Global Treasures Delos Greece

Delos, Greece

During ancient times the Cyclades island of Delos was the flourishing centre of Greek culture.

Greeces most extensive archaeological site covers the entire island and since 1872 has been frequented by countless archaeologists.Greek legend has it that this now-deserted island was the birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis.

Offering wonderful ocean views, the amphitheatre dates back to the third century B.C.and accommodated around 5,500 spectators.

Not all of the islands temples were dedicated to Greek gods and a particularly well-preserved sanctuary of the so-called foreign gods formed part of a beautiful temple that was dedicated to the Egyptian goddess, Isis.

The lower plateaus on the western side of Kithos Hill contain numerous important cult sites.One of these sanctuaries was the centre of the Hera Cult, the Archaic Heraion, that established itself in 500 B.C.

Beautifully restored mosaics with the Phoenician symbol of the goddess Tanith decorate one of the most impressively furnished houses on the island, the House Of Dolphins.

The islands ruins indicate its former cosmopolitan nature with its Egyptian, Italian, Phoenician and Jewish traders but due to the destruction of its buildings and the creation of new centers of trade elsewhere, Delos gradually became deserted.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

7 Days GREECE

Although Greece is the home of ancient gods, birthplace of European civilisation and a country of great warriors and philosophers it is also a country of many islands with tiny villages and white houses, a deep blue sea and almost constant sunshine. Athens is a lively city set in historic surroundings. Unique among all other Greek temples is the Acropolis whose imposing appearance and artistic decoration signified the great influence and power of ancient Athens. Six female figures, the Karyatides, support the southern hall of the Ionic Temple of Erechtheion that stands on sacred ground close to the main temple. The imposing Mitrópolis is the main Greek Orthodox cathedral in Athens. A total of four architects designed this cathedral whose walls comprise the remains of no less than seventy former sacred buildings. The Cyclades Islands are situated in the middle of the Southern Aegean that like a magic circle flows around its former centre, the sacred island of Delos, Mykonos. For centuries this picturesque former pirate village in the middle of Cyclades group of islands has been the meeting place for artists, V.I.P.'s and the international glitterati. The Cyclades are also known as The Pearls Of Greece and it seems as though the gods have scattered a handful of beautiful pearls into the deep blue Aegean Sea. In ancient times they were also known as The Islands Of Light because Apollo, the God of Light and Learning, was born here and also worshipped on the islands. Santorini is the most southerly of the Cyclades Islands and the legendary location of the mythical lost island of Atlantis and also a breathtaking island paradise of rock, lava, sea and light. Crete is the 'Island Of Light' and the birthplace of Zeus. Heraklion is the capital of the largest and most southerly of the Greek islands on which a highly developed culture has existed for four thousand years. It's no wonder that in these magnificent islands in the Aegean numerous gods, knights and tourists have always found much good fortune and enchantment!

7 Days KRETA Greece Crete

Crete is an island of light, the 'cradle of Zeus', with sun-drenched coastlines, picturesque villages and majestic mountains. No wonder that even the gods felt comfortable in this wonderful region of Greece. Heraklion is the capital of the largest and most southerly Greek islands, on which a highly developed culture has existed for 4000 years. The Venetians built massive fortresses to defend the island against the TurksKnossos was the capital of Crete at the time of King Minos, son of the god, Zeus, and the Phoenician princess, Europa. The Knossos Palace was a magnificent building with seven floors and around 1,400 rooms which served as living quarters, administration, storage and for courtly celebration. Most of the ruins are part of the new palace, as the first was built 2000 years before the birth of Christ. The Gortys Ruins are reminders of the moving history of an old town which was prosperous in the 5th century B.C. when Gortys became the most powerful town of the Messara Plain and throughout the olive groves between the hills can be found the scattered remnants of its past cultural riches. With its beautiful sandy beaches, the horseshoe-shaped bay of Matala is a popular coastal resort to which many come simply to experience the glorious sunsets in addition to the rich archaeological revelations of Phaistos Palace. Agia Galini is a quiet fishing village which, during the summer months, is a lively bathing resort on Crete's south coast. However, it has managed to maintain its original atmosphere with fishing boats in the harbour and crystal clear water lapping the shoreline, plus the allure of its tavernas and restaurants. Agia Roumeli is best reached by boat as it is located on a rocky coast toward the Libyan Sea. Fishing villages are few and far between and most activity takes place in the mountains which rise up majestically from the Aegean. Picturesque harbours, ancient treasures, lost legends and Greek hospitality: who could ask for more?

Rhodes Greece (Rodos, Rhodos)

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ATHENS GREECE

This is part of a series, Planet Terra, which when licensed allows you to add your own custom narration to meet you specific marketing needs. Contact us at TravelVideoStore.com for more details about licensing this episode or any of the 365 other episodes to destinations around the world.

Nature Wonders SAMARIA Kreta Crete Greece

The western region of Crete is the most mountainous and untouched part of the island which is mainly due to the Samariá Canyon, Europe's longest canyon that is also famous for its magnificent scenery and exceptional natural beauty.

In order to protect the canyon whose entrance lies on the southern side of the
Omalos Plateau, the Samariá National Park was founded in 1962.

Over four hundred and fifty different types of plants, among them seventy varieties that are
unique to the region, make Samariá an even more remarkable and unique natural habitat.

In antiquity the island's splendid trees, including Cypress, Pine and Crete Maple, were transported to the Greek mainland.

7 Days RODOS Greece Rhodes

Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodekanissa, a group of Greek islands located in the south eastern Aegean just off the west coast of Turkey. Since antiquity its special location has brought it both power and wealth. On the northernmost tip of the island is the fascinating metropolis of Chora Ródos whose harbour entrance was once adorned by the Seventh Wonder Of The World, the Colossus of Rhodes. Byzantines, Arabs, The Knights Of The Order Of St. John, Ottomans and Italians each influenced the ever-changing history of the island that was first settled here in 400 B.C. In 1320 the Knights Of St. John discovered an old fortified town here and immediately began to expand its fortress into the Grand Master Palace. In its present form the building is a reconstruction of the original palace that was first built on the site of a temple for the Sun King, Helios. After a total of seven Christian crusades were unable to defeat Islam and the re-conquering of Jerusalem failed, the Knights Of the Order Of St. John were driven out of Palestine. First they sought shelter in Cyprus and next conquered the island of Rhodes that was then under the rule of Portuguese pirates. To protect themselves from the Turks as well as from the pirates the new owners of the island built several mighty fortresses. Filérimos is located on the island's west coast close to the city of Rhodes. An avenue of pine trees leads to a huge concrete cross. Petaloúdes, The Valley Of Butterflies has for many years been a popular attraction for tourists who usually arrive in organised groups. A creek that contains water throughout the year flows through a narrow valley and forms romantic waterfalls, cascades and small pools. At the foot of Tsambika Mountain there's a small church, one of many that are scattered across the island. The Greek Orthodox Church and its nuns, monks and patriarchs have helped to preserve the region's language and culture. Rhodes is an island that bewitches all who experience it.

Global Treasures Lindos Rodos, Greece

Its unique location is not the sole reason that the picturesque town of Lindos has become known as one of the most fascinating locations on the Greek island of Rhodes. Its narrow, intimate lanes are flanked by centuries-old houses, the former residences of captains, ship-owners and wealthy traders.

During the Ottoman period Lindos was one of the country's most important ports and it still has a strong association with the sea as do the cultural treasures of this enchanting town.

Lindos' famous landmark, the Acropolis, is located above the town. The Acropolis was important not only for those of ancient Greek religious belief but also for those of the Christian faith. According to legend the apostle Paul came ashore beneath the temple in 51 A.D.

Its shoreline location as well as the beauty of the town plus its combination of medieval buildings and ancient ruins all add up to why Lindos is such a popular destination.

Lindos was once a great maritime power that possessed its own colonies in the Mediterranean and the enchanting atmosphere of this special place can still be experienced today.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Phaistos Kreta, Greece

The 4,000 year old ruins of the Minoan Palace of Phaistos are scattered over a wide area of a picturesque hillside on the island of Crete.

The first archaeological excavations took place between 1900 and 1909, and it soon became evident that these ruins, as well as further discoveries of the Minoan Epoch that date from around 1900 B.C., were the remains of the first highly developed culture of Europe.

The multi-layered ruins and walls of the palace as they appear today are similar to the numerous cultural influences of ancient Crete.Libyan Megalith constructions with large limestone blocks combine with the wood, quarry stone and clay plaster of the semi-timbered buildings.

Unlike classic Greek architecture, the Minoan constructions are not dominated or influenced by strict symmetrical lines.The facades of the buildings were given little importance by the people of Crete, who instead focused on comfort and luxury from within, a fact demonstrated by the discovery of baths and a highly developed drainage system.

No one could have foreseen that the once prosperous Minoan culture that left its traces in Phaistos would later be considered by historians to be the beginning of Europes cultural development.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations.Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage.Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Delphi Greece

Set in the picturesque, deeply fissured hillside of the Parnass, Delphi is where over 2,000 years ago the Greeks sought spiritual advice from the god Apollo, who they believed spoke to them through an oracle.

Delphi was home to the Amphictyonic League, the most important of the Greek city states, and was also the location of the Pythian Games.Two eagles dispatched by Zeus from the end of the world met at the foot of Mount Parnassus in Delphi, thus creating the omphalos or navel of the world.It was hoped that the priestess attendant at the site, Pythia, would impart the will of God which she expressed through her raging mouth, in ecstasy.

This idyllic location, which includes the holy temple of Athena Pronaia, has retained its mystique right up to the present day.