Embark on a captivating Mediterranean journey

The origins of many of today’s most beloved artistic and architectural traditions can be traced back to various countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Greece and beyond. This article highlights the significant contributions to art and architecture made by two ancient civilizations—Greece and Italy.

Architecture—Greece’s innovative contributions

Ancient Greek cities demonstrated their wealth and power by building monumental temples to their preferred deities. These temples were designed as earthly homes for the gods, so early Greek temples roughly followed the design of Greek homes. Most temples were one-room buildings with columnar porches, which protected a statue of the deity. The Parthenon in Athens is a key example of these temples. It was built in the mid-5th century BC on the Acropolis Hill in honor of the Greek goddess of war, Athena.

The Greeks also constructed large, open air theaters. One example is the massive Theater of Epidaurus, which can seat up to 12,000 spectators. Built into natural hillsides, these theaters offered impressive acoustics and panoramic views.

Finally, the Greeks developed the concept of the agora, a central public space designed for gathering, commerce and socializing. Today, visitors can still explore the Agora of the Competaliasts on Delos, an island in the Cyclades that was reputed to be the birthplace of the god Apollo.

Arts & culture—Italy’s place in art history

Ancient Roman frescoes and mosaics can be found today in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Pompeii and ancient Herculaneum. These meticulous artworks depict daily life and mythological stories in vivid color and detail.

Italy was also the birthplace of the Renaissance, a period of remarkable artistic achievement that took place between the 14th and 17th centuries. Renaissance artwork is marked by an increased awareness of nature, a revival of classical learning and humanist values. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael mastered the use of perspective and anatomical realism, while Caravaggio and Titian perfected the use of light, shadow and color.

In Florence, the Palazzo Pitti contains more than 500 principally Renaissance works in the renowned Palatine Gallery, including paintings by Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio. Michelangelo’s famous marble statue David stands in Florence’s Galleria dell'Accademia, and visitors can marvel at his iconic Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes during a visit to Vatican City.

During the Renaissance, Venice was also a center of artistic innovation. Venetian artists like Tintoretto and Titian were known for their dramatic compositions and dynamic use of colors. Today, you can see two of Tintoretto’s large-scale masterpieces at the breathtaking 16th-century San Giorgi Maggiore church, and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco also contains a fine collection of Tintoretto’s work.

In addition to its stunning scenery, the Mediterranean coastline has supported life for millennia, providing its inhabitants with an abundant supply of seafood, such as prawns, squid, fish and oysters. The soil of the Mediterranean region is well suited to vineyards, olive groves and fruit orchards, particularly citrus. Most of the world’s supply of olive oil is produced in the countries of the Mediterranean Basin, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

While all Mediterranean cuisines share these common ingredients, there are many regional variations and specialties. Here are some of the most renowned dishes from the region:

1. Bouillabaisse (France)

Originally cooked by fishermen using unwanted fish from their catch, this traditional Provençal fish stew often features racasse (a bony rockfish), whiting, mullet or other Mediterranean fish. The stew is garnished with rouille—a creamy, saffron- and garlic-scented condiment designed to heighten the flavor. Although there are many recipes for bouillabaisse, the Marseille version is typically acknowledged as the most authentic. Aside from fish and shellfish, it includes characteristic Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, parsley, thyme, bay leaf, fennel and saffron.

2. Gyro (Greece)

Gyro, pronounced YEE-ro, is a Greek dish consisting of roasted meat served in pita bread, typically with tomato, onion and tzatziki, a creamy sauce made from yogurt, garlic and cucumber. Gyro meat—typically, lamb, beef or chicken—roasts on a vertical skewer and is shaved off in thin, crispy slices as it cooks.

3. Neapolitan Pizza (Italy)

The world’s first pizzeria opened in Naples in 1830. The popularity of Neapolitan-style pies is thanks to their mouthwatering combination of soft dough, flavorful tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and sweet basil. Neapolitan pizza, or Naples-style pizza, is made specifically with buffalo mozzarella (produced from the milk of Italian Mediterranean buffalo) or fior di latte (mozzarella produced from the milk of prized Agerolese cows) and San Marzano tomatoes or pomodorino vesuviano (a variety of grape tomato grown in Naples).

4. Pastizzi (Malta)

Maltese cuisine is influenced by Spanish, French and other Mediterranean cuisines. One of the most popular street foods is pastizzi, which consists of a flaky layered pastry dough similar to Greek phyllo, stuffed with a savory filling. While there are many types of pastizzi fillings, the two most common are ricotta or curried peas.

5. Dagnje na Buzaru, or Steamed Mussels (Croatia)

Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast offers a bounty of fresh oysters and mussels. This classic dish, popular with locals, consists of steaming mussels with garlic, white wine and parsley and topped with breadcrumbs before serving. Crusty bread is a typical accompaniment, perfect for sopping up extra sauce. A family-run oyster farm in Dubrovnik recommends trying a rich variation, which involves steaming the mussels with garlic, shallots, fennel, saffron and cream.

The Mediterranean Sea was the major hub for transport, trade and cultural exchange for peoples on three continents: Western Asia, North Africa and Southern Europe. The earliest complex civilizations in the region emerged during the Stone Age (7000-3000 BC) and Bronze Age (3000-1000 BC) near the Aegean Sea. This area consists of Crete, the Cyclades Islands and the Greek mainland.

The Minoan civilization in Crete, which flourished between 3000 BC and 1100 BC, was Europe’s earliest recorded civilization. It boasted ornate palaces, fine craftsmanship and a developed system of writing.

After the fall of the Minoans, Mycenae became the dominant power in the Aegean, and the Late Mycenaean period (1400–1100 BC) was one of great prosperity. Today, you can explore the ancient site of Mycenae and visit the tomb of King Agamemnon, who was immortalized by the Greek poet Homer in The Iliad and The Odyssey.

Ancient Greek civilization (1200 BC to 323 BC) marked a vibrant period of political, philosophical, artistic and scientific flourishing. The first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC, and during the 5th century BC, the term “democracy” was coined to refer to Athens’ novel political system.

Ancient Rome was founded in 753 BC, and over the course of centuries, it grew from a small town on the Tiber River into the Roman Republic (509 BCE) before becoming the Roman Empire (27 BC)—a vast imperial territory covering large swaths of Europe, Asia and Africa. Many notable Roman landmarks can be seen across the Mediterranean today, including the Colosseum in Rome and Les Arènes, an ancient amphitheater in Arles, France.