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As Jessica explains the history of the Acropolis, we climb the 150-meter-high plateau. The Parthenon, the most iconic temple, was built in the fifth century BC. Originally, it was 20 meters tall and housed a 12-meter golden statue of the goddess Athena. Jessica tells us the columns are slightly tapered and lean inward—a subtle detail you can barely spot without the scaffolding nearby for restoration. At the Pandroseion temple, the gods Zeus and Athena competed for the city's favor. Zeus offered water, Athena offered an olive tree. Because the spring on the Acropolis held slightly salty water, the people chose Athena. The city owes its name to her.
We drive through the mountains toward Meteora. The landscape becomes more rugged as we get closer. Steep rock pinnacles rise from the terrain. In the 14th century, hermits lived in these hard-to-reach places. Later, monks built monasteries on top of the cliffs. Many were destroyed in wars. Today, six monasteries remain, intact and restored. The view over the valley and the monasteries atop the rocks is breathtaking. We decide to visit the Monastery of the Holy Trinity. It’s beautifully situated on a rock, but that also makes it the hardest to reach. Apparently, it’s one of the oldest monasteries in Greece. The current building dates from 1456, but older structures have been found underneath. The modern monastery is fully restored. It featured in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only and the Tintin movie The Secret of the Golden Fleece.
Crete is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece, and for good reason. The island offers a rich history, beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, and delicious food. It is home to some of Greece’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Palace of Knossos and the Samaria Gorge. Moreover, Crete boasts more than 1,000 km of coastline with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The island also has plenty of restaurants and taverns where you can enjoy local cuisine and wines. Crete offers a wonderful mix of culture, history, nature, and relaxation, making it a perfect destination for an unforgettable holiday.
I don’t yet know what I’ll have for breakfast. It’s Sunday, and probably not much is open. On the corner of the street, the small shop turns out to be open after all. Problem solved. At the Acropolis, it is extremely busy. Hordes of people shuffle in one by one. Admission is free on Sundays. Naturally, as Dutch as I am, I simply stand next to a guide and listen in. On the hill, it’s a bit warm, so as soon as I’ve seen everything, I hurry down to buy a cola. I then continue my walk through the Agora. This is the old city center of Athens, of which only some remains are left today. In the fully restored museum, I see exhibits about the excavations (also free of charge, of course). It is now past one o’clock and time for lunch and a siesta. I quickly find a bench in the shade.