Olympia – Greece The sacred sanctuary of Olympia stands in the western Peloponnese and served as one of the most important religious centers of the ancient Greek world. Dedicated to Zeus, the site hosted the ancient Olympic Games, which were first held in 776 BCE. Athletes from across the Greek world gathered here every four […]
Mani Peninsula – Greece The rugged landscapes of the Mani Peninsula stretch along the southern edge of the Peloponnese, where steep mountains descend dramatically into the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The region has long been known for its fiercely independent communities and distinctive stone tower houses. For centuries local families constructed fortified towers to […]
Mystras – Greece The remarkable ruins of Mystras spread across a steep hillside near the modern city of Sparta in the southern Peloponnese. Founded in the 13th century, Mystras became one of the most important cities of the Byzantine Empire during its later centuries. Churches, monasteries, palaces, and fortified walls climb the mountainside beneath the […]
Mycenae – Greece The ancient citadel of Mycenae was one of the most powerful centers of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated much of the Greek world during the Late Bronze Age. Located in the northeastern Peloponnese, the fortified city controlled important trade routes across the region. Massive Cyclopean walls surround the citadel, constructed from enormous […]
Palamidi Fortress – Nafplio, Greece The imposing Palamidi Fortress rises high above the coastal town of Nafplio overlooking the Argolic Gulf. Built by the Venetians in the early 18th century, the fortress formed part of a network of defenses protecting the region during periods of conflict between European powers and the Ottoman Empire. Massive stone […]
Asklepieion at Epidaurus – Greece The sacred sanctuary of Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus was one of the most important healing centers of the ancient Greek world. Located in the northeastern Peloponnese, the sanctuary was dedicated to Asclepius, the deity associated with healing and medicine. Pilgrims traveled from across the Mediterranean seeking cures for illnesses […]
Titian: Women, Myth & Power This weekend, I went to see the Titian: Women, Myth & Power Exhibit in the Hostetter Gallery (August 12, 2021 – January 2, 2022). King Philip II of Spain hired Titian to create a series of monumental paintings between 1551 and 1562. These “landmarks” of western painting, the six poesie […]
