More than four decades have passed since Evangelos Geroliolios first reached the summit of Mount Olympus, the legendary abode of the ancient gods. Standing atop the craggy peak—the highest mountain in Greece—he recounted a profound sense of awe, describing the site as the throne of Zeus itself.
“I’ve never forgotten that unique moment, that unparalleled feeling of being on the seat of the gods,” Geroliolios shared, reflecting on his experiences as mayor of Dion-Olympus and a dedicated steward of the region.
Recognized in Homer’s epics as the “seat of the immortals,” Mount Olympus rises 2,918 meters above sea level. Its summit, where Zeus is said to have ruled, symbolizes myth, natural beauty, and millennia of history—a fusion Geroliolios urges the world to celebrate and protect.
Greek authorities have persistently advocated for Mount Olympus to join UNESCO’s World Heritage List, with a decision pending at the 48th annual session in Busan, South Korea, concluding on 29 July.
The nomination, initially submitted in 2014, emphasizes the mountain’s dual cultural and environmental significance. Designated a national forest in 1938 for its alpine ecosystems, forest trails, and proximity to coastal landscapes, it has since been elevated to a national park in 2021.
In 1981, UNESCO recognized Olympus as a biosphere reserve for its rich biodiversity, including species like the wild goat. Today, tourism—drawing 500,000 visitors annually—combined with climate-driven wildfires, poses growing threats.
Dimitris Pappas, deputy director of the Olympus National Park Agency, warned that uncontrolled tourism and infrastructure strain could overwhelm the site. He stressed that UNESCO designation would secure funding for fire-prevention infrastructure, trail maintenance, and habitat conservation.
The mountain also holds profound religious significance. Recent discoveries highlight ancient sanctuaries and Byzantine chapels carved into its slopes, including an second-century AD site documented by Plutarch. With sacred Christian shrines nestled among its valleys, Olympus bridges mythological and spiritual legacies.
While UNESCO’s advisory bodies recommended additional details to refine the nomination, tourism operators acknowledge the urgency. “If we lose what we have, it’ll be a catastrophe,” Pappas asserted.
The imminent Busan meeting will determine whether to defer the decision, prolonging Greece’s decade-long struggle to safeguard Olympus. Geroliolios emphasized that delays only risk irreversible damage: “Greater responsibility is needed—but there’s no time to waste.”
