XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Are you ready to become your most authentically confident, clear, emotionally and mentally strong you? Well then, you are just 12-weeks away from your best year, yet! 

XpatAthens contributor, Eleni Meraki of Guts & Tales, has been cooking up another inspiring platform called Be Your Own Muse that is a 12-week online coaching program designed for women.

Eleni tells us that BYOM is the biggest professional accomplishment of her life so far. She's never felt more proud, strong, committed and excited about anything else before. For Eleni personally, the last 3 years have been quite a ride, from her own career and life change, including her emigration to Greece, it’s been a journey of many changes, many fears, and innumerable obstacles to overcome – continuous falling and getting up again.

We’d like to invite you to join women from all around the planet, to take part in a 12-week program that will truly impact your life. The program will take you through 12 themes that step-by-step will get you to exactly where you need to take you, to being your own muse.

The themes you’ll explore are carefully curated to tackle the issues and questions that many women are faced with today, including:
  • Being authentic.
  • Managing your thoughts.
  • Believing in yourself, no matter what.
  • Navigating your feelings and emotions.
  • Living a balanced life.
  • Maintaining a positive mindset.
  • Be present and patient.
The program is very clearly structured and easy-to-follow. You’ll receive one email a day with something to read, watch, listen or do. Each day of the entire program can be done while drinking your morning coffee or on your morning commute - it will take just 5 to 20 minutes of you time per day. The content is a perfect mix of practical tools, theory, inspiration and motivation with a touch of practical coaching, psychology, (neuro) science and philosophy.
 
The next round starts on January 28, 2019 and you can LEARN MORE HERE!

Tested and recommended by Elena Tzavaras, owner of XpatAthens, here's what she had to say about the program:
 
“Be Your Own Muse takes you to the real, raw depths of you. It 'holds your hand' as you dig deep and uncover things that perhaps you knew were there, but that you needed to brush off and allow to surface. It teaches you how to be silent and listen, how to be true to you, believe in you, and how to stand tall within you. The process is seamless, and the program unfolds with such ease and grace that you're intrigued to click on your daily email from Eleni Meraki, because you know that what's in store for you that day is genuine and full of greatness. Although I consider myself to be 'tuned in' and wouldn't easily participate in a program like this, every email uncovered a new perspective, offered inspiration, or provided a tool to help me learn more about me. I can truly recommend Be Your Own Muse to anyone searching for depth in themselves and in the world around them.“

About the creator of the Be Your Own Muse program:
 
Eleni Meraki is a life coach, trainer, hypnotherapist, writer and founder of the storytelling platform Guts & Tales. Learn more about the BYOM team here.



happiness is a habit

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we wanted to make sure that this year is extra special so we've teamed up with Clio Muse Tours – an award-winning, local Greek self-guided audio tour app - and L'Audrion Wine & More - one of Athens' best wine bars in Plaka - to bring you a wonderfully romantic experience in Athens - dinner and a tour! 



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Tuesday, 14 January 2020 10:19

How Reforestation Can Help Save The Climate

The reforestation of the world's lost forests could ultimately capture two-thirds of all the planet-warming carbon that is emitted into the atmosphere because of human activity, according to a new study.

A startling 300 billion tons of carbon has been emitted into the atmosphere as a result of human activity since the Industrial Revolution, heating the planet to alarming levels. But trees can capture carbon, storing it above and below ground.

The study carried out by the Crowther Lab at Swiss university ETH Zurich has calculated that reforesting degraded forests all over the world could capture about 205 billion tons of carbon. It is worth mentioning that global carbon emissions are currently around 10 billion tons per year.

The Crowther Lab at ETH Zurich investigates nature-based solutions to reduce climate change and a tool on their website enables users to inspect an point on the globe to find out how many trees could grow there and how much carbon they can store.

According to Professor Thomas Crowther, founder of the Crowther Lab at ETH Zurich: "We all knew that restoring forests could play a part in tackling climate change, but we didn't really know how big the impact would be. Our study shows clearly that forest restoration is the best climate change solution available today. But we must act quickly, as new forests will take decades to mature and achieve their full potential as a source of natural carbon storage."


To read this article in full please visit: ETH Zurich
Friday, 18 December 2020 16:34

It's Not Christmas In Athens Until...

What does Christmas in Athens normally feel like? To spark some festive nostalgia this much altered Yuletide, this interview speaks with creative Athenians and shares their most cherished memories of the season.
 
It’s hard to get into the spirit of Christmas this year when everything feels so different and so many of us will be facing the “season to be jolly” separated from our loved ones (not to mention all our usual festive fun). To keep alive the flame of a more normal Athens Christmas – and give us all hope of brighter Yuletides to come - This is Athens spoke with some colourful Athenians to share those seasonal milestones they are missing the most this challenging year – as well as all those beloved hangouts that they can’t wait to get back to in easier Christmases to come.
 
Eleni Andreadis
Award-winning children’s author and sustainability specialist
 
It’s not Christmas in Athens until I’ve…


Gone for a cocktail at: 
Noel Bar. A cosy concept bar on Kolokotroni Street where it's Christmas all year. The music is jazzy and the permanent holiday decor is a tad over-the-top. Just how you want it for Christmas.


Had a festive meal at: GB Roof Garden, with a quick stop by the Christmas tree at the entrance to enjoy the festive piano music. For my family, it's the place to mark the beginning of the holidays. As the season comes to an end, I like to visit a Mikrolimano fish restaurant for a glimpse of the winter sea.


Shopped for gifts at: Living Green in Kifissia. This little gem stocks very original eco gifts. Christmas can be so wasteful and this is the place to go to buy a gift for someone to plant in their garden or a toy that's made from recycled or biodegradable materials.


Enjoyed a performance at: Onassis Stegi. They put on such original and innovative work - you’re guaranteed to leave with lots to think and talk about over the holidays.


Soaked up the atmosphere of: Stunning Stavros Niarchos Park, where there's always something wondrous happening. 


Gone for a walk around: The centre of Athens -starting from Syntagma Square to Monastiraki - to admire the lights and music. There's nothing more “Christmas” than a late afternoon walk in the cold December air, with a Christmas Stars tea from Tea Route in my hands.


Listened to: Athens Big Band (a popular swing band) in an open-air Christmas event in downtown Athens. You can't beat the joy of stumbling across fantastic live music as you're walking down the street.

Akis Petretzikis
Celebrity Chef

It's not Christmas in Athens until I've ...


Gone for a cocktail at: One of the groovy bars in the neighbourhood of Psirri. It gets very Christmassy there and always has a fantastic vibe, especially in December.


Had a festive meal at: Every year, I bake melomakarona (traditional Greek Christmas biscuits) at my house made with pure ingredients and spices that I buy from the wonderful food shops of Evripidou Street.


Soaked up the atmosphere of: The decorated city centre of Athens, especially the classic Christmas feel of Voukourestiou Street in Kolonaki.


Gone for a walk around: My favourite festive walk has to be down Dionysiou Areopagitou to see the seasonal lights and along the ancient alleys of Plaka with the lit-up Parthenon glowing above, adding to the magic of it all.


Listened to: The Christmas carols that resound from the children of Athens in every neighbourhood of the city as they do the rounds singing the kalanta (Greek Christmas jingles)


What I love most about Christmas: Baking Christmas cakes to give as presents and share with my friends in Athens.

Chrissianna Andriopoulou
Style blogger, Shoprano

It’s not Christmas in Athens until I’ve…


Gone for a cocktail at: Athénée Athens (formerly Zonars). Since it opened right in the centre of town in the 1930s, this elegant icon has hosted everyone from Melina Mercouri and Sophia Loren to Anthony Quinn and can always be counted on when you’re in the mood for some serious retro glamour.


Had a festive meal at: Brunch or lunch at Brunello restaurant in Kolonaki is another Christmas classic. It has a cool crowd, an amazing food and wine list and such a great atmosphere & music, especially over the party season.


Shopped for gifts at: Cartier and Hermès on Voukourestiou Street in Kolonaki. I love going to this stylish street and visiting all the high-end fashion boutiques and going a little “extra” on Christmas gifts! Only the best for my loved ones.


Enjoyed a performance or concert at: Pallas Theatre, just around the corner from Athénée. It’s such a grand Athenian landmark and always has uplifting productions in the lead up to Christmas.


Soaked up the atmosphere of: Hotel Grande Bretagne at one of their famous high tea sittings in the Winter Garden City Lounge. You can’t beat it for luxury festive ambiance and their tree is always the best dressed in town!


Listened to: Classical music on Christmas morning is the best way to start this special day.


What I love most about Christmas: Being with family and loved ones, opening our gifts and spending quality time together! Those moments are so precious and irreplaceable.

For more great experiences from Athenians about Christmas in Athens visit: thisisathens.org
Photo by: Nikos Karanikolas

Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share! 
This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!

Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an 
XpatAthens Partner.
All cities are complex but Athens has an especially tangled character—it’s both spectacularly ancient and undeniably modern.” Says author and former anthropologist Sofka Zinovieff.

As the city reopens to tourism again, this new 8-part podcast series from This Is Athens is designed to decode Greece's captivating capital, with the help of acclaimed author and Athens-based anthropologist Sofka Zinovieff. Athens Unpacked follows last year’s popular podcast debut, We’ll Always Have Athens, in which high-profile Athenophiles from Stephen Fry to Mary Katrantzou shared their tales of Athens. 

Listeners are invited to embark on a fascinating journey of discovering Athens, as Zinovieff delves deep beneath the surface of the city (literally at times!), in a quest to uncover the true essence of her adopted home of Athens, in all its guises, layers and mysteries. The more you understand a place, the more deeply you engage with it and that's exactly the aim of the podcasts; for people to fall in love with Athens and all those things that make it such an enchanting place! 

In each episode, Zinovieff enlists a rich pantheon of city experts and insiders - from celebrated singers and graffiti artists to high profile journalists and street food chefs - to dig beyond the Acropolis into themes that the guidebooks rarely cover. 

This is not just another podcast series. It's more of a documentary where you’ll visit a lesser-known aqueduct built by a Roman emperor, meet the capital’s most exposed skeleton, encounter the alternative culture behind Rembetika (Greece’s answer to the blues), climb a historic off-grid hill with a former archaeologist, experience a refugee neighborhood, browse a bustling farmer’s market with a local foodie, and explore the omnipresent legacy of the ancient philosophers and politicians. What a brilliant way to connect with the heart and soul of Athens! 

To embark on this audio odyssey of Athens, please visit: thisisathens.org or subscribe here on Spotify, Apple Music, Pocket Casts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
 
1. Up Above & Down Below - FIND THE EPISODE HERE 

In this debut episode, you'll get acquainted with the geography of the Athenian basin and Zinovieff's theory of the 3 hills (Acropolis, Lycabettus & Tourkovounia), all while exploring the Syntagma Metro skeleton and Hadrian's aqueduct.

2. From Dreams To DemolitionFIND THE EPISODE HERE 

In this episode, follow Zinovieff as she explores the surprisingly diverse fabric of Athens and explains how the city went from being a European neoclassical capital in the 1830s to a concrete oasis brimming with apartment blocks in the 1950s.
 
3. A City Of Villages - FIND THE EPISODE HERE 

In the series' third episode, Sofka explains why Athens is "the most foreign capital of the world" consisting of numerous villages, all with their own distinct character. Explore the neighborhoods of Pangrati and Anafiotika, Athens' only true remaining village, and learn all about the journey of the Greeks of Asia Minor who fled the 1922 Catastrophe. 

4. Feasting & Fasting - FIND THE EPISODE HERE 

This mouth-watering episode is all about food! Visit the Ampelokimpoi Laiki, discover the character of Greek cooking, get acquainted with Greek regional cuisines, like Cretan, and discover international flavors. 

5. Taking To The Streets - FIND THE EPISODE HERE 

In this episode, Sofka sets to explore the Athenians' beloved outdoor activities, from cafes to concerts and open-air cinemas. Find out why taking to the streets is part and parcel of everyday life in Athens and listen to the secret confessions of a young graffiti artist.

6. Songs & Poems - FIND THE EPISODE HERE 
 
In this fast-tempo episode, Sofka visits a celebrated singer who has worked with some of the greatest Greek composers. Get ready to unpack some of the city’s most beloved sounds, from rembetika to mainstream laiko, alternative entechno, and folk music. 

7. Birth & Death The Athenian Way - FIND THE EPISODE HERE
 
This episode is really a matter of life or death as Sofka pays a visit to the first cemetery, Athens' most famous cemetery. Get ready to explore a number of Greek traditions and superstitions, including the evil eye, and learn why name days are really important in Greece - even more important than birthdays!

8. From Benefactors To Buskers - FIND THE EPISODE HERE
 
Let's take a look at the city's biggest foundations and learn about famous Greek shipping families and their legacies. Fancy exploring Athens' street art and visiting some small-scale art galleries? You'll do all that and much much more!
 
Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share!

This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!

Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an 
XpatAthens Partner.
 
 
Panagia Kapnikarea is an 11th-century church, dedicated to Panagia (the virgin Mary) and is situated in the middle of the busy Ermou shopping strip, between Syntagma and Monastiraki Square.

Thousands upon thousands of people walk by the church each day, which was built on the ruins of an ancient temple, and according to historians, it was connected either to the goddess Athena or to Demeter.

The church is dedicated to Panagia and has a unique name “Kapnikarea” which may refer to the Byzantine tax “kapnikon” or some say it derives from the word “kapnismeni” which in Greek means “smoked”, due to the marks of fire that are seen on the building.

The architectural design of Kapnikarea is also special; it is a multifaceted edifice, that is constituted by three different parts; the main church at the southern part, which is dedicated to Panagia and may have been the catholicon of a monastery; the chapel dedicated to Agia Varvara at the northern part; and the exonarthex at the western side.

Most of the icons inside the church are painted by the artist Fotis Kontoglou and his pupils, a school of hagiography strongly influenced by Byzantine tradition. In 1942 Kontoglou painted Theotokos Platytera at the arch of the church, which was his first monumental work. The decoration was completed in 1955 with the help of his students.

The paintings on the walls of the vaulted narthex and the exo-narthex, which show western influences, are the work of an unknown artist and date from approximately 1900 and the stunning mosaic outside the church of Panagia holding Jesus was created by Elli Voila in 1936.

The church is filled with a rich history and during the Greek Independence War, it was damaged, like most other monuments in Athens. In 1834, the year of the construction of Ermou Street, authorities had planned to demolish the church. This was during the reign of King Otto, as it was not included in the urban designs of his architect, Leo von Klenze but it was saved after the intervention of the King of Bavaria, Ludwig.

Today, the church belongs to the University of Athens and continues to stand out as a unique part of the city’s history, attracting thousands of locals and tourists who walk inside each day to light a candle, say a prayer and look around this sacred site. 

Originally published on: greekcitytimes.com
Saturday, 05 February 2022 14:26

Say Freeze!

The snow storm name 'Elpida' (Hope in English) covered Athens with an unusual amount of snow on Monday. Temperatures dipped below freezing, and the Greek capital's historic monuments looked beautiful in white!

 
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Tsimikas Football Clinics for the first time in Greece

The top sports tourism event Navarino Challenge, will showcase once again the beautiful natural environment of Messinia with more than 30 activities taking place at Costa Navarino and Pylos, on October 21-23, 2022 for the event’s 10th anniversary.
 
The running activity, which has been an integral part of Navarino Challenge since 2013, will be the main attraction once again and will be available to everyone, professional and amateur participants, people of all ages and abilities from all over the world. Running is one of the event’s wellness activities that brings children and parents closer to sports by giving them the opportunity to run on routes that cover all needs and demands.
 
Run in the unique 5km route powered by Samsung
Fans of short distance running can choose the 5km powered by Samsung. Participants of all ages will run along a magnificent route by the sea, among hundreds of centuries-old olive trees with stunning views of the Ionian Sea, with a start and finish point at Costa Navarino. Amazing gifts from Samsung Electronics Hellas will await the runners at the finish line.
Run in the top Greek Half Marathon powered by Miele

The route of the Half Marathon powered by Miele starts from the premises of The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and heads towards the south exit of the complex. The participants will run the 21.1 km of the route, together with the Greek-American ultramarathon Konstantine Dean Karnazes. They will pass through the wildlife sanctuary of Gialova Lagoon and will end up at the beach of Voidokilia where the most beautiful but also most demanding part of the route begins. At this point the route runs around the perimeter of the beach on golden sand for 650m. Voidokoilia and the wider area have been designated a place of special natural beauty and are part of the Natura 2000 Network. This is the only trail running route in Greece that combines sand, soil and asphalt. The end of the route will find participants again at Costa Navarino where they will be expecting rich gifts from Miele.
 
Watch the video with the running activities here.
 
Navarino Challenge routes are also ideal, for all those who have a soft spot for their four-legged friends as they can run with their pets. At the same time, all running routes highlight the natural beauties of Messinia, cultivating the environmental consciousness of the participants through the sustainability principles applied by the event.
Watch here the running routes and all their technical characteristics.
 
Register now for the running activities (21,1km, 10km, 5km, 1km) through the following link.

For group registrations of 10 people or more, a 20% discount applies. For more information, please contact the event organizers.

Tsimikas Football Clinics at Navarino Challenge for the first time 
Navarino Challenge includes football in its schedule for the first time, organizing the Tsimikas Football Clinics which bares the signature of the top international football player of Liverpool FC and the Greek National Team, Kostas Tsimikas. The Tsimikas Football Clinics will be held with a qualified football coach, and all participants will receive rich gifts such as a cap and a t-shirt signed by Tsimikas as well as a participation bag. In the context of this year’s event, the Chief Executive Officer of PROSPORT, Mr. Paschalis Tountouris, said: “The two-day Tsimikas Football Clinics at this year’s Navarino Challenge enables children who love sports, football and the Greek Scouser, to understand the philosophy of football, to be trained by the coach of the Greek academy level,  and to learn some of the favorite habits of the Greek international player by participating in challenges that Kostas himself will put them through! Dedication, consistency and hard training are the threefold success of Konstantinos Tsimikas and the basic principles of our company. Prosport, puts children in the “foreground” with the Tsimikas Football Clinics, cultivating above all the love for sports and “fair play”, just as Navarino Challenge has been doing for the last 10 years”.
 
New addition of Kois Optics
Kois Optics make a dynamic entry into this year’s Navarino Challenge, participating as the event’s Official Optics Partner. With its head store in Ermoupolis, Syros and additional stores in Athens (Hotel Grande Bretagne) and Mykonos, and through their new “Orophographia” series, with technical perfection, combine excellent quality and high aesthetics. The unique “Orophographia” aesthetic and design that has to date inspired a wide range of wearable art items including eyewear, silk scarves, jewelry and woven bags will be available for purchase at this year’s Navarino Challenge.  
 
Live the unique sports experience and stay at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino
Enjoy a weekend with more than 30 outdoor wellness activities for people of all ages. Book now the event’s accommodation package with half board and live this year’s unique sports and cultural experience. For more information on accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino you may send your email to booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070. Check the accommodation packages here

More activities and surprises will be announced soon on this year’s schedule.
          
Samsung Electronics Hellas supports the event for another year as its Official Technology Sponsor. 
Miele is the event’s Official Sponsor.
Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the Official Water. 
Luanvi is the Official Sports Supplier.
Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are the Official Hospitality Sponsors.
Poseidonia Restaurant, Karalis Beach Hotel and Bombay Sapphire are Navarino Challenge’s Official Supporters.
Trace ‘n Chase is the Sports Memorabilia Partner.
Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner.
Pilia Express, the transportation company based in Pylos and Phee, are the event’s Partners.
SKAI is the Premium TV Partner.
Explore Messinia, FitnessArt, F45 Barrio Salamanca, Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’ Clock, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, Vizantinos target sport club are Navarino Challenge’s Athletic Partners.
The event is assisted by Vita N Travel and Kayak. 
 
Navarino Challenge will take place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization.
The event has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2022 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. 
The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production.
Tuesday, 14 January 2025 12:26

Spend The Coziest Day In Athens

Winter in Athens might not be what you'd expect—sure, it’s chilly, but it’s equally beautiful, if not more so. With the upcoming Alkyonides Days, where the sun makes an appearance even during the winter months, there’s no better time to explore the city in a cozy, laid-back way. So, why not spend the day embracing Athens' winter charm? Here's your perfect cozy day itinerary that mixes delicious food, charming spots, and plenty of opportunities to soak up the unique atmosphere of the city.

1. Brunch at Acera The Brunch Project, Kallithea

acera
@acera_brunch

Start your day right with a hearty brunch at Acera The Brunch Project in Kallithea. This spot has gone viral for good reason, especially its massive wooden plate filled with everything you could want for breakfast or brunch—eggs, toasts, croissants, waffles, and more. The rustic vibe and large servings make it an iconic spot to fuel up for your day. Keep in mind, it's popular, so try to go early to avoid long waits (but trust us, it’s totally worth it!). You'll leave with a full stomach and a smile on your face!

2. A Cozy Coffee at Little Tree Books & Coffee, Koukaki

little tree
@littletree_books

After brunch, head over to Little Tree Books & Coffee in Koukaki for a cozy, relaxed atmosphere to sip on some coffee. This gem is not only perfect for coffee lovers but also for bookworms. You can get your caffeine fix while browsing through the selection of books—they even have cozy reading nooks to make you feel like you're right at home. It’s the perfect place to unwind before lunch and to enjoy a slow, peaceful moment in Athens.

3. Lunch at Kostas Souvlaki

kostas

When lunch rolls around, it’s time to get a taste of classic Athens street food. Head to Kostas Souvlaki on Filellinon Street for some of the best gyros in the city. The juicy, flavorful gyros are a must-try, and the lines move quickly (but they can get long, so make sure you get there early!). The best part? It's incredibly affordable compared to many other spots in Athens, so you can fill up without breaking the bank.

4. Evening Drinks with a View

a for athens
@a_for_athens

As the day winds down, it’s time for a drink with a view. Athens is known for its stunning rooftop terraces, and there are plenty of choices depending on the vibe you’re after. Head to A for Athens or 360 Cocktail Bar, two of the most popular spots offering breathtaking views of the Acropolis and the city skyline. If you're in the mood for something cozier, Ciel Athens or Giasemi (right in the heart of Plaka) are perfect choices for a more intimate, relaxed drink. Whatever you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy a unique sunset while sipping your favorite cocktail.

5. Ice Cream at Django Gelato

Snapinsta.app 462608465 1058855759575331 8624810132942383504 n 1080
@djangogelato_ath

No cozy day is complete without a sweet treat, and Athens has no shortage of great ice cream spots. Head to Django Gelato to indulge in some of the best gelato in the city. Whether you're in the mood for classic flavors or something more adventurous, this place is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. For this time of the year we totally recommend the apple and cinnamon and tangerine sorbet flavors!
Wednesday, 18 February 2015 13:22

Best Archaeological Museums To Visit In Greece

National Archaeological Museum of Athens - The museum houses some of the best examples of Greek art. Artifacts from prehistoric Greece all the way up to Roman times are exhibited in its halls. Highlights include a large collection of Mycenaean artifacts, archaic Kouros statues, and masterpieces from the Classical and Hellenistic eras. This is by far the largest museum of Greece, and it shelters the best examples of Greek Art and Culture from the entire country.

The building has been recently renovated in 2004, and some of its collections have been enhanced.

The Acropolis Museum (at the Acropolis of Athens)

A visit to the Acropolis should include a visit to the Museum on the site. If you love art, the Acropolis museum will not disappoint with its exhibition of mostly Archaic and Classical sculptures from the various Acropolis monuments. The highlights are the parthenon freeze, a large collection of Kouros and Kore statues, and the original Caryatides statues from the Erectheon. Now if the British government could return the Elgin marbles from London, one would be able to experience the entire Acropolis site in one visit.

Heraklion Museum in Crete

The best examples of Minoan art and culture have been collected in the Heraklion museum in Crete. Minoan civilization has been widely credited as the first European civilization and the artifacts it produced are dazzling in their quality. Highlights of the Heraklion museum include the Bull rython, the gold jewelry from Malia, and the beautiful frescoes from the palace of Knossos. Examples from the classical and Hellenistic periods are also exhibited at the museum.

Olympia Museum

The museum at ancient Olympia is a great place to spend a whole day strolling through its collection. Recently renovated in 2004, it is a pleasant building that shelters some of the best examples of ancient Greek Classical and Late Classical Greek art. Most visitors will marvel at Hermes of Praxiteles, and most art scholars will drool over the statues from the Temple of Zeus pediment and metopes.

Delphi Museum (from ancient-greece.org)

The museum at the ancient archaeological site of Delphi houses artifacts found during excavations at the site and should not be missed if you travel to Greece. Highlights of the museum include the "Charioteer of Delphi", a bronze statue of the severe style, and the two archaic Kouroi named Kleobis and Biton. Since the oracle of Delphi was so important for the politics of the entire Eastern Mediterranean, it was adorned by the best examples of art in ancient times, many of which have been unearthed and are now housed in the museum.

Museum of Prehistoric Art (in Santorini)

I visited the Museum of Prehistoric Art during my visit in Santorini, and I marveled at the variety and quality of its collection. While most travelers think mainly of the Classical and Hellenistic periods of Greek art and culture, there is a whole world of prehistoric art to be discovered in museums like this one. It houses a great deal of artifacts from the excavations at ancient Akrotiri, and its highlights include reconstructions of ancient houses with frescoes of joyous human and animal activity.

Vergina Royal Tomb

The royal tomb of Vergina have been renovated recently to become one of the most spectacular museums / archaeological sites of Greece. The rounded hillock, known as the Great Tumulus was created in ancient Greece to protect the tomb of the Macedonian king Philip II, father of Alexander the Great and others. Today, visitors who enter the tumulus enjoy an excellent exhibit of the artifacts found in the royal tombs alongside the tombs themselves. It is a great example of how the presentation of the artifacts in proximity to their original context allows for a unique experience and the best level of understanding.

Source: Greeklandscapes.com

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