Photo Tour: Landmarks of Greece Quiz

The iconic white buildings with domed roofs painted in shades of blue reflect Santorini's traditional Cycladic architecture, which was designed to combat the region's intense sunlight while evoking a sense of serenity against the deep blue sea and sky.

Santorini is dotted with charming churches adorned with these blue-domed roofs, particularly in villages like Oia and Fira; these structures, set against the stunning backdrop of the caldera and crystal-clear waters, make Santorini a celebrated destination not only for its beauty but also for its history.

The Palace of Knossos, located on the island of Crete, was constructed around 1900 BC and represents the pinnacle of the Minoan civilization. This complex is comprised of various structures interconnected by courtyards, corridors, and staircases, showcasing the intricate architectural design of the time. One of its remarkable features is the vibrant frescoes adorning the walls, depicting scenes of daily life, nature, and ceremonial events, offering insights into Minoan culture and artistic prowess.

At the center of the palace's throne room stands a reconstructed gypsum throne, believed to have been the focal point of the room, possibly used by a prominent figure like a ruler or priestess. The room features an elevated dais, possibly where the throne was placed. Its strategic positioning within the palace, with its access to courtyards and other important areas, further hints at its significance as a space for gatherings, ceremonies, or audience with leaders.

The Parthenon was constructed between 447 and 438 BC during the Golden Age of Athens. Its architectural style epitomizes the Doric order, characterized by sturdy columns, a pedimented roof, and intricate sculptural details. The temple was built in response to the Greco-Persian Wars, serving as a symbol of Athenian victory and dedication to the goddess Athena, the city's patron deity.

Situated atop the Acropolis in Athens, the Parthenon held a central religious and civic function, housing a colossal statue of Athena Parthenos and serving as a treasury, showcasing Athens' wealth and power. Its exterior was adorned with intricate sculptures as well as friezes, which wrapped around the temple's upper part and depicted scenes from Greek mythology and Athenian life. The east pediment showcased the birth of Athena, while the west pediment depicted a contest between Athena and Poseidon. Inside the Parthenon, a colossal statue of the goddess Athena Parthenos stood, crafted by the renowned sculptor Phidias.

Constructed between 1711 and 1714, the Palamidi Fortress, located in Nafplio, Greece, is a remarkable architectural feat designed by the Venetian military engineer Agostino Sagredo. This imposing fortress showcases a blend of Venetian and Ottoman architectural styles, featuring sturdy walls, bastions, and imposing gates. Functioning as a defensive stronghold, the fortress served as a key strategic point, offering protection and control over the surrounding region.

Its bastions, including those named after prominent Greek heroes like Achilles and Leonidas, were crucial defensive positions named in homage to those legendary figures. They featured sturdy walls, cannons, and platforms from which soldiers could defend the fortress against potential attackers. The design and layout of the bastions allowed for effective surveillance and defense, solidifying the fortress's formidability.

The Roman Agora in Athens was built in the 1st century AD, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus. The Ancient Agora, dating back to the 6th century BC, was the heart of civic, commercial, and political life in ancient Athens. It served as a bustling marketplace, a place for social gatherings, and the seat of democratic governance. In contrast, the Roman Agora was constructed to accommodate the needs of the growing Roman population in Athens.

Some structures that still stand within the Roman Agora include the imposing Gate of Athena Archegetis, the Tower of the Winds, and the Fethiye Mosque, showcasing a blend of Roman, Hellenistic, and Ottoman influences. These surviving remnants offer insights into the urban planning and architectural styles of the Roman period in ancient Athens.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, constructed around the 4th century BC, is a marvel of ancient Greek architecture renowned for its near-perfect acoustics and design. The designer of this magnificent theater was possibly the Greek architect Polykleitos the Younger, though it is not definitively known. The theater's striking symmetry and exceptional acoustics demonstrate a high level of architectural expertise.

Functioning as part of the sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of healing, the theater served as a venue for dramatic performances and healing rituals. Its incredible preservation is attributed to its remote location and the use of limestone, which has helped protect the theater from erosion and weathering over centuries.

Bourtzi Castle, situated in Nafplio, Greece, was built in the 15th century, during Venetian rule of the region. It was constructed in the same manner as other Venetian fortresses, characterized by sturdy stone walls, bastions, and a prominent central tower, though since it was a water-castle built on a small islet, special architectural features had to be added.

Bourtzi Castle was built in response to increasing threats and invasions from various powers during the medieval period. At the time of its construction, the region of Nafplio was frequently targeted by pirates and rival forces vying for control of strategic maritime routes. The castle was, therefore, strategically positioned on a small islet near the harbor to safeguard the city and control incoming ships. It also later served as a residence for Ottoman governors and even as a prison. The strategic placement and sturdy construction of the fortress allowed it to withstand various sieges and invasions over the centuries.

Built in the 4th century BC, the Tholos of Delphi is a fascinating ancient Greek structure located within the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia near the archaeological site of Delphi. Its circular shape was unique among Greek temples of the time, consisting of a ring of twenty Doric columns surrounding an inner chamber called a cella. The columns formed a colonnade, creating an open space within the temple. The tholos had a smaller diameter compared to other temples, making it appear more compact and strikingly elegant. The structure was constructed using local limestone and marble.

The tholos was part of a larger complex dedicated to the goddess Athena. Though its exact function remains uncertain, it's believed to have served as a sanctuary, possibly housing treasuries or statues dedicated to Athena.

The many monasteries of Meteora were constructed from the 14th to 16th centuries, with an architectural style that embodies a unique blend of Byzantine and Eastern Orthodox influences. The monasteries were established with the aid of religious hermits and ascetics seeking solitude and spiritual contemplation in the rocky cliffs of Meteora. These figures, known as the "Holy Monks of Meteora," played a crucial role in founding and constructing the monastic communities. The function of these monasteries extended beyond religious practices to serve as centers of spiritual learning, preservation of religious manuscripts, and as havens during times of political turmoil and invasion.

Accessing the monasteries was initially a challenging feat, requiring ladders or ropes. Over time, stairs were carved into the rock or built using natural formations, providing easier access for both monks and visitors. Today, modernized staircases and pathways facilitate easier access to the Meteora monasteries, attracting tourists and pilgrims who marvel at their architectural grandeur.

The Temple of Poseidon in Sounion, Greece, was built around 440 BC during the Golden Age of Athens. Its architectural style is a stunning example of the Doric order, characterized by its sturdy columns, a pedimented roof, and a peripteral design with columns surrounding the temple's exterior. The temple served as a sanctuary dedicated to the god of the sea, Poseidon, and stood as a prominent landmark overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Among its notable features were the "kouroi," large statues of young men erected around the temple complex, possibly serving as votive offerings or commemorations of athletic victories. The temple's coastal location made it vulnerable to invasions, and it is believed that the original structure might have been destroyed by the Persian King Xerxes I during his campaign in 480 BC, only to be rebuilt later.

The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes was constructed in the 14th century, during the period of the Knights Hospitaller rule. Its architectural style reflects a blend of Gothic and Renaissance influences with its sturdy walls, towers, and impressive courtyards. Originally built as a fortress, the palace underwent various phases of construction and renovations, notably after an earthquake in 1481, which led to its reconstruction in a more lavish style.

Throughout history, the palace had a varied fate. After the Knights' rule, it was converted into a residence for Ottoman governors, leading to modifications in its architecture and usage. During the Italian occupation in the early 20th century, the Italians restored and reconstructed parts of the palace, aiming to recreate its medieval splendor. However, in 1944, the palace was severely damaged by an ammunition explosion. It wasn't until the late 20th century that the Greek government began restoration efforts.

The structure which houses the Academy of Athens, built between 1859 and 1885, stands as a testament to neoclassical architecture in Greece, though the institution itself was first established in 1926. The building's design by Danish architect Theophil Hansen pays homage to ancient Greek architectural elements, featuring Ionic columns, grand arches, and sculptures representing prominent Greek thinkers and philosophers.

The academy draws its name from the ancient Academy of Plato, a renowned center of learning in Athens. However, unlike the original Academy of Plato, which was a philosophical school, the modern Academy of Athens serves as a prestigious research institution. It hosts scholars across various disciplines, fostering scientific research, intellectual discussions, and academic pursuits. The building itself is a symbol of Greece's cultural and intellectual heritage, housing libraries, lecture halls, and meeting spaces for scholars to engage in scholarly endeavors and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.