The archaeological park of Dion fascinates with the beauty of nature, the breath of antiquity and the abundance of the water element.
City of Zeus- this is how the name can be translated Dion.
Founded in ancient times at the foot of the city inhabited by the gods Olympus, the city has played a role throughout its history religious center Macedonia, and subsequently throughout Greece. Dion, in importance in ancient Hellas, was not inferior to such world-famous ancient Greek cultural and religious centers as Delphi And Olympia. World famous plays were staged here for the first time in the theater. Euripides"Archelaus" and "Bacchae". Here to the sounds of the divine lyre Orpheus Rivers stopped, wild animals were humbled, and trees and stones danced. Here they thanked the gods with abundant sacrifices Philip and Alexander the Great, after the Chaeronean victory of 338 BC. From here, having made sacrifices to Zeus and the Olympians after the defeat of Thebes, the Great Alexander went on his Asian campaign. Here, after the fall of Macedonia, during the era of Roman rule, the center of the province was located and its own coin was minted. With the arrival of the Ottoman Turks, the city was destroyed to the ground.
Archaeological 20th century surveys on site ancient Dion led to a breakthrough in the study of history ancient world and gave a huge number of unique finds, such as one of a kind musical instrument "Gidravlis" and several unique Macedonian mosaics, which are exhibited today in the Museum and Archaeological Park of Dion.
Helpful information
In the town, where the vast majority of the population today are Vlachs and Sarakats, unique crafts and culinary traditions, whom you can meet during traditional festivities, which are usually held in the spring before the start of Lent.
How to get there
Regular transport: Dion is located near a major city Katerini, where you can get there and by railway And by regular bus both from Athens and Thessaloniki.
Auto: from Athens along the E75 highway, passing the Platamonas fortress on the right side, follow the signs for DION; from Thessaloniki along the E75 highway, passing the town of Katerini, follow the signs for DION.
Ancient city Dion (Greece) - description, history, location. Exact address, phone number, website. Tourist reviews, photos and videos.
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Antique city Dion, dedicated to Zeus, was for many years overshadowed by the glory of Athens and Delphi, but now it has also become popular among tourists. Firstly, the famous commander Alexander the Great grew up here, and it was from here that he began his last campaign. And secondly, there are unique historical monuments on the territory.
Since the mid-20th century, Dion has become the center of archaeological excavations, and they are carried out even today. Scientists are excavating new structures and trying to unravel the mysteries of the ancient monastery and reveal its secrets. Over decades of research, a lot of interesting things were found, and over time the city began to be divided into two parts.
What to see
The first part is a residential area. Despite numerous earthquakes, it is surprisingly well preserved and consists of streets, houses, baths and public buildings. On one side of the main road paved with huge boulders with curbs there are administrative buildings, and on the other there are luxurious villas that belonged to noble citizens of those times. They still feature mosaic floors, swimming pools and striking architectural details. Other architectural and engineering delights include temples, baths, plumbing and toilets - all of this was built during the period of Roman rule.
The second part is represented by the ruins of the old cultural center - temple complex. Its highlight is the ruins of the temple of Isis, the goddess who became the ideal of female beauty and motherhood. The sanctuary is shrouded in an atmosphere of mystery and retains the spirit of past centuries.
Everything that was found in the settlement is in the Archaeological Museum of Dion. Artifacts, household items, collections of ancient coins, monuments, sculptures and a host of other interesting things are presented to tourists.
It is also interesting that a river flows through the city, taking its sources on Mount Olympus. During the period of Antiquity, it provided local residents with life-giving moisture and was a transport artery along which trade and cargo ships. However, these days it has become a threat to the preservation of historical heritage, as its waters regularly flood unique buildings.
Practical information
To get here, you need to get to the Pieria region, which is about 90 km from Thessaloniki. You can do this by train or bus. Both buses and trains depart from Thessaloniki KTEL Makedonia transport station, located at Monastirou 67.
There is an ancient town - Ancient Dio n. For a long time he was in the shadow of such largest cities like Delphi and Athens. And now it does not go unnoticed by travelers.
Dion is a city that was dedicated to Zeus. The world-famous great commander Alexander the Great spent his entire youth here. From this city he went on a campaign that led him to death.
Today, entrance to this ancient city is paid, but the impressions of everything you see will be simply amazing and unforgettable. The entire territory of the ruins can be roughly divided into 2 parts:
1. Well preserved, where even after strong and numerous earthquakes there remained neighborhoods with residential villas, public buildings and baths.
2. The ruins of the cultural and temple complex, where it’s incredible interesting object is the temple of Isis (to be more precise, the ruins of this sanctuary).
A river flows through the city, carrying its majestic waters from Olympus. Since ancient times, it has served as a source of vital moisture for local residents. It was navigable, i.e. was indeed a very large transport artery. But today it is precisely this that threatens the preservation of most monuments architectural monuments antiquity, flooding them. And maybe this happens by the will of the gods themselves.
Residential area of Dion
This part of the ancient city is the most interesting and intriguing. This is noted by every traveler who has been here at least once. Even the main road already makes a lasting impression. It is paved with huge boulders. At the same time, the boundaries of this trail are designed in the form of curbs. Along the road on one side there are many administrative buildings. But on the other side, there are charming villas that belonged to wealthy citizens of that time.
Everything is perfect in these villas:
There are luxurious floors created using the mosaic technique;
There are numerous swimming pools;
The architecture is incredibly diverse and vibrant.
You just need to add a little of your own imagination and imagine how people look out of the windows local residents. And someone is walking along the streets among all these buildings. You can even draw Alexander the Great himself, walking through local neighborhoods with his friends and comrades, discussing a plan for revenge on the Persians.
When the Romans came to power in Greece, Dion began to change somewhat. At this time, not only thermal baths appeared in the city, but also toilets, and running water was installed. It was the Romans who ordered the construction of numerous temples here.
Since 1920, Dion has become a site where archaeological excavations are constantly carried out. They don't stop today. Perhaps scientists will find many more secrets and mysteries of antiquity that this ancient city dedicated to Zeus conceals.
Ancient Dion It also has its own unique Archaeological Museum. All those artifacts that were ever found on the territory of the city during excavations are presented here. In the museum's collection you can see ancient coins, sculptures, monuments, household items and much more.
All travelers who are interested in the antiquities and history of Greece really want to come here. Therefore, you should not miss the opportunity to be here. Especially if your vacation spot is
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Among the attractions of mainland Greece there is a whole scattering of such places that will take your breath away. We have already talked about some of them, for example, about. Today I will tell you about another amazing and atmospheric place - the ancient city of Zeus.
An hour's drive from the Pieria region, right at the foot of Olympus, is the small village of Dion. Life here flowed uneventfully until 1806, when the British traveler William Luke suggested that the sacred city of Zeus was located on this site in antiquity. The excavations that began confirmed his assumption and immediately glorified the Greek village throughout the world.
Now Dion is a vast archaeological park on the Greek mainland, where excavations are still ongoing. Coming here, you get a wonderful opportunity to stroll through the streets of the ancient city, feel the atmosphere of Hellas, its life and culture.
The first mention of the existence of a city in the foothills of Olympus belongs to Hesiod. It was he who in the 7th century. BC. sang the divine love of the thunderer Zeus and the charming Greek woman Fia, daughter of the forefather of the Greeks Deucalion. According to legend, this love gave the world two sons - Macedon and Magnet. It was they who settled at the foot of Mount Olympus, building here a sanctuary of their father Zeus (in Greek, Dios). This sanctuary gave the name to the ancient city.
In the IV-III centuries. BC. The Macedonian king Arhalai, inspired by the story of Hesiod, founded on this place Big City, which very quickly became the cultural and spiritual center of Macedonia, comparable in importance to Olympia and Delphi. Temples, stadiums and theaters were built here, streets were paved with paving stones, and numerous sculptures were decorated. On the stage of the Dion Theater, the greatest ancient tragedian Euripides repeatedly showed his famous works.
Here his famous son, Alexander the Great, organized magnificent festivities and sports competitions so beloved by the Greeks. From here Alexander went on a military campaign to the East and here he erected a monument to 25 of his best cavalry warriors - hetaira - who laid down their lives for their king in the battle on the Granicus in May 334 BC. The monument is made in the form of shields and armor, which are located on the wall near the main road of the city.
After the death of Alexander the Great, Greece fell under the yoke of the Roman Empire and, although it enjoyed some freedom, many temples were destroyed and looted, monuments and sculptures were taken to Rome.
Later, in the 14th century. the city was completely destroyed by the Turks, and a series of earthquakes and floods completed the picture.
For several centuries these places fell into oblivion, and only the famous discovery of William Luke gave Dion new life. Now it is one of the most visited archaeological parks in mainland Greece, famous throughout the world.
What to see in Dion?
Many buildings and perpendicular cobblestone streets in Dion have been well preserved for 2,500 years. It seems that now a chariot will appear around the bend, and residents of Hellas will run past, hurrying to the central square with jugs. However, the hum big city remains only in our imagination. Currently, the park is filled with peaceful silence and tranquility.
Literally right at the entrance, you will be greeted by several ancient sanctuaries. The first is dedicated to the fertility goddess Demeter.
A little further, across the bridge, is the main sanctuary in honor of the god Zeus. The sculpture of the Thunderer in the altar of the temple does not in any way remind of the strength of its owner. Zeus looks more like ordinary person, sitting on a throne in simple sandals, and only sculptures of eagles nearby indicate that this is the supreme god of the Olympic pantheon.
Another sanctuary, found in the archaeological park of Dion, is now flooded with water. A small river currently flows inside the temple and along the main road. Initially, Aphrodite of the foothills of Olympus was worshiped here; later Aphrodite was “replaced” by the Egyptian goddess of femininity and motherhood, Isis.
Near the temple there are several sculptures recreated by restorers. In a niche you can meet the goddess Isis, next to her companion is little Harpocrates - the Egyptian god of the winter sun, and on the opposite side of the river is the inspired Julia, who most likely lived in Dion and donated money for the restoration of temples.
Harpocrates - Egyptian god of the winter sun
Red poppies bloom in spring on the site of the preserved foundations of ancient houses. An incredible sight! New life among thousand-year-old stones preserving the memory of the past.
The foundation of the covered market with many small rooms around the perimeter has also been preserved here. In the center is a unique mosaic floor dating back to the 3rd century. BC. The composition depicts two pairs of athletes-wrestlers and slave boys at the edges. The mosaic is perfectly preserved. Only some fragments have been lost.
Nearby is an unusual device with recesses. In antiquity, this stone slab served as check scales. Bronze vessels with liquid were placed in the recesses. If the edge of the poured liquid coincides with the edge of the vessel, it means that you were not deceived in the market.
Behind the church there is a stunning view of the Olympic mountain range, where, according to legend, all the Greek gods lived. The peaks of Olympus are almost always hidden behind the clouds; it is considered rare luck to see them in their full grandeur.
Picturesque paths dotted with white daisies lead to a very mysterious structure. A hundred small pillars grow from the ground. We begin to wonder what they could serve for?
It turns out that these are ancient baths - thermal baths. On these posts there was a wooden floor, under which hot air circulated. Hollow walls were heated using the same principle. The thermal baths had pools with cold and hot water, as well as sewage drains. And this is all 2.5 thousand years ago! Here we see fragments of a mosaic floor that has been preserved for thousands of years.
IN ancient Greece Only men had the right to use public toilets. The seats are so close that people also gathered here to discuss important political and social matters. Rich men could send a slave here before visiting to warm the stone place.
At his feet, fresh running water flowed in a groove and a sea sponge swam. In ancient times, a sponge was used as toilet paper, and there was only one for everyone. It sounds a little wild, but quite civilized.
It was with a public toilet that the ancient city most often began, and it is now that it most often becomes the last point on the route of an organized excursion.
If you have time, take another walk. In the archaeological park of Dion, you will also find the Villa of Dionysus, which includes living quarters, workshops, a banquet hall, a library and a swimming pool, and an ancient amphitheater, which to this day hosts festivals of musical and theatrical art, and a stadium from which, like 2.5 thousand years ago, Olympic marathon runners began their run.
A complete list of attractions of the archaeological park can be found on the official website on the Internet. There are Greek, English and German versions with an interactive map.
On your way out, don’t forget to grab some water flowing straight from the top of the Olympic Mountains. This water is fresh and cold. Note to girls: in antiquity, the Greeks believed that water from the top of Olympus gives eternal youth and beauty. Who knows, maybe so? 🙂
How to get to the Archaeological Park of Dion?
Some tips on how to get here.
Of course, if it’s easier, you can take . Most often, excursions are organized from Thessaloniki or Chalkidiki and in one day they visit not only the archaeological park of the city of Zeus Dion, but also the Olympic mountain range. A similar excursion can be found from other cities of mainland Greece, for example, from Athens. True, it’s a long way to go from there.
You can get to Dion and public transport, for example, the same intercity buses KTEL systems of Pieria. True, you will have to travel with a transfer. First to Katerini (the capital of Pieria, where Dion is located), and then also by bus or taxi. The distance from Katerini is fifteen kilometers.
Do you prefer trains? Then from the Thessaloniki railway station you need to go towards Athens to the town of Litochoro. There is an archaeological park 10 kilometers from Litochoro. This distance, for example, can be covered by taxi.
Features of visiting the archaeological park of Dion in Greece
There is a fee to visit the archaeological park. In 2014 the cost entrance ticket was 4 euros, now approximately 6 euros.
In summer (from April to October) the park is open every day except Mondays, from 8:00 to 19:00. In winter (November to March), opening hours are reduced by 4 hours: from 8:00 to 15:00.
Photography is permitted on the territory of the archaeological park.
Visit the ancient city of Dion and I guarantee you will never regret the time spent. The former greatness amazes and makes you stand in awe at the remains of the walls of houses, stone sculptures of gods and inhabitants, monuments of military exploits and evidence of the developed Greek civilization that have survived to this day.
But I’m not saying goodbye to Greece. Getting to know it and its attractions has just begun. Stay tuned for new posts.
