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XpatAthens

Tuesday, 19 March 2024 07:00

Athens Is Home To Europe's Oldest Street

Athens Is Home To Europe's Oldest Street
Nestled in the heart of Athens lies a piece of history so ancient that it predates the very concept of modern Europe itself. Tripodon Street, beneath the imposing shadow of the Acropolis in the neighborhood of Plaka, stands as a silent witness to millennia of human civilization.

While throngs of citizens and tourists tread its cobblestones each year, only a few are aware that they are traversing not just any thoroughfare but the oldest street in Greece, and indeed, all of Europe.

Named after the bronze tripods that once adorned its path, Tripodon Street served as the vital artery connecting the bustling ancient market of Athens to the Theater of Dionysus. These tripods, sponsored by the affluent citizens of ancient Athens, commemorated the victors of the city's dramatic contests, their names etched in history alongside the actors of their performances.

Among the remnants of this bygone era stands the renowned sponsor monument of Lysikrates, known as the Lantern of Diogenes, erected around 334 BC. This monument not only endures as a tangible relic of antiquity but also offers a window into the rich tapestry of Tripodon Street's storied past, believed to stretch back some 2,500 years.

Once one of the broadest avenues in ancient Athens, Tripodon boasted a width of six meters, offering the swiftest route from market to theater. Yet, beyond its sheer antiquity and architectural grandeur, Tripodon Street holds within its embrace the quaint neoclassical Kokovikou House, a modest abode immortalized in the cinematic masterpiece "And the Woman Shall Fear Her Husband" (1965), starring George Konstantinou and Maro Kontou.

Thus, as the sun sets over the timeless stones of Tripodon Street, it casts a gentle glow upon a saga of civilization, where the echoes of the past resonate with the footsteps of the present, inviting all who tread its path to partake in its enduring legacy.

Originally published in Greek, on: carandmotor.gr

Published in City Discovery
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Tuesday, 26 November 2024 13:18

Discover The Untold Stories Of Cycladic Women: A Captivating Archaeological Exhibition

Discover The Untold Stories Of Cycladic Women: A Captivating Archaeological Exhibition
The Ministry of Culture, through the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades, and the Museum of Cycladic Art invite you to a groundbreaking archaeological exhibition: “Cycladic Women: Untold Stories of Women in the Cyclades.” This compelling showcase will be hosted at the Stathatos Mansion of the Museum of Cycladic Art before traveling to the Archaeological Museum of Thera in June 2025.

This exhibition marks the inaugural initiative under the Memorandum of Cooperation signed on May 17, 2024, by Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni and Cassandra Marinopoulou, President and CEO of the Museum of Cycladic Art. Together, they aim to study, highlight, and promote Cycladic civilization both in Greece and internationally.

What Awaits You?
  • 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.
Why You Should Visit

This exhibition is not just about artifacts—it is a profound exploration of the human condition, told through the lens of Cycladic women. It bridges centuries to remind us of the struggles and triumphs of women who shaped their societies and whose voices echo into our modern world.

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.
Published in Local News
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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:14

Poros Island

Poros Island

The town of Poros is built in the shape of an amphitheatre over two hills. In antiquity Poros consisted in fact of two islands, Sphería and Kalávria, but the last explosion of the Méthana volcano in 273 BC radically changed the morphology of the area. Sphería was cut off from Méthana, and in this way Póros took its present-day form.

 

Lush pine trees vegetation, crystal clear beaches, a lively waterfront adorned with shops, cozy cafes and restaurants, a picturesque capital (it has been declared a protected settlement) with grand traditional mansions and picturesque cobbled streets, as well as a wide selection of entertainment venues are the ingredients of this quiet, yet cosmopolitan, destination that attracts visitors from all age groups.

Peer into the history and tradition of the island through a visit to its Archaeological and its Folklore Museums. Visit also the Temple of Poseidon (built circa 520 BC; the Athenian rhetorician, Dimosthenes, committed suicide in this temple by drinking poison, pursued by Philip, the King of Macedonia); the Zoodohos Pigi Monastery –the most impressive ecclesiastical monument on the island; the Russian naval base and the Residence of Governor Kapodistrias. Follow a route through the narrow streets of the town that will lead you up to a hill, where the trademark of the island stands: the historic Clock tower, where you can relax and enjoy a panoramic view of the whole town.


To read more, please see visitgreece.gr

Published in Travel Greece
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Thursday, 19 February 2015 13:22

Thousands Attend “Charlie Hebdo” Solidarity Demonstrations Across Greece

Thousands Attend “Charlie Hebdo” Solidarity Demonstrations Across Greece

The French slogan “Je Suis Charlie” dominated the streets in Athens, Thessaloniki and other cities across Greece, as thousands participated in the solidarity demonstrations, in response to the barbaric and brutal attack in Paris.

On online people’s initiative, named “Je Suis Charlie – Athènes” announced that “no authoritarianism, no ideology, no invocation of religion, no violence will intimidate us to speak, write and paint what we want. Nobody can deny us the right to peacefully coexist with migrants, nobody can separate people who want to live in societies of reciprocity and common rules. We are not afraid!”.

The French Institute on Sina Street in down town Athens and on Stratou Avenue in Thessaloniki became the rallying points for many people, who gathered to express their condolences and support to the French people.

To read more, please visit tovima.gr/en

Published in Local News
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Tuesday, 21 April 2015 10:57

'National Geographic Traveler' Tells World To Visit Greece

'National Geographic Traveler' Tells World To Visit Greece
Finally!  Greece is back on the map as a great holiday destination.

For its May issue, National Geographic Traveler UK urges holidaymakers and restless souls across the globe to “Return to Greece” and cites 11 reasons to explore the Aegean and beyond.

Though Greece may have experienced “a tumultuous few years, a new government and rumblings of a new (old) currency”, the National Geographic story dedicates 15 pages to what it describes as one of the most popular destinations for British travellers.

New investments, increasing number of flight connections, alternative hospitality choices are all drawing visitors to Greece, National Geographic Traveler UK editor Pat Riddell explains, adding that the Mediterranean country is now much more than the loved and highly sought after sea and sun.

To read more, please visit: gtp Headines
Published in Greece In The News
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Monday, 15 June 2015 13:18

Where Not To Swim In & Around Athens

Where Not To Swim In & Around Athens
The incredible deep blue of Greece is known the world over, but there are spots in and around Athens (Attica region) where swimming is not recommended. The National Center of Ecological Research (PAKOE) analyzed the seawater from May 2-25, 2015 (taking three samples from every site), at 151 beaches around Attica and found that 55 of these were unfit for swimming. Below is the complete list - the names outlined in RED are unfit for swimming. All of the others listed are fit for swimming.

Two helpful websites that you may like to consult are:

Beach Report (ΠΑΚΟΕ): www.beachreport.gr/attica-clean-beaches
(in Greek, but Google translate can help here - and most of the beach names can be easily recognized)

Clean Beaches: http://en.cleanbeaches.gr/
 

AREA: SOUTH EVOIKOS GULF

Lighthouse

Ouzeri Paradeisos

Avlida (Start of Beach)

Agrileza (Navy Club)

Halkoutsi (Eagle’s nest)

Halkoutsi (Officer’s Blub)

Halkoutsi (Saloon)

Halkoutsi (200m after the playgound)

Halkoutsi (200 meters after the Evoiko Sea Center)

Halkoutsi (200 meters after the tavern at Ippokratous Street)

Halkoutsi Port

Avlida (End of beach)

Dilesi (Start of Beach)

Dilesi (Middle of Beach)

Dilesi (end of beach)

Finikon and Narkissou

Finikon and Agrambelis

End of the sea lake of Halkoutsi

Nea Palatia

Skala Oropos

Atlantis Club

Oropos Municipal Conservatory

Oropos Beach

Paradeisos Fish Tavern

Beach Faros (Lighthouse)

Tavern Before the Lighthouse

Oropos Hotel

Despo Beach

Baglaras Tavern Beach

Agios Apostolos Crossing

Alkyonis Hotel

Flat with Fountain (Syntrivani)

Flat Pefki

Kiladas Community Beach

Cine Vlastos Beach

Nisiotiko Group Flat

Beach near Galini Flat

Pizza Ascot Beach near the community of Agia Barvara

Panorama Agios Apostolos (near Koumbakitis Real Estate Agent)

AREA: SARONIC GULF

Themistokleous Coast

Freattyda

Votsalakia

Castella

Floisvos

Edem

Alimos Beach

Agios Kosmas

Start of Glyfada Beach (Palace Hotel)

Astera Glyfada

Apollonies Coast, Voula

Voula Beach

Viva Mare Cafe Beach

Kavouri Coast Maritine Ltd

Kavouri Coast Divani Palace

Start of Vouliagmeni

Vouliagmeni 200 meters inward

Vouliagmeni Coast Asteras (Laimos)

Asteras Vouliagmenis B

Vouliagmeni Coast Okeanida

Vouliagmeni Coast 100m

Winter Swimmer’s Coast

End of Vouliagmeni

Limanakia

Varkiza, Mistral Stop

Varkiza Vrahakia

Varkiza Haagen Daz

EOT Varkiza

Varkiza Flower Show

Varkiza Beach (Start)

Varkiza NAOBB School of Windsurfing

Koropi Sports Center

Agia Marina Tavern Galazio Kyma

End of Agia Marina

Agios Dimitrios

Lagonisi Blue Coast (Galazia Akti)

Lagonisi Christofylakis (Kalyvia)

Lagonisi Delao

Saronida Building No. 46

Saronida Edem

Saronida Show

Saronida Zefyros Bar

Anavyssos Mavro Lithari

Agios Nikolaos A & B

Fokaia A & B

Thymari A & B

Legrena Sounio A & B

AREA: SCHINIAS – LAVRIO

Schinias – Pefki (start)

Schinias – Sports Center

Schinias End

Marathon Taverns

Marathon End

Nea Makri (Trata Tavern)

Nea Makri End

Zoumberi

Agios Andreas

Kyani Akti

Mati

Kokkino Limanaki

Rafina A 300 m from port

Rafina B

Loutsa

Artemida

Loutsa Cafe

Vravrona

Porto Rafti

Avlaki Start

Avlaki EOT

Kakia Thalassa

Daskalio A

Daskalio Beach Bar Coco-Loco

Syri A

Syri B

Lavrio – Akti Pantanela

Lavrio Public Power Corporation

AREA: WEST ATTICA

Perama

Aspropyrgos

Elefsina Port

Elefsina 500 meters after port

Loytropyrgos Hotel

Akti Nerakia

Music Club Ladadika

Neraki after Softex

Nea Peramos 50 m before target school

Nea Peramos Port Ferry Boat for Salamina

Kakia Skala

Kinetta Coast

Kinetta Hotel Bousoulas

Kinetta End

Agioi Thodoroi Avin Central Road

Xanikian Hotel, Agioi Thodoroi

Agioi Thodoroi End of 1st Beach

Agioi Thodoroi, Saronikou Road

60km Athens-Corinth Highway

Motor Oil

Port Motor Oil

Sousakia Camping

Isthmia Community of Cavos

Isthmia Kalamaki

Isthmia Alantis

Loutraki 300m from Casino

Source: Protothema.gr

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Thursday, 24 September 2015 07:00

Greek Employment Grew By 1.2% In Second Quarter Of 2015

Greek Employment Grew By 1.2% In Second Quarter Of 2015
Employment growth in Eurozone accelerated marginally for the second straight quarter in the three months ended June, figures from Eurostat showed Tuesday.

Employment rose a seasonally adjusted 0.3 percent in the second quarter, following a 0.2 percent climb in the previous quarter. In the fourth quarter last year, employment edged up 0.1 percent.

On an annual basis, employment growth held steady at 0.8 percent in the three-month period to June.

Greek employment grew by 1.2 pct in the second quarter of 2015, compared with the first quarter of the year, Eurostat said on Tuesday.

According to a latest report, Greece along with Portugal (+1.3%) recorded the highest percentage increase in employment in the April-June period, followed by Ireland and Spain (0.9% each) and Estonia (0.8%). Employment fell in Finland (-0.3%), the UK (-0.2%), Bulgaria and Lithuania (-0.1% each).

The number of employed people grew 0.3% in the Eurozone and 0.2% in the EU-28 totaling 228.8 million men and women of which 151 million in the Eurozone in the second quarter of 2015, compared with the previous quarter. Employment rose 0.8% in the Eurozone and 0.9% in the EU compared with the second quarter of 2014.

To read more, please visit: Apokoronews
Published in Greece In The News
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Monday, 18 September 2017 10:08

The Best Courtyard & Rooftop Bars In Central Athens

The Best Courtyard & Rooftop Bars In Central Athens
With the Athens bar scene growing significantly in the last few years, Athens Coast dives into the nightlife and gives us the inside scoop on the best courtyard and rooftop bar experiences!

Located on the roof of the Central Hotel in Plaka, this is Athens Coast’s go-to. “I like this place because it is never over-crowded and the service is friendly and attentive. Also, after a few cocktails, when the lights shine on the sides of the Acropolis, you can see the outline of a goat’s head.”

A hidden boutique hotel with a roof terrace over-looking Acropolis. The Zillers popped onto the scene recently and is on all of the trendy ‘Athens is the new (insert cool city here)’ lists.

This hostel has one of the highest rooftop bars in Athens, so you can see Acroplis and Mount Lycabettus. In the elevator on the way up, you will see a sign that reads, “No we don’t have wifi, get drunk and talk to each other.”
 
Please click HERE For more rooftop bars!
 
Black Duck Garden (website is in Greek)

As it is the official bistro for the Museum of the City of Athens, the Black Duck is the classiest joint on my list. Take a stroll through history and enjoy a coffee in the garden of the first palace in Athens. Black Duck is open year round, with the outdoor courtyard open Spring-Fall.

A renovated shopping alleyway on Kolokotroni has become an industrial, hip hang-out. Food, coffee, juices, cocktails- you name it, they have it.
 
Please click HERE for more courtyard bars!
 
To read this article in full, please visit: Athens Coast
 
Photo Credit: Athens Coast
Published in Pubs, Bars & Cafes
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Tuesday, 01 May 2018 09:53

'A Saint For Summer' By Marjory McGinn

'A Saint For Summer' By Marjory McGinn
What’s hidden on a Greek hillside can change your destiny …

Edinburgh journalist Bronte McKnight is summoned to a hillside village in the wild and beautiful Mani region of Greece by her estranged expat father Angus to help him with a medical problem. But she soon discovers that Angus, whom she has barely seen in 10 years, has lured her there with a tougher challenge in mind – solving a mystery from the Second World War when his father disappeared in Greece during the disastrous Battle of Kalamata, ‘Greece’s Dunkirk’.  

With the country gripped by economic crisis, and the clock ticking against them, their near-impossible quest to discover how and where Kieran McKnight died, takes them from Kalamata to a remote mountain village where its few remaining inhabitants are bound by old traditions and secrecy. As the tensions of their own fractured relationship rise, Bronte and Angus are helped in their search by a cast of intriguing Greek characters, especially charismatic doctor, Leonidas Papachristou. He has a pivotal role, not least in challenging Bronte’s assumption that she hasn’t the time nor the courage to fall in love in Greece. 

The secrets unearthed by Angus and Bronte will be painful and astonishing. This is a compelling tale of heroism, faith, and love - with a heart-warming conclusion.

To buy 'A Saint For Summer,' please visit: Amazon

About The Author

Marjory McGinn is a Scottish-born author and journalist, brought up in Australia. She worked in Scotland for 10 years from 2000 as a freelance feature writer. Her journalism has appeared in leading newspapers in Britain and Australia, including The Daily Mail, The Times, The Telegraph; and The Scotsman, The Herald. In Australia she was a senior feature writer on The Sun-Herald, and stories have appeared also in The Australian and The Age.

A youthful work/travel year in Athens inspired a lifelong fascination for Greece. In 2010, together with her partner Jim and their Jack Russell dog, Wallace, she set off from Scotland  on an adventure to the southern Peloponnese that lasted four years and was the basis for her three travel memoirs (Things Can Only Get Feta, Homer’s Where The Heart Is and A Scorpion In The Lemon Tree.

For more information on McGinn and her other books, please visit: Big Fat Greek Odyssey
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Tuesday, 08 October 2019 20:39

October 8 - Instant Gratification At Its Best

October 8 - Instant Gratification At Its Best
Greece does not only have breathtaking beaches and landscapes, but also a great variety of mouth-watering food! If you're in the capital, don't miss our recommendations for the top street food and sandwich spots in town. And of course, the best places for coffee lovers!

Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram!
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