After more than a decade of efforts, Greece is closer than ever to securing Mount Olympus’ inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The nomination of the legendary mountain—which, according to ancient Greek tradition, was the home of the Twelve Olympian gods and the throne of Zeus—is currently being examined by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, meeting in Busan, South Korea.

Discussion of the Greek nomination begins on Sunday as part of the Committee’s 48th session, which concludes on July 29. Greece first submitted a nomination dossier in 1981, arguing that Mount Olympus possesses exceptional cultural, historical, mythological, and environmental value for all humanity.

The mountain where mythology meets nature

Rising to 2,918 meters (9,573 feet), Mount Olympus is not only Greece’s highest mountain but also one of the world’s most iconic landscapes. Homer described it as the “seat of the immortals,” where Zeus ruled alongside the other Olympian gods.

The Mayor of Dio-Olympos, Evangelos Geroliolios, still remembers his first ascent to the summit more than 40 years ago.

“I have never forgotten that unique moment, that feeling of standing on the throne of Zeus,” he said, emphasizing that few places in the world combine mythology, history, and natural beauty as seamlessly as Mount Olympus.

A unique natural treasure

The significance of Mount Olympus extends well beyond Greek mythology. In 1938, it became Greece’s first national forest, and in 1981, UNESCO designated it a Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna. In 2021, it received even stronger protection when it was officially declared a National Park.

Its slopes are home to dense forests, alpine meadows, gorges, ravines, and numerous natural springs. Just five kilometers (three miles) away lie the town of Litochoro and the beaches of the Thermaic Gulf, creating a rare landscape where mountain and sea meet.

The region also has significant religious heritage. Greece’s nomination includes the discovery of an ancient open-air sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, believed to be the one described by Plutarch. Mount Olympus is also home to Byzantine monasteries and what is considered the highest-altitude Orthodox chapel in the world.

The growing challenge of overtourism

Potential inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List is regarded as highly important—not only for Mount Olympus’ international recognition but also for its long-term protection.

Visitor numbers have surged in recent years, with approximately 500,000 visitors recorded last year alone. Experts believe that figure could rise even further following the global success of Christopher Nolan’s film “The Odyssey,” based on Homer’s epic and filmed in part in Greece.

“We are happy to welcome visitors, but as their numbers grow, so do the risks,” said Dimitris Pappas, Deputy Director of the Mount Olympus National Park Management Authority.

According to Pappas, the greatest threat facing the mountain is wildfire, which has become increasingly dangerous due to climate change. He said additional resources are needed to strengthen fire prevention measures, maintain hiking trails, build mountain refuges, and improve bridges and road infrastructure.

What UNESCO inscription would mean

Being added to the World Heritage List would provide access to international technical support, scientific expertise, and potential funding for conservation and preservation projects.

UNESCO currently recognizes 1,428 World Heritage Sites in 170 countries. Greece has 21 inscribed sites, of which only two are classified as mixed cultural and natural heritage sites.

However, the outcome of Greece’s nomination remains uncertain. According to reports, UNESCO’s advisory bodies have requested additional information, which could lead to another postponement of the final decision.

Despite the uncertainty, local authorities insist that protecting Mount Olympus cannot wait.

“The mountain’s carrying capacity has almost been exhausted. Whether the nomination is approved or not, stronger protection measures must be taken immediately. Finding the right balance between visitor access and preserving this unique landscape is the real challenge,” Mayor Evangelos Geroliolios said.