Macedonian sanctuaries and Roman streets beneath Mount Olympus.
Ancient Dion preserves temples, theatres, villas and mosaics in a green archaeological park once sacred to the Macedonian kingdom.
Dion grew at the foot of Mount Olympus as a religious centre for the ancient Macedonians. Its sanctuaries honoured Zeus, Demeter and Isis, while later Roman baths, theatres and villas reveal a prosperous city shaped by several eras.
Water runs through the archaeological park and vegetation surrounds many ruins, giving the site an unusually atmospheric character. The museum in the modern village displays sculpture, mosaics and a rare ancient water organ. Together they merit more than a brief roadside stop.
Practical information
Dion is easiest reached by car from Thessaloniki, Katerini or Litochoro. Check separate seasonal hours for the museum and site, and carry sun protection despite the greenery.
