Olympus - Home to the Majestic 12 Deities

In ancient mythology, Mount Olympus was the dwelling place of 12 deities worshipped by the Greeks.

Explore Greece: Discover the Glory of Olympus - Abode of 12 Mythical Deities

Mount Olympus is the tallest mountain in Greece, standing at 2,918 meters. Due to its base being nearly at sea level, it is considered one of the tallest peaks in Europe.

Today, when tourists visit Greece, this sacred peak is one of the destinations they eagerly wish to explore, alongside other famous tourist spots.

According to Greek mythology, this place is known as the residence of the 12 deities - the main gods worshipped by the Greeks. The Olympian gods gained supremacy after Zeus (often referred to as the god of thunder) led and triumphed in the battle against the Titans.

According to Greek mythology, the 12 deities mentioned on this Olympus peak are Zeus, Hera (goddess of marriage and family), Poseidon (god of the sea), Demeter (goddess of fertility), Athena (goddess of wisdom), Hestia (goddess of hearth and home), Apollo (god of light), Artemis (goddess of hunting), Ares (god of war), Aphrodite (goddess of love), Hephaestus (god of blacksmiths), and Hermes (messenger of the gods). Later, Dionysus (god of wine, parties, and ecstasy) replaced Hestia.

However, this list is not fixed. Depending on different historical periods and locations, some gods are replaced by others. For example, on the island of Kos, Heracles (also known as Hercules) and Dionysus are included in the list, but Ares and Hephaestus are not. Hebe, Helios, Cupid, Selene, and Persephone are also important gods, sometimes counted among the 12 deities living on Mount Olympus.

Hades (god of the underworld) is often not included in this list. He does not have a place in the Greek pantheon because most of the time Hades resides in the underworld.

Plato, the renowned ancient Greek philosopher, associated the 12 Olympian gods with the 12 months of the year, and proposed that the last month be specially dedicated to Hades and the deceased.

With its rich history and mythology, Olympus is a mountain that many travelers eagerly desire to explore. Many express their desire to climb to the peak of Olympus to somewhat experience the lives of the ancient gods.

The mountain is also known for its diverse flora and fauna, with 32 species of mammals, 108 bird species, numerous reptiles, snakes, insects, and butterflies. Due to its significance, it is also the first mountain protected by Greek law.

Mount Olympus is approximately 80 km away from Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece. Most tourists will start their mountain ascent from the town of Litochoro - known as the city of the gods due to its location at the foot of the mountain.

Many people often confuse between the words Olympus and Olympia. Olympus refers to the mountain, while Olympia is the name of a plain in the ancient Elis region, west of Peloponnese, where the ancient Olympic games took place.

According to Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour