Dion, GreeceDion highlightsKnown for archaeological park The Archaeological Park of Dion, the most important archaeological site at Mount Olympus in Greece, features several notable sanctuaries, including those dedicated to Zeus, Demeter, Artemis, Asklepios, and Isis. The Sanctuary of Demeter is the oldest, dating back to the Archaic period, while the Sanctuary of Zeus was built during the Hellenistic period. The site also includes a theater, which, although rebuilt in wood, was once a venue for concerts and shows. Other places in Greece that we are familiar withAcrocorinth - Known for fortress, medieval old town, viewpoint Aigai (Aegae) - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, museum; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Ancient Corinth - Known for archaeological site, museum Antirrio - Known for bridge, fortress, viewpoint Arachova - Known for free time, mountain town Argos - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, castle, orthodox cathedral; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site Arta - Known for bridge, byzantine empire, castle, museum, orthodox cathedral Athens - Known for archaeological site, museum; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Chalkida - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, marina, museum, viewpoint Corfu - Known for archaeological site, beach, fortress, historical center, island, marina, medieval old town, museum, promenade, scenic road, sightseeing, viewpoint Corinth - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site, beach, bridge, coastal town, fortress, landmark, viewpoint Corinth canal - Known for landmark, viewpoint Delphi - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site, museum; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Dimitsana - Known for bridge, hiking pass, mountain town, scenic road, viewpoint, orthodox monastery Diros - Known for cave, coastal town Dodoni - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site Elonas - Known for scenic road, viewpoint, orthodox monastery Epidaurus - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Galaxidi - Known for coastal town, marina, promenade Hosios Loukas - Known for orthodox monastery; monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Igoumenitsa - Known for beach, coastal town, seaport Oeniadae (Iniades) - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, walls; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site Ioannina - Known for ancient settlement, fortress, lake, museum, park, venetian empire, orthodox monastery Kalamata - Known for beach, castle, museum, orthodox cathedral Kalampaka - Known for museum, natural phenomenon, viewpoint Koroni - Known for beach, coastal town, fortress, promenade, viewpoint, orthodox church, orthodox monastery; fortress is a UNESCO Tentative List Site Koronisia - Known for beach, island, lagoon, marina, nature, wildlife Lamia - Known for castle Larissa - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site; ancient theatre is a UNESCO Tentative List Site Livadeia - Known for castle, medieval old town, river, waterfall Messene - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, landmark, museum, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site Mesolongi (Messolonghi) - Known for beach, coastal town, lake, landmark, promenade, wildlife Meteora - Known for landmark, nature, viewpoint, orthodox monastery; monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Methoni - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, viewpoint; castle is a UNESCO Tentative List Site Metsovo - Known for architecture, mountain town, museum, viewpoint, winery Monemvasia - Known for ancient settlement, beach, coastal town, hiking pass, island, medieval old town, viewpoint, orthodox church Mycenae - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Mystras - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, viewpoint, orthodox monastery; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Nafpaktos - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, marina, monument, museum, promenade, viewpoint Nafplio - Known for castle, coastal town, fortified town, fortress, historical center, marina, monument, museum, promenade, viewpoint; fortress is a UNESCO Tentative List Site; castle is a UNESCO Tentative List Site; fortified town is a UNESCO Tentative List Site Olympia - Known for archaeological site, museum; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Palace of Nestor - Known for archaeological site, architecture, landmark Parga - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, promenade Patras - Known for archaeological site, castle, coastal town, museum, promenade, seaport, viewpoint, winery, orthodox cathedral Porto Kagio - Known for beach, coastal town, marina, viewpoint Preveza - Known for castle, coastal town, marina, museum, seaport Pylos - Known for beach, bridge, castle, coastal town, fortress, marina, venetian empire, wildlife Rio - Known for beach, bridge, coastal town, fortress, seaport, viewpoint Sparta - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site Thermopylae - Known for landmark, monument Trikala - Known for castle, park Volos - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, beach, coastal town, marina, museum, nature, seaport Western Thrace - Known for beach, forest, lake, landmark, nature, park, river Last reviewed: 13 January 2025 Dion descriptionThe Archaeological Park of Dion is situated at the northeastern foot of Mount Olympus in Northern Greece, approximately 17 kilometers from Katerini and 5 kilometers from the sea. This strategic location allowed Dion to control the narrow defile leading from Macedonia to Thessaly. Dion was originally a small harbor on the Vaphyras river but was transformed into a sacred city by King Archaelos I at the end of the 5th century BC. Archaelos built a sanctuary to Zeus, and the city became known as Dion, meaning "of Zeus" in Greek. Over time, additional sanctuaries dedicated to Demeter, Artemis, Asklepios, and Isis were constructed, making Dion a significant religious and cultural site for the Macedonians. The archaeological park spans 150 hectares, with nearly 50 hectares dedicated to the urban area and another 50 hectares to the sanctuaries. The site includes residential buildings, a market square, public buildings, churches, bathhouses, and various workshops. The sanctuaries, theaters, and cemetery are located outside the city area. The park is characterized by its lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, including dragonflies, butterflies, lizards, and frogs. This natural beauty, combined with the ancient ruins, creates a unique and captivating environment for visitors. Dion is interesting for tourists due to its rich history and the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of historical figures like Alexander the Great, who made sacrifices to Zeus here before his conquests. The site offers a glimpse into ancient Macedonian culture and the blend of Hellenistic and Roman influences. The nearby archaeological museum, which houses many of the artifacts found at the site, adds to the visitor experience. Despite being rediscovered in 1806 and excavated since the 1920s, the site has been left largely unrestored to reflect the passage of time. This approach allows visitors to appreciate the fragility and authenticity of the ancient structures. The best times to visit are June and September, when the landscape is either lush and green or drier, offering different but equally fascinating experiences. Dion related toursWe at Monterrasol Travel welcome you to see Dion during multi-day private car tour. Contact us if you would like to customize your tour to Dion. We have developed several private tours that visiting beautiful Dion. But, if you have a special conditions or any from these tours fit you, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can organize a tour exactly as you would like. We charge nothing for develop a custom itinerary. And remember, we have no problems to take you from almost any place where you stay, hotel or private accommodation.
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