Mount Olympus, home of the ancient Greek gods, vies for World Heritage status
Summary
Mount Olympus in Greece, known as the home of the ancient Greek gods, is being considered for inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage List for its cultural and natural importance. The site combines mythology, ancient history, rich wildlife, and beautiful landscapes, and Greece hopes the designation will help protect and promote it worldwide.Key Facts
- Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece, rising to 2,918 meters (9,573 feet).
- It is famous in Greek mythology as the home of the 12 Olympian gods, including Zeus.
- There is an ancient open-air sanctuary on one of its lower peaks, dating back to the Hellenistic period (323–30 B.C.).
- The mountain features religious sites important to Christian Orthodox tradition, like the high-altitude chapel of Prophet Elias.
- Mount Olympus has diverse plants and animals, including some species found only there.
- Greece first applied for UNESCO World Heritage status for Mount Olympus in 2014.
- The nomination will be discussed at the UNESCO committee meeting in Busan, South Korea, at the end of July.
- Becoming a World Heritage site would recognize Mount Olympus’s global cultural and natural value and help protect it.
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