Located in six acres of lush gardens in Paiania, near Athens Airport, the Vorres Museum was founded in 1983 by Ian Vorres in order to promote Greek art and culture through a diverse range of activities, exhibitions and children’s activities.  A graduate of Athens College, Mr Vorres was a famous Greek art collector who studied Economics and Political Science at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada and furthered his studies with a Diploma in Philosophy and Psychology from the University of Toronto.  After a career in Journalism in Canada, Between 1991-1998 Mr. Vorres served as Mayor of Paiania – the area of Athens where the Museum is located. He passed away in February 2015.

Divided into two sections: Contemporary and Folk Art, both museums showcase over 2,500 years of Greek history. I have had the fortunate experience of visiting Vorres twice now – once when I experienced St. Thomas’s B&B in nearby Paiania, the second time in October 2014 when TBEX hosted its European conference in Athens, they held their Speakers Party in the gardens.

Whilst the museums are interesting, I couldn’t stop marvelling at how peaceful the gardens were and could happily sit for hours. My second time I spent more time being shown the Folk and Contemporary Art.  Both are fascinating and the art space is housed in a warehouse style building – but the aesthetics work well and are in keeping with the surroundings.  Exhibitions are changed according to which artist is in residence.

It's possible to rent the space out  and I’ve been told by friends that Vorres makes a fantastic location for a wedding.  With the ability to host up to 700 people, with its gardens and location under Mount Imittos, I would certainly consider holding an event here! Check out their events page for more information.

For more on this, including how to get to Vorres, please visit Life Beyond Borders.

Commuters in the Greek capital will have to pay their regular fare when travelling along Athens' Public Transport Network as of Wednesday, 15th July 2015 when the temporary measures of free public transport ceases to apply.

It is reminded that public transport (metro, electric railway, tram, buses and trolleys) in Athens was free since June 29th once the Greek government launched a "bank holiday", which remains in force.

Source: Greek Travel Pages.

There has been more written about Christopher Columbus than about any person with the exception of Jesus Christ, and yet his past has been shrouded in mystery. We all have been told that he came from Genoa, a city in Italy and sailed for Isabella and Ferdinand, the king and queen of Spain, after many years of trying to convince them that the world was round, a belief that was uncommon despite the fact that Aristotle had said it over a thousand years before.

Most of what we know about Columbus is conjecture and much of his history was written by people who never knew him or had reasons of their own for rewriting or presenting as truth something that was just a theory. The story of his being the son of a woolworker from Genoa for example only came from the fact that there was someone named Columbus from Genoa who was a wool worker and is a legend attributed to Peter Martyr de Anghiera. Go to Genoa and you will see that there are monuments and a show of pride in it being the birthplace of Columbus.

There is a book called, 'A New Theory Clarifying The Identity Of Christoper Columbus: A Byzantine Prince From Chios, Greece' written by Ruth G Durlacher-Wolper, the founder and the director of the New World Museum and the New World Foundation in San Salvador, Bahamas, where Columbus' ships first landed in 1492.

The book is carefully researched and after reading it even if you are not convinced you will certainly be less sure that all you knew before was the truth. For those of you who remember your Byzantine history, you may recall that the Paleologos Dynasty were the Byzantine Emperors who traced their descendants to the Royal House of David and fled to the west after the fall of Constantinople. According to the book, Columbus and his kinsman Colon-the-Younger came to France with the Paleologi and mixed with the royalty of the period, which would make sense. Why would the King and Queen of Spain give him three ships and a lot of money if he was the son of a Genovese woolworker?

Columbus never said he was from Genoa. He said he was from the Republic of Genoa, something much different. The island of Chios was part of the Republic of Genoa. The name Columbus is carved above many doors in the villages of Pirgi and Cimbori and a priest with that last name traces his ancestry on the island back over 600 years. There are also many Genovese families who trace their ancestry back to Chios. Columbus also wrote about the gum-mastic called mastika which comes only from Chios.

The book presents many convincing arguments and in the end summarizes them with 22 facts contributing to the clarification of Columbus' identity. Among the most interesting are:

Columbus' signature "Xro-Ferens" Christophoros is Greek-Latin or Byzantine.

Columbus spelled Chios with a Greek 'X'.

Columbus named Cape Maysi in Cuba using Greek words, Alpha and Omega.

The Colombo family of Genoa were illiterate and the Genovese Christophoro was a woolweaver. For this person to acquire the learning, experience and spirituality that Columbus had that could convince a foreign king and queen to entrust a small navy and a fortune to him doesn't seem probable. Maybe in twentieth century America a poor son of a common garment worker can grow up to become president but in the Europe of the 15th century it is unlikely he could make Captain, much less Admiral in command of a fleet. It is more likely that for Columbus to have received an audience with a king and queen he would have to be royal himself or have some pretty good connections.

Columbus' son Ferdinand wrote that his ancestors have always followed the sea. Unless the Columbo family of Genoa had a long history of being ships tailors or official shearers of sea-sheep then they were not related. In fact even though they were living in Genoa at the time that Ferdinand was writing about his father, they are not mentioned. Nor are they mentioned in the Will of Columbus.

For more on this interesting topic, please visit: GreeceTravel

We've had a difficult time turning up a copy of the book online, but have found a link on Amazon UK. You may also contact the publisher: John Perikos - Kallimassia - Chios 8210 - Greece.

Destinations worldwide welcomed 598 million international tourists in the first six months of 2017, some 36 million more than in the same period of 2016.

Worldwide, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) increased by 6 percent compared to the same six-month period last year, well above the sustained and consistent trend of 4 percent or higher growth since 2010.

Mediterranean destinations reported particularly strong growth in the first half of 2017, as reflected in the results for Southern and Mediterranean Europe (+12 percent), North Africa (+16 percent) and the Middle East (+9 percent).

Arrivals growth in this period was fuelled by strong outbound demand from major source markets. In particular, Canada, China, France, the Republic of Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States continued to report solid growth in outbound expenditure.

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

The oldest intact shipwreck known to mankind that was discovered at the bottom of the Black Sea is Greek! The group of researchers who found the 2,400 year-old trading ship, believe that priceless ancient treasures may still be trapped in the ship’s hold. The ship was discovered more that 50 miles off the Bulgarian city of Burgas and was used to supply the Greek colonies of the Black Sea.

More than 60 shipwrecks have been discovered in the area during the thorough survey, however in late 2017 the underwater cameras settled upon an Ancient Greek ship which was remarkably intact. The ship’s shape has not been compromised despite millennia at the bottom of the sea, while its mast and rudder are still clearly visible.

"A ship, surviving intact, from the Classical world, lying in over 2km of water, is something I would never have believed possible,” said Professor Jon Adams, of the Black Sean Maritime Archaeology Project.

The anoxic (un-oxygenated) environment of the Black Sea preserves artefacts better than any other marine environment and is probably why the ship has discovered in such excellent condition. Scientists are hoping to raise funding to return to the site and hunt for the treasure that is possibly trapped inside the ship.

To read this article in full, please visit: The Telegraph

XpatAthens works with writers, bloggers, cultural platforms, and local media houses in order to give our readers unique, useful, and up-to-date content.

We are always looking to meet and connect with new content contributors. If you believe that your content would be a positive addition to XpatAthens, click here to learn more about working with us!

---

Who Is Eleni Maria Georgiou?
 

 

 

 

Some call them digital nomads. To others, they are corona refugees or lockdown migrants. In a time where remote-working is king, Athens has become one of the hottest tickets in Europe to ride out the epidemic and hit reset on life.

This is Athens asked some second wave “corona nomads” to tell us in their own words how Athens has given them the personal and professional lift they were craving and why life is so much sweeter in the Greek capital, even in lockdown.

Chasing A Bright Urban Culture
Letizia Sebregondi, 36, Italian
Digital Wine Consultant

I was in Athens for two months last summer, staying in Mets, near the Kallimarmaro Stadium, and loved it so much. I went back to Milan a bit sad and spent the next month or so wondering, “Should I go back?”. One day, I woke up and said, “I’m going!”. I returned in late October, two weeks before the second lockdown, and plan to stay until July. Then I’ll travel around the Peloponnese and the islands.

I’ve lived abroad a lot: Brazil, the United States, France. What I find amazing about Athens is that it’s an urban city but you can still feel a human touch. Even if it’s not always an easy city, it has a really strong identity that connects you with Greek culture. But on the other hand, there are many young people relocating from Europe, even more so now because of Covid, so there’s this feeling that things are changing. People are coming to Athens to enjoy the exciting energy here.

I come from Florence, but was based in Milan, doing digital marketing for Italian and French wines; helping to create wine clubs and collectives. I still have a lot to learn about the Greek wine scene but I do see great potential in terms of the quality of the production and opportunities for local wineries to develop their sales. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how good Greek wines are. I’ve discovered a wonderful wine bar in the city centre that focuses exclusively on Greek wines - Heteroclito – and I tried some really good value wines from the north of Greece there, including a well-balanced Assyrtiko from Ktima Voyatsi. I can’t wait to go back there when quarantine is over.

---

---

Milan is probably the most European city in Italy, but it’s somehow too classic; a little too buttoned up, compared to Athens. Athens to me has a young and vibrant spirit, with a laid back quality of life - like maybe Lisbon ten years ago. I’m not saying that everyone here can afford everything, but compared to many other cities in Europe, the urban culture feels fresh and the quality of life is amazing.

So far, the experience of remote-working in Athens has been easy. Athens is an open-hearted city. I made some good friends during the summer: foreign girls like me who all share the same love and appetite for the city. This has helped me feel at home. Every Friday, I go to the farmer’s markets in Koukaki, next to my favourite bakery ever, Mama Psomi in Zaharitsa Street, for their amazing hand-made pies. At the markets, I pick up delicious local honey and have become friends with the fishmongers and the ladies who sell the lovely lemons and capers that I like to cook with. I’ve even managed to get to the seaside a few times during lockdown by walking up through Neos Kosmos to Paleo Faliro.

There’s so much more light in my working day here than in Milan. My apartment in Koukaki has a small balcony with a spectacular view of the Acropolis and gets the sun most of the day. I take my laptop out there to work and enjoy the 360 degree view of the city and the seaside. It’s a luxury that makes me feel so happy every day.

To read more, please visit This is Athens

---

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.

Let’s be frank straight off the blocks: Athens is not the simplest city for a leisurely jog—but running in the Greek capital is much easier than reputation would have it. Traffic is lighter than it used to be, pollution is no longer a problem, new walkways have sprung up and it (almost) never rains.

Granted, drivers can be impatient at stop signs and the occasional pothole remains (though plans are afoot to repave half the city’s roads within the next few years), but Athens is much more runner-friendly nowadays, and the increasing number of Athenians lacing up regularly is proof.

The 5K Ultimate Athens Route

Let’s start on the pedestrian paved road in front of the Acropolis Museum. Dionysiou Areopagitou, as the walkway is called, is one of Europe’s most beautiful avenues, and meanders halfway around the Acropolis Hill.

For the first few hundred meters, run towards Philopappou Hill, with the Acropolis towering above you, on your right. After about half a kilometer, the road will begin to crest downhill towards the attractive Thissio neighborhood. In full tourist season, this popular pocket can be hot and crowded. If so, head for pine-clad Philopappou instead.

After another few hundred meters, you’ll reach the old Thissio train station from where you can make out the Temple of Hephaestus (we locals call it Theseus) amid the trees on your right. It’s time to turn right onto Adrianou Street and weave your way into historic Monastiraki, with its tourist shops, antique flea markets, souvlaki joints, and agreeable hustle and bustle.

Continue up Areos Street, then turn left into Dexippou Street, left again into Adrianou, and into Aiolou Street, first weaving around lower Plaka, and then moving uptown towards Syntagma Square.

At the 2.5 kilometers halfway point, you’ll turn right into the busy pedestrian artery of Ermou Street and run uphill past the big international and Greek stores until you reach Syntagma Square.

Cross Syntagma Square and turn left at the Hellenic Parliament which dominates the square. Run up Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, with the National Garden on your right.

At kilometer 3.6, turn right into Irodou Attikou Street and run downhill: along the way, you will pass the Evzones’ boxes where they stand guard. You’ll also see the Maximos Mansion, the seat of the prime minister, and the Presidential Palace. Be sure to keep the National Garden on your right always.

We suggest you continue running around the Zappeion cluster to clock some more city landmarks: you’ll whip past the Fokianos vintage gymnasium, the Zappeion Hall, and the Ethnikos Tennis Club as you move along the newly pedestrianized Vasilissis Olgas Avenue, back towards the Acropolis.

At 5 kilometers from your start, you will reach the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Gates of Hadrian, the most philhellene of Roman emperors. Across the street, Dionysiou Areopagitou beckons, and a couple of hundred meters further along, the Acropolis museum, where you began.

To read this article in full and discover the 10K Athens Riviera Route, please visit: thisisathens.org

Photo Credit: Thomas Gravanis 

---

The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) presented a new cartoon spot that introduces Greece as a destination that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Screened for the first time on Thursday during the 15th Animasyros International Animation Festival on the island of Syros, the spot, titled “Greece. More than the eye can see”, presents the country as an ever-evolving sustainable destination, accessible 365 days a year.

Created in collaboration with Animasyros Productions (Zedem Media), the cartoon aims to inform travelers of all ages, from all over the world, about the multitude of alternative and thematic tourism options Greece offers.

The one-minute “Greece. More than the eye can see” cartoon showcases a significant variety of Greek landscapes and tourism activities, available to any traveler, inspired by well-known and unknown locations around the country.

The cartoon has been released in two languages – English and German – and was created with 2D animation techniques.

To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr