Modern Greece
Athens was transformed for the 2004 Olympics, but it was not just the Olympic sites that benefitted. New highways, the metro in Athens, A new international airport, and tourist developments throughout the country have brought Greece into the 21st century in a remarkably short time.
The central metro stations are complemented by some attractive squares, enhanced by sculptures. Highways have been straightened by tunneling through hillsides, to make travel easier.
Ancient civilisations
Architects, mathematicians and artists have studied the proportions of classical Greek architecture and have used the "Golden Rectangle" in their own work. Its proportions are instinctively pleasing to the eye. Ancient Olympia is famous of course, but there are other important towns, with spectacular ancient sites, including Korinthos, Argos, Patra, Messinia, Naphlion, Pylos, Methoniand Epidavros.
As well as the important ancient sites, a visit to the smaller places and less well known areas of large towns, reveals the traditional rural life which still exists, minutes walk from the shops, hotels, apartment blocks and car dealerships. Times are changing, however!
Language
The English language is derived from the Greek Language, Latin, Germanic and Celtic roots, and once you have learnt the Greek alphabet, also used for mathematical symbols, You will recognise the origins of many English words that are difficult to spell because their spelling actually reflects that of the Greek! Similarly Some words with meanings that are hard to grasp in English, are derived from everyday Greek words. for example, the Greek word for car is "AftoKinito", literally "this moves".
Culture and Mythology
Olive trees are believed to be native to Attica, though their cultivation spread throughout the world as climate permitted. The mythology associated with the olive tree seems to be purely Greek, however, for as all parts have their use,the tree almost represents life itself. During certain times of Greece's history survival depended on it. The regions of Greece have their own traditions and cultures associated with the differing climate and terrain.
The Peloponnese is a large land mass in Southern Greece with a distinctive character ( called the true Greece by some) and a rich history. It is easy to Travel there by road,rail or air. Regions within the Peloponnese also differ; for example, the Sparti region is a huge flat plain surrounded by mountains and its history, layout and culture reflect this. The town is neatly laid out and the ancient Sparta site is at one end, a short walk from the town itself. In the hills above Sparti you will find Mystras, a deserted Byzantine settlement well documented in guide books. Ancient Sparti has ruins including an ampitheatre, ancient agora (market) and temples.