Under normal circumstances, the inauguration of a multistory parking garage would not be newsworthy. But the case of the new facility opened by Athens metro operator Attiko Metro in the downtown area of Kerameikos is somewhat unique. The underground parking garage is located on the original site for the Kerameikos metro station, which was then moved 300 meters away due to archaeological discoveries.

 

The plot on the corner of Pireos and Iera Odos streets lay unused for years until finally things got moving and the underground parking garage opened in early March. It has five stories, with each level measuring 2,500 square meters and with a capacity for 274 vehicles. It is open 24 hours a day (a wise decision considering it is located close to one of the capital’s busiest nightlife districts) and is reasonably priced: starting at 2 euros for metro passengers (who have to display their tickets) or 3 euros for everyone else from 6 to 9 p.m., and up to 5 euros from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The ground-level “roof” of the parking garage has been turned into a green space and ceded back to the City of Athens, which originally owned the plot.

The story of the parking lot is strange, aside from the fact that the facility has been ready for several years but didn’t open until now. To begin with, it was built simply as a way to hold on to European Union funding. According to the original plans in the 1980s, the plot was intended for the new Kerameikos metro station, which is now on the main square in the nearby Gazi district. Excavations began in 1992 and the metro tunnel was supposed to run 20 meters underground, well below the level that the majority of antiquities in central Athens were found at. But archaeologists had expressed serious reservations about the location because of its proximity to the Ancient Cemetery of Kerameikos.

As it turned out, they were right. After five years, the excavations hit the western end of the cemetery, prompting a scramble to find a new site for the station that took on such controversial proportions that it was taken as far as the European Parliament. In 1997, the Central Archaeological Council laid the matter to rest by prohibiting the construction of a tunnel beneath Kerameikos. In the meantime, however, Attiko Metro had started building the station’s shell, spending some 5.8 million euros on that phase of the project.


To read more please visit: eKathimerini

Let’s be honest! What are your first thoughts when planning your holidays?

Where will I stay, where will I eat, how the local life looks like and of course, how will I communicate!!

No worries, that’s all what Glossopolis provides you with!

Glossopolis is an e-learning platform providing Greek language courses for people who want to visit the place, speak the language of the locals instead of using some typical scholar phrases and wish to have a touch with the local element instead of visiting the touristic side of the place.

How we do that? When you sign in the platform you watch a map of a language city ‘’Glossopolis in Greek’’ and you just click on the places you wish to communicate in (hotels, taxis, restaurants, bars, etc). This gives immediate access to all the educational content teaching how to communicate (text, audios, grammar exercises, videos, cultural and linguistic tips) but there is also access to geolocated ads of local business Glossopolis cooperates with.

To read more, please visit: Family Goes Out

Religion typically divides us as people, but in Lesbos last week at the memorial service for the souls lost in the Aegean, Muslims and Christians prayed together. Each prayed based on their beliefs and together they stood in the face of reality's pain.

As described by the photographer, Konstantinos Vougioukas:

'A mother stands as a statue. One can feel how historical such moments are when you see Christians and Muslims praying all together for the victims that drowned in the Aegean Sea... Because human life does not recognize religion.'

 

 

There is no better time than Spring to make a traditional Greek Bulgur salad as a tasty and light meal. Kiki Vagianos, from The Greek Vegan, shares a favorite vegan dish that uses the traditional Greek bulgur and is similar to tabouli. This bulgur salad is loaded with nutrients, filled with fresh vegetables and herbs and dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil.

Kiki says bulgur salad is one of her favorite quick lunches. With a pita pocket stuffed with hummus and a few big spoonfuls of bulgur salad – you’ll never feel that 3pm slump with this for lunch, she promises you!

The Museum of Cycladic Art, is a great little gem museum in the hearth of Athens, housing one of the most important collections of Cycladic Art in the world, as well as an impressive collection of Ancient Greek and Cypriot Art. Founded in 1986, it showcases more than 3.000 artefacts, from the 4th millennium BC to the 6th century AD.

 

Today, in the galleries of the MCA the visitor can approach three major subjects: Cycladic Art (3200-2000BC), Cypriot Art (3900 BC – AD 500) and Ancient Greek Art (2000 BC – AD 395).

The Collection of the Museum of Cycladic Art, one of the largest worldwide, is a major attraction, as simple marble figurines depicting naked human figures fascinate the visitor with their simplicity and abstraction, elements that inspired artists of the 20th century, such as Brancusi, Modigliani, Giacometti, Hepworth και Moore.

Apart from archaeology, the temporary exhibitions of the MCA frequently focus on modern and contemporary art, aiming to introduce the public to important 20th century artists (Dali, Picasso, etc.) and explore the links between ancient cultures and modern artistic creation.

Interactive educational programs for schools, children and families, guided tours, temporary exhibitions –archaeological, modern and contemporary–, conferences and various events complete the museum’s cultural profile. The Cycladic Café and the recently renovated Museum Shop are open during visiting hours.

1st Floor - Cycladic Art

Cycladic culture flourished on the islands of the central Aegean during the Early Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC). The MCA collection is one of the most comprehensive collections of Cycladic antiquities worldwide, comprising an astonishing variety of marble figurines and vessels, bronze tools and weapons, as well as pottery from all phases of the Early Cycladic period.

2nd Floor - Ancient Greek Art: A History in Images

The birth of Greek art in the protohistoric Aegean, the development of Classical culture and its gradual dissemination all over the Mediterranean basin constitutes one of the most influential phenomena in the history of western civilization. The MCA holds a large collection of Ancient Greek Art with representative artifacts from all periods between the Middle Bronze Age (2nd millennium BC) to the very end of the Roman period (4th c. AD). The MCA collections of Ancient of Greek Art have been integrated into a single permanent exhibition, titled "Ancient Greek Art – A history in images", which includes approximately 350 objects.

3nd Floor: Cyprus- Aspects of Ancient Art and Culture

The Cypriot collection in the MCA (Th.N. Zintilis collection) is one of the most comprehensive collections of Cypriot antiquities in the world. It contains more than 800 objects that help visitors learn about the history of the island and its relations with other regions of the eastern Mediterranean from the 4th millennium BC to the Early Christian period (6th c. AD).

4th Floor: Daily Life in Antiquity

This permanent exhibition tries to transform our knowledge about daily life in antiquity (as provided by ancient texts and archaeological objects) into vivid images. Visitors are invited into a virtual tour in time and space: the tours starts from the world of the supernatual (gods) and the myth (heroes), goes through the realm of Eros, follows the activities of everyday women and men in their private and public life, explores their religious behaviour, and concludes with their attitudes against death and their beliefs about afterlife and the Underworld.

One hundred forty two objects - mostly dating to the Classical Hellenistic periods (5th-1st c. BC) - are grouped in nine separate units.

Swimming and running are included in the 3-days sport event at the “sacred” island!

For the first time the island of the Dodecanese will carry out high-level sporting activities. "Patmos Revelation" opens its doors and the Municipality of Patmos in cooperation with Active Media Group aims to highlight the element of sport tourism.

Sport tourism has the potential to offer the island, in addition to being a religious destination, the opportunity to become an alternative choice that will attract visitors to Patmos, who will get acquainted with a different and unprecedented experience, while preserving the mystical atmosphere of the island.

"Patmos Revelation" will take place between June 30 and July 2, 2017, where the island will host running races and open water swimming races, for professional and amateur athletes, for both young and old, with the presence of Greek Olympic and world champions. The event’ s goal is the growth of tourism on an undeniably beautiful island, offering alternative forms of tourism that enable the visitor to combine fun with sports and the knowledge of the history of the place. The event will offer a full package of entertainment to the participants leaving behind wonderful memories!

Patmos, moreover, has a great and enormous religious history, as it is the island in which Ioannis the Theologian lived exile and wrote the "Apocalypse", which is one of the greatest chapters of Christianity. "Jerusalem of the Aegean", as it is known worldwide, is a heavy heritage of religion, as it has been declared "Sacred Island" by the Greek state. At the same time, it is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is part of the COESIMA network as one of the seven most important places of pilgrimage in Europe.

The mayor of Patmos, Grigoris Stoikos, among other things, stressed, “We are delighted to organize "Patmos Revelation" for the first time on our hospitable island. Patmos is famous as a destination that combines religious devoutness and natural beauty. Visitors of the island can enjoy the cave of the Apocalypse, the Castle-Monastery of St. John the Theologian, which is imposing on the top, the town of Chora, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, wonderful landscapes, dreamy seas and natural tranquility. The reason we chose to bring sport tourism to Patmos is because we want to showcase the beauties of our island by attracting people of all ages to visit us, while offering knowledge, fun and hospitality. In this way, visitors-athletes will be able to get to know the island through running races as well as open water swimming. "Patmos Revelation" aims to attract new friends and future fans to our island.We are waiting for you to participate and meet an island, which is ready to embrace you, an Apocalypse island...”.

In terms of travel and accommodation for those who participate in “Patmos Revelation”, there will be attractive packages with many privileges. For an island where the main obstacle is access, the organization has secured special routes to facilitate the participants. At the same time, more information will be announced in the next few weeks regarding the opening of registrations and the program of the activities.

Official Sponsors: Blue Star Ferries, Natural Mineral Water "Vikos"

For more information, please visit: Patmos Revelation

Photo Credit: Elias Koutoumanos

For Greeks, any form of alcohol is meant to be enjoyed with friends and family and to not be overdone. As Greece Is says, ‘an enviable hallmark of Mediterranean culture is the civilized role of alcohol.’

People drink in joy in Greece. They drink, not to escape but, as they chime their glasses together, to engage more fully in the moment with one another. Even the occasional excess is usually a product of happy exuberance; drunken fighting and regrettable behavior are virtually non-existent.

(Consider also that as famously rich as the Greek language is, there is no specific word for hangover.)

• Whatever the drink, you never just start drinking. After everyone’s glass has been filled, there will be a general “ya-mas!” (“our health!”)to start things off. Thereafter, sip from your glass as you like.
  
  
• When glasses are refilled, it’s not uncommon to toast with the fresh drink. This happens a lot – glasses are generally small (perhaps this very purpose). You can fill your own glass, but fill the glasses of your neighbors first. (Who fills whose glass? Just as you wish, but it much follows the pattern of society in general – men often fill women’s glasses, and you fill the glass of your great aunt.)
  
  
• Whenever anyone new joins the party, all will toast afresh when their glass is filled for the first time.
  
  
• Nicest of all, from time to time someone will simply be seized with the impulse to toast. This is particularly the case at a large table – spontaneous toasts periodically reunite the group. People will sometimes even rise from their chairs to chime glasses with friends at a distance.
  
  
• Is there a happy event coming up? Look forward to even more toasting (“kala stefana!” = “happy wreaths!”= happy wedding).
  
  
• Do join in each toast – if all these sips are going to your head, just barely wet your lips, and drink lots of water in between.
  

You may find that Greek drinking practices, for all their complexity, are adopted with such ease that the art of drinking with style and grace is one of the best souvenirs you’ll bring home.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greece Is

Santorini recently discovered a 9-meter sperm whale that washed ashore on a beach near Akrotiri, on the caldera side of the island. The whale, which was in a state of rot, was first spotted by a diver. The cause of death is unknown and will be determined after veterinary experts perform an autopsy. 

The sperm whale is in a location that is not accessible, making it difficult for authorities to retrieve the mammal. However, the Port Authority of Thira is actively working with the Hellenic Center for Marine Research to solve the issue.

The video below shows the diver discovering the large whale.

Source: Protothema

“Navarino Challenge” scores with Joe Arlauckas and two more awards in Sports Marketing and Digital Media Awards!

This year's 6^th edition of Navarino Challenge, which will take place between 12-14 October 2018 in Messinia and Costa Navarino, continues with even more awards and additions to its ambassadors.

The Ambassadors
One of the biggest names in basketball and former ace of Real Madrid and Sacramento Kings, Joe Arlauckas will be in Costa Navarino for Navarino Challenge to remind us of the high level basketball he has played in his career but also to teach us his golf secrets as he has been deeply involved with this sport recently.

Euroleague basketball legend said for this participation: “Apart from the beauty and serenity that Costa Navarino offers, I am so pleased to join such a special event like the Navarino Challenge 2018. The location is perfect, and the idea is something that should be considered all over the world. The opportunity to bring families together through sporting activities is not just a special occasion, but at the same time it teaches children values such as dedication, sacrifice and teamwork through activity. I am so excited to join the team this year”.

The awards
Navarino Challenge is a world class event, which grows every year both in activities and in number of participations. The internationally acclaimed event enriches Greece’s sports tourism, extends the country’s tourist season and presents the beauties of Greece all over the world. For all these reasons, Navarino Challenge was awarded for one more year at the Sports Marketing Awards 2018, in the category “Sports Tourism” of the section “Sports Events / Branded Events”.

At the same time, it was awarded at the Digital Media Awards 2018, in the category “Best Public Service / CSR Award” of the “Digital Communication & Marketing” section. “Navarino Challenge” will take place this year with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism

Organization.

Registrations have opened and you can register by clicking HERE!

The pre-sale is available also via Viva.gr, by phone at 11876, as well as at the pre- sale points of the Viva network. Registrations end on August 31st , 2018. 

Navarino Challenge participants who will book their accommodation package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and choose to take part in at least one of the main activities (running, swimming, SUP) will also be able to enjoy the organization’s full program of activities free of charge.

The program for those staying at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino includes: Tae kwon do, climbing, cycling, pilates, basketball, golf, kick boxing, baby swimming, aqua aerobics, kids' athletics, beach volley, tennis cross training, crossfit, beach yoga, boxing, beachathlon and demonstration race with optimist boats.

More information about the accommodation packages can be found HERE!

Click HERE to watch the 2018 video teaser and get  a brief taste of the event!

The official sponsors of the event are for another year the Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” and Ford Motor Hellas. Official sponsors are Poseidonia, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Avance and the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor. For the first time, Navarino Challenge will be assisted by the Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation (Herrco), which in cooperation with the Municipality of Pylos- Nestor raise awareness for better environmental control and recycling in Messinia. “ Navarino Challenge” will be co-organized with Costa Navarino , The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group and the support of the Municipalities of l Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia.

Official Sponsors: Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Ford Motor Hellas

Official Supporters: Poseidonia, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Avance Rent A Car, Municipality of Pylos-Nestor

Partners: Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Surf Salad, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, FitnessArt, Vizantinos target sport club, Red Swim Academy

Assisted by: Lifeguard Patrol, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Explore Messinia, Navarino Golf Academy, Target Security, The Diner, Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation, Athens Easy Transfers Strategic Partner: National Geographic

Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #eatwell #runwell #livewell


Photo Credit: Unique running routes at Navarino Challenge 2018 (photo by Mike Tsolis)