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A magnificent tapestry depicting the School of Athens painting by the Italian master Raphael has been loaned to Greece by France to adorn Greek Parliament. The priceless 18th-century tapestry was sent to Athens in honor of the bicentennial of the Greek Revolution and War of Independence.

Parliamentary President Konstantinos Tasoulas and the French Ambassador in Athens, Patrick Maisonnave, attended the hanging of the tapestry on a wall in Parliament.

The masterpiece has adorned the French National Assembly since 1879 and arrived in our country as a gift from the French Republic to Greece on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
Photo credit: AMNA
Daily life in ancient Greece varied by the city-state. In Athens and Sparta, people lived according to such contrasting traditions that it almost seems as though they were from different countries entirely.

Despite the fact that they shared the same heritage and language, ancient Athens and Sparta were wildly different with clashing lifestyles, cultures, and values.

Often, the two city-states were not on the friendliest of terms.

The Spartans were warriors, disciplined and strong, and always ready to die for their homeland—hence the word “Spartan,” which is also used today, meaning someone who lives an austere life and is indifferent to pleasures and luxuries.

Athenians, on the other hand, were educated, and those who were not soldiers were philosophers, politicians, writers of tragedies and comedies, musicians, and sculptors.

Growing up in Sparta: a life of self-denial

Life in Sparta was one of simplicity and self-denial. Children were children of the state more than of their parents. They were raised to be soldiers, loyal to the state, strong and self-disciplined.

When a Spartan baby was born, soldiers came to the house and examined it carefully to determine its strength. They bathed the baby in wine rather than water to see its reaction.

If a baby was weak, the Spartans would throw it off a cliff (the Kaiadas) or take it away to become a slave (helot).

Life in ancient Athens was different than in the rest of Greece

Men were the only people considered citizens, so they were frequently seen around the town conducting their business along with slaves.

Men went to the market, met with friends to discuss politics, and went to temples to worship. Interestingly, it was men who did all the shopping and errands outside of the house. Athenian men had a special room in the house just for themselves. This room was for lounging around and entertaining male guests; no women except for slaves and entertainers were allowed inside this room. Contrary to Spartan men, the educated, well-to-do Athenians were very much interested in the arts, philosophy, and aesthetics.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com







 

Archaeologists in Greece discovered in western Peloponnese the remains of a temple-shaped building that could be a lost sanctuary of the ancient god Poseidon, the Culture Ministry said.

The excavations completed at the end of September revealed part of the foundation of a large building, 9.40 meters wide, the walls of which are 0.80 meters wide. A dense layer of tiles was found inside. Based on the indications of the geophysical survey and the excavation data, the building was at least 28 meters in length, it had two inner rooms, as well as a “pronaos” and a back building or inner sanctum.

Archaeologists believe the elongated temple-shaped building probably belonged to the sanctuary of Poseidon and may even be the temple itself.

The site of Kleidi, where the ancient building was found, had been suggested by earlier researchers as a possible location of the famous ancient sanctuary, as it is situated in the foothills of the ancient acropolis of Samiko, with a command of the area north of the Lake Kaiafa, on the west coast of the Peloponnese.

According to information provided by Greek geographer, philosopher, and historian Strabo in his Geography, Book 8, the sanctuary of Poseidon was an important cult center of the Amphictyonic league (an association of neighboring city-states in ancient Greece to defend a common religious center) of the cities of Triphylia and was situated near the sea, under the acropolis of Samiko.

Combined with the Laconian style of tiling, the discovery of part of the marble water basin (perrirhanterion) leads archaeologists to tentatively date the building to the Archaic period.

The discovery, which is the result of this year’s first excavation season of the five-year research program (2022-2026), is aiming to investigate the topography of the area and identify the sanctuary of Poseidon and the port of Samiko. It is a collaboration between the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia headed by Dr. Erofili Kollia and the Austrian Archaeological Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, headed by Dr. Birgitta Eder.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

Main Image: Greek Culture Ministry
Wednesday, 04 June 2025 16:16

Immigration & Legal Support in Greece

A Clear Path Through Greek Bureaucracy
 
Relocating to Greece often means navigating a complex legal and administrative landscape. Through our reliable relocation partners, support is available to simplify each step and ensure full compliance with local regulations.
 


Immigration & Residency Procedures


Each relocation case is unique, with different legal requirements depending on nationality, visa type, and purpose of stay. Personalized guidance helps individuals and families meet Greek immigration standards, with step-by-step assistance throughout the process. When needed, representatives accompany applicants to public offices for submissions and follow-ups.

Greek Tax Registration & Financial Setup

Establishing a financial identity in Greece is a key early step. Assistance may include:
  • Issuing a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM)

  • Setting up TaxisNet credentials

  • Transferring tax files to the correct local office (DOY)

  • Opening a Greek bank account

Access to Healthcare Services

Enrollment in Greece’s healthcare system requires specific documentation and appointments. Help is available for:
  • Registering for AMKA or AMA numbers

  • Enrolling with EFKA (social security)

  • Scheduling and coordinating necessary appointments

Residency & Work Permits

Whether relocating from within the EU or outside, expert support ensures the correct documentation is obtained. Services may cover:
  • Entry visa preparation

  • Applications for residence and work permits

  • Renewal processing or changes in legal status

Other Legal & Administrative Services

Support extends beyond core immigration needs, covering everyday requirements that may arise when settling in Greece, such as:
  • Vehicle registration

  • Conversion of EU driver’s licenses to Greek licenses

  • General assistance with legal paperwork

Are You Planning a Move to Greece?

With the right guidance, moving to Greece can be a breeze! Legal, tax, and residency requirements can be met efficiently, leaving more time to enjoy the new chapter ahead. Get in touch with us for more information.
Thursday, 05 February 2015 14:28

Sweating in the City

The heat is on. This is, clearly, an understatement. The temperatures of the last week have made the topic of ‘the weather’, so common in rainy northern climates, the topic of the day across the city. Have we finally joined the rest of the world who complain about the weather on a daily basis? Hopefully not. But one could be forgiven for doing so this week…

With air conditioners taxed to their maximum, and fans spinning out of control, the midsummer ‘get out of Athens’ feeling is creeping up… For those of us still in the city (and there are many of us these days!), the question is how to enjoy our days and nights while dealing with this heat. For me, the question has become ‘who is arriving or departing today?’ – as I deal with an influx of friends and travelers at my place.

Moving into the city centre has meant that I’m now the preferred destination for friends visiting Athens. I’ve been lucky (!) to have a series of visitors in town for the past month or so. I’ve got my city tour down pat – Plaka, Monastiraki, Acropolis (entrance fee not included), Syntagma, Kolonaki, Exarheia. And even a trip down to the seaside for those who have the time. Nights out in Gazi, in Plaka, at Plateia Karitsi, etc are also included in Jack’s Athens Package. I love to show people my Athens.

The trouble is, they love it here. And they inevitably tell their friends, who also jump on a plane headed for Athens. And before you know it, you have a house full of people with cameras in hand, who can’t wait to see what they can see. At this point I have sweat through all my t-shirts and most of my sneakers. And we’re only at the end of July. Surely it can’t get any hotter…

In my next life, I will own a bed-and-breakfast. With air conditioning.

Until next week,

Jack.

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…

Monday, 16 February 2015 12:17

YooMoo: Fat Free Frozen Yogurt in Glyfada

If you’ve driven by Kyprou street in Glyfada, you may have noticed a rash of double parked cars on a certain block. And if you looked closely, you would see a line forming at a little store. It seems that the advent of a do-it-yourself frozen yogurt bar “YooMoo” in Greece has been a success! What’s not to like? You walk in, you choose your flavors, serve yourself, add toppings, weigh and pay- and then you can either run home or sit in the friendly surroundings. If that’s not enough, consider this- the frozen yogurt is FAT FREE!

How it works: Firstly, choose as many flavours as you like and mix them up as you please. Then go crazy on the toppings - naughty, nice or a mixture of everything! Once you are ready, just weigh your creation at the counter and pay by weight. Let loose and moo!

 

YOOMOO
KYPROU 51
ESPERIDON SQUARE, GLYFADA
TEL: 210 8985150

 

Do you have a recommendation or recipe to share? Send it to us at ideas@xpatathens.com!

 

Thursday, 19 February 2015 11:49

Retail Sales See Volume Grow Again

Retail sales volume posted a significant rise in October 2014 compared with the same month in 2013, while the constant decline in prices meant there was only marginal growth in turnover, according to data released on Wednesday by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).

Sales volume grew for the fifth month in a row in October, at a rate of 3.7 percent year-on-year, while turnover posted a 0.5 percent expansion.

There is also an increase in the sales volume for the whole of the period from January to October 2014, from a year earlier, which confirms the slow but steady rebound in the retail sector.

To read more, please visit ekathimerini.com

By Dimitra Manifava

Monday, 27 February 2017 07:00

Lenten Recipe - Poached Fish Cretan-Style

This recipe is two dishes in one. Vegetables and fish are poached in a flavored broth, which is then strained to be turned into soup as a first course. This one is from the isle of Crete.

Makes 5 to 6 servings

Ingredients
  • 2 pounds fish suitable for poaching (such as cod, mackerel, carp, trout, haddock, salmon
  • Lemon juice
  • 2 liters water
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Herbs: 2 bay leaves, 8 peppercorns, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 3 sprigs fresh parsley, tied in a cheesecloth
  • 10 small onions, peeled but left whole
  • 10 small potatoes, peeled but left whole
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
To read this recipe in full, please visit: Nola
 
Winter sales begin on Monday January 11, 2016 and run until Monday February 29, 2016. The Commercial Association of Athens also announced that shops will be open on Sunday January 17th from 11 am to 8 pm.

Happy shopping!!

Source: Lifo
Translated by: XpatAthens
Travel blogger, author, and Athens local, Marissa Tejada, shares her favorite spots and tips for the best panoramic views of Athens!

1. Acropolis
The eternal landmark of this ancient city owns some of the most spectacular views around. Built on a hill, with nothing higher around it, you get an amazing panorama of the Greek capitol. A short hike is the only way to get you up to the top of this unique, majestic wonder of the world.
 
Walking Tip: Check out Mars Hill/Aeropagus. Great views on this rock next to the Acropolis where St. Paul once preached. Talk about standing on history!

2. Filopappos Hill
Take a leisurely walk through the paths of the hill to reach its full height of 147 meters. From that vantage point, a full view of the Acropolis awaits. Look to the south, and for a view of the Aegean Sea. The park around the hill is lovely.

Walking Tip: It is a public park, so there isn’t an admission fee to walk around. There are various entrances to the hill. You can walk right into the hill at the end of Dionysioiu Areopagito pedestrian way.

3. Strefi Hill/Lofos Strefi
Located in in the neighborhood of Exarcheia, the view at the top is of both the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill. This choice of best view is because it is not a real touristy spot. Here, you can take in a pretty view and be among where locals trek.

Walking Tip: Closest metro is Omonia. One way to get there is to walk up Emannuel Benaki street all the way until you see the hill and follow a path up.

To read Marissa's article in full, please visit: My Greece My Travels
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