Halkidiki Art & Culture: Top 5 Spots You Should Check Out
Thinking of seeing Halkidiki? It’s almost famous just for its beaches, right? So many come to this place in Greece just thinking sun and sea. Very often people are unaware there’s quite a bit of fantastic culture that deserves a look. We are talking old sites, small museums, and art spots. You could very easily spend a day exploring something different from the beach, basically finding out what else this area is about.
1. Archaeological Museum of Polygyros: Ancient Stories
If you’re even a little bit interested in digging a little deeper into what Halkidiki has to show for itself, visiting the Archaeological Museum of Polygyros is a good starting point. It seems very clear it is here that old stuff found in the area come together. Basically you are shown all kinds of neat things that paint a picture of olden days. We’re talking about sculptures, old pots, fancy jewelry – a bit of everything, you see?
Many visitors spend a good while here, very much imagining what it was like to call this region home back then. It’s actually something else to see these items. They are pretty tangible. It’s very far removed from what you read in old dusty books. This is a fantastic way to kick off your explorations into Halkidiki’s past, clearly setting the stage for anything else you may want to investigate as you travel across the region. Read our full review: Archaeological Museum of Polygyros Full Review and Details
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2. Petralona Cave & Anthropological Museum: Early Human Life
Ever considered visiting a cave where evidence of very, very early humans has been unearthed? In other words, this location gives you that chance. Petralona Cave shows things that are rather mind blowing. That includes a human skull believed to be super old, in a way possibly being one of Europe’s most old finds. So much can be gleaned about what the planet and Halkidiki used to resemble by venturing inside.
The Anthropological Museum at the location sort of builds on what’s inside the cave. The bones, stone tools and ancient animal stuff helps in showing the full story. As a matter of fact, we are talking about our oldest family, too! It’s hard not to imagine ancient family members struggling just to get by in that age. A very worthy cultural location if you find such topics even a little fascinating. Read our full review: Petralona Cave Full Review and Details
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3. Stageira: Aristotle’s Birthplace
Have you ever heard about Aristotle? Maybe you remember him from school, right? Well, just so you are aware, that super intelligent Greek thinker first saw the light of day right here, in Stageira. The remains are now an archaeological site that many actually seek out to wander, perhaps soaking up something special through sheer proximity, basically touching something that great minds touched once.
The site offers amazing seaside looks, too. It might be that you don’t find what you would call detailed buildings or items to view, you understand? Nevertheless, taking time to imagine the location as Aristotle experienced it, as a growing youngster whose surroundings must surely have impacted his perception of life, is rather a good activity to let play out inside of your thoughts. Read our full review: Ancient Stageira Full Review and Details
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4. Afitos (Athitos) Village: Traditional Architecture
In case modern buildings are sort of tiring to look at, why not journey into Afitos village? Commonly also known as Athitos, there’s pretty interesting old building methods everywhere you look. With the stone streets, homes crafted from local rocks, so many people describe a trip there like traveling backwards through time. Very obviously they don’t build them quite like this any longer!
Furthermore, you get spectacular scenery to feast on there, too, looking over Toroneos Bay. Very likely you could spend some time simply wandering the little passages, appreciating how locals kept their culture very alive and well in every rock laid on rock in this village. So there may not be a single big must-see kind of location. This place is awesome at showing the old-world feel of the entire area, almost guaranteeing picture perfect snapshots everywhere you look. Read our full review: Afitos Village Full Review and Details
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5. Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolis: A Glimpse into History
How about seeing old defensive structures? They speak of so many things and so often hold fascinating accounts behind their construction. The Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolis surely fits that idea! This ancient lookout post offers insight. Did you know it stood through so many attacks throughout the years?
Once you go to the top, we are talking about scenic landscapes. Some visit it just for the scenes! The location brings those bygone days alive, very likely delivering thoughtful insights into what existence was alike centuries ago. Stop by if you are seriously drawn toward military lore or if awesome outlooks of the neighborhood tend to get you hyped up. Read our full review: Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolis Full Review and Details
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