One of the most extraordinary engineering achievements of Roman Athens lies below a modern open-air cinema right in the center of the city. In the warm summer nights, Athenian cinephiles gather to watch their favorite films, atop a nearly 2,000-year-old reservoir.

Due to Athens' growing water needs, Emperor Hadrian ordered a project to increase the city's water supply. An aqueduct starting at the foot of Mount Parnitha and extending more than 20 kilometers to a reservoir at the base of Mount Lycabettus was constructed in 125 CE. At the time it was completed in 140 CE, the aqueduct was Athens' most significant infrastructure project to date.

Hadrian's reservoir is located at the western foot of Mount Lycabettus, and its pipes covered the water needs of the area's residents for over 1,000 years. The tank was abandoned during the Ottoman rule, causing most residents to become reliant on wells. Restoration works began in 1847, though it stopped to be Athens' primary water source in 1929 when the Marathon Dam was constructed.

Today, only a small amount of water still makes it to the reservoir, only parts of the steps and 2 column bases remain at the site. A surviving segment of its architrave can be seen in the National Gardens near the Children's Library.

The reservoir is located in Dexameni (Reservoir) Square in Kolonaki, right below the homonymous cinema. Even though access inside the reservoir is not allowed, the large viewing portals on the western walls offer great views of its interior.

Every year on Epiphany (January 6), the reservoir opens for the ritual of the Great Blessing Of The Waters, where a priest immerses a cross in the water and then sprinkles the congregation with holy water.

Photo: Cine Dexameni

 

 

 

 

 

He's the artist who performed countless songs we still sing today. And with his biggest hit ''Last Christmas'', how could a tribute to him not take place at the Christmas Theater? Straight from London's West End, the biggest tribute to George Michael comes to Athens!

The incredible Andrew Browning and his band will take you on a journey through the artist's biggest hits from his era at Wham, as well as the 80s and 90s.

An unforgettable experience not to be missed! You will get emotional, dance and sing along to tracks like Careless Whisper, Last Christmas, Freedom, Faith, Jesus To A Child, Father Finger and many more!

The Phantom Of The Opera is here! The iconic musical viewed by more than  140.000.000 people worldwide.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical, one of the world's greatest hits with more than 12,000 performances at Her Majesty's Theater in London, is presented by People Entertainment Group, with an  all-star cast from London's West End, in the biggest theatrical production that has ever been presented in Greece!

Andrew Lloyd Webber's romantic and monumental musical with famous classical songs that have left their mark in history, the suspense and mystery, and the tender love story between Christine and the mysterious Phantom of the "Paris Opéra House" comes to life on the new state-of-the-art ''Christmas Theater" in February and March 2020.

A "bigger than life" production that will fascinate and enchant even the most demanding spectators!

Information & group reservations: 216.800.46.68

Happy New Year from the Athens English Comedy Club!

What better way to start the year than with something new and bright? We will be hosting our first English open mic, this Sunday January 5th!

MC: Dimitris Dimopoulos

Comedians in alphabetical order:

Some performers will be doing stand-up for the first time ever, so bring your loudest applause and all of the love you can give! Others will be trying out new material, so bring your most honest giggles and open hearts and come see comedy being born!

We need YOU to make comedy happen!

Come and laugh! Nay! Come and chortle. Or better yet, guffaw!

For reservations:

- Message us directly on Facebook 
- Call us at +30 698 799 4689
- Email us at athensenglishcomedyclub@gmail.com

The European emergency number (112) has become fully operational in Greece according to a statement of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection. The control center for 112 in Greece is located at the fire brigade operations center in Chalandri and employs 100 people.

Each shift includes an OTE telecoms operator–who responds in Greek, English, or French–and liaison officers from the Hellenic Army, Greek Police, the Coast Guard, and the ambulance service.

With New Year just around the corner we are hearing more and more about the needs of our fellow-men. About the problems they face, their difficulties and how we may help. I often wonder if everything is fine and if there are no problems the rest of the time. But that’s another discussion.

So we hear about young children on the street, orphanages that need clothes and food, NGOs in need of things, of our time, of anything we can offer. Usually at this time of year most of us are moved and do our best to help. But that’s not all we hear. Just recently a couple in the subway had a conversation. The woman had forgotten her sunglasses at home.

"I can’t believe I forgot them. It’s not possible. How am I going to go around without my sunglasses? " "You may take mine if you want" offered the man. "Are you serious? These are old fashioned," replied the woman (she was talking about a pair of Raybans). “I definitely have to buy new ones right away. I’ll get in the first store we find. I can’t function unless I have at least two or three pairs.” And she continued laughingly: "I’m telling you, it’s a huge problem.” On the opposite seat two young men were discussing. "So you didn’t get the new smart TV you were looking for. And how are you going to watch all the Euro League soccer games my friend? With the ancient model you got last year? And may I tell you something else? When you told me you were going to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your girlfriend and your parents at home I was shocked. You won't even go clubbing? That’s certainly not the way to get through the Holidays. What a drag! " 

As you’re reading this I'm sure you can bring to mind a lot of “problems” you've heard of yourself. But broaden your horizon for a minute and think. Because if you have health, food to eat, a roof over your head, your kids go to school, you can get through financially (even if it’s with difficulty) you are one of the few privileged people on this planet!

And then you have what I call "luxury problems". For example "whether to put on the green or yellow dress" or "whether or not aunt Amelia will invite you to her party this year." What do you think, are they really really problems? Are they substantial problems? Do they affect your daily life or your life in general? Let’s be grateful for all that we have and let’s offer our love and help to ourselves and to our fellow human beings not only during the Holidays but every day of the year!

Happy New Year full of Love and Health to all of us!!

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If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!

If you happen to be in Volos during Christmas time, you might get the opportunity to witness a beautiful long-standing tradition. On the night of December 26th, people gather along the seaside promenade and propel thousands of wish lanterns into the sky!

The lanterns represent Christmas wishes, and people hope that when they reach the sky, they will be fulfilled.

We hope all your wishes come true!