Greek culture is the result of interactions between cultural elements and influences from East to West, North to South. The evolutionary trajectories of great civilizations around the Mediterranean basin aligned on Greece leaving behind their indelible mark. The resulting Gestalt of Greek civilization surpassed its constituent elements. During the course of history, and the crossing of the Hellenic spirit with other civilizations, the rich mosaic of Greek civilization was created as is reflected in the spheres of tradition, artistry and attitudes that give substance to Greek identity and uniqueness.
The Greeks kept an open mind to ideas irrespective of origin and were keen on experimentation: the zest to hold fast onto the past alternated with the spirit of novelty and innovation in all aspects of life. This is what makes Greek civilization unique, a fact recognized by modern world. This also gave birth to magnificent achievements, perpetual points of reference for the entire human race.
It is true that Greece is a country that time and again culture is equated to progress and cultural heritage. Increased consciousness of the past, the facts of the present and contemplation about the future are barely distinct from each other -- one infiltrates, inseminates or impregnates the other. The cultural heritage of Greece includes all those monuments that are distinguished for their originality, novelty, historical significance and quality of the message transmitted from one age to the next. Such monuments are historical, religious, archaeological, pieces of art, as well as all material and intellectual achievements of Greek tradition – customs and morals, objects of daily use, etc.
