For thousands of years Northern Greece has been the country’s melting pot, a geographical and cultural crossroads where the ancient Greek heritage has been colored by Balkan traditions and where oriental influences from the time of the Ottoman occupation have been molded in the Orthodox legacy that Byzantium left behind. Hence, Northern Greece has developed its own distinctive character compared to the rest of the country manifested by notable differences in the architecture, the food, the local customs and at some places even the language. Here you will experience a different version of Greece among the most genuine and authentic ones that exist today. And surely, one of the most charming.

And yet, despite being one of the country’s most enticing regions, Northern Greece remains relatively undiscovered. Thessaloniki, the metropolis of the area, and Chalkidiki, the three pronged peninsula with the mesmerizing turquoise waters, are two exceptions, since they are well frequented during summer by many sun-thirsty eastern Europeans, Greek families or business travelers. If like them you are looking for the clichéd trademarks of the archetypical Greek holiday, the sun, the sea and the nightlife you will find them here, often at a very good price…as you would in any other part of Greece.

What you will find nowhere else though is the home of the mighty warrior Philip II of Macedon and his famous son, Alexander the Great who built one of the greatest empires in the history of mankind. Vergina, the burial site of Macedonian kings with its fantastic museum, Pella the ancient Macedonian capital, and the impossibly invigorating site of Dion at the foot of mount Olympus with its famous colorful mosaics, springs and luxuriant vegetation, are without a doubt three of Greece’s most impressive ancient sites. From the colorful, vibrant, urban experience of Thessaloniki, where Byzantine churches and Roman ruins mingle with trendy bars and restaurants, to the cultural mosaicism of the atmospheric small jewels of Kavala, Xanthi, Kastoria, Edessa, Alexandroupoli and Ioannina or Zagorochoria, the magnificent complex of traditional mountain villages, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to traditional architecture, folkore, historical sites and welcoming locals.

And if you hesitate whether to venture in the heartland’s stark mountains and wilderness, we assure you that once you make the first step you will barely remember, let alone, miss the indigo-colored beaches you left behind. Few places in the world beat the soothing melancholy of the Prespes lakes, the beauty of national parks across the Pindos mountain range or the awe when you peek above the lip of a vertiginous cliff at Vikos, the steepest gorge in the world.


Northern Greece is equally great to visit both in winter and summertime. In summer you get the “sea and sun” but also many opportunities for trekking, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and other outdoor activities; in winter time you trade the hot sunny beach days with the cosy atmosphere of a fireplace in one of the traditional mountain villages watching the snow falling outside. A great time to go skiing or to relax at one of many the spas that have started colonizing the area. And on top of that you get to have the, usually packed with bus tours, archaeological sites all to yourself.

Bottom line: Northern Greece offers an enthralling mix of traditional architecture, historical sites and stunning natural beauty enrobed in a unique character. For travelers seeking to experience a less known yet genuine version of the country, Northern Greece marks the spot.

Source: Travelscopemag.com
 

Mr. Varoufakis noted that the intention is not to propose a “zero sum game”, bur rather to demonstrate that everyone comes out at a loss by the way that Europe has been handling the Greek crisis since 2010. The Finance Minister explained that Greece will propose a reform program that will ensure that Greece does not find itself in the situation it was in 2009 and 2010.

Regarding the Eurozone, Mr. Varoufakis stressed that Greece is committed to the Eurozone and pointed out that a potential departure would have major implications on not just Greece, but the Eurozone and global economy. The Minister of Finances underlined that the payment of debt must be associated to the rate of growth and that the official sector must participate in the debt restructure.

To read more, please visit tovima.gr/en

Living in the Thiseio area, I often walk by the Museum of Islamic Art – but of course I never go in. Something about not noticing what’s in front of your face… The Islamic Art Museum is part of the Benaki Museum complex, and is located at 22 Ag. Asomaton Street, very near the Kerameikos archaeological site. I wandered in the other day with an ‘I really should go in…’ attitude, unsure of what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised at what I found.

This is a collection of daily items from different countries and vastly different time periods – showcasing the variety and range of Islamic arts and artifacts. And this is why I liked it (and in fact, why I have liked the Benaki Museum ‘concept’): the everyday nature of the museum’s collections gives a real feeling that we are viewing history as it was – rather than the monumental/religious/political history of other types of museums. Don't get me wrong – I like the monumental – but Benaki is a more subtle experience.

The site itself comprises two beautifully restored neoclassical homes – one of which is built upon an (untouched!) section of the ancient city wall of Athens…

When I came home, I looked up the Benaki museum online and found that it is in fact a huge collection across numerous buildings, stretched really across the entire city. The locations range from the gorgeous main building on Vasilissis Sofias Street, to the modern complex at 138 Pireos Street, the Mentis textile workshop museum on Polyfemou Street, the historical archives collection at Delta House in Kifisia and the Hadjikyriakos-Ghika Gallery on Kriezotou Street.  And that’s not the entire list!

My best friend Mr. Google also tells me that, thanks to the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the Benaki museum will offer FREE entry every Thursday from March 5 2015, for one year (free entry to the main building, Pireos building, the Islamic art building and the Hadjikyriakos-Ghika gallery).

The Benaki Museum is a city unto itself, and offers a rare glimpse into the life of the past – from Greece and beyond. Take advantage of this great opportunity to check out these important collections.

Benaki Museum of Islamic Art
22 Ag. Asomaton
www.benaki.gr
Regular adult entry: 7€

Until next week,

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…