Mount Olympus added to UNESCO World Heritage list after 12-year wait

After a 12-year campaign, Mount Olympus, revered in Greek mythology as the dwelling place of the gods, has officially been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. The decision, announced during the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting in Busan, South Korea, has sparked immense joy in Greece.

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It confirms our unwavering commitment to protecting Olympus for present and future generations.

Olympus, Greece's highest mountain range and the legendary seat of Zeus and other deities, had been on Greece's tentative list for UNESCO inscription since 2014. Its inclusion recognizes its exceptional blend of cultural and natural value. The mountain now sits on the prestigious list alongside sites like the Normandy landing beaches in France, the ancient Japanese capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara, and the Boma-Badingilo area in South Sudan.

"It confirms our unwavering commitment to protecting Olympus for present and future generations," stated Georgios Koumoutsakos, head of the Greek delegation to UNESCO in Busan. He added, referencing Greek mythology, "As Greek mythology wisely reminds us, it is always best to remain on good terms with the gods."

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As Greek mythology wisely reminds us, it is always best to remain on good terms with the gods.

The inscription places a greater responsibility on local authorities. Mayor Evangelos Geroliolios noted that the decision "imposes on us a greater responsibility to protect the local environment," including the area's rich biodiversity. The highest peak of Olympus, Mytikas, stands at 2,918 meters, a towering testament to its mythical and natural grandeur.

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imposes on us a greater responsibility to protect the local environment