Greece: The wider area of Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is situated in northern Greece and is the highest mountain in the country. Its microclimate, resulting from its proximity to the sea and abrupt elevation, produces a remarkable diversity in terrain, climate, and vegetation. In this landscape, the ancient Greeks situated the abode of their Twelve Olympian Gods, with Zeus as their sovereign, as well as the Muses and Graces. Through the writings of Hesiod and Homer, Mount Olympus became a central point of reference for Greek mythology throughout the Greek and Roman worlds, rendering Mount Olympus an enduring emblem of Greek civilisation. The property features striking landforms, including glacial cirques, limestone cliffs, karstic sinkholes, and olistolith fields, while sharp ridges like the Mytikas-Stefani complex and deep gorges such as the Enipeas illustrate ongoing neotectonic activity. Mount Olympus has served as a glacial refugium for forest species and is also a Mediterranean plant biodiversity and endemism hotspot. Source:whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 2026

Thanks to Sylwie.
 

Greece: Minoan Palatial Centres

This serial property comprises six archaeological sites on Crete dating from 1900 to 1100 BCE. These sites represent the Minoan civilization, a major prehistoric Mediterranean culture. The palatial centres served as administrative, economic, and religious hubs, featuring advanced architecture, urban planning, and vibrant frescoes. They reveal early writing systems, maritime networks, and cultural exchanges. The property highlights the complexity of the Minoans’ social structure and their enduring influence on Mediterranean history. source:whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 2025

Postcard 1

Thanks to Ms Monika for sending it from Greece.

Postcard 2

Thanks to Ms Aris. Received this card long back through official postcrossing.

Greece: Zagori Cultural Landscape

Located in a remote rural landscape in northwestern Greece, small stone villages known as Zagorochoria extend along the western slopes of the northern part of the Pindus mountain range. These traditional villages, typically organized around a central square containing a plane tree and surrounded by sacred forests maintained by local communities, showcase a traditional architecture adapted to the mountain topography. A network of stone-arched bridges, stone cobbled paths, and stone staircases linking the villages formed a system that served as a political and social unit connecting the communities of the Vikos and the Voïdomatis River basin. source:whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 2023

Thanks to Ms Monika.

Greece: Archaeological Site of Philippi

The remains of this walled city lie at the foot of an acropolis in north-eastern Greece, on the ancient route linking Europe and Asia, the Via Egnatia. Founded in 356 BC by the Macedonian King Philip II, the city developed as a “small Rome” with the establishment of the Roman Empire in the decades following the Battle of Philippi, in 42 BCE. The vibrant Hellenistic city of Philip II, of which the walls and their gates, the theatre and the funerary heroon (temple) are to be seen, was supplemented with Roman public buildings such as the Forum and a monumental terrace with temples to its north. Later the city became a centre of the Christian faith following the visit of the Apostle Paul in 49-50 CE. The remains of its basilicas constitute an exceptional testimony to the early establishment of Christianity. source:whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 2016

Thanks to Ms Monika who was visiting Greece.

Greece: Archaeological Site of Olympia

The site of Olympia, in a valley in the Peloponnesus, has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In the 10th century B.C., Olympia became a centre for the worship of Zeus. The Altis – the sanctuary to the gods – has one of the highest concentrations of masterpieces from the ancient Greek world. In addition to temples, there are the remains of all the sports structures erected for the Olympic Games, which were held in Olympia every four years beginning in 776 B.C. Source:whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 1989

Thanks to Ms Elena.

Greece: Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns

The archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns are the imposing ruins of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. and played a vital role in the development of classical Greek culture. These two cities are indissolubly linked to the Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey , which have influenced European art and literature for more than three millennia. Source:whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 1999

Poatcard: 1

Thanks to Ms Elena.

Postcard 2

Thanks to Ms Jenna

Greece: Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika

Founded in 315 B.C., the provincial capital and sea port of Thessalonika was one of the first bases for the spread of Christianity. Among its Christian monuments are fine churches, some built on the Greek cross plan and others on the three-nave basilica plan. Constructed over a long period, from the 4th to the 15th century, they constitute a diachronic typological series, which had considerable influence in the Byzantine world. The mosaics of the rotunda, St Demetrius and St David are among the great masterpieces of early Christian art. Source: whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 1988

Postcard 1: White Tower

Thanks to Ms Sylvie.

Postcard 2: St George Rotunda and Galerius Arch.

Thanks to Mr Dimitris.

Greece: Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos

Many civilizations have inhabited this small Aegean island, near Asia Minor, since the 3rd millennium B.C. The remains of Pythagoreion, an ancient fortified port with Greek and Roman monuments and a spectacular tunnel-aqueduct, as well as the Heraion, temple of the Samian Hera, can still be seen. Source:whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 1992

Thanks to Ms Elena Fotiou.

Greece: Delos

According to Greek mythology, Apollo was born on this tiny island in the Cyclades archipelago. Apollo's sanctuary attracted pilgrims from all over Greece and Delos was a prosperous trading port. The island bears traces of the succeeding civilizations in the Aegean world, from the 3rd millennium B.C. to the palaeochristian era. The archaeological site is exceptionally extensive and rich and conveys the image of a great cosmopolitan Mediterranean port. Source: Whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 1990

Thanks to Ms Elena of Greece.

Greece: The Historic Centre (Chorá) with the Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse on the Island of Pátmos

The small island of Pátmos in the Dodecanese is reputed to be where St John the Theologian wrote both his Gospel and the Apocalypse. A monastery dedicated to the ‘beloved disciple’ was founded there in the late 10th century and it has been a place of pilgrimage and Greek Orthodox learning ever since. The fine monastic complex dominates the island. The old settlement of Chorá, associated with it, contains many religious and secular buildings. source:whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 1999

Thanks to Ms Elena of Greece.

Greece: Old Town of Corfu

The Old Town of Corfu, on the Island of Corfu off the western coasts of Albania and Greece, is located in a strategic position at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea, and has its roots in the 8th century BC. The three forts of the town, designed by renowned Venetian engineers, were used for four centuries to defend the maritime trading interests of the Republic of Venice against the Ottoman Empire. In the course of time, the forts were repaired and partly rebuilt several times, more recently under British rule in the 19th century. The mainly neoclassical housing stock of the Old Town is partly from the Venetian period, partly of later construction, notably the 19th century. As a fortified Mediterranean port, Corfu’s urban and port ensemble is notable for its high level of integrity and authenticity. source:whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 2007

Thanks  to Ms Sini of Finland who was visiting Greece.

Greece: Acropolis, Athens

The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world. In the second half of the fifth century bc, Athens, following the victory against the Persians and the establishment of democracy, took a leading position amongst the other city-states of the ancient world. In the age that followed, as thought and art flourished, an exceptional group of artists put into effect the ambitious plans of Athenian statesman Pericles and, under the inspired guidance of the sculptor Pheidias, transformed the rocky hill into a unique monument of thought and the arts. The most important monuments were built during that time: the Parthenon, built by Ictinus, the Erechtheon, the Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis, designed by Mnesicles and the small temple Athena Nike. source:whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 1987

Thanks to Ms Helen.

Greece: Medieval City of Rhodes

The Order of St John of Jerusalem occupied Rhodes from 1309 to 1523 and set about transforming the city into a stronghold. It subsequently came under Turkish and Italian rule. With the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Great Hospital and the Street of the Knights, the Upper Town is one of the most beautiful urban ensembles of the Gothic period. In the Lower Town, Gothic architecture coexists with mosques, public baths and other buildings dating from the Ottoman period. Source:whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 1988

Thanks to Ms Sini of Finland.

Greece: Archaeological Site of Delphi

The pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, where the oracle of Apollo spoke, was the site of the omphalos, the 'navel of the world'. Blending harmoniously with the superb landscape and charged with sacred meaning, Delphi in the 6th century B.C. was indeed the religious centre and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. Source:whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 1987

Thanks to Ms Elena of Greece.

Greece: Mount Athos

An Orthodox spiritual centre since 1054, Mount Athos has enjoyed an autonomous statute since Byzantine times. The 'Holy Mountain', which is forbidden to women and children, is also a recognized artistic site. The layout of the monasteries (about 20 of which are presently inhabited by some 1,400 monks) had an influence as far afield as Russia, and its school of painting influenced the history of Orthodox art. source:whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 1988

This card came from Romania. Thanks to Ms Ania who was on a holiday there.

Greecce: Meteora

In a region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled on these 'columns of the sky' from the 11th century onwards. Twenty-four of these monasteries were built, despite incredible difficulties, at the time of the great revival of the eremetic ideal in the 15th century. Their 16th-century frescoes mark a key stage in the development of post-Byzantine painting. Source:whc.unesco.org

Inscribed: 1988

Thanks to Ms Elena of Greece.

Greece: Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios

On the card is Mosaic inside Nea Moni Monastry.

Thanks to Ischo who was visiting Greece.

Greece: Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus

Thanks to Ms Elena.