Home to Zeus and his family of gods, declared the first Greek national park in 1938, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981 and a European Union “Most Important Bird” area, the region includes 120 species of flowers, 1,700 species of plants with 23 exclusive to the Mount Olympus microclimate.
No wonder the gods wanted this prime real estate. At its base is Dion, the nearly three-millennium old holy city of ancient Macedonia dedicated to Olympian Zeus. Within the confines of the park is the 600-year-old Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. Dionysios of Olympus. And scattered throughout are sites steeped in legend and history. Read what has attracted the multitudes for eons in my column for the Hellenic News of America:
Mount Olympus: playground for gods and mortals
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Travel with Pen and Palate 
Playground for the Gods indeed! If the ‘next world’ is like that, Marc, no need to worry. 🙂
Thank you Johanna. It was even more special since the day I visited was my birthday!
Wonderful! Very belated birthday wishes but at least I know you had a good day, Marc. 🙂