Natural Heritage: Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is Greece's highest mountain and the home to the 12 Gods of Greek mythology. The nine Muses, daughters of the god Zeus, were traditionally placed in the region of Pieria, at the mount's northern foot. 

Mytikas, Olympus' highest peak at 2917 meters was reached in 1913 by Christos Kakalos, resident of the nearby town of Litohoro, and Swiss climbers Frederic Boissonas and Daniel Baud-Bovy. The mountain is rich in tree and plant life, supporting over 1700 species, some very rare.

The region was declared Greece's first national park in 1938. The aim of this was "the preservation in perpetuity of the natural environment of the region, i.e. of wild flora, fauna and natural landscape, as well as its cultural and other values."  In 1981, Olympus was proclaimed 'Biosphere Reserve' by UNESCO.

Olympus is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with 52 peaks and several deep gorges. The entire Olympus area covers around 500 square kilometres, in a circular area with a circumference of 80km. The area contains 32 species of mammals, 108 species of birds, many species of reptiles, amphibians and insects.

Learn more about this amazing mountain by clicking on the spots of the following interactive image.

Kyriakos has crated the folloing Powerpoint with information on Mt. Olympus

MOUNT OLYMPUS.pptx