Ribouldingue · CC BY-SA 4.0 Why visit
Historic pass associated above all with the 480 BCE battle between Greek forces led by Sparta and the Persian army. In 480 BCE a small Greek force held the narrow pass against Xerxes' Persian army before being outflanked. The coastline has since shifted far from the ancient shore, but memorials and interpretation keep the battle landscape legible. The visit is strongest when you focus on leonidas monument, kolonos hill and thermal springs and historic landscape.
What you will see
- Leonidas monument.
- Kolonos hill.
- Thermal springs and historic landscape.
History
In 480 BCE a small Greek force held the narrow pass against Xerxes' Persian army before being outflanked. The coastline has since shifted far from the ancient shore, but memorials and interpretation keep the battle landscape legible.
Photographs
Ribouldingue · CC BY-SA 4.0 · full attribution on the image credits page.
Visitor tips
- 1
Prioritise Leonidas monument if you have less time than the full suggested visit.
- 2
Leave enough time for Kolonos hill rather than treating Thermopylae as a quick photo stop.
About Central Greece
Delphi and Parnassus, Byzantine monasteries, mountain villages, historic passes and Evia spa landscapes.
Open the Greece guide
