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Monday, 25 March 2019 07:00
Discover The Katakouzenos Museum, A Gem In The Center Of Athens
Following the principles and expanding possibilities of house museums, such as the Freud Museum in London, the Katakouzenos House Museum is proof of how a historical Athenian residence can be converted to a community-oriented and education-based institution.
The former owners of the house, Angelos and Leto Katakouzenos, belonged to the intellectual elite of the so-called “1930s generation”. Their home functioned as a literary salon, while its rooms have hosted numerous renowned artists, writers, and poets of international fame.
Angelos Katakouzenos was born in 1904 in Lesvos, an island in the Aegean to which he often returned as a child, for holidays; the rest of the year he lived with his wealthy family of timber traders in Smyrna, Asia Minor. Arete-Leto Protopappa was born in 1914 in Pireaus, where she spent her childhood years. Her great-grandfather was aid-de-camp to the first king of Hellas, Otto, and came from Montenegro. Her grandfather founded the first biscuit factory in Greece and her father was a paediatrician and senator during Eleutherios Venizelos tenure.
The fairy-tale life of Angelos and Leto began in the 1930s and lasted for more than 40 years. The couple were deeply cultured and creative and prominent members of the Athenian society. In fact, the significant neurologist and his wife experienced a life of literary and artistic merits and befriended personalities such as Albert Camus and Marc Chagall.
The Katakouzenos House Museum is located on Amalias avenue and houses a noteworthy collection of paintings, books, furniture. However, it is the invisible essence of the Katakouzenos couple and their legacy, that makes the museum one of the most remarkable treasures in Athens. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum also hosts a variety of interesting cultural events such as talks, performances, recitals, and narrations.
To read more about the life & heritage of Angelos & Leto Katakouzenos, please visit: Katakouzenos House Museum
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Sunday, 31 March 2019 14:38
Open House Athens 2019
The 6th OPEN HOUSE Athens is back on 6 & 7 April 2019.
A two-day event of free architectural guided tours addressed to the general public; an event based on volunteerism, which aims at promoting the architecture of our city; an opportunity to walk the city, look up while walking in the streets, see the buildings from a different angle… It is our established appointment in Spring, when everyone can continue their tour from where they left off last year!
With 40 new entries, this year’s renewed programme includes, as always, public and private buildings, contemporary and historical, monuments, museums, theatres, schools, residences, professional spaces, in the city centre and the suburbs. 550 volunteers will guide us at the 95 buildings which are included in the programme.
All guided tours are free of charge and no booking is required.
In order to attend a tour, visitors should arrive at the buildings of their interest during the opening hours of each, and wait in the queue. The tours are conducted on a first come, first served basis. Visitors are advised to arrive in time, as no tours are being held after the closing time.
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Tuesday, 24 September 2019 07:00
B&E Goulandris Foundation
The Greek capital welcomes the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation – one of the most anticipated cultural projects of the past years.
Apart from the Museum of Contemporary Art in Andros, Basil and Elise envisioned the creation of a museum in Athens, which would allow a broader audience to become introduced to modern and contemporary art.
Apart from the Museum of Contemporary Art in Andros, Basil and Elise envisioned the creation of a museum in Athens, which would allow a broader audience to become introduced to modern and contemporary art.
The collection focuses on modern and contemporary art by Greek and foreign artists, including rare works by masters of the European avant-garde such as Cézanne, van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Degas, Rodin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Bonnard, Picasso, Braque, Léger, Miró, Giacometti, Balthus, and others, as well as works by distinguished Greek modern painters including Parthenis, Bouzianis, Vasileiou, Hadjikyriakos-Ghika, Tsarouchis, Moralis, Tetsis and others.
The museum covers a surface area of 7,250 sq.m. and consists of 11 floors. The museum is home to a museum shop and a café-restaurant which is located on the mezzanine floor. On-site there is also a library with around 4,500 books, a children's workshop, and a state-of-the-art, 190-seat amphitheater, designed to host events including lectures, conferences, screenings, performances, concerts, and other artistic and scientific activities.
The foundation is located in Pagrati, within easy access from the city center and Athens' other significant museums.
Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation
Address: 13 Eratosthenous,116 35, Athens
Address: 13 Eratosthenous,116 35, Athens
Phone: 210 7252895
Working Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-18:00, Friday 10:00-22:00, Monday Closed
Working Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-18:00, Friday 10:00-22:00, Monday Closed
Photo: Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation
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Monday, 06 January 2020 12:58
Hadrian's Unknown Reservoir In Athens
One of the most extraordinary engineering achievements of Roman Athens lies below a modern open-air cinema right in the center of the city. In the warm summer nights, Athenian cinephiles gather to watch their favorite films, atop a nearly 2,000-year-old reservoir.
Due to Athens' growing water needs, Emperor Hadrian ordered a project to increase the city's water supply. An aqueduct starting at the foot of Mount Parnitha and extending more than 20 kilometers to a reservoir at the base of Mount Lycabettus was constructed in 125 CE. At the time it was completed in 140 CE, the aqueduct was Athens' most significant infrastructure project to date.
Hadrian's reservoir is located at the western foot of Mount Lycabettus, and its pipes covered the water needs of the area's residents for over 1,000 years. The tank was abandoned during the Ottoman rule, causing most residents to become reliant on wells. Restoration works began in 1847, though it stopped to be Athens' primary water source in 1929 when the Marathon Dam was constructed.
Today, only a small amount of water still makes it to the reservoir, only parts of the steps and 2 column bases remain at the site. A surviving segment of its architrave can be seen in the National Gardens near the Children's Library.
The reservoir is located in Dexameni (Reservoir) Square in Kolonaki, right below the homonymous cinema. Even though access inside the reservoir is not allowed, the large viewing portals on the western walls offer great views of its interior.
Every year on Epiphany (January 6), the reservoir opens for the ritual of the Great Blessing Of The Waters, where a priest immerses a cross in the water and then sprinkles the congregation with holy water.
Photo: Cine Dexameni
The reservoir is located in Dexameni (Reservoir) Square in Kolonaki, right below the homonymous cinema. Even though access inside the reservoir is not allowed, the large viewing portals on the western walls offer great views of its interior.
Every year on Epiphany (January 6), the reservoir opens for the ritual of the Great Blessing Of The Waters, where a priest immerses a cross in the water and then sprinkles the congregation with holy water.
Photo: Cine Dexameni
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Wednesday, 08 April 2020 17:15
Son Pa Atenas ~ A Song Dedicated To Athens
The Cuban-Greek musical partnership Santa Palabra, known for their vibrant live performances around Athens and their Latin rhythms, have composed a song Son Pa Atenas dedicated to the ancient city of Athens - described as 'the immortal and eternal Greek capital.'
Son Pa Atenas is an irresistible mix of authentic Latin melodies and meaningful lyrics, giving insight into Greece's rich history and at the same time getting everyone dancing! The music video shows the artists singing and dancing against the backdrop of Athens' most iconic landmarks, such as the Parthenon and the Hellenic Parliament, reminding us how beautiful the city is.
Son Pa Atenas is an irresistible mix of authentic Latin melodies and meaningful lyrics, giving insight into Greece's rich history and at the same time getting everyone dancing! The music video shows the artists singing and dancing against the backdrop of Athens' most iconic landmarks, such as the Parthenon and the Hellenic Parliament, reminding us how beautiful the city is.
Fun and unbeat this song will surely make your heart beat to the rhythm!
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Thursday, 01 October 2020 13:40
The Epigraphical Museum: A Cultural Gem In The Center Of Athens
Did you know that the largest Epigraphic Museum in the world is located in Athens? The Epigraphic Museum hosts in its permanent collection 14,078 inscriptions, which cover the period from early historical times to the Late Roman era. Even though the Museum is housed on the ground floor at the south wing of the National Archaeological Museum, it has a separate entrance from Tositsa street.
The Museum's purpose is scientific research, study, registration, protection, preservation, publication, photographic documentation, and promotion of the ancient Greek inscriptions. The Museum also aims to create a specialized epigraphic library while the inscriptions have already bee digitally cataloged. It hosts temporary exhibitions regularly and organizes art exhibits inspired by Greek script and the ancient inscriptions.
When Was The Museum Built?
The main building dates from 1885, with an extension added in the 1950s.
Why Is The Museum So Important
The ancient Greeks' detailed and diligent record-keeping provides excellent insight on life and society.
Must-See Exhibits
At first glance, the Epigraphic Museum might seem too specialized; however, a complete cost-account of the Parthenon's construction and a prototype voting machine used in the election of state officers in Athens, circa 162 BC will fascinate visitors.
Fun Fact
The detailed financial data chiseled on ancient marble slabs have an odd similarity to a modern-day computer printout.
Address: 1 Tositsa, Athens (Get Directions)
Telephone: 210 8217637 & 210 8232950
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 09:00 to 16:00 Tuesday Closed.
Discover Some Of The Best Under-The-Radar Museums In The City
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Thursday, 01 October 2020 15:17
Take An Audio Odyssey To Athens - Stephen Fry
A city without stories is like a theatre without a stage. In Athens, stories are everywhere: whispered in ancient streets and mythical corners; imprinted on historic hilltops where the great philosophers held court; shared boisterously in the doorways and squares of this ever-changing modern metropolis. Welcome to our new 6-part podcast series where we invite stellar guests—who know and love Athens—to tell us their own tales of the city and what Athens means to them. Produced by the Greek Podcast Project, for This is Athens, tune-in each fortnight as we capture the authentic essence of Athens today; a city that is so much more than the Acropolis.
Follow British actor and author Stephen Fry through the winding lanes and sacred temples of Athens as he awakens his three favourite myths about the Greek capital, as part of our 6-episode podcast series, “We’ll Always Have Athens”.
Stephen Fry
It’s fair to say Stephen Fry is a man of many talents. After dazzling guests at a dinner party while retelling Greek myths, the British actor, comedian and author discovered his talent for bringing these ancient tales to life. He knows his Theseus from his Prometheus, his Medea from his Medusa, and has a knack for making us feel that the myths are still alive and kicking in the city’s old temples, winding streets and hills. He’s even written a book on the subject, suitably titled “Mythos”. Fry joins us from lockdown in his home in Norfolk, UK, to share his three favourite myths about Athens.
Follow British actor and author Stephen Fry through the winding lanes and sacred temples of Athens as he awakens his three favourite myths about the Greek capital, as part of our 6-episode podcast series, “We’ll Always Have Athens”.
Stephen Fry
It’s fair to say Stephen Fry is a man of many talents. After dazzling guests at a dinner party while retelling Greek myths, the British actor, comedian and author discovered his talent for bringing these ancient tales to life. He knows his Theseus from his Prometheus, his Medea from his Medusa, and has a knack for making us feel that the myths are still alive and kicking in the city’s old temples, winding streets and hills. He’s even written a book on the subject, suitably titled “Mythos”. Fry joins us from lockdown in his home in Norfolk, UK, to share his three favourite myths about Athens.
Whether you’ve just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share! This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
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Thursday, 08 April 2021 17:03
Hiking Mount Ymittos In Athens
Sometimes the best-kept secrets are hidden in plain sight. Mount Ymittos forms the natural eastern boundary of Athens. Here, the dense city grid suddenly gives way to a tree-covered slope dotted with monasteries. This is the ‘Aesthetic Forest of Kesariani,’ a protected nature reserve that is a quick 15-20 minute drive or cab ride from central Athens. Just minutes from the urban hustle of Athens the walkable delights of Mount Ymittos offer a heady escape of nature, wildlife, historic monasteries and heavenly honey.
Upon arrival you’ll quickly notice that the lack of development is part of the charm of this route. Despite its proximity to the city, you feel off grid and in discovery mode. Keeping the city as a very visible landmark, it is difficult to get lost here—but easy to feel like it. This hike will have you exploring rich olives groves, a 12th century monastery, the ruins of an old Christian basilica, a Botanical Walk, and a whole lot more!
For complete details and route information visit: thisisathens.org
Photo by: Manos Chatzikonstantis
Upon arrival you’ll quickly notice that the lack of development is part of the charm of this route. Despite its proximity to the city, you feel off grid and in discovery mode. Keeping the city as a very visible landmark, it is difficult to get lost here—but easy to feel like it. This hike will have you exploring rich olives groves, a 12th century monastery, the ruins of an old Christian basilica, a Botanical Walk, and a whole lot more!
For complete details and route information visit: thisisathens.org
Photo by: Manos Chatzikonstantis
Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share!
This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
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Wednesday, 12 May 2021 00:38
Douni Island - A Hidden Gem Beach In Attica
With temperatures on the rise, we're happy to be getting outdoors and hitting the beach! Attica is home to many lovely beaches ideal for a day trip. Large or small, organized or not, sandy or pebbly - the choices are unlimited. All you need to do is start exploring and you're sure to find well-hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
One of these hideaways is Douni Island located on the southwestern part of the peninsula. It's indeed a sight to behold. With crystal clear waters, fine sand, and picturesque coves, it feels like you're on one of the celebrated Greek islands, even though you're only 30 minutes away from the heart of Athens.
It's not an organized beach which means you have to bring your own equipment, but this only makes it dreamier. It's like a peaceful sanctuary, a haven of serenity where you're guaranteed endless moments of relaxation under the glorious Greek sun.
How To Get There
Duni island is located near the famous beach of Agia Marina in Koropi. Once you get there, continue driving in the direction to Sounion until you reach the beach of Althea. Then, continue on foot and head to Iliopoulos beach. Just walk through the sea and ta-dah! you're on Duni Island!
Duni island is located near the famous beach of Agia Marina in Koropi. Once you get there, continue driving in the direction to Sounion until you reach the beach of Althea. Then, continue on foot and head to Iliopoulos beach. Just walk through the sea and ta-dah! you're on Duni Island!
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Sunday, 30 May 2021 16:36
Athens Unpacked Episode 1 - Up Above & Down Below
Walk along any of the major roads of Athens and you’ll find little anchors of antiquity or Byzantine culture. “Nearly every step you take in Athens is on top of something remarkable,” says Sofka Zinovieff in this debut episode that explores how Athens sits in its layered landscape; “like an urban octopus creeping and grasping its way up the surrounding hills”.
You’ll meet the city’s most public skeleton; climb a lesser-known mountain; celebrate the modern-day goddess of Athena; and go undercover in an ancient aqueduct that’s still active after almost 2,000 years.
Bestselling writer and former anthropologist, Sofka Zinovieff, embarks on a quest to uncover the true essence of her adopted home, in all its layers and mysteries. Discover how Athenians feel about their own architecture, how tragedy and trauma have flavored the city’s cuisine, why Athens has always been a “15-minute city”, and much, much more.
Bestselling writer and former anthropologist, Sofka Zinovieff, embarks on a quest to uncover the true essence of her adopted home, in all its layers and mysteries. Discover how Athenians feel about their own architecture, how tragedy and trauma have flavored the city’s cuisine, why Athens has always been a “15-minute city”, and much, much more.
Listen To Episode 1 HERE
Produced by Pod.gr, for This is Athens, tune in each fortnight and get ready to capture the seductive soul of Athens!
This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping, and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
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