The Most Popular Building in Greece, Ranked

Choose the building you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:31
In the heart of Greece, amidst its sun-kissed landscapes and azure shores, stand structures that have weathered ages, bearing witness to the ingenuity of ancient architects. These buildings not only captivate visitors with their enduring beauty but also serve as enduring symbols of cultural heritage. By curating a list of the most admired buildings, we offer a unique lens through which history and modern appreciation converge. This curated ranking emerges from the opinions of people around the world, reflecting a global appreciation for Greek architecture. Each vote helps to shape the evolving narrative of which structures resonate most in contemporary times. We invite everyone to contribute their perspectives, ensuring that the list represents a wide array of insights and affections towards Greece's architectural marvels.

What Is the Most Popular Building in Greece?

  1. 1
    85
    votes
    This iconic temple is the most famous building in Greece, symbolizing the pinnacle of ancient Greek architecture and culture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of visitors each year.
    The Parthenon is an ancient temple located on the Acropolis hill in Athens, Greece. It is considered one of the most important surviving structures of Classical Greece.
    • Type: Temple
    • Architecture Style: Ancient Greek
    • Construction Period: 447–438 BC
    • Dedicated To: Goddess Athena
    • Material: Marble
  2. 2
    27
    votes
    The Acropolis in Athens
    A.Savin · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This ancient citadel contains several important buildings, including the Parthenon, and is another UNESCO World Heritage site. The site offers stunning views of the city and its history spans over 2,500 years.
    The Acropolis in Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky hilltop overlooking the city of Athens, Greece. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of ancient Greek civilization. The Acropolis is home to several important ancient structures, including the famous Parthenon.
    • Location: Athens, Greece
    • Height: 156 meters
    • Construction Period: 447 to 438 BC
    • Architectural Style: Greek Classical
    • Materials Used: Marble, limestone
  3. 3
    27
    votes
    The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens
    Ava Βabili · CC BY-SA 4.0
    This massive temple was once the largest in Greece, built over a period of several centuries. Today, only a few columns remain standing, but they are an impressive sight to behold.
    The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, also known as the Olympieion, is a colossal ancient temple dedicated to the king of gods in Greek mythology, Zeus. Situated in the heart of Athens, Greece, it is an iconic symbol of the ancient Greek civilization.
    • Location: Athens, Greece
    • Size: Measured 96 meters long, 40 meters wide, and with columns reaching a height of 17 meters
    • Style: Corinthian architecture
    • Materials: Pentelic marble
    • Number of Columns: 104 originally, 15 are still standing today
  4. 4
    20
    votes
    The Ancient Agora in Athens
    Geraki · CC BY-SA 3.0 gr
    This was once the center of public life in Athens, where citizens gathered to discuss politics and philosophy. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and contains several important ruins, including the Temple of Hephaestus.
    The Ancient Agora in Athens is a historic site located in the heart of Athens, Greece. It was originally a public gathering place and marketplace during ancient times, serving as the political, commercial, and social hub of the city. This expansive archaeological site showcases the ruins of numerous important buildings and structures, providing valuable insights into the daily life and activities of the ancient Athenians.
    • Location: Athens, Greece
    • Period: 5th century BC
    • Purpose: Public gathering place and marketplace
    • Significance: Political, commercial, and social hub of ancient Athens
    • Size: Approximately 39 acres (16 hectares)
  5. 5
    16
    votes
    The Palace of Knossos on Crete
    Deror_avi · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This ancient Minoan palace is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, dating back to the Bronze Age. It is believed to have been the center of Minoan civilization and is a testament to the engineering and artistic achievements of the ancient Greeks.
    The Palace of Knossos on Crete is the most famous archaeological site in Greece and one of the most important ancient structures in Europe. It is a magnificent palace complex dating back to the Minoan civilization, specifically the Bronze Age. The palace is located near the modern city of Heraklion on the island of Crete.
    • Age: Constructed during the Bronze Age
    • Size: The palace covered an area of approximately 20,000 square meters
    • Architecture: Featured complex and intricate design with multiple levels and rooms
    • Frescoes: Adorned with vibrant and detailed frescoes depicting various scenes of daily life and mythology
    • Labyrinth: The palace is associated with the myth of the Minotaur and the labyrinth
  6. 6
    13
    votes
    The Monasteries of Meteora
    Ioannis Ioannidis · CC BY-SA 4.0

    The Monasteries of Meteora

    Various monks and craftsmen
    These stunning monasteries are perched on top of towering rock formations, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. They are a testament to the persistence and determination of the Greek Orthodox monks who built them in the 14th and 15th centuries.
    The Monasteries of Meteora is a complex of six Eastern Orthodox monasteries perched atop towering rock formations in central Greece. These monasteries have been an iconic and UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. The word 'meteora' means 'suspended in the air' or 'in the heavens above' in Greek, which aptly describes the breathtaking location of these monasteries. They were built by monks seeking solitude and spiritual enlightenment in the 14th and 16th centuries, creating a unique blend of natural and man-made beauty.
    • Location: Central Greece, near the town of Kalabaka
    • Number of Monasteries: Originally 24, currently 6
    • Construction Period: 14th to 16th centuries
    • Rock Formations: Large natural sandstone pillars
    • Height: Ranging from 400 to 600 meters (1,300 to 2,000 feet)
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion
    Berthold Werner · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This ancient temple is located on a rocky outcropping overlooking the Aegean Sea, offering stunning views of the sunset. It is believed to have been a place of worship for sailors and is a popular tourist destination.
    The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is an ancient Greek temple located on the southeastern tip of the Attica peninsula in Greece. It is dedicated to the god of the sea, Poseidon, who was highly revered by the ancient Greeks as the protector of sailors and the creator of earthquakes.
    • Location: Sounion, Attica peninsula, Greece
    • Architecture: Doric order
    • Construction Period: 5th century BCE
    • Material: White marble
    • Style: Ancient Greek
  8. 8
    14
    votes
    This ancient sanctuary was once the center of the world, according to ancient Greek mythology. It was a place of pilgrimage and oracle, where people would come to seek guidance from the gods. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and contains several important ruins, including the Temple of Apollo.
    The Archaeological Site of Delphi is one of the most popular and important ancient sites in Greece. Located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, it was once considered the center of the world in Greek mythology and served as the site of the Delphic Oracle. The site is famous for its historical and religious significance, as well as its well-preserved ruins and breathtaking scenery.
    • Location: Mount Parnassus, Greece
    • Importance: One of the most important ancient sites in Greece
    • Historical Significance: Center of the world in Greek mythology
    • Religious Significance: Site of the Delphic Oracle
    • Ruins: Well-preserved
  9. 9
    3
    votes
    The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
    Fingalo · CC BY-SA 2.0 de

    The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

    Polycleitus the Younger
    This ancient theater is considered one of the best-preserved in Greece and is renowned for its incredible acoustics. It was built in the 4th century BC and can seat up to 14,000 people.
    The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is a well-preserved ancient Greek theatre located in the archaeological site of Epidaurus, Greece. It is considered one of the most significant and best-preserved examples of ancient theatre architecture. Built in the late 4th century BC, it was primarily used for theatrical performances and religious ceremonies in honor of the god Asclepius, the ancient Greek god of healing. The theatre is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and beautiful aesthetics, attracting visitors from around the world who come to experience its unique atmosphere and watch performances of ancient Greek drama that are still held there today.
    • Capacity: Estimated 12,000 to 14,000 spectators
    • Diameter: 98 meters
    • Stage width: 23.5 meters
    • Orchestra diameter: 20 meters
    • Seating arrangement: 22 rows of seats in the lower section, 21 rows in the upper section
  10. 10
    1
    votes
    The Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki
    C messier · CC BY-SA 4.0
    This collection of churches and other buildings dates back to the Byzantine era and is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Greece. The most famous of these buildings is the Hagia Sophia, which was modeled after its namesake in Istanbul.
    The Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki is a collection of several historical buildings located in Thessaloniki, Greece. These monuments illustrate the rich Byzantine heritage of the city and have great cultural and architectural significance. The collection includes churches, fortifications, and other structures that date back to the Byzantine period.
    • Location: Thessaloniki, Greece
    • Year of Construction: Various centuries from the 4th to the 15th
    • Architectural Style: Byzantine
    • Number of Monuments: Around 20
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes

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Ranking factors for popular building

  1. Historical significance
    Consider the historical importance of the building, its connection to Greek history, mythology, and culture.
  2. Architectural value
    Understand the building's architectural style, design, and any unique features that make it stand out among other structures. Additionally, consider the building's influence on the development of Greek architecture or its representation of a particular period in Greek architectural history.
  3. Cultural or religious significance
    Analyze the building's role in the cultural or religious practices and beliefs of the Greek people and its impact on their identity.
  4. Tourist popularity
    Consider the number of visitors the building attracts each year and its overall popularity among both domestic and international tourists.
  5. World Heritage status
    Determine if the building is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, which recognizes its international significance and grants it protection and preservation support.
  6. Aesthetics
    Take into account the aesthetic appeal of the building, including its design, layout, and surrounding landscape or setting.
  7. Preservation and conservation
    Evaluate the building's condition, efforts to preserve and protect it, and any restorations that have taken place.
  8. Accessibility and location
    Consider the ease of access to the building, its proximity to major transportation networks, and the availability of nearby accommodations and attractions.
  9. Education and research
    Assess the building's role in promoting a better understanding of Greek history, culture, and architecture among the general public and scholarly community.
  10. Social media exposure
    Analyze the building's popularity on different social media platforms, as this may be an indicator of its overall popularity, especially among younger generations.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular building in Greece. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or building is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1470 views
  • 215 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each building once every 24 hours. The rank of each building is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular building in greece

Greece, a country located in the southeastern part of Europe, is known for its rich history and culture, which is reflected in its architecture. From ancient ruins to modern structures, Greece has a lot to offer when it comes to beautiful buildings. But which one stands out as the most popular? This is a question that has sparked many debates and discussions. In this article, we will explore some of the most iconic buildings in Greece and let our readers decide which one they think deserves the title of "most popular".

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