GREECE ~ Meteora - UNESCO ~

... Breathtaking view of Meteora... impressive giant rock pillars that climb up into the sky... on top of them you spot the famous Meteora monasteries... of the 24 monasteries originally constructed on the summits of Meteora’s towering rock sculptures (some of them are demolished) only six are still active with a small number of monks or nuns who reside on Meteora... these six form one of the largest and most important complexes of Greek Orthodox monasteries... you can visit them and learn about living in these impressive structures and see the priceless artifacts and wall paintings... the sound of the church bells combined with the views of the valley is truly magical... bearing in mind that these monasteries were constructed using a very basic system of ladders, pulley, nets, and baskets to haul materials up the sheer rock faces, few monks would be fortunate enough to witness the completion of one in their lifetime... the monasteries of Meteora are the second most visited tourist attraction in the country... one of the most amazing places in Greece...Thanks a lot Monika! (✿◠‿◠)

Meteora is a geographical region in mainland Greece where you’ll find immense towers of sandstone rock with heights of more than 600 meters, split by earthquakes and weathered by wind and rain over millions of years.

No-one knows exactly when the monasteries were established, but it is estimated to be somewhere towards the end of the 14th century, when the hermit monks were seeking a retreat from the expanding Turkish occupation in an around the fertile plain of Thessalia.

The name, Meteora, is of Greek origin, literally meaning "suspended in the air" or "in the heavens above" due to the sheer height at which the monasteries stand, isolated from each other and hundreds of metres above the fertile plains below.

In 1988, the Meteora monasteries have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

 

Stamp:

Travelling in Greece - Crete 

(Issued 29-06-2023)

GREECE ~ Mount Athos - Thessaloniki - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of Mount Athos, also called Agion Oros (Holy Mountain) renowned for its spiritual significance and cultural heritage... a secluded place, accessed from the sea and allowed to men only, for more than 1000 years... it is the only place in Greece that is completely dedicated to prayer and worship of God and the centre of Eastern Christian Orthodox Monasticism... and also the only place where the visitor can experience life as it was during the times of the Byzantine Empire... the monasteries of Mount Athos are known for their architectural splendor, ancient manuscripts, and priceless religious icons... although a part of Greece, Athos is an autonomous region... Thanks Athina!(✿◠‿◠) 

Mount Athos is located in the easternmost of the three peninsulas of Halkidiki in Northern Greece, called the peninsula of Athos. It has been a center of monastic life since at least 800 AD.  The community consists of twenty  "sovereign" monasteries  sketae, huts, cells and "hermitages". There are 17 Greek monasteries, 1 Serbian, 1 Russian and 1 Bulgarian monastery. 

The Holy Mount is about 50 km in length, 8 to 12 km wide and it covers an area of about 350km². The highest point of Mount Athos is like a huge cone, reaching 2033 metres in height. 

Since 1988 Mount Athos has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 

Stamp:

Ancient Greek Literature

(Issued 17-01-2024)

GREECE ~ Doric Temple of Kardaki - Corfu - UNESCO ~

... Nice temple view that stands as a captivating testament to ancient history and architectural prowess within the lush greenery of Corfu... this hidden archaeological wonder is one of the most important ruins set against the backdrop of the Mon Repos Park... it is believed to be dedicated to Poseidon, or possibly two other deities, Asklepios and Apollo... as a vital site in the ancient world, the temple not only served a religious purpose but also played a significant role in the cultural and social dynamics of the region... the ruins sit near the coast, offering a serene view of the sea and a connection to the island's ancient past... Thanks a lot Ravindra! (✿◠‿◠)  

Kardaki Temple is an Archaic Doric temple built around 500 BC in the ancient city of Korkyra, in what is known today as the location Kardaki in the hill of Analipsi in Corfu. 

It is a small Doric temple (11,91 Χ 25,5 m) with architectural particularities derived from Ionic order elements. It consists of 6 pillars in its narrow sides, 12 in its longer sides and a central rectangular shaped construction which was either an altar or the riser of a statue.

It was discovered by accident in 1822 when British engineers tried to restore the water flow of a fountain near the temple. New evidences emerge during 1911 -1914 by Wilhelm Dörpfeld, head of German excavations.

In 2007, the city's old town was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List,

Stamp:

Traveling in Greece - Santorini - 

(Issued 04-04-2022)

GREECE ~ Oia - Santorino ~

... Santorini is full of postcard-pefect views like this iconic viewpoint in Oia... Oia is considered the most picturesque village and holds the position of the most visited spot for sunset viewing, as it provides an excellent view of the well-known magical sunset🌅... probably the most famous sunset in the world.... this Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea looks like a place straight out of a fairy tale... with chalk-white buildings topped with cobalt-blue domes carved into cliffs,  labyrinth-like alleys, amazing hotels and sapphire waters... Heel Erg Bedankt Loes! (✿ ♥‿♥)

© Photos by Stravos&Kostas Marmatakis
Santorini (known locally as Thira) is the remnant of a volcano in the middle of the sea, which in the last 2 million years has erupted at least 12 times. As a result of devastating eruptions this island gets its unique shape like a crescent moon. According to legend, the island is formed from a strip of land that was thrown into the ocean from the Argo, the ship of Greek mythology. 

Oia is a small community on the island. Along the cliff of Oia, houses have been delved into the porous volcanic rock (left over from a large volcanic explosion many years ago that sunk the center of the island). Parts of these houses are visible and the scenery that results from it is generally perceived as being typically Greek.

Stamp: 

Travelling in Greece

(Issued 29-06-2023)

GREECE ~ Morosini Fountain - Heraklion - Crete ~

... Nice view of one of the most famous architectural monuments which have survived since Venitian rule.. located in the heart of Heraklion, on Lions square... four water-spouting lions make up this charming marble fountain which are a symbol of Venetian power... at the top of the fountain there was standing a marble Poseidon statue, holding his trident... unfortunately this statue is now lost, probably destroyed... today, the Morosini Fountain is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the city's rich history and cultural heritage... its combination of beauty and functionality make it a unique attraction... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】

The Venetian Morosini Lions Fountain was constructed in 1629  and is named after Francesco Morosini, Crete’s Italian governor at the time.

Heraklion, Crete's capital used to have problems with water shortage and the fountain’s main purpose was to transfer water from Youchtas mountain. When it was built, it provided 1000 barrels of drinking water every day via a well appointed and very sophisticated viaduct system from a distance of almost 20km.

Stamp: 

Travelling in Greece - Crete

 (Issued 29-06-2023)

GREECE ~ Phaistos Disc - Crete ~

... View of the famous Phaistos Disc discovered at the palace of Phaistos.. it remains one of archaeology’s greatest mysteries... many have attempted to decipher the enigmatic code of the 241 hieroglyphic symbols comprising 45 signs... neither its origin nor the meaning of the inscription could yet be determined... the language imprinted on the face of the mysterious disk has never been fully decoded, and its symbols are part of no known alphabet either ancient or modern... it is on display in the Archaeological museum of Heraklion, one of the most important museums in Greece, housing unique findings from the Minoan civilization... one of the earliest and most advanced civilizations in Europe.... Thanks Dustin!【ツ】  

This double-sided clay disc, roughly 15cm in diameter and characterized by the the spiral pattern of of the symbols imprinted on its surface, was discovered by Italian archeologist Luigi Pernier during an excavation of Phaistos in 1908 and dates possibly from the middle or late Minoan Bronze Age.

While the disc is named for the place in which it was discovered, the absence of similar artifacts in the region suggests that the site is not the disc’s actual place of origin.

Stamp:

Tourism - Knossos 

(22-07-2019)

GREECE ~ Phaistos - Crete ~

... Lovely postcard nr 2 showing the fascinating history of Crete.... Phaistos (also called Festos) is after Knossos the most famous archaeological complex of the Minoan civilization on the island... it is located on a hilltop with spectacular views on the valleys on all sides blanketed with olive trees, grape vineyards and cypress trees... this palace was built in the Dorian period and is home to some of the most beautiful frescoes in Greece and also famous for the “Disk of Phaestos”... Thanks a lot Dustin!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

The first Phaistos Palace was built around 1900 BC. It covered 8,000 square kilometers over three terraces.The original palace was inhabited for 250 years and destroyed and rebuilt three times.

 It was destroyed the last time by an earthquake around 1700 BC. After the earthquake, the ruins were covered and a new palace was constructed on that. 

This last palatial site was smaller, but according to the placard, “more monumental.” This last Phaistos Palace was destroyed in 1450 BC, but not rebuilt. 

 Stamp:

Travelling in Greece - Crete 

(Issued 29-06-2023)

GREECE ~ Minos palace - Knossos - Crete ~

... Nice aerial palace view that is believed to be one of the oldest and most important historical sites of Europe... the Minoan culture lived on Crete thousands of years ago, and Knossos being their largest city was probably the capital or central power... it was not just a palace, but a whole city, including hostels, baths, sanctuaries, workshops, food stores, kings’ rooms, throne room, shelters for aides, banquet halls, and numerous stairs and terraces, and was constantly populated up until the Roman period... it’s said that Knossos is designed to be like a labyrinth... it takes up the space of two football fields... with lovely matching stamp👍...Thanks Dustin!【ツ】

Knossos, lies southeast of Heraklion, in the valley of the river Kairatos and dates back to around 7000 BC in the Neolithic Age.

Many artefacts of Knossos are not on display at the archaeological site, you will have to go to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to see them. 

Stamp: 

Tourism - Knossos 

(Issued 22-07-2019)

GREECE ~ Samari National Park - Crete ~

... Spectacular panoramic nature view with impressive rock faces... the Samaria Gorge is one of the most popular sights on the island.... at the Gates, the narrowest section of the Samaria Gorge, the ravine’s towering cliffs are less than four meters apart and the gorge walls reach straight up to 300 m... the views are beautiful but the hike itself is very challenging... if you are a hiking fan, the Samaria National Park should be on your bucket list... the gorge is 15 km long, starting at an altitude of 1,250m at the northern entrance, and ending at the shores of the Libyan Sea near the pretty coastal village Agia Roumeli... Crete’s most stunning canyon offers those who traverse it an unforgettable experience... Heel Erg Bedankt Loes en Ben! (✿ ♥‿♥)  

Samaria Gorge is located in the southwest of Crete, in the White Mountains known as Lefka Ori.

Surrounded by the Samaria National Park, this area has a beautiful and unique ecology due to its isolated mountainous terrain.It became a National Park in 1962, to protect many endangered species and their sustaining ecosystems, especially the Kri-Kri or Cretan mountain goat. These goats do now survive in the mountains, jumping and climbing high on very steep and treacherous rocky cliff tops. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Stamp:

 

Old Harbour of Xania 

(29-05-2019)

GREECE ~ Acropolis - Lindos ~

... Nice views of Acropolis... the most important and impressive archaeological site on the island of Rhodes at the ancient city of Lindos.... above the modern town rises the Acropolis of Lindos... a steep footpath (250 steps😅) climbs the 116m high rock to reach the beautifully preserved Acropolis... from the Acropolis you have magical views of the surrounding harbours and coastline... framed by mighty fortress walls... Lindos is a town full of ancient history and legends, a lot of which is still evident today...  Big Thanks once more Andrene! (✿ ♥‿♥)

The temple dedicated to the goddess Athena is estimated to have been constructed during the 9th century BC. By 700 BC, Lindos was already an important commercial center in the region and a mighty naval power, as well.

Lindos is a town on the eastern coast of Rhodes and is an archaeological site and fishing village in the Dodecanese. They are a group of 15 larger plus 150 smaller Greek islands in the southeastern Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, off the coast of Turkey's Anatolia, of which 26 are inhabited.

Stamp:

 

Traveling in Greece - Rhodes 

(Issued 04-04-2022)

GREECE ~ Mandraki Harbor - Rhodes ~

... Lovely sunset view of the Old Port... Mandraki Harbor is the main harbor of Rhodes and has been a port since ancient times... the Knights of Rhodes moored their fleet here... today, the harbor with its modern marina facilities is home to cruisers, ferry boats and yachts... many different boat tours and cruises depart here... there are also terraces where you can watch the hustle and bustle of people and admire the wonderful yachts... there are also a variety of attractions to see, including the post office, The New Market Hall, Windmills of Mandraki and the Lighthouse of St. Nicholas Fortress... Thanks a lot Andrene! (✿◠‿◠)

The city of Rhodes is located at the northern tip of the island where the ancient city used to be placed.

The harbor has a 400m long jetty. Fort St. Nicholas stands at the end of the jetty and protected Rhodes from initial assaults. Two bronze column deer named ‘"Elefos’" and "Elafina" mark the entrance to the Harbor. The columns and statues stand where once stood the feet of the colossus of Rhodes.

The Colossus of Rhodes was considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World because of its incredible size. It was a statue of Helios, the Greek god of the Sun,  33m tall and a base of 15m, the tallest statue of its time in the ancient Greek city of Rhodes.

Stamp:

Traveling in Greece - Rhodes

(Issued 04-04-2022)

GREECE ~ Map ~

... Great map postcard with lots of tiny but wonderful pictures showing typical and famous places... Greece has more than 2,000 islands, of which about 280 are inhabited... there are some islands that are known for their incredible sandy beaches, natural features and authentic villages, while others have a significant nightlife scene or strong cultural traditions... a place where historic ruins, volcanic cliffs, and friendly locals meet the clear-blue Mediterranean Sea.... it has the longest coastline in the Mediterranean with 13 676 km and one of the longest coastlines in the world... and a popular holiday destination for Belgian people... Thanks Athina! (✿ ♥‿♥)

Greece  is a mountainous country in Southeast Europe in the Mediterranean Sea, its capital and largest city is Athens. It is situated on the southern tip of the Balkans, and is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa.

The country shares land borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey. The name Macedonia was disputed by Greece and the country to the north of Greece changed its name to North Macedonia in February 2019. The Greek coastline borders the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea as well as the Libyan and Crete Seas.

Stamp:

The Greek Revolution of 1821 Through the Children's Eyes  

(Issued 07-10-2021)

GREECE ~ Socrates Quote ~

... "One thing that I know very well is that I know nothing"... an interesting and powerful quote by Socrates... there is no significant explanation from Socrates regarding to the quote... it is an opened door to think and analyze... there are so many interpretations and discussions... he was by far one of the most important philosophers... famous for questioning everything in life and the world... however, he wrote no works of his own... therefore we come to know about Socrates’ life and teachings through his student and friend Plato... all this *philosophical thinking* is a bit to complicated for me🤔😓... Thanks a lot Gian Luca and Raffaella! (✿ ♥‿♥)

Socrates was born circa 470 BC in Athens. He was a classical Greek (Athenian) philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy, and as being the first moral philosopher of the Western ethical tradition of thought.

Socrates was 70 years old when his trial and execution took place. This was in 399 BC. The trial happened because according to his accusers, Socrates was “refusing to recognize the gods recognized by the state”, and “corrupting the youth”. Because he had an anti-democratic point of view.

He had three hours to present his case and to defend himself, instead, he presented philosophical ideas which the 500 members of the jury refused to understand. He was also given the option to get exiled from Athens. But he declined the offer. Thus, Socrates was given a cup of poison hemlock to drink. And that made him his own executor.

Stamp:

Tourism
(Issued 08-08-2014)

GREECE ~ Lion Gate - Mykines - UNESCO ~

... Impressive view of the historical entrance to Mykines... one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece... they form parts of its fortified walls which once stood 18m high and 6 to 8m thick...  today Mykines contains several well-preserved sites... the ruins are a mix of history and myth... this great Ancient Greek city is linked to several works of cultural significance, including the Odyssey and the Iliadin... it was also the Kingdom of the King Agamemnon who was the leader of Greece in the Trojan War... Thanks a lot Athina! ❀◕ ‿ ◕❀

Mycenae is an archaeological site near Mykines located in Argolis, north-eastern Peloponnese. It was once the city at the centre of the Mycenaean civilization between 1600BC and 1100BC and this ancient citadel site sit on top of a rocky 278m hill. The citadel is half-hidden in a mountain recess between two triangular peaks: Profitis Ilias (750m) and Mount Zara (600m).

The Lion Gate guards and provides the main access to the citadel. The two lions arranged symmetrically around a column is the first example of representational monumental sculpture in the European continent. The relief sculpture is carved of gray limestone, but the heads of the lions were added on (probably made of steatite or metal) and have been lost since antiquity.

The gate was closed by a double, heavy wooden door which were secured by a sliding bar. It is dated to about 1249 BCE, and it was added during the second building phase of the citadel.

The archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns are on the UNESCO WHS list since 1999.

Stamp:

The 190th Anniversary of the Hellenic Army Academy
(Issued 15-06-2018)

GREECE ~ Esfigmenou monastery - Mount Athos - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of one of the many monasteries on Mount Athos... they have some of the world's most significant examples of Byzantine art, Orthodox icons, and both religious and literary treasures.. only males are allowed visiting Mount Athos... the number is limited to only ten permits a day for non-orthodox visitors (foreigners) and 100 for Greeks and Orthodox visitors... women can admire the magnificent monasteries by cruising along the west coast... although isolated from the outside world, Athos has been the home of many influential monks and has had a significant impact on the development of the Orthodox tradition... Thanks Sylvie!!❀◕ ‿ ◕❀

Mount Athos -commonly known as the Holy Mountain- is the spiritual capital of the Orthodox Christian world since 1054, consisting of 20 monasteries, 12 skites, and about 700 houses, cells or hermitages. It lies on a peninsula in the Aegean Sea dominated by the majestic 2,000m conical peak of Mount Athos.

Mount Athos forms a self-governed monastic state within the sovereignty of Greece. Spiritually, it comes under the direct jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

The Holy Monastery of Esphigmenou was founded around the 10th or 11thC and rest on the northwestern coast of the peninsula of the Holy Mountain. The Monastery 's main church is dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord having eight chapels and seven exterior ones. Esphigmenou ‘s Monastery has suffered various times of pirate’s raids and destructive fires.

Mount Athos has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

Stamp:

World Bee Day
(Issued 20-05-2018)

GREECE ~ Oia - Santorini ~

... And the surprises keep coming with postcards of the most breathtakingly beautiful Greece islands💙...  Santorini is a well-known island of the Cyclades with iconic cliffside setting ... picturesque Oia is famous for its magical sunsets... with its windmill, narrow streets, blue domes and typical "cave houses"... to this day laws protect the natural and architectural beauty of the town from modern manifestations, such as public electrical wires... Big Thanks dear Glenn for taking me with you on your cruise holiday!! (>‿♥)

Santorini (known locally as Thira) is the remnant of a volcano in the middle of the sea, which in the last 2 million years has erupted at least 12 times.  As a result of devastating eruptions that this island gets its unique shape like a crescent moon.

According to legend, the island is formed from a strip of land that was thrown into the ocean from the Argo, the ship of Greek mythology.

Oia is a small community on the island. Along the cliff of Oia, houses have been delved into the porous volcanic rock (left over from a large volcanic explosion many years ago that sunk the center of the island).

Parts of these houses are visible and the scenery that results from it is generally perceived as being typically Greek.

Stamp:

Greek Personalities Living Abroad
(Issued 01-09-2016)

GREECE ~ Mykonos ~

... Another famous Greek islands and popular holiday resort... the white pearl of the Cyclades Islands... crystal clear sea... white houses with their balconies directly overlooking the Mediterranean... a fleet of small fishing boats casting colourful reflections in the azure waters... view of the windmills standing imposingly on the hillside above, set against a luminous blue sky... this “Island of the Winds” is a paradise for water sport enthusiasts...300 days of ☀️sunshine☀️... Need I say more? Thanks so much Glenn!ツ

Mykonos is part of the Cyclades almost in the centre of the Aegean Sea.

In Greek mythology, Mykonos was named after its first ruler, Mykonos, the son or grandson of the god Apollo and a local hero.

Also according to mythology, the island was the place where Heracles killed the giants. The rocks around the island are supposedly their corpses!!!

Stamp:

Greek Personalities Living Abroad
(Issued 01-09-2016)

GREECE ~ Corfu ~

... A pile of postcards and a laptop that doesn't start up ... frustrating😒... fingers crossed🤞 everything is back to normal... so here is *finally* the beautiful aerial view of the Old Town of Corfu, fortress and nearby marinas...  a picturesque Greek paradise... it attracts more than one million tourists per year and has become a favorite destination for summer holidays (also for a lot of Belgian people) ... with many historical and religious monuments, lush greenery, olive trees and splashed by turquoise waters... Big Thanks dear Andrene!! \_(♥‿♥)_/



Corfu (Kérkyra) Island is the second largest of the Ionian island group, the major town is Corfu. The island is located in the northern Ionian Sea, opposite the coast of the Greek mainland and is the westernmost part of Greece.

It is an island with a long history, and has been notable in Greek culture and tradition for over 3000 year.

Historically Corfu has been controlled by many foreign powers, notably the Venetians, French, and British.






Photo by Stavros & Kostas Marmatakis






Stamp:

The Seven Wise Men of Antiquity
(Issued 27-07-2017)

GREECE ~ Acropolis of Lindos - Rhodes - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of the most important tourist attractions on the island of Rhodes, the ancient city of Lindos.... above the modern town rises the acropolis of Lindos... a steep footpath climbs the 116m high rock to reach the beautifully preserved Acropolis... from the acropolis you have on one side the magical views of the surrounding harbours and coastline...on the other side is the bay of St. Paul, where according to tradition, the Apostle Paul came ashore in the year 57 AC... Thanks so much Andrene!! (✿ ♥‿♥)

The Acropolis of Lindos is a citadel or fortress that according to history was designed to defend and protect a place against external attacks. These citadels are constructed on hills since the view is better and easier to see if someone or a group is fast approaching. The ancient citadel, was exploited not only by the ancient Greeks but also by the Romans, the Byzantines, St. John’s Knights and finally by the Turks.

The walls surrounding the Acropolis are the remnants of the Knights Headquarters built here in the 14thC. Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influences can be observed in the various structures that survive, but the most notable ones are the Hellenistic Stoa (200 BC) and the Doric-style Temple of Athena of Lindos (around 300 BC).

Stamp

Tourism
(Issued 08-08-2014)

GREECE ~ Temple of Poseidon - Sounion - UNESCO (tentative) ~

... Amazing sunset view of one of Greece’s most impressive archaeological sites and most photographed monuments....  the temple of Poseidon, the God of the Seas in Greek Mythology... perched high on the sea cliffs with magnificent panoramic view of the Aegean Sea.... it was a place where mariners, cities and states were making sacrifices to Poseidon.... the site was chosen for its direct relationship with the sea, since this was the last piece of land seen by ships departing from Athens and the first on returning from their voyage... it is a popular day-excursion for tourists from Athens, as they can watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea from the ruins, a magical moment... Thanks a lot Rafael!! ❁◕ ‿ ◕❁

Cape Sounion (Cape of Columns") is situated at the southernmost tip of the Attic peninsula.

The temple was constructed  between 444 and 440 BC, this was during the ascendancy of Athenian statesman Pericles, who also rebuilt the Parthenon in Athens, and it is perched above the sea at a height of 60m. It is made of locally quarried white marble. The architect is thought to be Ictinus (or Iktinos), who built the Temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient agora in Athens.

The remnants of the temple’s marble sculptures are now displayed at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens and the Mineralogical Museum of Lavrio, with one column on display at the British Museum in England.

Stamp:

The Seven Wise Men of Antiquity
(Issued 27-07-2017)