Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
lists the hiking routes and the regulations for visitors. Both provide info on the moun-
tain's 15 refuges, where hikers can sleep.
Ancient Dion
ANCIENT SITE
(
Δίον
; 23510 53484; Dion Archaeological Park; adult/student €6/2; 8am-8pm)
North of
Litohoro,
Dion
was sacred for ancient Macedonians worshipping the Olympian gods, es-
pecially Zeus. Before his epic eastern adventures, Alexander the Great made sacrifices
here. Dion has 14 clearly marked ruins, attesting to its evolution over centuries.
A fertility earth goddess was worshipped here. The related ruins of the 6th-century-BC
Sanctuary of Demeter
are the first you'll see and the site's oldest.
Further along is the leafy
Sanctuary of Zeus Hypistos
, with copies of statues and
column bases (the originals are in the on-site museum). Other replicas adorn the rem-
nants of Dion's (usually flooded)
Sanctuary to Isis
, across a small bridge. As elsewhere
in the Hellenistic world, worship of this Egyptian goddess was merged with that of
Artemis and Aphrodite.
Other ruins attest to Dion's urban structure. Note the wide central avenue and dwell-
ings; one
ruined villa
has a well- preserved mosaic floor (AD 200) depicting the
Dionysos Triumphal Epiphany. Later constructions include 4th-century AD Christian
ba-
silica ruins
and
public baths
once paved with mosaics.
During the Festival Olympou (
Click here
)
in August, Dion's reconstructed theatre
hosts performances.
Taxis from Litohoro cost €15.
Castle of Platamonas
CASTLE
(
Κάστρο του Πλαταμώνα
; 23250 42775; Platamonas; adults/children €2/free; 8am-3pm
daily)
Looming from a coastal bluff near Platamonas village, 20km south of Plaka Lito-
horou, this well-preserved 11th-century castle was once defended by brave Byzantines,
safeguarding trade routes and scanning for pirates. Today, however, the only
stratiotes
(soldiers) you're likely to see are handymen with weed whackers and the occasional lum-
bering turtle in his own defensive suit of armour.
From the parking area, pass the (unmanned) booth and take the hilly path 150m to the
castle and ticket booth. From here, follow the walls counter-clockwise to understand the
fortress' development over time. English-language placards provide some explanation (a
book is also on sale for €8).
The first small tower on the right dates from the 6th-century Emperor Justinian, pred-
ating much of the existing structure. A placard nearby describes the ruined, Byzantine
Church B
, rebuilt in the 17th century.
