The Modern Town
South of Olympia, near the end of the Peloponnesian peninsula, stands the modern town of Sparta. It remains the capital of the province of Laconia and is still an important regional center. The town is beautifully located in a fertile valley, surrounded by mountains, yet many travelers in earlier times described it as unhealthy due to poor water supply and swampy conditions.
The Ancient Ruins
Although Sparta played a central role in ancient Greek history, the remains of the classical city are surprisingly few. Unlike Athens, which is filled with temples and monuments, Sparta left behind only modest ruins. Visitors are shown an open plain where young Spartans once practiced military exercises, learning discipline and endurance through mock battles. There is also a rectangular stone enclosure believed by some to be the tomb of King Leonidas, the hero of Thermopylae. However, many of these sites are uncertain, and guides in the past often pointed out places that were more legendary than historical The Tombs of Mycenae.
The Local Museum
Sparta does, however, possess a museum that houses a significant collection of antiquities. Many of the finds from the surrounding region are displayed there, helping to tell the story of a city whose power was based not on art and architecture but on military strength and social discipline.
The Enduring Appeal of Greece
A Land for Scholars and Travelers
For classical scholars, historians, and archaeologists, Greece remains a land rich in fascination. Even for those who are not experts, the country offers countless pleasures. Though travel accommodations were once primitive and transportation limited, visitors always found their journeys rewarding. Today, access is much easier: Greece lies only four days from London and three days from Paris, making it a convenient destination for modern tourists.
Beauty of the Landscape
Few countries rival Greece in natural beauty. Its mountains, valleys, and seas create landscapes of extraordinary charm. Travelers often compare Greece to southern Italy, Japan, or the Tyrol, yet Greece stands apart because of its historical depth and unique atmosphere The Tombs of Mycenae.
The Air and the Light
One of the most striking features of Greece is the clarity of its atmosphere. In Athens, the pure air enhances both natural and man-made objects, giving them a brightness and sharpness rarely seen elsewhere. Distances are deceptive, much like in Arizona, with faraway mountains appearing close, only to seem to retreat as one approaches.
The Colors of the Sunset
The sunsets of Greece are particularly famous. The mountains of Hymettus and Pentelikos, which rise on either side of Athens, often glow with a soft pink light at sunset. As the sky darkens, the colors shift to deep violet, creating an effect beyond the power of art or poetry to fully capture. Painters and poets have tried, but no canvas or verse can reproduce the majesty of a Greek sunset.
