits", that is, about 40 m.

The republican system of Rhodes contributed to the extraordinary flourishing of art. To judge the Rhodes sculptural school, it is enough to mention the world-famous work "Laocoön".

Alexandria is the capital of Hellenistic Egypt, part of the empire founded by Alexander the Great. At the end of the IV century. BC e. the largest science Center- Museion, where prominent Greek scientists worked: mathematician Euclid (III century BC), astronomer Claudius Ptolemy (II century), doctors, writers, philosophers, artists. Under Museion, the famous Library of Alexandria was created. The city stood on the trade routes of the Greeks with Eastern countries: it had large port facilities, convenient bays.

At the northern end of Pharos, forming a protected harbor in front of the city, at the end of the 3rd century. BC. a lighthouse was built in the form of a high multi-tiered tower with a pavilion, where a bright fire was constantly maintained. According to historians, its height was 150 - 180 m.

During the Hellenistic era Greek culture penetrates into the most remote corners of the civilized world. Cultural exchange was facilitated by the extensive conquests of Alexander the Great.

The architecture of ancient Greece for a long time determined the direction of development of the architecture of the world. The architecture of a rare country did not use the general tectonic principles of the order systems developed by the Greeks, the details and decoration of Greek temples.

The viability of the principles of ancient Greek architecture is primarily due to its humanism, deep thoughtfulness in general and details, the utmost clarity of forms and compositions.

The Greeks brilliantly solved the problem of transitioning purely technical constructive problems of architecture to artistic ones. The unity of artistic and constructive content was brought to the heights of perfection in various order systems.

The works of Greek architecture are surprisingly harmonious combination with the natural environment. A great contribution has been made to the theory and practice of construction, to the formation of the environment of a residential building, to the system of engineering services for cities. The foundations of standardization and modularity in construction, developed by the architecture of subsequent eras, have been developed.

Literature

• Sokolov G.I. Acropolis in Athens. M., 1968Brunov N.I. Monuments of the Athenian Acropolis. Parthenon and Erechtheion. M., 1973 Acropolis. Warsaw, 1983
• History of foreign art.- M., "Fine Arts", 1984
• Georgios Dontas. Acropolis and its museum.– Athens, Clio, 1996
• Bodo Harenberg. Chronicle of humanity.- M., " Big Encyclopedia", 1996
• History of world art.- BMM AO, M., 1998
• Art of the Ancient World. Encyclopedia.- M., "OLMA-PRESS", 2001
• Pausanias . Description of Hellas, I-II, M., 1938-1940.
• Pliny on Art, trans. B. V. Varneke, Odessa, 1900.
• Plutarch . Comparative biographies, vol. I-III, M., 1961 -1964.
• Blavatsky V.D. Greek sculpture, M.-L., 1939.
• Brunov N. I. Essays on the history of architecture, vol. II, Greece, M., 1935.
• Waldgauer O. F. Antique Sculpture, Ig., 1923.
• Kobylina M. M. Attic sculpture, M., 1953.
• Kolobova K. M. The ancient city of Athens and its monuments, L., 1961.
• Kolpinsky Yu. D. Sculpture of ancient Hellas (album), M., 1963.
• Sokolov G. I. Ancient sculpture, part I, Greece (album), M., 1961.
• Farmakovsky B. V. The artistic ideal of democratic Athens, Pg., 1918.

- a well-preserved Venetian fortress.

Next, we will travel to beautiful Macedonia - a unique region of Ancient Greece with fertile soil. In ancient times, more than 3 thousand years ago, it was here that the center of agriculture of the ancient Greeks was located. Here you can see the beautiful, in some places untouched wildlife. Armed with backpacks and food supplies, some tourists like to wander these amazing forests, look at the mountain rivers and admire the waterfalls with the purest river water. According to some estimates, there are about one and a half thousand ancient cultural monuments here. The most famous of them are: Dion, Olynthos, Pela and Platamon.

And finally, Crete is an island that is extremely popular among our tourists. Many people come here not only to relax, but also to admire the ruins and ruins of the ancient Minoan civilization, which disappeared more than 5 centuries ago, but left us many monuments of its culture, which are known almost all over the world. It was here that the famous palace of the Minotaur with its unique labyrinth was located. In general, here you can endlessly admire windmills, landscapes, runes of ancient cities, as well as unique caves and valleys.

In addition to the Athenian Acropolis, there is also one in Lindos. It is located at an altitude of 116 meters and getting to it on foot is a serious test. A Lindos taxi will come to the rescue - a donkey, for only 5 euros it will take you to the place. The Acropolis is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8-30 to 14-40 (at the height of the season, the opening hours are extended). Ticket price: 6 euros.

Rhodes is rich in sights. The Palace of the Knights is the most visited among other monuments of architecture and history of the island. In this monumental, imposing building was administrative center knights (XIV century). However, later, during the reign of the Turkish, the palace was destroyed by an explosion stored in the basement of gunpowder. In 1939 it was restored.

Now it is a museum containing a large number of stunning beauty, unique antique household items, jewelry, mosaics dating back to the beginning of Christianity. The unique monuments of Greece here, on Rhodes, are literally at every step. There is a museum of archeology here. All six of its halls are filled with unique items worth seeing.

The temple of Athena, the least affected by time compared to other architectural monuments of this country, offers a majestic arcade for viewing, in which there are 13 unique columns, a grotto-altar for sacrifices, as well as the ruins of an ancient theater. Almost all Greek architectural monuments are full of unexpected surprises. Here, going down the rock, you can see the bow of the ship. Previously, there was a statue of the patron god of sailors Poseidon.

Greece is a small country with a colossal historical and cultural heritage. It was here that the formation of European civilization in the form in which we know it today began. And although many elements came from earlier eras, it was in Greece that many of the classical elements of science, art and medicine originated. And the Greek language served as a "donor" of many modern dialects, and not only at the level of individual words, but even writing and liturgical elements. The colossal historical heritage of the country in most cases is viewed relatively weakly today - the turbulent history of this land destroyed many ancient cities and temples. Monuments ancient civilization, for example, much more outside the country itself, in the same Asia Minor. However, the land of Greece itself carries the spirit of its former greatness, and there are many monuments of later eras. A friendly people, unique traditions, picturesque settlements, warm climate, countless islands and a long sea ​​coast attracts millions of tourists every year.

When asked what Greece is primarily associated with, many will answer: the famous Athenian Acropolis. Others will remember rows of white houses rising in tiers against a turquoise sky. Fans of Mediterranean cuisine will answer differently: for them, Hellas is, first of all, the birthplace of moussaka melting in the mouth and lamb souvlaks washed down with retsina - white wine with the aroma of pine resin. Those who love solitude will find hard-to-reach corners under the Greek sky, and dreamy people are more likely to be attracted by Delphi, the Meteora monastery complex or the amphitheater in Epidaurus.

This country and all the iconic sights of Greece cannot be recognized by visiting here only once. Each city has its own characteristics - to get to know them, you need to come to Hellas again and again.

Athens. Sights of Athens

The main center of tourism in Greece is its capital - Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world, located in a bowl-shaped valley on the western coast of Attica, surrounded by the mountains of Egaleo, Parnita, Pendeli and Gimet (Imitos). The city itself was built somewhat chaotically and, due to its location in an intermountain basin, has a rather difficult ecological situation, but its beautiful ancient monuments and excellent museums attract millions of tourists here. The Acropolis and Lycabettus (Lycabettus) hills are considered the center of Athens, from which the city began more than 6 thousand years ago. The Acropolis of Athens is a symbol of ancient Greece. Already during the Mycenaean era (1600-1000 BC), a royal palace was built on top of this 155-meter rocky hill, surrounded by a Cyclopean wall (4.5 m thick), which, however, did not save the city from numerous destructions. The buildings that have survived to this day were built mainly in the 5th century BC. BC e. The monumental portal Propylaion (447-432 BC) served as the entrance to the Acropolis.

The pearl of the Acropolis is the Parthenon (5th century BC) - the temple of Athena Parthenos, which is a unique architectural structure - it is designed in such a way that its different-sized columns and the curvature of seemingly flat structures gives this huge building amazing lightness and proportionality. The colonnade ("peristyle") of 46 columns and the famous Parthenon frieze (now kept in the British Museum) set off the beautiful sculptural groups by the great Phidias, most of which have not survived to this day and are known only from copies. The Parthenon in its history was both a Christian temple and a powder warehouse, and only in the 19th century. a partial restoration of this unique monument began, which is still ongoing. The Pegille Theater (II century BC) has also been restored, in which festivals are now held and performances by ancient authors are staged, next to which lie the ruins of the more ancient theater of Dionysus.

Statistical indicators of Greece
(as of 2012)

Next to the Parthenon is ancient place worship of the Athenians - a small classical temple Erechtheion (421-407 BC), built on the site of the Mycenaean royal palace. According to legend, it was at this place that the dispute between Athena and Poseidon for the right to patronize the city was resolved. In honor of this event, two temples were built under one roof. Of greatest interest is the "Portico of the Daughters" - six sculptures of Caryatids, one of which was taken by the English ambassador to London (now stored in the British Museum), which gave rise to the legend of the crying of the remaining Caryatids heard in the night for their kidnapped sister.

The central part of the city is bounded by a triangle of Omonia (Consent), Syntagma (Constitution) and Monastyraki squares - this is the most crowded and always filled with tourists and businessmen district of the city. From Monastyraki with its first cathedral in the capital - Agios Eleftherios (XII century), to Syntagma Square, which is considered the business center of the capital, you can walk past the church of Kapnikarei along the quiet pedestrian Ermou Street to pay tribute to the memory of Greek patriots at the Tomb of the Unknown A soldier guarded by an honorary guard of "Evzones" (National Guard) in traditional Greek costumes. Next to the memorial rises the majestic Parliament building (in the past - the Royal Palace), behind which is a luxurious royal park Zappio, and also, a little further away, the ruins of the temple of Olympian Zeus (530 BC - 129 AD) and the famous Arch of Hadrian. In no case should you miss the Panathenaic Stadium with 60 thousand seats built on the site of the old ancient stadium (330 BC), where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896, the temple of Hephaestus (sometimes incorrectly called Thissio) - the most beautiful of the surviving ancient temples of Athens, as well as the ensemble of buildings of the National Academy, the University of Athens and the National Library on Panepistimiou Street, the Keramikos Necropolis, Klepsydra Andronicus from Kirra and the Roman Agora. Of the monuments of later eras, the church of Agios Apostoli (St. Apostles) in the area of ​​​​Ancient Agora, the church of Agios Theodori (St. Theodore) on Klaftmonos Square or the church of Agios Georgios (St. George) on the top of Lycabettus Hill, on which you can take the funicular up to admire the magnificent panorama of the city.

Athens has 250 museums, galleries and more modern temple complexes. The National Archaeological Museum is one of the richest museums in the world, storing unique finds from all over the country (and from the islands of the Cyclades, Crete and Santorini), beautiful jewelry, including those found by Schliemann during the excavations of Mycenae. Only vases and amphoras are allotted a whole room here! The Byzantine Museum on Vasilissis Sofias Street is famous for the best collection of icons and mosaics in Europe, as well as other works by famous Byzantine sculptors and artists. The Benaki Museum was founded in 1930 by the collector A. Benakis and is famous for its rich collection of ancient Greek and Byzantine art, as well as for its expositions of Chinese porcelain, oriental jewelry and weapons. Also of interest are the Archaeological Museum of the Athenian Agora, the Natural History Museum of Goulandris, the National Art Gallery, Museum of the Greek folk art and the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments, as well as the Cultural Center of the Municipality of Athens (Theater Museum), the Museum of Cycladic and Ancient Greek Art, the Museum of the Holy Icons in the Archdiocese building, the Museum of Ceramics and many other collections.

Other sights of Greece

Peloponnese Peninsula

In the northern part of the Peloponnese, in the foothills of Agios Ilias, lies the center of one of ancient civilizations world - the city and fortress of Mycenae, founded by the legendary Perseus. In 1870, the archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, relying on the texts of Homer's Iliad, began excavations in these places, and rediscovered the treasures of the "golden Mycenae" to the world. The fortress that surrounded the city was built from giant blocks of stone, giving rise to the legend of the Cyclops who built it. Now in place legendary city there is a museum famous for its " lion gate"," the tomb of Agamemnon ", royal palace, the royal cemetery and the ruins of numerous household buildings, and many gold items found during excavations are now stored in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

Olympia, an ancient Greek city in the northwestern part of the Peloponnese, is the site of the ancient cult of Zeus and the birthplace of the Olympic Games in honor of Olympian Zeus. The existence of Olympia is rooted in antiquity - the first settlements here date back to the 3rd millennium BC. e., and the oldest architectural monuments- to the II millennium BC. e. At present, almost all the monuments of the Altis complex (Olympic temple and cult complex) have been uncovered, and these are famous buildings, as the remains of the sanctuary of Pelops over his grave (the end of the 2nd millennium BC), the temple of Hera (7th century BC), the sanctuary and oracle of Zeus (468-456 BC) belonging to the "seven wonders of the world" BC), portico Echo (VI century BC), palestra (III century BC) and gymnasium (II century BC), a number of temple treasuries, buleuterion (place meetings of the Olympic Council, VI-V centuries BC), a stadium, more than 130 statues, the triumphal arch of Nero, baths and nymphs of the Roman period, and much more. Since the revival of the Games in 1896, the Olympic flame has been lit again in the ancient sanctuary of Olympia, from here it makes its journey to the venue of the next Olympics. In 1887, the Museum of Olympia was formed - one of the best collections of ancient art in the world.

Epidaurus, located 30 km. east of Nafplio, was famous for the sanctuary of Asclepius (Aesculapius, the god of healing) and its theater (4th century BC), which accommodated more than 14 thousand spectators and in which real ancient Greek dramas are still played every Friday. Also of interest are the local Historical Museum and the "katogogoion" - a hotel for pilgrims and patients of the temple of Asclepius.

The fortress of Monemvasia (the legendary Malvasia, VI century) is located on a huge rock in the sea opposite the town of Gefira, with which it is connected by a unique structure - an ancient tunnel. The fortress itself and many Byzantine houses, which now house luxurious hotels, have survived to this day.

The first capital of independent Greece - Nafplio (165 km from Athens), is famous for its Turkish fortress of Palamidi, a small Venetian castle on an island at the entrance to the bay and picturesque alleys overgrown with poplars and olive trees. Now it is the starting point for numerous excursions in the Peloponnese and to the islands of Hydra, Spetses and Poros, as well as to Monemvasia. In the vicinity of Nafplion, there are many good and clean beaches, the best of which stretch along the coast of the Saronic Gulf near the resort of Tolon. You can also relax on the wonderful sandy coasts of Kyllini, Kalogria, Ermionida, Porto Heli and Galatas, or in the picturesque mountain resorts of Kalavryta and Vytina.

Macedonia

Thessaloniki - the capital of Macedonia and the second largest city in the country, was founded in 315 BC. e. and named after Thessaloniki, the sister of Alexander the Great. During its long history, Thessaloniki was the capital of many states, saw the glory of the Macedonians and the power of Rome, the invasions of the Celts and Mongols, survived five centuries of Turkish rule and numerous uprisings local population. The Roman triumphal arch of Galerius (Camara, 300 AD), a theater with stands and mosaic floors of Roman villas built on the site have survived to this day. ancient temple Caviro Roman Rotunda, itself subsequently rebuilt into the Christian church of St. George (IV century AD), the basilica of the patron saint of the city - St. Demetrius (V century AD, rebuilt in 1949), the temple of Achiropeitos (Not made by hands, V-VI centuries), the domed basilica of St. Sophia (V-VIII centuries), churches of Elijah Profitis (Prophet, 1360), St. Catherine (XIII century), Holy Apostles (XIV century) , built on the site of the ancient temple of Hephaestus, the temple of the Blessed Mother of God Halkeon (V century AD), the Vlatadov monastery (1351-1371), etc. The symbol of the city is Lefkos-Pyrgos (White Tower) - a former terrible Turkish prison that deserved even the name "Blood Tower". Now Thessaloniki is a large industrial and Finance center Greece, the venue for major international fairs, but in the vicinity of the city, on the coast of the Thermaikos and Paralia Gulf, as well as on the peninsulas of Kassandria (Kasanfa), Sithonia and Athos, there are many beautiful resort places - Sani, Afytos, Nikiti, Sithonia, Kallithea, Litohoro , Sarti, Neos Marmaras, Porto Koufo and many others.

In the southeastern part of Halkidiki there is a holy place for every Orthodox person - Agion Oros (Holy Mount Athos, 2033 m.). The first major monastery, the Great Lavra (Lavra of St. Athanasius), was founded here in 963, in 1016 the first Russian monastery appeared - Xylourgou (later - St. Panteleimon), and now this "monastic state" has 20 monasteries with thick impregnable walls, many sketes and secluded cells. In accordance with the "golden bull" of Constantine the Monk (1060), access to Athos is still limited (permit is required, it is forbidden to stay overnight, women are not allowed to enter), but visiting these places is worth the effort spent on it - Athos is a real museum, unique treasures of great historical and artistic value are stored here.

Thessaly

The modern capital of Thessaly - Larisa, attracts tourists with the acropolis on the hill of Agios Achillios, the ancient Christian basilica and the bishop's chambers (VI century), as well as the ruins of a three-nave basilica with beautiful mosaics and wall paintings (IV-V centuries), the ancient Greek theater (II century BC), picturesque Alkazar Park, Thessaly Theater and many excellent museums. In the area are such interesting places, as the Kefalovriso cave, the international reserve in the Kilada valley, the "residence" of the ancient Greek gods - the city of Olympus (2917 m.), the churches of Aiu Georgiou (St. George), Agios Paraskevis (St. Paraskeva-Friday), Ayia- Athanasios (St. Athanasius) and the famous monastery of Our Lady Panagia Olymbiotis (XIV century), built on the site of an ancient Greek acropolis, numerous monuments of original local architecture in Tsaritsani and Ambelakia, as well as beautiful resort places in Agiokambos, Velika, Kokkino-Nero, Karitsa, Stomio and Nea Mesangala.

The sights of Karditsa are represented by the Church of Zoodokhu-Pigis (Life-Giving Spring), the Archdiocese of Agia Konstantinou, the original Museum of Christianity and Pavsilipos Park. 18 km. southwest of Karditsa, at an altitude of 1150 and., is an important religious and cultural center of the country - the monastery of Moni Koronas. In the vicinity are the healing springs of Smokovos and Kets, famous for their unique architectural ensemble the town of Rendina, a vaulted burial of the Mycenaean period (1500 BC) in the vicinity of Georgiko, the ancient Greek settlements of Gomfi and Kierion, the monastery of Moni Petras ("on the rock") near Lambero and the beautiful artificial lake Tauropou.

The capital of ancient Thessaly and the modern district of Magnesia - Volos, lies in the depths of the Pagasitikos Gulf. Most of the ancient Greek monuments of the city have not survived to this day, but nevertheless, the churches of Aiu Constantinou, Aiu Nikolaou, Metamorphosis (Transfiguration) and Agios Triadas (Holy Trinity) in the Anavros area, the Archaeological Museum and the old miniature train, which are regularly flies to picturesque slopes Mount Pelion, where, according to legend, the legendary centaurs lived. There are many beautiful resorts on the Magnesia peninsula - Chorefto, Kissos, Tsangarad, Mylopotamos, etc. This district also includes the Sporades Islands, almost the entire northern part of which has been declared a National Marine Park. The famous Euboea (Evia), the second largest island in the country, is famous for its thermal springs (3rd place in the world), cozy small beaches with the purest sand and many karst caves.

The city of Trikala (Homer's Trikki) is interesting for its Byzantine fortress and the old district of Varusi located under its walls, the archaeological reserve on the site of the ancient Greek Asklepion and the Municipal Art Gallery with a wonderful collection of icons of the 16th-19th centuries. In Kalambaka there is the majestic Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin with icons and wall paintings of rare beauty, as well as picturesque rock Theopetra, in the depths of which lies a cave with an archaeological site from the Stone Age period. Kalambaka serves as a starting point to the famous Holy Meteora - the second largest and most important monastery complex in the country after Athos. Built on the tops of grandiose rocks (up to 400 m), the impregnable monastic country of Meteora (from the Greek "meteoros" - floating in the air) became a haven for hermits as early as the 11th century.

Greek islands

The main attraction of the country is its islands. Usually the islands of Greece are divided into two groups - the Ionian Islands (the so-called Eptanis - "Seven Islands", including Corfu, Kefallinthia, Zakynthos and Lefkas) forming the western arc, the more numerous Aegean Islands, united in the Sporades, Cyclades and Dodecanese archipelagos . In the Saronic Gulf, there is another small island group - Argosaronica.

In the south of the Aegean Sea is the most big Island Greece - Crete (8.3 thousand sq. km.), One of the centers of the ancient Minoan culture (III-II thousand years BC), which had a huge impact on the culture of ancient Greece. On this island, covered with the legendary glory of ancient myths, Zeus was born, the palace of Minos and the famous Labyrinth of the Minotaur towered here. On its northern coast are the best beaches in Greece, and in the mountainous central regions - about 3 thousand caves, deep canyons and fertile valleys. The most picturesque are the Lasithi plateau irrigated by thousands of windmills, the longest gorge in Europe - Samaria, the only date forest in Europe in the Vai and Preveli regions, as well as the highest peak of the island - Mt. Ida (2456 m.).

The capital of Crete and at the same time the center of the largest region of the same name on the island is the city of Heraklion (Heraclion), named after the legendary Hercules. Once Heraklion was the main port of the Venetians in Eastern Mediterranean. The powerful defensive walls of the Fortress (XVI century), built around the "old city", have been well preserved to this day. But the main attraction of this major port is the Archaeological Museum, which stores unique frescoes from the palaces of Knossos and Phaistos, the famous "Phaistos disc" and many sculptural forms. This is a one-of-a-kind collection of exhibits from the Minoan era, placed in strict chronological order, starting from the 6th millennium BC. e. and to "late Rome" (3rd century AD), which makes it possible to visually trace all six millennia of the history of civilization. After the museum, visit the Church of St. Catherine of Sinai with a museum of icons, the Venetian Basilica of St. Mark (1239) converted into a mosque with the Gallery of Modern Art, the Church of St. Titus (961) with the relics of this saint, the magnificent fountain of Morosini and the Venetian Stock Exchange which now houses the mayor's office.

Near Heraklion lie the ruins of ancient Knossos - the most ancient city of Crete and one of the first cities in Europe. The famous Palace of Knossos, the exact date of construction of which is lost in the darkness of centuries (most of the discovered premises date back to the 2nd millennium BC), appears in many ancient legends and myths as an example of luxury and grandeur. Excavated by archaeologists, the remains of this colossal multi-storey structure, richly decorated with frescoes, reliefs and sculptures, are now partially reconstructed and are a wonderful open-air museum. No less interesting belonged to the brother of Minos palace complex in Phaistos (XVIII-XV centuries BC), the "royal villa" in Ayia Triada (not far from Phaistos), where a rich tomb with a painted sarcophagus was discovered (1550-1400 BC), the palace at Kato Zakros (eastern tip of the island) and the ruins of the Niru palace at Hani Kokkini.

Next to Phaistos lie the ruins of Gortyn, the Roman capital of Crete, where the remains of many buildings, the Odeon and the famous Gortyn codex carved on stone columns, have been preserved.

Around Heraklion, there are many monuments from other eras - in Malia (Malia, 34 km east of Heraklion) there is another Minoan palace (1900 BC), in which an ornament in the form of two golden bees was found - the symbols of Crete. The Vrontis Monastery (1400 AD) is famous for its frescoes and the fountain depicting Adam and Eve in Paradise, while the Varsamonera Monastery (XIV century) is considered one of the oldest monasteries in Crete. 20 km. from Heraklion lie the resorts of Gouves and Stalida with excellent beaches, and 26 km. to the north is the best resort of northern Crete - Hersonissos, next to which one of the largest water parks in Europe is located in resort area Elounda. Rhodes - largest island Dodecanese group ("twelve islands"), lying in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea near the coast of Asia Minor. Here once stood the Colossus of Rhodes - one of the seven wonders of the world, ships of the crusaders were loaded in its ports, its land saw great battles and powerful empires. Now it's worldwide famous resort with an excellent tourism infrastructure. The capital of the island - the city and port of Rhodes, is located on its northern tip. Founded in ancient times by the Greeks, in the Middle Ages it was almost completely rebuilt by the knights of the Order of St. John (Hospitallers) - powerful (up to 12 m thick) fortress walls were built (XIV century), the Palace of the Grand Masters (Castello, XIV century.) with the museum located in it now, the Palace of the Admirals (XV century), the buildings of the residences of the order on Hippoton Street (Knights), shopping mall Castellania, Small Palace and Gothic chapel with a statue of Our Lady. The Suleiman Mosque with an excellent library, the Sultan Mustafa Mosque and the Turkish baths that are still in operation remained from Turkish rule. You should definitely visit the ancient port (Port of Mandraki) with its fortress of St. Nicholas, windmills and statues of deer - the symbols of Rhodes, as well as the archaeological area on Mount Smith, the churches of St. George and St. Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, the largest Catholic church of Rhodes - Church of Our Lady Chora and Byzantine Trinity Church.

Located in the building of the former knight's hospital (XV century), the Archaeological Museum is famous for its antique collection, Ethnographical museum has a rich exposition of furniture, ceramics and traditional folk crafts, and the Pinakothek (City Art Gallery) presents works by contemporary artists. Be sure to visit the famous "Valley of the Butterflies", where thousands of these exotic insects live in natural conditions, among beautiful groves, streams and waterfalls.

The Ionian Islands (Kefalonia, Kerkyra, Zakynthos and Lefkada) lie at western coasts Greece. The island of Kerkyra (Corfu) is the northernmost and most beautiful of them. Immersed in greenery and flooded with a generous sun, with indented, like lace, the shores of the bays, the island is repeatedly sung in myths as the "country of feacs", in which the Argonauts found refuge after returning from a campaign for the Golden Fleece. Since ancient times, this land has inspired many poets and artists, and today it has become one of the most luxury resorts Greece. The best beaches of the island are in the area of ​​Gouvia, Kastoria, Messonghi, Paralia Katerinis, Sidari and Roda. In the capital of the island - Kerkyra, you should definitely visit the Old (Marine, XII-XVI centuries) and New (Coast, XVII centuries) fortresses built by the Venetians, visit the beautiful main square of the city - Spianada and Cathedral St. Spyridon (1590) with the relics of the patron saint of the city, walk through the quarters of "kadunia" ("Old Town" - the largest medieval complex in Greece, protected by the state), see the Municipality (XVII century), " old palace"Regenda (1819) with triumphal arches and the amazing Liston building. The "visiting card" of the city is the monastery of Blachernae in Kanoni (4 km south of the capital), also visit the baroque palace of San Giacomo, the Achillio palace (1890) in Gastouri with a magnificent park and museum, the well-preserved monastery of Our Lady of Platytera, Byzantine Museum and Museum of Asian Art, the picturesque hill of Bella Vista and medieval fortresses in Gardiki, Kassiopi, Paleokastritsa and Angelokastro (Fortress of Angels, XIII century). Of the ancient monuments, the stone “pediment of the Gorgon” (585 BC), a fragment of the pediment of the temple with the image of Dionysus, copper sculptures of Aphrodite, and others that previously adorned the Doric temple of Artemis, are of interest. In total, there are more than 800 churches and monasteries on this island.