LIFE & CULTURE

XpatAthens
Rivers In Greece That Offer An Incredible Swimming Experience
Achelous River

@gogo_chatz
Voidomatis River

Acheron River

@veronika.kon
Nestos River

@imgeorgep
Monemvasia: Europe’s Oldest Continuously Inhabited Castle Town Is In Greece
Monemvasia, on the southeastern shores of the Peloponnese, Greece is Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited castle town.
Founded in 583 by inhabitants of the mainland seeking refuge from the Slavic and the Avaric invasion of Greece and surrounded by the Myrtoan Sea, Monemvasia is located on an island about half a mile long.
A man-made road and stone bridge leads to the castle gate and main entrance of the majestic castle town onward through the colorful and lively citadel offering all who visit her both stunning views and an unforgettable ‘ambiance’ of times past.
The fortress’ stone walls protected the citadel of Monemvasia from various invaders throughout its history. Invasions by the Crusaders, Venetians, and lastly, by the Ottomans have all left an indelible cultural and architectural mark, granting the citadel a unique charm and romantic atmosphere close to none.
The town’s name is derived from two Greek words, mone and emvasia, meaning “single entrance.” The “Gibraltar of the East” or a “stone ship” about to set sail, as the famous Greek poet Yannis Ritsos described his birthplace, beckons you for a journey through time, wandering through vaulted alleyways and past churches and aristocratic mansions.
Monemvasia: A trade center that withstood invasions
From the 10th century AD, the town developed into an important trade and maritime center. The fortress withstood the Arab and Norman invasions in 1147; farm fields that fed up to thirty men were tilled inside the fortress.
By 1193, Monemvasia was a major city in the Peloponnese. Ships sailing between Constantinople (now Istanbul) and what is now Italy stopped there, giving rest to aristocrats and high-ranking church members and loading Greek exports like olive oil and wine headed for the West.
The resurgence of the Greek castle town
In more recent history, the castle town has seen a resurgence in importance with increasing numbers of tourists visiting the site and the region. The charming town of Monemvasia is made up of a labyrinth of winding cobblestoned streets that can only be traveled by foot. The medieval buildings have been restored, and many of them converted to hotels, artisans shops, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
No Athens Buses & Trolleys On Wednesday Due To Strike
“It is inconceivable that, without providing any information to its employees, there are ‘plans’ to address transit with constant contracts with KTEL, a fact that does not promote the public nature of urban transport,” stated the union in its announcement.
Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
5 Amazing Spots To Enjoy Sunset In Athens
But, you probably don’t know that you don’t have to travel to a Greek island for a memorable golden hour experience. Sunsets in Athens are equally indescribable, unsurpassable, and unforgettable. Here’s a list of 5 places in the Greek capital that every sunset chaser like us will fall in love with!
Areopagus

@iamsmark
Located northwest of the Acropolis, this prominent rock used to be the supreme court of ancient Athens. Today it is just as fascinating, providing panoramic views of the whole city. A beloved hangout spot for locals, there you will see groups of friends and couples chatting and taking in the spectacular vistas any time of the day (or night!).
Kastella

@3_k_0_t_s
Set on a hill overlooking the Port of Mikrolimano, Kastella is, without a doubt, the most picturesque district in Piraeus. As you make your way to the top of the hill, meandering through the narrow, scenic streets, you will encounter impressive neoclassical buildings, architectural gems, and the Veakeio Theatre, until you reach the church of Profitis Ilias where the views over the Saronic Gulf will leave you speechless.
Lycabettus Hill

@chiara.zagli
Gracefully standing 277 meters above sea level, Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in Athens. You can get there by taxi, the funicular, or on foot, but, no matter what, the views from the top are rewarding. Go all the way up until you reach the Holy Church of Saint Isidore, a chapel of striking beauty, and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the islands of Salamina and Aegina.
Temple Of Poseidon At Sounio

@Tibortokai
At the end of the Sounio Peninsula, at the southernmost point of Attica, lies the Temple of Poseidon, a site of worship of the sea god Poseidon, built during Athens’ Golden Age. Today, it continues to enthrall visitors who, except for the bewitching views, can swim in crystalline waters while marveling at the marble-white columns of a 5th-century BC temple. A combination you can’t miss!
Parthenon

@manon_alzieu
Of course, a visit to Athens isn’t complete until you go all the way up to the temple of Parthenon that dominates the hill of the Acropolis. Undeniably Athens’ most famous historical landmark, a symbol of democracy, and a masterpiece of ancient architecture, Parthenon is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset, just like Athenians did 2.500 years ago!
11 Shipwrecks Now Accessible To Divers
Scuba diving has become an increasingly popular recreational activity in Greece in recent years, drawing thousands of tourists each year eager to explore the country’s spectacular variety of underwater sites. This is especially the case for wreck diving, which, until recently, was largely prohibited due to concerns over the looting of priceless antiquities.
The following wrecks have been made accessible:
HMHS Britannic, Kea (British ocean liner and sister ship of the famous Titanic, sank in 1916); SS Burdigala, Kea (German ocean liner, sank in 1916); SS Patris, Kea (paddle steamer, sank in 1868); SS Artemis Pita, Milos (Greek cargo steamer, sank in 1943); SS Sifnos, Milos (Greek cargo steamer, sank in 1941); SS Minnewaska, Marathi, Crete (British steamer, sank in 1916); SS Mytilene, Bay of Kypsa Kassandra, Halkidiki (German cargo ship, sank in 1961); the Turkish shipwreck at Kalamitsi, Chalkidiki (sank in the first two decades of the 20th century); SS Creteland, Aghios Georgios, Evia (Greek cargo steamer, sank in 1930); SS Pioneer I, Lichades, Evia (cement ship, sank in 1944); SS Volos, Lefteris reef, between Pelion and Skiathos (German steamer, sank in 1931).
To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com
Greek Maritime Golf Event: The Best Golf Tournament Supports HOPEgenesis
Photo credit: Mike Tsolis
The Meet Market At The Old Amaxostasio
Opening Hours: Saturday 16:00 – 00:00 / Sunday 15:00 – 23:00
MAMMA MIA!
The sunny, happy, and moving story by Catherine Johnson unfolds on a Greek paradise island. Donna's daughter, Sofia, is about to get married but before that, she needs to discover the unknown identity of her father.
Secretly reading her mother's diary, she realizes that she has 3 potential dads whom she invites to her wedding to find out who the real one is. A fascinating story with plenty of ABBA songs and music!
Love, joy, laughter, friendship, and emotions are entangled in a seductive story that, through the lyrics and timeless music of ABBA, invites spectators to a unique summer party!
Starring: Nadia Kontogeorgi, Alexandros Bourdoumis, Aphrodite Liantou, George Chraniotis, Ivan Svitailo, Doretta Papadimitriou, Penelope Anastassopoulou, Ian Stratis
A Νew Online Hub For The SNF Health Initiative
In 2016, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) initiated a process of investigating areas of possible support for public health in Greece. Building on a long track record of grantmaking in the area of health since 1996, SNF engaged experts to identify and map community needs and held dedicated discussions with the Greek state. As an outcome of the latter, in September 2017, SNF officially announced its intention to fully support a series of major projects to enhance the country’s public health sector. On March 21st, 2018, SNF and the Greek State signed a Memorandum of Understanding marking the start of SNF’s Health Initiative in Greece.
To date, the Health Initiative encompasses 17 constituent projects, with the Health Initiative S.A. serving as the special purpose vehicle set up by SNF to facilitate their coordination and implementation as well as a transparent and participatory process at every stage.
To learn more about this new initiative visit snfhi.org
The Ellinikon Park Plan
It is the company’s fifth online presentation of the works for the major redevelopment of Elliniko, which will transform a unique area in southern Athens by creating a model city at a global level.
As was announced, architecture firm Sasaki, which has drawn up and implemented some of the largest and most impressive urban parks in the world, is responsible for the design and the study of The Ellinikon Park, in collaboration with Greek architecture firm Doxiadis.