The magnificent archaeological site of Phaistos where an imposing palace stood overlooking the Mediterranean for thousands of years is perhaps not as well known as the palace of Knossos, but it was a focal point in the long and illustrious history of Crete.

It is the second-largest Cretan palace founded by the legendary King Minos of Knossos, but it does not face the Peloponnese mainland like Kydonia does, but rather southward and outward, toward the Mediterranean.

The palatial fortress, located in a seismically active zone, was rebuilt twice after it was first constructed in the Late Bronze Age.

Later, the palatial city, which archaeologists believe was a dependency of Knossos, was tragically destroyed a third time by the nearby Minoan people known as the Gortynians.

Phaistos site of Minoan-era palace with rooms made of alabaster

Located 62 km from Heraklion, Crete, the Bronze Age site lies on the outskirts of the modern-day city of Faistos. Unlike the more well-known and visited site of Knossos, which sees many thousands of visitors every year, Phaistos is more difficult to reach, accessed by grand stairs; but its mountain fastness, with its commanding views over the Mediterranean, is especially impressive because of its location.

The grand staircases at Phaistos hint at its former grandeur. There is evidence of an amphitheater, and basins used for religious rituals still dot the site. Visitors to Phaistos can still take in the views from its courtyards and terraces. A closer look at its ruins reveals reconstruction repairs over the three phases of destruction, while the tombs of rulers are located a respectful distance from the palaces.

The Bronze Age ruins of Phaistos were first described in the modern era by Thomas Abel Brimage Spratt, as part of the Mediterranean Survey of 1853, which included the topography, settlements, and monuments of Crete. But of course, the once-elegant city was well known by the ancients; the Greek geographer Strabo, who lived from 64 BC to 24 AD, stated: “Of the three cities that were united under one metropolis by Minos, the third, which was Phaestus, was razed to the ground by the Gortynians; it is sixty stadia distant from Gortyn, twenty from the sea, and forty from the seaport Matalum; and the country is held by those who razed it.”

The extensive palace complex contained a theater, grand staircases, rooms with views of Mt. Psiloritis

Spratt and his crew found homes at the site that have since been removed, as well as the fortification walls of the palatial city.Federico Halbherr later began to uncover the remains of an extensive palace complex at Phaistos.

Pottery unearthed at Phaistos dates back to the Middle and Late Minoan periods, including polychrome items and embossing in imitation of metal work. Bronze Age works from Phaistos include bridge-spouted bowls, eggshell cups, tall jars, and large pithoi.

The levels of the theater area, flanked by two splendid staircases, made for a grand entrance to the main hall of the propylaea through tall doors. A twin gate led directly to the central courtyard through a wide street.

The upper floors of the west sector had spacious ceremonial rooms, although their exact restoration has not been possible.

The spectacular entrance from the central courtyard led to the royal apartments in the north part of the palace, with a view of the tops of Psiloritis. The rooms were constructed from alabaster and other materials. The rooms for princes were smaller and less luxurious than the rooms of the royal apartments, however.

The Phaistos Disc

One of the most remarkable artifacts in Greek history was found at Phaistos in 1908, when Luigi Pernier, an Italian archaeologist and academic working with the Italian School of Archaeology in Athens discovered the Phaistos Disc in a basement in the northernmost ruins of the palace complex.

The disc features symbols stamped in clay; measuring 15 cm, its hieroglyphic script has been dated to between 1950 and 1400 BC. One of the most striking displays at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, its 241 tokens with 45 symbols, or characters, are arranged in a clockwise spiral. One guess is that it is a recording of military or hunting exploits. However, most academic attempts to decipher a syllabary or logogram for the Disc have had disappointing results; it is generally agreed that more examples are needed to break its code. 

To read this article in full and discover more interesting facts about Phaistos, please visit: greekreporter.com

With the daily number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Greece being steadily high, many children are stuck at home. This consequently means that they are stuck with their tablets and mobile phones all day long. So, why not make the most out of this situation? Binge-watching Netflix is fast becoming a beloved activity for many kids, but instead of watching silly shows, why not watch something educational?

Here are some of our favorite Netflix shows to watch with your kids, spend some quality time together, and engage them in meaningful conversations.

Julie & The Phantoms

This is the story of Julie, whose mother's death led her to discover her passion for music. When she meets three ghost boys, who encourage her to chase her dreams, they all form a band together. This musical series deals with issues like loss, friendship, dreams, and both male and female protagonists are very positive role models for young children.

Alexa & Katie

The story follows Alexa, a girl who fights cancer, while at the same time is trying to adapt to high school life with the help of her friend Katie. Although the plot is sad, the series itself is neither sad nor scary but focuses on the power of friendship and hope that always dies last.

Ashley Garcia: Genius in Love

This comedy series proves that no job should be gender-stereotyped, that men aren't essentially better at science, that women should have equal rights at work, and that they can become prominent members of the scientific community. The series follows Ashley Garcia, a charismatic child, the only 15-year-old girl in the world who is a rocket scientist and robotics engineer, who moves to her uncle's house in America to work for NASA. A series that can inspire any child who watches it to pursue their dreams, whatever they are.

Our planet

This documentary presents the beauty of our planet while explaining, in a way that children can understand, how climate change affects all living organisms. Through watching the documentary, children can learn to appreciate our planet and get acquainted with the importance of environmental awareness.

Anne with an E

This series follows the story of 13-year-old Anne, an orphan girl who has faced abuse at the orphanages she lived in and is now searching for love and acceptance. The show has a strong anti-bullying character and touches on sensitive topics, such as mental health and psychological resilience.

It’s that time of the year: plan-making season. The time for resolutions and fantasizing about things to come. For travel sites, like last year, looking ahead at where we might be packing our bags to is shadowed by the uncertainty of where the pandemic is headed. But while staycations and virtual tours have been trending on Google for the last two years, the latest tendency seems to be… optimism. Like every other year pre-covid-19, the time has come for the annual lists of “best places to travel” in 2022.'

Unsurprisingly, Greece, renowned as one of the few countries that managed to keep tourism alive during the pandemic, has a place on most lists.

So it does on Condé Nast Traveller’s list, which they introduced as being perhaps their most important one ever. Among the 22 destinations, a carefully curated selection of places around the world that they consider to be “coming into their own in 2022,” we find the island of Samos.

According to the article, the North Aegean island, which is listed as one of the best places in the world to travel with family, is “quietly making itself known as the finest Greek island many people have never heard of,” boasting the perfect combination of a lively main town (Vathy) and quiet villages. And why is it a great choice in 2022? Sustainability, a new priority amongst many travelers, is one reason. Samos is to be considered a sustainable choice, they emphasize, as it is unhurt by over-tourism, and food served is made with seasonal, local produce. The new Casa Cook hotel, set to open in May, is another reason. But more than anything, people should visit Samos for its authenticity:

“Samos’s beaches are its real siren song, though – from the small but heavenly slice of shingle at the hamlet of Posidonio, to the spectacularly dramatic bluffs and waterfalls at Potami, which are enrobed with a liquid amber glow at sunset. Further inland you’ll find the twin peaks of Ampelos and Kerkis towering above ambrosial pine forest and on their slopes blissfully unshowy mountain towns – such as Chora, Pagondas, and Mitilini – which have remained deliciously unchanged over the years,” part of the motivation reads.

Other places highlighted by foreign media for this year have been, among others, Crete, by Travel+Leisure, and a Glyfada resort, by CNN.

This year, one of my New Year’s Resolutions is to put more fun and play into my everyday life and to laugh more. “Why?” you may ask.

I like what happens with my paternal family. When we get together, my mum, dad, brother and myself, we laugh a lot. My mum especially has this charisma to laugh wholeheartedly out of anything. It can be a word, a name, a movement, something one of us has done in the past. We’re never short of good “excuses.” And they don’t even have to be funny. One of us will say something, the other will pick it up and boom, that’s it. In seconds we find ourselves laughing so hard that our eyes are filled with tears.

This is pure joy, pure laughter. Of course, we all have difficult issues we’re facing, situations that are not pleasant. But for a moment we share something very special. And after such a good laugh we all feel more lighthearted afterward. It’s as if our batteries are full again and we can continue with more strength.

That’s exactly the kind of laughter I want to re-introduce into my everyday life. We all have way too many worries to think about and things to take care of. But we don’t need to keep on taking everything, including ourselves, so seriously. Yes, we all make mistakes, and no, no one is perfect. That’s a fact and the sooner we accept it the happier we’ll be. The question is “can we laugh at our mistakes?” I don’t mean to be irresponsible and ignore them but I also don’t mean to worry about our mistakes for years and years to come. What I mean is can we accept them, accept ourselves, learn from our mistakes and move on?

I’m sure you’ve heard that when it comes to relieving stress, more giggles and guffaws are just what the doctor ordered. Can you imagine how your everyday life would be if, like children, you’d put more humor, play, and laughter in it? What if you’d make a conscious decision to take a break during the day and let go? To tell more jokes, play more with your children or your friends, not take everything personal?

Sounds good, doesn’t it? Well, that’s what I’ll do. And when I wake up in the morning I’ll take a good look in the mirror and start my day, every day, with a smile. I’d suggest you do the same.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

 

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Not everyone appreciates winter, but we can all agree that, like every season, winter has its charm, too. It has something whimsical to offer to everyone, no matter where you are. If you find yourself in Athens this winter and feel like sipping a hot drink while cozying up next to a roaring fire, these warm and inviting Athenian cafes are the place to be! 



1. Yiasemi 


@yiasemi_bistrot

Located in the charming area of Plaka, Yasemi oozes with vintage romance. Its fairylight-decked exterior, climbing jasmine vines, and cozy interior give this place a magical feel, especially in the winter, when the fireplace burns bright. Once there, you can't miss out on the delicious orange pie and the cafe's specialty, jasmine tea! 

Location: Mnisikleous 23, Athina
Telephone: 21 3041 7937

2. Safe House


@evangelia.alexandri 

Located in Dionysos, this is without a doubt the ultimate winter hangout! If you visit during the colder winter months you may be lucky enough to see snow, while comfortable pillows and, not just one, but two burning fireplaces will make you feel like you are in a mountain lodge. Make sure to try the ginger cinnamon tea or a hot in-house cocktail!

Location: Vakchon, Dionisos
Telephone: 21 0800 5693

3. Arwma Plateias


@arwmaplateias

Located in the bustling central square of Nea Smirni, one of the coolest neighborhoods in Athens, Arwma Plateias is both trendy and cozy, featuring tasteful decoration and a laid-back atmosphere. You can choose between three main venues - each one with its own aesthetics. The fireplace is located in the lower bar, where you can drink coffee, try homemade pastries, and sip delicious cocktails, all while listening to relaxing jazz, Britpop, and funk-rock sounds.

Location: 25is Martiou, Nea Smirni
Telephone: 21 0935 7505

4. Plaka Cafe 


@cafe_plaka

With its distinctive pink exterior and beautiful terrace, this charming cafe is an all-time classic meeting point in the Anafiotika neighborhood. Its warm ambiance and cozy decor will make you want to literally hibernate in it all year long! Among its desirable traits are the cafe's extensive food and beverage menu, as well as the fact that our four-legged friends are more than welcome there!

Location: Tripodon 1, Athina
Telephone: 21 0322 0388

5. Paliatsos


@paliatsos_bar

Paliatsos is an all-day music restaurant in Penteli, reminiscent of a European bistro and filled with rare artifacts and furnishings from all over the world, collected by its owner during his travels. You can start the day with a mouth-watering breakfast or brunch, then sample the chef's refined delicacies, and end the day with a drink. There is also a venue especially for children with a fairy-tale-like setting that will impress both young and old. 

Location: Plateia Agias Triados, Penteli
Telephone: 21 0810 0889

In ancient Greece, temples were an important part of daily life and served as monuments dedicated to the beloved gods and goddesses. Many important ancient temples are located in Greece and other countries, such as Italy, which were then part of the ancient Greek world.

Let’s take a look at the ten Greek temples that you cannot miss!

Parthenon, Acropolis


Credit: @ankur.sinh_

The Parthenon, located on the top of the Acropolis, is dedicated to Athena, goddess of wisdom and the patron goddess of Athens. The Parthenon was built in the mid 5th century BC and was originally constructed to replace an older temple that was destroyed by the Persians. The statue of Athena which originally stood in the temple was made from ivory, silver and gold but was later stolen and destroyed.

Valley of the Temples


Credit: @hellenistichistory

The Valley of the Temples, which is located in Sicily, Italy, has some of the most outstanding examples of Greek architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes temples dedicated to Concordia, Juno, and Heracles.

Temple of Hephaestus


Credit: @photoohistory

The Temple of Hephaestus, dedicated to the god of metal-working and craftsmanship, is located in Athens, Greece. The temple was designed by Ictinus, one of the Parthenon’s architects. The Temple of Hephaestus is the best-preserved ancient Greek temple in the world.

Paestum


Credit: @photoohistory

Paestum, an ancient Greek city located in Southern Italy, contains three well-preserved Greek temples. Two of the three were dedicated to Hera, goddess of marriage and childbirth, while the third one, located apart from the temples of Hera, was dedicated to Athena.

Temple of Zeus in Cyrene


Credit: MM / WikipediaCommons

The Temple of Zeus in Cyrene is located in Libya and was built in the 5th century BC. The temple has been destroyed and re-built multiple times. I was destroyed in 115 AD during a Jewish rebellion and restored five years later under Roman order. The temple was again destroyed by an earthquake in 365 AD and restored in the contemporary era by British and Italian archaeologists.

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

What are the most beautiful places in the world? Well, there are numerous lists out there, and plenty of places all around the world are claiming the top spots - beauty, after all, is a subjective concept. It lies in the eye of the beholder, don't they say? 

A recent study by the Britain-based travel company Kuoni followed a more scientific approach to the above question in order to create an official ranking of the world’s most beautiful travel destinations.

In this scientific study, participants viewed a series of images from 50 of the world's most famous natural attractions, from the Grand Canyon to the Maldives. The research used eye movement recording technology to determine which images were the most attractive to the human eye, or, in other words, which captured the eye of the participants the longest. 

According to the results of the study, the most beautiful place in the world is Lake Peyto in Canada - a natural wonder in Banff National Park. The magnificent shade of the lake's waters is a result of ice melting on the surrounding dazzling mountains. The second most beautiful place in the world is the island of Meeru in the Maldives, which enchants travelers thanks to its white sand and crystal-clear waters.

From exotic islands to colorful lakes and spectacular waterfalls, these are the most beautiful places in the world!

1. Peyto Lake, Canada


@resul.gumus

2. Meeru Island, Maldives


@meeruisland

3. Jurassic Coast, U.K.


@thejurassictog

4. Yosemite


@california_matt

5. Lake Tekapo, New Zealand


@lachiou

6. Niagara Falls


@thereal4koj

7. Mount Snowdon, Wales 


@jo_fallows

8. Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines


@lydiajaneiballjones

9. Marble Caves, Chile


@tillotoro

10. El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico 


@evo_photography_pr

11. Aurora Borealis, Iceland


@eddiekruger7

12. Iguazu Falls


@kcakduman

13. Lake Matheson, New Zealand


@michalzborovjan

14. Phang Nga Bay, Thailand


@thefreedomcomplex

15. Grand Canyon


@ryanresatka