Greece - Where the Western Civilization Starts (25p)

^^ INTRODUCTION ^^     
   Comprising an approximate number of 1400 islands, Greece is also the region in which the first major civilization in the Mediterranean area takes place. The Minoans who were skillful in the production of jewelry as well as architectural painting were originated from Greece, has been believed by archaeologists to have started their inhabitation in this area since 2500 BC.
   Greece is situated at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula, bordering Albania, Macedonia and Bulgaria at its north. In addition to the flourishing period that Greece has encountered during the Medieval and Ottoman period, this country is also the birthplace of Western democracy, the Olympic Games in late 19th century and Western literature.
   Since late 2009, Greece has been suffering from the most rigorous economic and financial crisis ever. Subsequent to a shrink of more than 10% of the national GDP in two consecutive years, Greece encountered the debt crisis, which has consequently led to a gigantic deterioration in the global economy. Notwithstanding the economic doldrums that Greece is experiencing currently, tourism still contributes a significant share of its national income. Central Macedonia, Athens as well as Santorini have become the top-visited tourist spots in recent years.

1. Athens
* Hellenic Parliament House (3/8/2012)


* The Parthenon (3/8/2012)




* Temple of the Olympian Zeus (3/8/2012)




*City Lookout (3/8/2012)




*Odeon of herodes Atticus (3/8/2012)


*Hotel Grande Bretagne (3/8/2012)


2. Santorini
*High-level Overview of Oia (2/8/2012)



                              
*Blue-doomed churches (Top)/ and White House Villa (Under) in Oia (2/8/2012)




*The island and the Aegean Sea (2/8/2012)




3. Rhodes
*Overview of Lindos (1/8/2012)


*Acropolis of Lindos (1/8/2012)




*Rhodes Old Town (1/8/2012)




4. Patmos
*Panorama of Patmos (31/7/2012)




5. Crete
*Knossos (2/8/2012)




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