XpatAthens

XpatAthens

A new chapter has begun for the National Library of Greece (NLG), as it has opened its doors to the public in its new premises at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC).
 
The library's collection, which includes 5.400 manuscripts dating from the 9th to the 19th century, is one of the most extensive in the world. Among others it includes old maps, rare prototypes, engravings, and historical documents that constitute a valuable testament to Greek civilisation and culture.
 
Researchers, students, and the general public will have free access to collections of thousands of journals and manuscripts, while they will also be able to borrow works of literature and essays through the Library’s Lending Department. On Monday, January 14 the general public will gain access to all the collections of the research library, while on the same day the historical Vallianos building, in the center of Athens, is expected to reopen as a newspaper reading room and the main information portal of the National Library of Greece.
 
It is worth noting that the historic transition of NLG to the SNFCC was made possible through an exclusive grant of €5 million from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, covering the development of the NLG’s collection, the creation of the Library’s digital services, the development of the Library’s Public Section, an audience development campaign, staff training, and more.
 
Photo Credit: @NLG_NikosKaranikolas
During a meeting of the Central Archaeological Council, works related to the restoration and promotion of the Western Hills of Acropolis (the Pnyx, the Hill of the Nymphs, and the Philopappos Hill) were unanimously approved.

The protection and promotion of the above-mentioned archeological sites is a top priority, combined with the safety of visitors and the cleanliness of the sites due to high traffic, as the entrance to these areas is free and they operate on a 24-hour basis.

The Mayor of Athens, Costas Bakogiannis, stated “Athens is taking another step towards the rebirth of its most emblematic areas. It is time to restore, protect, and upgrade all those elements of Philopappos hill that connect it to the history, culture, and modern life of the city of Athens. In this effort, our smooth cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Sports is required to achieve the best result."

The goals of this Cultural Development Program are the following:
  • The preservation and promotion of the monuments located in these archaeological sites.
  • The safety of visitors.
  • The improvement of the existing infrastructure.
  • The protection of the natural environment (flora and fauna) and its harmonious inclusion in the archaeological landscape.
  • The elimination of risk factors (fires, landslides, delinquency).
Acropolis' Western Hills

The hills used to be an important and densely inhabited section of ancient Athens. Today, they form an archaeological site including monuments of great historical value, such as the Assembly of the Demos, the Diateichisma, residential remains of the ancient districts of Melite and Koile, the ancient street of Koile, the monument of Philopappos, the remains of the temple of Musaeus, Socrates' Prison and the Kimoneia Monuments, cemeteries, post-Byzantine temples (Agios Dimitrios Lombardiaris, Agia Marina, Agios Konstantinos), unique works by famous architect Dimitris Pikionis, and the National Observatory of Athens.

The hills cover a total area of about 680 acres and are part of the buffer zone surrounding the Acropolis as a UNESCO world heritage site. They are also included in the List of Monuments around the Acropolis that have received the European Heritage Label.


XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to This Is Athens and the City Of Athens for sharing news and inspiring stories about how Athens aspires to be a clean, friendly, and welcoming city to live in
As spring blooms in Athens, it brings with it the perfect opportunity to embrace the outdoors and indulge in the simple joys of a picnic. While the city pulses with life and history, there are serene havens waiting to be explored by nature enthusiasts and picnic aficionados alike.From verdant parks to enchanting botanical gardens, Athens offers an array of idyllic spots that beckon for a leisurely al fresco dining experience.

Let's explore some of the best places for a picnic in Athens, where you can bask in the beauty of nature and savor the delights of the season!

National Garden 

national garden 1
@vivo.vpan

Located right in the heart of Athens, the National Garden is a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city streets. Spanning over 15 hectares, this lush green park offers ample space for picnickers to spread out and enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by nature. With its shaded pathways, charming ponds, and diverse flora, the National Garden provides the ideal setting for a leisurely picnic with family and friends. Additionally, the garden is home to a variety of animals, including ducks, peacocks, and turtles, adding an extra element of charm to your picnic experience.

Diomedes Botanical Garden

diomedes botanical garden
@diomedes_botanical_garden


Nestled in the area of Chaidari, the Diomedes Botanical Garden is a haven for plant lovers and picnic enthusiasts alike. Often dubbed the largest botanical garden in the Mediterranean, it's just a short distance from Athens city center. Boasting approximately 4,000 plant species and tens of thousands of dried plants in its herbarium, the garden offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich diversity of Mediterranean flora. Spread across a vast forested area of 1,860 acres, it provides ample space for exploration and relaxation. With designated picnic areas scattered throughout the garden, visitors can enjoy a scenic outdoor meal surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Tatoi Estate 

tatoi
@giwrgosmirtsekis

Just a short drive from Athens lies the sprawling Tatoi Estate, once the summer residence of the Greek royal family. Today, this expansive estate is open to the public, offering visitors a chance to explore its lush gardens, historic buildings, and scenic landscapes. Picnickers can find a secluded spot amidst the olive groves or set up camp near the tranquil ponds, enjoying a peaceful day surrounded by nature's beauty.

Beletsi Lake

beletsi lake
@vasilis_tegas

Situated amidst the pristine forests of Parnitha Mountain, Beletsi Lake is a picturesque destination for a picnic in nature. Surrounded by dense foliage and towering trees, the lake offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. Picnickers can relax by the water's edge, take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, or simply soak in the tranquility of this idyllic setting.

Antonis Tritsis Park

tritsis park
@d.tsioulis

Spanning over 1,200 acres, Antonis Tritsis Park is one of the largest green spaces in Athens, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The park features lush meadows, wooded areas, and scenic trails, making it an ideal spot for a picnic adventure. Whether you prefer a shady spot beneath the trees or a sunny clearing with panoramic views, Antonis Tritsis Park has something for everyone.

The method and implications of becoming a tax resident of Greece is one of the first things you will need to understand if you are considering moving to Greece. It will have implications in your daily life, and before you know it, after living in Greece for a week or two, you will be asking yourself “how do I become a tax resident of Greece?” This short guide will take you through the steps of becoming a tax resident in Greece.


Why do I need to become a tax resident in Greece?
If you stay over 183 days in Greece you are considered a tax resident. It’s a good idea to register as a tax resident so you don’t have any issues with the Greek authorities down the line including potential penalties. In addition, if you are living in Greece, it’s a lot easier to have your tax residency completed for ever day tasks such as medical, buying and selling cars and accessing government services.

What does it mean to be a tax resident in Greece?
If you become a tax resident of Greece than you will be required to pay tax on your worldwide income. You need to plan accordingly for this, especially if you have properties or other income overseas as this will need to be taxed.

There are some tax regimes in Greece which are particularly attractive for foreign residents who move their tax incentives to Greece. These have been designed to make it attractive for foreigners to move their tax residency to Greece and to move to Greece.

These include the 50% tax discounts (Non-Dom Tax Regime) which entitles people to a 50% tax break if they move their business or employment to Greece, as well as the special tax regime for foreign pensioners which offers a flat tax rate of 7%. Our tax team can help you understand if you are eligible for either of these incentives and guide you through the process of making an application.

Should I use a tax representative to assist me in Greece?
If you stay in Greece over the 183 day period (there are a number of more specific requirements and definitions which our tax team can assist you with), you may prefer to appoint a tax representative. This is helpful if you don’t speak the language or if you don’t understand the tax system. Your tax representative can be an accountant, lawyer or financial advisor and you can use them to manage your communication, work through the process, submit paper work and generally authorize them to act on your behalf for your dealings with the tax office in Greece. They can update your residency status in Greece and also make the appropriate declarations to the Greek tax authorities and ensure that you comply with all the laws and regulations.

If you plan to stay in Greece for longer than 183 days, you should definitely consult a tax professional and declare your income as required. We're here to help - feel free to reach out to us with your questions.


This content has been created in collaboration with our trusted partner Tsaks Consulting.

Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:43

The Beautiful Island Of Hydra

Hydra, built in the shape of an amphitheatre on a slope overlooking the Argosaronic gulf, is one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Traditional stone mansions, narrow cobblestoned streets, secluded squares and above all the banning of cars and the use of around 500 donkeys as means of public transportation, explain the reason why Hydra preserved its distinctive atmosphere through the passage of time.

 

The island experienced exceptional economic growth in the past thanks to its great naval and commercial activity. The Hydriots contributed significantly also to the 1821 War of Independence as their powerful fleet participated in crucial sea battles. It is a rather impressive fact that such a tiny island is the birthplace of five Greek Prime Ministers!

Lavish stone mansions owned by important families (Voulgaris, Kountouriotis, Tombazis, Kriezis, Bountouris, etc), and built by Italian artisans reveal the wealth that experienced the island in the past. Today most of these mansions house the island’s museums. 300 churches and 6 monasteries spread around the island as well as the cannons and the statues of the Independence War heroes still standing at the balconies of the islands create a romantic mosaic.

As you walk along the waterfront, the heart of the town, you encounter monuments, churches, canons, museums, old mansions, statues of famous heroes, the old gunpowder store, shops and cafes, while picturesque winding streets lead you to neighborhoods located at the upper part of the town, as well as to the old neighborhood of Kiafas.


To read more, go to visitgreece.gr

The next few days leading up to the European Summit scheduled for the 12th of February are going to be critical for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, whose main priorities will be to manage expectations and preserve the peace in Greece and Europe.

An unnamed government official told To Vima on Monday evening that “we may see smoked for the Commission’s building on Wednesday”, in reference to Mr. Tsipras’ meeting with Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels on the 4th of February. The Greek Premier is then scheduled to meet French President Francois Hollande, while Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis is rumored to see Wolfgang Schäuble next week, ahead of the Summit.

The goals are clear, to establish a channel of communication with Paris, Rome and Berlin and then to define the negotiation framework between Athens and the Commission. After Mr. Tsipras discusses his police statements next week, he will hope to attend the Summit in a friendly, rather than hostile, environment.

Meanwhile the German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be meeting with US President Barack Obama early next week, indicating that there will be a wealth of behind-the-scenes debates and developments.

To read more, please visit tovima.gr

Friday, 19 June 2015 07:00

The Acropolis Museum Turns 6!

As part of celebrations for its sixth birthday, the Acropolis Museum will launch a series of exhibitions featuring archaeological treasures from small museums across Greece, with “Samothrace – The Mysteries of the Great Gods” on June 20, 2015.

On the same day, a concert in the museum courtyard will feature the Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir in works from the interwar period, the cinema and Greek operetta. All exhibition areas and the restaurant will remain open from 8am to midnight and admission will be reduced at 3 euros for all visitors.

On June 21, the museum will organize a scientific conference focusing on recent archaeological research in Samothrace.

Organized in collaboration with ephorates of Rodopi and Evros,under the guidance Samothrace antiquities expert Dimitrios Matsas,the temporary show features 252 ancient artefacts assembled in groups on the basis of their relationship to the island’s sanctuary, where visitors were initiated into the island cult. The exhibit will run through to September 30.

To read more please visit: Greek Travel Pages

Dating back 5,000 years, the Greek Orthodox town of Levissi, once known as Kayakov, was a village of 10,000 people. However, in 1922, the village went through an ‘ethnic cleanse’ and the people were forced to leave their land and heritage. Now, American filmmaker Joerg Schodl has documented what is left of Levissi in his documentary ‘Ghosts of Levissi.

Schodl tells the tale of the small Greek community in Asia Minor that was torn apart during the final days of the Ottoman Empire. It focuses on the disappearance of the population practically overnight thanks to campaigns, designed to scare Greeks from Levissi and nearby Macri (known as Fethiye), included offensives by Turks.

Since then, the homes have remained vacant, left to decay after being further damaged by a huge earthquake in 1957. The land, however, has been used for summer festivals, but the plan to lease the area and auction it off for commercial interests are causing an uproar among Turks and Greeks with roots to Levissi.

Schodl had the help of members from the Greek community in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane and he was able to find thirteen descendants of Levissi families. More descendants were found in Toronto, Rhodes, London, Athens and Istanbul.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter 

See the Ghosts of Levissi trailer here: 

Tuesday, 23 May 2017 21:41

April 4 - Practical Living In Athens

Find out which applications will make your life in Athens easier, which days during 2017 you may visit Museums for free and all you need to know about shopping fresh at your local 'Laiki Agora'!

Please click 
HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
 
Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletterFacebook, and Twitter!
Tuesday, 16 October 2018 07:00

Two Of The World's Best Bars In Athens

The World's 50 Best Bars recently announced this year's winners and once again, The Clumsies and Baba aur Rum are featured amongst the world's best bars.

The Clumsies, located on Praxitelous Street in central Athens, ranked 7th on the list. “With three floors that draw in the crowds all day, The Clumsies has it all – from coffee to homely-but-refined Greek food to leading-edge cocktails."

The Baba aur Rum, located on 6, Klitiou Street in downtown Athens, ranked 22 in the world. The judges highlighted, “Through warm Athenian hospitality and refined international cocktails, Baba Au Rum continues to be considered one of the best bars in the world.”

London’s “Dandelyan” and “American Bar” were named the World’s best, taking first and second place, followed by Singapore’s “Manhattan” bar in third.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
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