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Two Greek Museums Nominated For The European Museum Of The Year Award
Second-Hand Bookstore Aims To Empower Athens' Homeless
After losing his job in 2012, Mr. Koursoumis was also–eventually– left homeless. "When I was walking, whenever I felt tired I looked for a quiet place to sleep. I've slept on the ground, in the entrances of apartment buildings in Athens many times" he says.
During his time on the street, Mr. Koursoumis, collected discarded books from trashcans across the city which he later sold to the second-hand book stalls at the Athens flea market. The pursuit of old books gave him the idea to open a second-hand bookstore where he and the friends he met on the streets could work and make a living.
Today, he is confident that through the bookstore, he and his friends will be able to reclaim a part of their old lives. He is aiming to create a community center run by the homeless for the homeless at a new permanent spot he has found in Tavros, near the center of the city and hopes to move his book shop to the new premises in the next couple of weeks.
To read this article in full, please visit: dw.com
Email: booksleonis@yahoo.gr
IWG Sponsored Newsletter 1 - Fall 2019
Locally, many of you may be familiar with IWG as Regus or Spaces, the hip serviced co-working and office rental spaces popping up around Athens and Thessaloniki. We’d like to thank IWG for trusting XpatAthens and we welcome them warmly to our ever-growing international community.
We’re also delighted to tell you that this new relationship sparked the addition of an important new section for us: Work & Business!
This section will bring readers updates on local and international business news, as well as tips, resources and advice on business and entrepreneurship in Greece.
Cocoon Catering - Easter Delivery Menu 2020
Cocoon Catering strictly follows the hygiene rules dictated by national and European legislation regarding the management of raw materials, preparation, transport, and delivery of meals.
Click HERE To View Cocoon's Full Easter Delivery Menu
Cocoon Catering, wanting to contribute to the national, extremely difficult effort to deal with COVID-19 disease, supports the Hellenic Thoracic Society and calls on all citizens to contribute and donate a symbolic amount, for the enormous effort made to fight this disease.
Please contact the Hellenic Thoracic Society at htsinfo@otenet.gr for information regarding the donation procedure.The Hellenic Thoracic Society is authorized to contribute the amounts collected in any way they believe is best to fight the disease.
How To Have A Sizzling Summer In Athens
Mystery Shipwreck Discovered Off Kythnos Island
Researcher Kostas Thoktaridis told Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA) that the wreck was found at a depth of 110 meters, and its stern has also collapsed.
Its bow is facing north, and widely dispersed debris has been found thirty meters from the stern. Metal parts of the ship and the deck have been blown off beyond the wreck, he said, and damage indicates the ship sank quite fast.
Following a review of the wreck with a remote-operated vehicle (ROV), the ship’s length was estimated at nearly forty meters while its profile height appears to be three meters high. An additional unique construction factor is that the frame lines are spaced very close to one another.
Another shipwreck discovered by Thoktaridis and his team
Earlier in 2022, Thoktaridis and his team of divers discovered another shipwreck that has languished in the waters off Cape Sounion, Greece since 1891. The shipwreck was identified as the Italian freighter “Taormina.”
“It is one of the rarest shipwrecks,” said researcher Kostas Thoktaridis, speaking to AMNA. “It seems almost unbelievable, how well the mast has been preserved,” he added.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
Volos Railway Station: An Architectural Gem Standing Proudly For More Than A Century
The building was designed by Italian engineer Evaristo De Chirico, father of the great surrealist painter Giorgio De Chirico. It all started when work on the famous Thessalian Railway, which would connect the port of Volos by rail with Larissa, began in the Thessalian Plain and throughout Western Thessaly.
Construction works started immediately after the liberation of Thessaly in 1881. The building was completed and inaugurated by King George I in 1884. The operation of this railway network was the main reason for the explosive growth of Volos.
With the railway station of Volos, Evaristo De Chirico showed his exceptional talent, in addition to his other creations, just like the uniquely beautiful Pelion train that would follow a few years later.
The colors that decorated the magnificent building in 1884 still remain the same today, 140 years later, constituting a distinct monument and reference point for the capital of Magnesia.
In 1884, when the railway station of Volos was inaugurated along with the Volos-Larissa line, another important element stood at the site. It was the monumental statue of the goddess Athena, the work of the Italian sculptor G. Previsan, which still stands to this day, in the same place, blending harmoniously with the imposing building.
On the first floor of the building, the Railway Museum of Thessaly has been operating for the last 20 years. There, rich and rare relics related to the history of the railways are exhibited. On these premises, the visitor can see old photographs, telegraphs, station clocks, period uniforms, ticket offices, engine parts, railway archives, books on rail architecture, and drawings by Ernest Chirico, all important historical documents.
Originally published in Greek on: iefimerida.gr
Athens Is Home To Europe's Oldest Street
Originally published in Greek, on: carandmotor.gr
Discover The Untold Stories Of Cycladic Women: A Captivating Archaeological Exhibition
- A Journey Through Time:
Featuring approximately 150 unique works of Cycladic art, the exhibition spans from early prehistory to the 17th century. These treasures, many of which have never left the Cyclades or been displayed to the public, come from the collections of the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades and the Museum of Cycladic Art. Select artifacts from the National Archaeological Museum, the Kanellopoulos Museum, the Epigraphic Museum, and prestigious private collections further enrich the display.
- A Celebration of Women’s Roles:
Immerse yourself in stories that explore the multifaceted roles of women in the Cyclades across millennia. From divine figures to mothers, from participants in religious rituals to active members of the public and private spheres, these narratives reveal both the constraints women faced and moments of their emancipation.
- A Reflection on Modernity:
In a time when women continue to advocate for respect, freedom of choice, and liberation from enduring stereotypes, the exhibition connects the past with the present. It brings forward untold tales of Cycladic women that illuminate the historical formation of female identity from prehistory to the post-Byzantine era.
Don't miss this extraordinary cultural journey!
📍 Where: Museum of Cycladic Art, Stathatos Mansion
📆 When: Opening at the Museum of Cycladic Art, with a second showing at the Archaeological Museum of Thera in June 2025
Step into the lives, roles, and legacies of Cycladic women, and witness history like never before.
Athens From Above: Rooftop Cafés & Bars We Absolutely Love
Let's face it: Athens from high-up is even more stunning. The Acropolis glowing at sunset, terracotta rooftops sprawling in every direction, and that soft golden light that makes the city feel cinematic. While the usual rooftop spots are no secret, there’s a handful of places we keep coming back to, for the view, the vibe, and that extra touch of atmosphere you can’t always explain.
If you're looking to take your coffee, cocktail, or dinner date to new heights — literally — these rooftops are where we’d go. And where we go again.
1. Ciel Athens
@ciel_athens
Located near Mitropoleos Square, Ciel blends charm, great coffee, and an all-day menu with those chef’s kiss Acropolis views. Light and airy with a wraparound terrace, and a solid brunch scene, it’s an ideal mix of casual and polished. Whether you’re starting your day with pancakes or ending it with prosecco, Ciel hits the sweet spot.
Location: Mitropoleos 2, Athina
Telephone: 210 3314727
2. Couleur Locale 
@couleurlocaleathens
This Monastiraki go-to never gets old. The path to the rooftop feels like you’re discovering a secret club, and once you’re up there — wow. The Acropolis feels almost close enough to touch. Great crowd, buzzing playlists, and colorful touches everywhere make it one of the most photogenic rooftops in town (but still chill enough for a low-key drink).
Location: Normanou 3, Athina
Telephone: 216 7004917
3. Deos Athens 
@deosathens
Deos Athens is an all-day bar and restaurant perched atop the iconic Apollon Tower, offering breathtaking 360° panoramic views of Athens from its rooftop terrace. Located on the upper floors, this culinary sanctuary combines stylish design by Stratos Chiotelis with a sophisticated atmosphere, making it a standout spot for everything from brunch to elegant dinners. Guests can unwind by the rooftop pool while sipping expertly crafted cocktails as the sun sets over the cityscape. Versatile spaces also make it ideal for hosting memorable events, all while immersed in unparalleled views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Telephone: 216 0045685
4. Scherzo Summer Lounge
@apolisloungebeat
Scherzo feels like a secret escape to the Cyclades but without ever leaving Athens. Located in Petroupolis, this dreamy rooftop bar is designed with crisp white walls, stone details, and pops of Aegean blue, immediately evoking the charm of a Cycladic island. It offers a breezy setting ideal for a golden-hour cocktail or late drink, bringing island serenity to the city in the most elegant, effortless way.
Location: Ipirou 82, PetroupoliTelephone: 210 5068000
5. Apolis
@apolisloungebeat
Located just above Scherzo, Apolis offers sweeping views of the city skyline and the Acropolis beyond. With a modern, open-air design and an easy-going atmosphere, it’s a favorite for sunset drinks or casual get-togethers. The vibe is chill but stylish — ideal for those who want a great view without the fuss.
Location: Agiou Dimitriou, Petroupoli
Telephone: 210 5060620
6. Horizon Rooftop of Senses
Just a short ride from Athens, Horizon Rooftop of Senses in Mikrolimano offers a fresh perspective on rooftop experiences, overlooking the sparkling Saronic Gulf and busy marina. This sleek spot combines modern design, gourmet bites, and expertly crafted cocktails with unforgettable sea vistas. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to combine city energy with coastal calm.
Location: Akti Koumoundourou 24, PiraeusTelephone: 210 4138224
7. Ermou 18 Beyond the Horizon
@ermou18
Hidden above a neoclassical facade on busy Ermou, this rooftop strikes a balance between downtown buzz and serene sunset energy. With low tables, velvet banquettes, and greenery softening the modern decor, it’s made for golden hour drinks and DJ sets under the stars. Bonus: their cocktail list is genuinely creative, not just page filler.