UNESCO - Meteora, Greece

In a region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks, monks settled on these 'columns in the sky' from the 11th century onwards. Twenty four of these monasteries were built, despite incredible difficulties, at the time of the great revival of the eremetic ideal in the 15th century. Their 16th-century frescoes mark  a key stage in the development of post-Byzantine painting.

Magical view isn't it? Its also what Antonio says, despite visiting the place in gloomy weather - or sometimes its exactly what adds to the mystical appeal. I've noticed I mostly posted donkeys and cats of Greece lately ('lately' being a loose term in this case haha), here is finally a view card :D Thank you Antonio:)

Kefalonian Long-Ears

Two ports on the Ionian islands was my first experience of Greece - I just can't seem to get there on my own..! Argostoli is the main port on the island of Kefalonia, it was pretty cool as the harbour is home to some sea turtles; first time I've seen one 'in the wild'. Also very happy with the mail, i.e. nice stamp and cancellation. 

Greek Cats

Great GREAT card from dear Ana!! I have received it a month ago and failed to let her know....so here is a huge T*H*A*N*K  Y*O*U here! *blush*. 

To be honest, I haven't even thought about postcards for more than a month...since I am on the break, and now it seems like it may even be a more permanent thing...I just think to myself 'wow, I never thought it may come to this'. Its a strange feeling, as I used to get so much joy from exchanging postcards. maybe its still early days to conclude anything, lets see..!

Greek Island Cat

Oh I love this card...Cute kittie in a beautiful surroundings. Still gotta visit Greece! Thanks so much Stella :)

Good incentive to pack one's bags ;)

Scratch Scratch

Another Greek donkey, thanks to Elektra, and a wonderful bike stamp! :))

Donkey Station

Fun postcard from Greece :) Hvala Judit!

UNESCO - Delos, Greece

The island of Delos  near Mykonos, near the centre of the Cyclades archipelago, is one of the most important mythological, historical and archaeological sites in Greece. According to Greek mythology, Apollo was born on this tiny island - Apollo's sanctuary attracted pilgrims from all over Greece and Delos was a prosperous trading port. The island bears traces of the succeeding civilizations in the Aegean world, from the 3rd millennium B.C. to the palaeochristian era.

The Terrace of the Lions was also dedicated to Apollo by the people of Naxos shortly before 600 BC, had originally nine to twelve squatting, snarling marble guardian lions along the Sacred Way.

 

When my PC friend told me he was going to work on an island which is in its entirety an archaeological site, I thought wow thats so cool! Thinking about it a bit more I realise it cant be that different from me working on this small island...though its much smaller, and well it doesnt have some awesome ruins scattered around heh. Thanks Vangelis :)

 

UNESCO - Archaeological Site Of Olympia, Greece

 

The sight of Olympia in a valley in the Peloponnesus has been inhabited since the prehistoric times; in addition to numerous temples and masterpieces from the ancient Greek world, there are remains of all the sports structures erected for the Olympic Games, which were held there every four years beginning in 776 B.C. - hence the image of lighting of the Olympic flame in the foreground.

Love this card, thank you Despina :)

UNESCO - Medieval City Of Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes (Greek: Ρόδος)  is the principal city on the island of Rhodes, an island in the Dodecanese, Greece. It has been famous since antiquity as the site of Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The Order of St John of Jerusalem occupied Rhodes from 1309 to 1523 and set about transforming the city into a stronghold. It subsequently came under Turkish and Italian rule. With the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Great Hospital and the Street of the Knights, the Upper Town is one of the most beautiful urban ensembles of the Gothic period. In the Lower Town, Gothic architecture coexists with mosques, public baths and other buildings dating from the Ottoman period.

Gorgeous view sent by Milde, and with a great variety of stamps - a treasure, thanks so much! :))

Street View Greece

A lovely detail of a house front in beautiful Greece; hvala Snježana!

(or it must be an extra large window..?! old entrance? Or does it just look like there are plants across the front..? In any case, very charming :))

UNESCO - Archaeological Site Of Delphi, Greece

The sanctuary of Delphi was the place where oracle of Apollo spoke, and was the site of the omphalos, the 'navel of the world' - Delphi in the 6th century BC was the religious centre and symbol of unity of the ancient Greek world. The site is situated on multiple terraces along the slope of Mount Parnassus in lower central Greece - the layout is a unique artistic achievement, situated in a magnificent natural setting which is still intact.

This photo shows Tholos, a circular building in Doric order, built around 380 BC at the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, located approximately half a mile from the main ruins.  Its function is unknown but almost certainly of main importance, judging from the fine workmanship and the high-standard relief decoration.

Many many thanks to Despina, for such a fine choice of a card and stamps! I don't think I can ever get enough of ancient sites, so much history :)

Donkeys - Carrying The Flower Baskets

Another great donkey surprise last week - this time from Violeta and her holiday in Greece. Thank you! :))

Donkeys From Greece

Greece seems to be an unfailing source of donkey postcards! :))) I am happy to have had a private swap with nikos, for these wonderful new additions to my collection - thank you!!

Heraklion, Crete, Greece

                   

When i tagged for this card in one of the Offer Tags i couldnt see the picture, but the mere description 'sunset view of Heraklion' was very tempting. I dont get many cards from Greece, and surely you'd agree its a stunning country with lots of diversity on offer.

Heraklion is the largest town on the island of Crete, and its administrative capital. It was founded in 824 AD by the saracens, not far from the ancient ruins of Knossos - the centre of Minoan culture. The Republic of Venice bought the city in the 13th century and built many fortifications, most of which still stand today. Nowdays Heraklion is an important shipping port, and gateway to the surrounding islands.

Thank you very much Nikos for this great card! :)

Donkeys - Cyprus and Greece

Both donkeys are from Violeta - forever thankful for these additions to my collection! :=D

The 1st donkey is sent from a holiday in Cyprus, the 2nd is a Greek donkey sent from Romania.