The highest mountain in Greece: Olympus. Mountains of Crete
The myths of ancient Greece are known to the whole world. Anyone who comes to this country hears everywhere legends associated with Zeus, Hercules or Aphrodite. Where should the gods live? The Greek people settled in the mountains. Time passed, the Greeks adopted Christianity. Who now inhabits the mountains in Greece?
Mountain country
Greece is the fifth highest mountainous country in Europe. Most of the country is covered with mountain ranges - even on the seashore and islands. Mountains in Greece are an integral part of the landscape and historical and cultural character of Greece. Two mountain ranges, Pindus and Rhodopes, stretch throughout the country.
The Pindus mountain range is the basis of mainland Greece. In ancient times, mainland Greece, the Ionian Peninsula and the islands of the Aegean Sea formed a single landmass. The Rhodope Mountains are a continuation
Difficult living conditions explain the fact that there are much fewer villages in the mountains in the country than settlements in the lowlands.
Mount Olympus
The highest mountain in Greece is Olympus, known throughout the world thanks to ancient Greek mythology. A mountain range consisting of 52 peaks ranging from 760 to 2918 m in height, with steep ravines and high peaks, rocky peaks, deep gorges, and dense forests.
Various peaks, thick fog, low clouds and frightening summer thunderstorms at the top - this is the appearance of Olympus. One can easily imagine that it aroused the awe and admiration of the ancient Greeks who lived in the foothills (excavations show that settlements existed here already in the 16th century BC). The inaccessibility of life on the top of the mountain for people and the natural religiosity of the ancestors of today's Greeks were expressed in the folk epic with legends about twelve gods living here, led by Zeus.
Today in the country, Orthodox churches and monasteries are built on the sites of former idolatry temples or next to them. The highest mountain in Greece is no exception. The chapel of the saint at the peak of 2803 m was built in the 16th century by the holy Venerable Dionysius of Olympia. This small church, 1.6 m high, is made of dolomite slabs found in the surrounding area. Every year, on the feast of Elijah the Prophet, the monks of the Monastery of St. Dionysius rise to the chapel to serve the Divine Liturgy here. Hundreds of believers join them.
Mount Psiloritis
Ida (or Psiloritis) is the highest mountain on the island of Crete. Greece has always been a religious country. Not only were legends and myths about the gods formed here, but also temples and sanctuaries were erected.
Psiloritis is a mountain in ancient Greece, on the top of which there was a sanctuary, and myths say that Zeus was born and raised here. Now on the top of Psiloritis the Church of the Holy Cross (Thimios Stavros) has been erected. The church is built of stones without a binder using the same method as the mitato - shepherd's huts common in the mountains of Crete.
September 14 is the day of the Exaltation of the Honest Life-Giving Cross of the Lord in Greece (in Russia this holiday falls on September 27). This is the holiday in honor of which the chapel was erected. The day before, September 13, residents of the island of Crete come to the foot of the mountain to walk all the way to the top with a priest and spend the night there. The next morning, on the day of the feast, they join the service inside the small church.
In the sermon on the Exaltation of the Cross he says: “The cross is erected, and the enemy power of Satan, defeated, falls and is crushed. The cross is erected, and all believers flock together. The cross is erected, and the cities triumph and the nations celebrate.”
Meteora
The meteors are a collection of huge dark sandstone rocks. This amazing place is a monastic state located on majestic steep cliffs.
The first inhabitants of Meteor were hermit monks who, moving away from earthly goods, settled in small caves and rocky depressions. Where you can indulge in prayer and spiritual life away from people.
Currently, Meteora is the second most important monastic complex in Greece after the Holy Mountain. The monasteries are located on the tops of sheer boulders.
Mount Athos
There are no more amazing mountains than the mountains in Greece. Athos is a monastic state, and the only such place on the planet. Mount Athos in Greece is dedicated to the feat of prayer and worship of God. A holy place, which was taken under the protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, where monastic prayer for peace is constantly offered. The prayer is not only of the Greeks, but of Orthodox monks from all over the world. Here, in addition to Greek, there are Georgian, Bulgarian, Serbian, Russian, and Romanian monasteries.
The ancient monasteries of Mount Athos preserve untold wealth: the relics of holy saints of God, Christian relics, miraculous icons. But the main wealth saved on the Holy Mountain is a thousand years of spiritual life in the traditions of the glorious Byzantium and other Orthodox nations. Athos is a spiritual school of repentance and humility, where the unity of Orthodoxy is manifested in all its diversity.
Ancient Greek myths and Christianity
Despite the fact that myths in Greece are found everywhere you go, here they are only myths - fairy tales. Like in Russia the fairy tales about Baba Yaga and Leshy. The people keep the legends about the ancient Greek gods in their memory and lovingly tell them to tourists. But the true faith is Orthodoxy.
The Greeks are ready to climb the mountains during church holidays, perform the sacraments of Baptism and Wedding on the top of the mountains, and go to the mountains to spend their whole lives in prayer. And what happens now: the mountains in Greece are the place where... God lives?
What mountains are in Greece? This question worries many who want to give themselves a vacation where there is room not only for the sea, historical sights, but also for charming mountain landscapes.
Yes, Greece is very varied in relief. There are also pronounced plains here (and often holidays in Greece are “tied” to them), but there are also beautiful mountains in Greece. In some places they only resemble hills, but in others they show quite a serious “nature”, impressing with their charm - soft, elegant, mysterious. Mountains in Greece, on average, rise to 1000-1800 meters (although there are several mountains over 2,500 meters, and they will be discussed below, but they are rather an exception to the general rule).
So, what are the mountains in Greece? Among the mountain ranges and ranges of Greece, the following stand out:
The Pindos Mountains (Pindus), located in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. This is the largest mountain system in Greece. It consists of several ridges, between which there are beautiful valleys;
The Rhodope Mountains (Rhodope Mountains, Red Mountains) are the mountains that Greece shares with Bulgaria. average altitude above sea level - 785 m;
Mount Olympus (with Mount Olympus, Mitikam and Stephanie);
The Timfi mountain range is famous for its amazingly beautiful mountain lakes and unusual vertical caves (the Provatina cave has a depth of 408 meters, Epos 451 meters).
But what are the highest mountains in Greece? And what mountain ranges and chains do they belong to?
The highest mountains in Greece are:
Mytikas, also known as the legendary Mount Olympus (2917 m), well known to everyone from ancient Greek mythology - a mountain of Greece, belonging to the Tharsis mountain range, Mount Olympus itself is located on the territory of a national reserve, but already at a distance of 10 km from it there are a number of popular hotels . If you want to climb Mount Olympus on foot, or maybe go cycling in its surroundings, or maybe even go skiing, it makes sense to stay in Elatochori, where the Semeli Resort Hotel, Alseides Boutique Hotel, Atrion Highland Hotel are located. And, if you want, but want Mount Olympus to also be close enough to you, then stay in Paralia Katerini (about 20 km from Mount Olympus), where the famous Greek resort hotels Mediterranean Village, Olympus, Hotel Strass and others are located;
Scolio (2912), also part of the Olympus mountain range;
Stephanie (2905 m) is another mountain included in the Olympus ridge;
Zmolikas (Smolikas) is a mountain in Greece (2637 meters), located at the junction of national reserves (Pindus and Vikos-Aoos) 45 km from Kastoria National Airport "Aristoteles", Zmolikas belongs to the Pindus mountain system (Pindos);
Gamila (a mountain in Greece in the west of the country in Ioannina, 2497 m above sea level). On the slope of Mount Tymfi in Greece there is one of the most beautiful alpine-type lakes, Drakolimni.
Interesting things about the mountains of Greece
What was the name of the mountain of the gods of Greece?
The mountain of the ancient Greek gods of Greece - Olympus.
The sacred mountains of Greece are Parnassus, Olympus and Athos.
What is the name of the Mountain of Muses in Greece?
Mount of Muses in Greece - Helikon. According to ancient Greek mythology, it was on Mount Helikon that there were springs sacred to the muses.
Greece has long been famous for its mountains. True, not so much because of the unprecedented heights, but because of the legends associated with them. Just remember Olympus - the sacred mountain in ancient Greek mythology, where, according to legend, Zeus himself lived. For this reason, the Greek gods are often called Olympians. The most interesting thing is that Olympus is the highest Greek mountain.
Olympus
Currently, Olympus is a mythological and historical symbol, as well as a protected natural monument. The reserve, located near the mountain, is interesting because its territory contains a huge number of plants - more than 1,700 species, but animals - ten times less.
You can climb Olympus on your own without any problems. Usually the ascent begins from the town of Litokhoron, where the information center for climbing enthusiasts is located. Here you can take a taxi and get to Prionia, which is located at an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level. There is a restaurant, toilet, and parking here. There is no hotel, but you can spend the night in the monastery of St. Dionysius, which is located nearby. Then, on foot, you can reach the so-called Shelter A, located at an altitude of 2100 meters. From here you can reach other shelters and the summit.
The highest peak of Olympus is Mytikas, its height is 2917 meters. There are others, but they are somewhat lower.
Zmolikas
The second place is occupied by Mount Zmolikas. It is located in northwestern Greece. The height of the largest peak reaches 2638 meters. The length of the mountain is, according to various estimates, from 15 to 20 km, and its width is about 10 km.
Near the mountain there are two nature reserves, and on one of the slopes you can find the Alpine-type Drakolimni lake.
Nije
Bronze goes to Mount Nidje, which is located on the border of Greece and Macedonia. The highest point is Kaymakchalan Peak, which is located at 2521 m above sea level. Since the peak is quite popular, it is often called the mountain itself.
Nije is considered a very old mountain, older than many others located in the country. Very rich in animal species, not many plants.
As was customary among most peoples, the highest mountain in the region simultaneously became the habitat of the gods. This happened with the highest mountain in Greece - Olympus, which was located closer to the north of the most densely populated areas, but has snow-capped peaks, so rare in this part of the Mediterranean. The height of Olympus is 2917 meters, which is not much at all. Probably due to superstition, there were no ascents to the top of Olympus for a long time. For the first time, a person set foot on the divine peak only in 1913.
The second highest mountain in Greece - Zmolikas has a height of 2637 meters, the highest mountain of the Peleponnese peninsula is called Taygetos and has a height of 2407 meters, the highest mountain of Crete is called Dikti with a height of 2148 meters.
Mount Olympus, whose height is 2919 meters, is the highest point in Greece and one of its symbols. According to mythology, 12 gods lived in this place, led by Zeus the Thunderer.
Modern Olympus is a complex of four main peaks: Mytikas, Skala, Stefani and Scolio. The surrounding area has been declared a national park. Since 1981, the mountain has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Natural Heritage and a site of historical and architectural heritage.
Climbing Mount Olympus is popular among climbers. Hiking routes for independent ascent have also been developed. Once you reach the top, stunning views await you that will take your breath away.
A very large number of myths and various legends have come from ancient Greece to the modern world. So the highest mountain was reflected in myths, because it was believed that the gods lived on the highest mountain. And this is the highest point in Greece - Olympus.
Greece has many myths and legends in its history. Therefore, the highest mountain in Greece is the mountain where, according to legend, the Gods live. Mount Olympus, and the highest of the Mount Olympus massif is Mytikas Mountain or Peak at 2919 meters in height. Let's just say this is a very low altitude among mountain peaks.
The highest mountain range in Greece is Olympus, which is represented by three highest peaks - Mytikas 2917m, which has already been mentioned, Skolio 2912m, and Stefani 2905m.
In ancient times, Olipus was the border between Thessaly and Macedonia.
Olympus is considered a natural monument because many living organisms and plants live here. Here you can find 22 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, 136 species of birds, 32 species of mammals. There are 1,700 plant species found here.
In the historical region of Greece, Thessaly, the highest mountain is located - Mytikas Peak (2919 meters), which belongs to the Olympus mountain range.
On the highest Mount Olympus there are several more peaks - Scolio (height 2912 meters) and Stefani (2909 meters).
The highest mountain in Greece is rightfully considered Mount Olympus, which is located in the northeast of Thessaly. The highest peak of Olympus is Mytikas - 2919 meters. The next highest peaks are Scolio-2912 m and Stefani-2909 m. In total, there are about 50 such peaks height from 760 to 2919 meters.
It is not surprising, but the highest mountain in the country of Greece is Mount Olympus (I personally know it from Greek myths, because it was there that the Greek gods lived, led by the main god Zeus).
So Mount Olympus, or rather a peak called Mytikas (2919 meters) is the highest mountain in the country of Hellas.
The highest point in Greece is Mt. Mitakis(2917 m) according to Wikipedia.
This is one of the mountains of the famous Olympus massif, which, in addition to the main peaks, contains more than 1,500 canyons. In general, the question might seem simple, because many immediately answer Olympus. But, as has already become clear, this is not one mountain, but a whole mountain range containing many peaks.
Greece is located in the south of the Balkan Peninsula and on the islands of the Mediterranean Sea.
The relief of Greece is predominantly mountainous.
And the highest peak in Greece is Mount Olympus with a height of 2917 meters.
It is worth noting that Olympus is an entire mountain system consisting of three peaks.
Olympus is a historical and mythological symbol of Greece, as well as a very beautiful natural place. A national reserve has been created here.
You lower your eyes and gasp with delight - all around are snow-capped peaks, tall pine trees, or the alluring azure lying at the foot of the sea.
The highest mountain in Greece is Olympus, which is located in Thessaly. Many of us are familiar with it from ancient Greek mythology. If you remember, it was on Olympus that the gods of the Greeks lived and this myth was born for a reason. The height of this mountain range reaches 2917 meters. It is the massif, because of this, that all the confusion occurs, since most often, the highest mountain in Greece is called Mytikas, but this is not a mountain in itself, but just one of the peaks of the Olympic mountain range. Its height reaches 2919 meters, the next highest peaks are Scolio, height 2912 meters and Stephanie 2909 meters. Mount Olympus is not one peak or two peaks, it is about 50 peaks, the heights of which range from 760 to 2919 meters. These peaks are cut by numerous ravines, which create beautiful and terrifying landscapes. The highest mountain in Greece was conquered only in 1913.
According to researcher Richard Onians, the legendary ambrosia - the food of the Olympian gods, giving them youth and immortality - is the divine equivalent of olive oil. So every Greek could taste the divine dish.
In ancient times, the Greeks believed that twelve main gods lived on Mount Olympus, who, under the leadership of the main god Zeus, crushed the Titans, and after that order reigned in the world. Olympus, in addition to serving as the abode of the gods in ancient times, also performed another function. Served as a natural border between Macedonia and Greece. Over time, the mythology of the ancient Greeks changed a little and Olympus began to be called not only the mountain, but the entire sky above Greece, in fact, the ancient gods now lived there.
In ancient Greek mythology, Olympus is a sacred mountain, the seat of the gods led by Zeus. Olympus is a mountain in Thessaly where the gods live. The name Olympus is of pre-Greek origin (a possible connection with the Indo-European root “to rotate”, i.e. an indication of the roundness of the peaks) and belongs to a number of mountains of Greece and Asia Minor. On Olympus are the palaces of Zeus and other gods, built and decorated by Hephaestus. The gates of Olympus are opened and closed by the Oras as they ride out in golden chariots. Olympus is thought of as a symbol of the supreme power of the new generation of Olympian gods who defeated the Titans. Initially, Olympus (it is unknown which one) was occupied by the snake-like titan Ophion and his oceanid wife Eurynome. Cronus and Rhea liked this place, and they occupied it, expelling Ophion and Eurynome, who had found refuge in the ocean. Cronos and Rhea were expelled from Olympus by Zeus. The gods lived a carefree and cheerful life.
Flemish painter Peter Rubens painted “The Feast of the Gods on Olympus”. Researchers could not determine the exact date of its painting until astronomers saw the picture. They found that the characters were located exactly the same as the planets in the sky in 1602.
The gates of Olympus were guarded by the virgin goddesses of time ora. Neither beast nor man could wander there. Gathering together, the gods and goddesses feasted, enjoying ambrosia, which restored strength and gave immortality. They quenched their thirst with fragrant nectar. Nectar and ambrosia were carried to the gods and goddesses by the handsome young man Ganymede. There was no shortage of entertainment on Olympus. To please the ears and eyes of the celestials, the white-legged Kharites, goddesses of eternal joy, holding hands, led round dances. Sometimes Apollo himself took up the cithara, and all nine muses sang along with him in agreement.
If you got tired of music, songs and dances, you could go from the heights of Olympus. look at the ground. The most fascinating sight for the gods was the war that flared up here and there. The inhabitants of Olympus had their favorites. One sympathized with the Greeks, the other with the Trojans. Sometimes, seeing that his charges were being crowded, first one or the other god left the place of observation and, descending to the ground, entered into battle. Entering into a rage, the combatants did not see the difference between mortals and celestials. Then the gods had to flee, clutching the colorless, fragrant blood flowing in streams with their palms.
As Greek myths say, the gods, having settled on Olympus, agreed that it did not belong to any of them, and decided not to choose a ruler. But soon Zeus and his brothers and sisters seized power: Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Hestia and Demeter. Zeus, the supreme god, was the youngest of them in age.
Subsequently, when the people of the ancient world learned more about the universe, by Olympus they began to understand not just one mountain, but the entire sky. It was believed that Olympus covers the earth like a vault and the Sun, Moon and Stars wander along it. When the Sun stood at its zenith, they said that it was at the top of Olympus. They thought that in the evening, when it passes through the western gate of Olympus, i.e. The sky closes, and in the morning it is opened by the goddess of dawn Eos.
Now the entire massif is a nature reserve. By visiting it you can see rare representatives of Greek flora and fauna, and from the mountain itself there is a stunning view of Greece. Many tourists want to visit this ancient abode of the gods. However, it will not be possible to get to the top itself due to the English military radar installed there.
In 1938, Olympus was declared a national reserve; more than 1,700 species of plants and animals that grow and live only here make up the unique ecosystem of this mountainous region. Protected by UNESCO since 1981. Since 1985 it has been declared an archaeological monument.
The holy martyr Neophytos lived in a cave on the slope of Olympus. At the age of 15, he came to the mountain for a white dove. A huge lion lived in the cave, but, having heard the words of Neophyte, he submitted to him and went to another place. Neophyte lived in this cave until the time of his martyrdom, when the ruler Decius ordered him to be killed.
In 1961, a temple of Zeus was discovered on one of the peaks of Ayios Antonios, dating from the Hellenistic to the late Christian period. The remains of sacrificial animals, coins, and statues were discovered. Also discovered in various places was the temple of Apollo of Delphi and the ancient tomb of Orpheus. The Temple of Apollo is located at an altitude of 1000 meters, and it is known that it was from there that Xenagoras, using a telescope and geometric calculations, determined the height of Olympus to be 2960 meters, which is not so far from the truth. A few hundred meters from shelter A there is an exit to the monastery of St. Dionysius, built by himself and dated 1542. Throughout time it was destroyed more than once, but the greatest damage was caused during the Second World War.
Over the next 60 years it was in the process of reconstruction. More precisely, individual buildings were reconstructed, but the dilapidated ancient walls were kept intact, reminiscent of the fact that even in the sanctuary of antiquity, unfortunately, the evil of war penetrated. The interesting thing is that to this day, it is active, so the monks ask visitors to be dressed appropriately, as indicated by the sign at the entrance. A 20-minute walk over rough terrain is a sacred cave, apparently where a saint originally lived. The place is secluded and conducive to meditation. Along the way there is a mountain river, in which it is forbidden to swim and pollute it, since the water there is drinkable, cold and tasty.
Words, words...Words are empty if they are not confirmed by our main source of information - vision. The places are truly amazing. Even if you are not moved by the thought that thousands of years ago people dedicated their lives to the gods living on Olympus, even if the very existence of these mountains long before us and long after us does not inspire awe, nevertheless the nature here is capable of delighting the most picky person. Its beauty is beyond competition, it envelops.
