Greece has many beautiful sights for you to check out while you are visiting the country. One thing you want to be sure to add to your itinerary is visiting some of the ancient, historical Greek monasteries. Here are 10 must-see monasteries in Greece.

Evangelistria Monastery, Skiathos 


@lauren.galtress

This historical structure, on the Greek island of Skiathos, which was first founded in 1794 by a group of monks from Mount Athos played a crucial role in the 1821 Revolution which brought independence to Greece. Also, the first-ever Hellenic flag was made on a loom at this very location.

A monastery built in a cave is what you will find when you visit the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani. It sits at the top of a hill in northwest Mandraki, while the largest portion of the monastery is built inside a cave. A truly unique experience, the cave is divided into two churches and is definitely worth a visit.

Mega Spileo, Kalavryta


@marian.rptk

Another breathtaking monastery, Mega Spileo stands eight stories tall and is actually built on the sheer cliffs, at a cave opening where it almost appears to become one with the surrounding landscape. Considered to be the oldest monastery in Greece, dating back to 362 AD, it has survived four fires. It played an important role during the Greek War of Independence in 1821 against the Ottomans. The monastery is also home to countless Byzantine icons, frescoes, copper plates, manuscripts and other unique treasures, such as its library featuring more than 3,000 books.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art. Dating back to the early 10th century, it is built on the slopes of Mount Helicon and was founded by the hermit, Venerable (Greek: Hosios) St. Luke, whose relics are kept in the monastery to this day.

One of the most popular destinations on the island of Patmos, the Monastery is situated near the cave where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation. This UNESCO World Heritage site was founded in 1088 in Chora, Patmos by soldier-priest John Christodoulos, who heavily fortified the exterior of the structure to protect it from threats of piracy and Seljuk Turks.

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

And, what is the birthplace of philosophy? Greece, of course!

Greeks were among the first people to break free from the tradition of mythological explanations and the overall mysticism that defined ancient history. They went from a narrow, superficial, one-dimensional view of the world to a deep and thorough interpretation largely based on reasoning and evidence. Their abstruse yet eloquent philosophical ideas about politics, science, and the universe set the basis of Western civilization's thinking and earned them the recognition that still lives to this day. Here's a list of the top 5 most influential Greek philosophers! 

Thales of Miletus (620 BC–546 BC)


Source: Wikimedia Commons

Being a mathematician and astronomer, Thales is often referred to as the "Father of Science", and he is historically recognized as the first individual to engage in scientific philosophy. He tried to explain various natural phenomena without the inclusion of mythology, using only naturalistic theories and hypotheses. According to Aristotle, he investigated a number of basic principles, such as the origin of matter and he proposed water as the basic component of the world. He also excelled in mathematics and geometry, which he used to calculate the heights of the pyramids and he is the first known individual to whom a mathematician discovery has been attributed. 

Famous Quote: "All human sufferings, come from ignorance." 

Pythagoras of Samos (570 BC–495 BC)


Source: Galilea/Wikimedia Commons

Pythagoras was an ancient Greek mathematician and pre-socratic philosopher, known for founding Pythagoreanism and inventing the Pythagorean Theorem, one of the key computations in geometry. He is associated with the concept of "metempsychosis", meaning the transmigration of souls, according to which every soul is immortal and enters a new body upon its death. He regarded the world as perfectly harmonious and was particularly interested in developing ideas and rules that could lead to a harmonious life. He may also have invented the doctrine of "musica universalis", the hypothesis that planets move according to mathematical equations and produce an inaudible symphony of music.

Famous Quote: "A fool is known by his speech, and a wise man by silence."

Aristotle (384 BC–322 BC)


Source: Lysippos/Wikimedia Commons

A student of Plato and the teacher of Alexander the Great, Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath, justifiably considered one of the world’s most influential ancient philosophers. He was an imaginative and prolific writer whose writings cover numerous subjects including physics, biology, metaphysics, logic, ethics, economics, politics, and much more. At a time when most philosophers preferred a more theoretical perception of the world, one that was beyond the accessibility of the physical senses, Aristotle was one of the first to propose an interpretation of the world mainly based on facts learned from the experience. 

Famous Quote: "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

Plato (427 BC–347 BC)


Source: Mary Harrsch/Wikimedia Commons

A student of Socrates, Plato is regarded as the founder of one of the world's first known institutions of higher learning, the Academy of Athens. Plato's philosophy is based on a threefold approach: dialects, ethics, and physics. His most famous theory is the theory of the forms, the fundamental doctrine of Platonic idealism, according to which only ideas encapsulate the true and essential nature of things, in a way that the physical form can't. In other words, Plato believed that the substantive reality around us is only a reflection of a higher truth, the abstraction. Thanks to his famous dialog "The Republic", where he described a city-state defined by justice, he became known as the "Father of Political Science", with his political ideas, although somewhat utopian, still being praised today. 

Famous Quote: "Reality is created by the mind, we can change our reality by changing our mind."

Socrates (469 BC–399 BC)


Source: Norto Mendez/Wikimedia Commons

Widely regarded as a founder of Western philosophy and the first moral philosopher of the Western ethical tradition of thought, Socrates was an enigmatic and perplexing character who didn't write any books and most of his philosophical contributions come from his students, mainly Plato and Xenophon. He became famous for encouraging people to critically question everything and attempting to construct an ethical framework based on human reasoning instead of various contentious theological ideas. His greatest contribution to philosophy was the Socratic Method, an argumentative dialog between individuals, based on asking and answering thought-provoking questions to stimulate critical thinking and draw out ideas and underlying presumptions. His radical beliefs led to him being tried and convicted for corrupting the youth and his legendary trial and death at the altar of the ancient Greek democratic system will forever remain in history.

Famous Quote: "The only true wisdom is in knowing, that you know nothing".

Also called the “Rose City” because of the color of the stones used in its buildings, this stunningly beautiful city was founded over 2000 years ago along the ancient trade routes between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea. 

Its beautiful rock-cut architecture makes it a place of significant archaeological value, while its innovative water management system, the one that made the region inhabitable, given that it is surrounded by desert and rugged terrain, is truly noteworthy.

A trading center, Petra soon became the bustling and affluent capital of the Kingdom of the Nabateans, an Arab Bedouin tribe that originated in what is now southwestern Jordan. Envious of its wealth, the Greek Empire attacked the city in 312 B.C. The attack was unsuccessful, but, although the Greeks didn't manage to conquer the city, they left a great mark on its architecture, and much more. 

The city's name itself is of Greek origin as "petra" means "stone" in English, while the city's most famous structure, the tomb called the “Khazneh” meaning “Treasury”, features elaborate Corinthian-style columns, showcasing the ineffaceable influence of Greek architecture. 

The breathtaking city of Petra was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. 

The end of summer signals the end of beaches and the invocation of mountains and the start of weekend village escapes – clean air, stone taverns with the local flavors, and hikes between pristine streams and fir trees.

From the dozens of beautiful and picturesque destinations, there are four villages which are located near Athens that make the perfect autumn weekend escape for those who wish to walk through picturesque alleys and visit stone chapels.

Dimitsana


@vaiad•

It may be known for its role during the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire, but its beauty with special architecture and the gorge of Lucius is what brings visitors to its doorstep today. You can wander the streets of the village and visit one of the monasteries of Lucius. Traditional taverns and cafes are not missing either, as well as shops with pure local products. The historic library and the ecclesiastical museum are interesting and you can always take a walk through the Open Air Museum of Hydrokinesis.

Zachlorou


@zoepelos

If you are looking for a truly magical place for your getaways, look no further. Take the car and head to Zachlorou, a village built in the gorge of Vouraikos. The village was built during the Turkish occupation when Epirotes were forced to flee to the Peloponnese. There is a lot of wild beauty – streams, trees, and rocks create a cinematic landscape. The unique Cave of the Lakes is definitely worth a visit!

Zarouchla


@kostasxwl

In Orini Akrata is Zarouchla, a village that retains its old, traditional character despite the growing number of visitors. Green is all around and gracious stone covers streets, shops, and houses. This is the main feature in the hotels you will stay at for the weekend, but also in the cafes and taverns where you will try delicious, local dishes. If you love nature, Zarouchla is an ideal weekend destination for you, since there you can take walks among the fir trees and the streams. Leaving, take a walk along the beautiful lake Tsivlou, which although owes its existence to a deadly landslide that occurred in 1913, is of incomparable beauty.

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

All shipping routes lead to the Greek Maritime Golf Event, the remarkable maritime golf tournament that will be held for the 7 th year on September 3-5, 2021, at Costa Navarino, Messinia.

Tournament’s Safety
The Greek Maritime Golf Event will bring together distinguished executives of the Greek shipping community who will compete in the completely safe destination of Costa Navarino, under a strict health and safety protocol established by the event’s production staff and approved by the Health Scientific Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports. You may find the event’s protocol here .

Golfing Action
Greek Maritime Golf Event teams, consisting of four people in each team, will compete in the two signature 18-hole courses, The Dunes Course and The Bay Course. More specifically on Saturday, September 4, participants will take part in a shotgun scramble that will take place at The Dunes Course, in a stunning natural landscape full of centuries- old olive trees. On Sunday, September 5, golfers will have the option of participating in the two (2) ball better ball (3/4 hcp), to be held at The Bay Course, with a magnificent view of the historic Bay of Navarino, and the picturesque port of Pylos.

Participating teams will claim the prizes for the top three positions in the overall standings on both courses; while special awards will be given in the context of Saturdays’ game to individual players, who will achieve the best scores in the special categories “Longest Drive” and “Closest to the Pin”.

Golf Clinic
Non-golfers will have the opportunity to attend the golf clinic and take part in the putting competition to be held on Saturday, September 4 at The Dunes Course.

The shipping community supports KARKINAKI
On Saturday, September 4, the awards ceremony will be glamorous and full of surprises and gifts for its participants. The event will be presented by the Euroleague legend, Joe Arlauckas and the international model Ioanna Papadimitriou. In collaboration with the unique agency in Europe, dealing with trading cards and memorabilia, Trace ‘n Chase, a silent auction will be held for the first time, in which items of golf legends such as Gary Player, Tiger Woods, Roy Mcllroy and world-class athletes, including NBA Finals Champion & MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, NFL player Tom Brady and tennis player Serena Williams will be auctioned. The shipping community is expected for another year to “embrace” and actively support the event’s good cause, as during the ceremony participants will have the opportunity to 2 directly contribute with their desired amount at the specially designed area. The total amount to be collected will be given to the Non-Profit Organization KARKINAKI, which claims intervention in the effort of stopping Childhood and adolescent cancer being a taboo issue, but also finding as many allies as possible so that every child who suffers from cancer has equal access to high-quality hospitalization, effective treatment and, ultimately, the right to life.

You may check the event’s detailed schedule here!



Greek Maritime Golf Event is attended by some of the leading shipping companies from Greece and Cyprus as well as great Greek companies that support the event.

Maritime Sponsors:
The Marshall Islands Registry IRI is the event’s Platinum Sponsor.
Mainline Shipping Company, Onego Shipping Company, Jotun Hellas and Swift Marine are Golden Sponsors.
Arrow Hellas, DNV and Drew Marine are Silver Sponsors.
Marine Tours is the event’s Official Travel Partner.
IYC is the Official Sponsor.
Tototheo Maritime and Standard Club are the Official Supporters.
Non-Maritime Sponsors: MOTODYNAMICS SA is the Signature Sponsor.
Qatar Airways is the Official Airline.
Poseidonia is the Official Supporter. Avance is the Official Rental Partner.
Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner
Under Armour is the Official Clothing Partner.
Pilia Express is the Official Carrier.
Minoa Water is the Official Water.
Trace ‘n Chase is the Silent Auction Partner.
Pylos Poems, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa,
The Margi, Arifakis, Domotel Kastri, Karalis Beach Hotel, ΜΕΤΑΧΑ, UWC SAMOS, Luc Belaire, Veroni, Lakonia, Ideas Print, Dinner in the Sky, Blue Shades of Greece, Athi Rodi and Unique Flowers Creations are the event’s Partners.
Boo Productions is the Audio Visual Partner.
The event is held under the auspices of the Hellenic Golf Federation. Greek Maritime Golf Event, is organized by Birdie Events, through an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias.
The award-winning sports marketing agency of ActiveMedia Group has undertaken the event’s Golf Production.
The tournament is addressed exclusively to distinguished executives of the Greek shipping community.

Photo Credit: Charis Akriviadis

This city is a great place to satisfy all your carb cravings. Every neighborhood in Athens has at least one bakery where most households shop daily. You’ll find anything from the perfect loaf of sourdough to sesame-coated koulouri, and bread stuffed with just about anything. Apart from bread, these bakeries offer an array of sweet and savory pies, cookies and cakes, freshly-made sandwiches, and syrupy pastries. These five bakeries are standouts in central Athens.

Takis


Credit: Manos Chatzikonstantis

This family-owned “bread shrine” opened in 1961 right beneath the Acropolis. More than 30 types of bread are baked daily, ranging from dense sourdough to focaccias flecked with olives and herbs and airy, crunchy campaillou baguettes. The freshly made pies and sandwiches are exquisite, as are the cakes and cookies. Try the lipsopita, semi-sweet buns made with olive oil and spiced with orange zest. Don’t be put off by the constant queue; it moves fast and whatever you walk away with is definitely worth the wait

Location: 14 Missaraliotou, Koukaki
Telephone: 210 923 0052

Pnyka


Credit: Manos Chatzikonstantis

This bakery has been thriving since 1981, with three branches in Athens and one in Vienna, Austria. Founder Dimitris Kotsaris, who passed away a few years ago leaving the business to his son, was obsessed with bread and believed it had medicinal properties. The family has a stone mill, where they grind their own superior-quality grains, in their central branch in Pangrati. They use no yeast—just their homemade sourdough starter—and the bread is still baked in a wood-burning oven. Apart from their classic wholemeal and white bread—both dense and full of flavor, with an irresistible, crackling crust—they also make low-gluten buckwheat and zea (an ancient grain) and a chocolatey carob loaf. I also love their stuffed bread with olives and herbs or feta and tomato. Bread aside, boost your energy with a pasteli—the traditional honey and sesame seed bar, with roots in ancient Greece.

Location: 24 Petraki, Historic Centre
Telephone: 210 324 5162

Mama Psomi


Credit: Manos Chatzikonstantis

This cute little bakery is a backstreet secret with legions of loyal customers. Mama Psomi means “Mum, Bread,” a nod to the fact that the bakery is run by husband and wife Giorgos and Rallou, both actors. Giorgos’ father was a baker himself; besides inheriting his talent for baking, Giorgos also inherited his recipes. It’s not often that you’ll find a piano in a bakery, but the one here is often used by the couple’s son. Regulars pause for a nourishing spot of classical music along with their warm loaves. They bake four types of bread, plus two occasional specials: a loaf made with cracked wheat and ground hazelnuts and a gluten-free option. Their small production of hand-made pies is a must, especially the zucchini and mint, minced meat, and chicken pie with caramelized onions. Just make sure you get here early, their goodies sell out quickly.

Location: 42 Zaharitsa, Koukaki
Telephone: 210 922 7686

To Koulouri tou Psyrri


@to_koulouri_tou_psirri

Located in the same premises since the 1960s, this local institution specializes in koulouri, crunchy bread rings covered in sesame seeds that date back to Byzantium. Alongside the classic version, they also produce a thicker, braided bread ring that’s great for sandwiches, and new-fangled variations topped with cheese or sunflower seeds, kneaded with currants and cinnamon, or sweetened with honey. Sugar-covered doughnuts are a classic here too, and so is the grape molasses cake spiced with cinnamon and clove. This bakery supplies most of the street vendors who sell this classic street food all over the city. It’s open round the clock, so if you get hungry after a late night of clubbing, you know where to go.

Location: 23 Karaiskaki, Psirri
Telephone: 210 321 5962

Lykavittos


Credit: Manos Chatzikonstantis


Mr. and Mrs. Iskidakis, the super-friendly couple who have been running this place since the 1980s, are true bread connoisseurs. They’re renowned for their organic German and Austrian-style breads, as well as their sourdough Metsovitiko (a recipe popular in Metsovo in northwest Greece). But I especially recommend their turmeric, walnut, and hazelnut loaves. Their lagana, a crusty flatbread topped with sesame seeds, is known by almost every resident of Athens. Unfortunately, you can only bite into it on Clean Monday, the start of Lent, so if you’re here at that time, don’t miss the opportunity. Their pies, sandwiches, cookies, and croissants are equally good, but the ultimate highlight is the customer service. Feel free to ask them anything you want to know about bread, they have all the answers.

Location: 59 Dinokratous, Kolonaki
Telephone: 210 721 1248

Originally published on: thisisathens.org

Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share! 

 

The Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA) has announced that the frequency of bus, metro, trolleybus and tram services will return as of September 4 to pre-holiday conditions.

The bus and trolleybus network, in particular, is expected to be significantly strengthened this year due to the addition of new vehicles to the fleet.

Public transport will be further enhanced from 2022 onward, when the first electric buses will be integrated into Attica’s bus and trolleybus operator (OSY) network.

The announcement of the first phase of the tender for the supply of 600 buses (300 powered by electric, 300 gas and the rest hybrid) is scheduled for September.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

Although most famous for its beaches and islands, 80% of Greece is mountainous, meaning that a wide variety of nutritious and delicious herbs can be found growning in the country's slopes. 

Used all across the country in traditional cooking and get-well home brews, these herbs not only smell and taste great, but also have a number of healing attributes.



Fliskouni


Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Also known as mountain mint, fliskouni has been known as a natural aphrodisiac since the ancient times, while ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Arabs also used it as medicine. Among others, it is believed to stimulate the nervous system and promote the strength of the respiratory system, battling respiratory diseases such as asthma. It can also be used as a flavoring in cooking and confectionery and if you ever catch a cold, it's the perfect frangnat hot drink!

Marjoram


Credit: SKsiddhartthan/Wikimedia Commons

Marjoram has been cultivated in Greece since the ancient times and it's used extensively in Greek cuisine as well, paired with meat, salads, cheese, and bread. It's a natural tranquilizer and has numerous therapeutic properties. It's commonly used for runny nose, cough, common cold, other infections, and various digestion problems, while the steam produced by the hot infusion of this herb is very helpful for the human respiratory system.

Sage


Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Known for its strong aroma and earthy flavor, sage is also packed with a variety of important nutrients and strong antioxidant properties. In ancient Greece is was considered a holy herb and women used to brew it for their husbands as a fertility-tonic. The herb is thought to stimulate brain function, boosting memory and preventing various congitive disorters, while it's also known to reduce blood sugar levels, support oral health, and protect against certain cancers. 

Mountain Tea


Credit: Lemur12/Wikimedia Commons

Mountain tea is the most commonly found Greek herbal tea and, thanks to its mild and sweet aroma, it is deliciously drunk both hot or iced. It's also called Sideritis, a name given to it in ancient times, to describe its capability of healing wounds caused by iron weapons during battles. It has a number of antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, while it's used to help cope with stress and various inflammations of the respiratory system. 

Dittany


Credit: Aqua1975/Wikimedia Commons

Originating from the island of Crete, dittany, also known as erontas, meaning "youthful love" is considered an aphrodisiac. It has been widely used for medicinal purpose and even Hippocrated had acknowledged is healthy properties, as he used it to treat stomach aches and facilitate digesting process. Tea made from dittany is used to relieve headaches while its essential oils have antiseptic and anti-fungal properties and can be used to treat burns.

Be the first to see the Hellenic Air Force’s new state-of-the-art Rafale take to the Greek skies, performing gravity-defying manoeuvres! The French Demo Rafale will take off from Tanagra for an amazing display of its flight capabilities, and you’ll be impressed by its unique flexibility and the wonderful paint scheme prepared for this year’s air show by the French Air Force!

Athens Flying Week, the largest air show in Greece, returns on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th of September more impressive than ever!!! Watch a “COMBAT EVAC” exercise by the Greek Armed Forces, demonstrations for the aircrafts of the Hellenic Air Force, the Army and the Navy but also the fire extinguishers Canadair CL-415 and PZL!

Don’t miss the unique spectacle organized by the Athens Flying Week team for the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution!

Aegean Airlines with the A320 NEO is also joining the Air Show and of course the 114th Combat Wing together with EAB who provide us with their hospitable facilities!

Get ready for the most impressive static exhibition ever!!! Do not miss the opportunity to take pictures with the French Rafale, the Tornado and the F-15s of the Royal Saudi Air Force, the Italian M-346, the C-130 from Belgium, the Austrian PC-7 and of course the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Tornado from Germany.

Get your ticket on time through viva.gr and its network of partners, from 15 euros for adults and 7.5 euros for minors. Due to COVID measures, the tickets are issued ONLY electronically while as every year there is a bus available to transport the spectators to and from the air base of Tanagra! See the detailed flight schedule with all international and Greek entries for Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th of September.

Ready for take off?

 

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