Because of its rare and unique collections coming from excavations in Boeotia, the Archaeological Museum of Thebes, which is one of Greece's most important museums, is getting a total makeover and will be re-named ‘The New Thebes Archaeological Museum.’

It was inaugurated in June of this year and it is organized into 18 thematic units, 11 of which tell the chronological story of Thebes and Boeotia (the region surrounding Thebes) from the Paleolithic Age right up to the establishment of the modern Greek state. Presented are Boeotia's culture, daily life, politics, and social development . There are special displays detailing the history of the museum and of Thebes, Boeotia in mythology and its spiritual life, especially through the famous tragedies of the Theban mythological cycle.

The exemplary Museum of Ancient Eleutherna on the island of Crete was also inaugurated in June in the presence of President Pavlopoulos and prominent representatives from the fields of politics, science, business and the arts.

Another important cultural site to reopen its doors to visitors in June was the ‘Palace of Nestor’ in the Peloponnese, one of the best preserved Mycenaean sites in Greece. The palace reached the peak of its prosperity in 13th century B.C. but it was destroyed by fire in the early years of the 12th century B.C. In 1939, K. Kourouniotis located the site of the Palace and Professor Carl Blegen of the University of Cincinnati excavated the area.

The palace was closed for restoration in May 2013. Now, after a 2.5-million-euro restoration work, the site will be inaugurated by Culture Minister Aristidis Baltas and reopen its doors to visitors in June.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek News Agenda

Three Greek beaches are among the top 20 in the world, according to TripAdvisor’s 2017 Travellers’ Choice Awards. Elafonisi in Chania, Crete comes in 9th in the top ten list globally, while it is 2nd best in Europe. Five Greek beaches are included in the best 20 European beaches for 2017. Balos lake, Kleftiko beach, St. Pavlos beach in Lindos, and Simos beach also made the list!

To read this article in full, please visit: Protothema

 

To view the Top 25 Beaches of Europe, please visit: TripAdvisor

Aiming to tap into the potential of its vast coastline, the Region of Attica signed a 150 million euro agreement this summer with construction firm Aktor for the redevelopment of the Faliro Delta.

According to authorities, the upgraded area is expected to attract major investments in real estate and tourism along the coast from Piraeus to Cape Sounio.

Under the deal, 21 months after construction works begin, the first part of the revamped coastal front will be ready. Projects include transferring Posidonos Avenue closer to the sea, altering Syngrou and Kifissos avenues, installing a biological cleaning system for Kifissos River, enhancing anti-flood works, constructing a new natural gas pipeline under Poseidonos Avenue, relocating the existing water supply pipeline and creating parks, green spaces and recreation areas.

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

 

Photo Credit: Greek Travel Pages

The Ministry of Culture announced that 4 ancient statues were discovered in a field in Atalanti, central Greece, last week. Archaeologists began excavation works in the area in late October, after a local farmer discovered the torso of an ancient statue in his field. The excavation brought to light a collection of important relics, namely, 4 life-sized statues of nude young men (also known as Kouroi), 7 graves, and a statue pedestal dating back to the 5th-2nd centuries BC.

 

The town of Atalanti has been inhabited since antiquity and is the capital of the Locris province, where the ancient city of Opus once stood. Archaeologists suggest that an ancient cemetery may located around the area where the statues were discovered and believe that it is likely to be the cemetery of the ancient city of Opus.

 

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

Rio Olympic champions Spyros Gianniotis and Yasunari Hirai honored the event with their participation!

The “heart” of sports tourism beat for the 5th consecutive year at the top destination around the world, Santorini. Amateur and professional athletes from all over the world, traveled from 4-6 October for Santorini Experience, combining the unparalleled beauty destination overlooking the Volcano, with trail running and open water swimming activities.

The top sports tourism event in Greece was successfully completed with a record of participation from 49 different countries, with visitors staying in Santorini for at least 5 nights.

Participations from 49 countries in Santorini!
Foreign participations surpassed every precedent, as Santorini “hosted” athletes from America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Indicatively, participations of swimmers and runners were recorded from Australia, France, Germany, United Kingdom, USA, Japan, Canada, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia and Philippines.

Minister of Tourism, Mr. Harry Theocharis preceded the event, saying: “I wish from the bottom of my heart, to all those visiting Santorini, either as competitors to run and swim, or as friends who wish to watch them, to feel the uniqueness of this island and this experience; something which is very rare for anyone to be able to experience. Good luck to all. I wish this very significant tourism destination for our country, such as Santorini, to continue offering such unique experiences to every traveler who visits the island”.

The return of Spyros Gianniotis and the participation of the elite of the Greek National Open Water Swimming Team!

This year’s event featured the silver Olympic medalist in open water swimming Spyros Gianniotis, Japanese Olympic champion in Rio, Yasunari Hirai and the dynamic presence of the elite of the Greek National Open Water Swimming Team such as world champion Kelly Araouzou, European champion George Arniakos and Greek champions Dimitris Negris, Stellina Aplanti, Dimitris Manios, the twin Greek expatriates racing with the colors of the national team of Netherlands, George and Timos Skotadis, as well as Panagiotis Alogakos, Alexia Arvanitopoulou, Andreas Georgakopoulos, Dejan Jovanovic, Irene Diakoumakou, Maria Kirykou, Georgia Kyriakopoulou and Melina Trochalaki.

On Sunday 06/10, swimmers felt the eruptive atmosphere of the volcano. Participants swam the 1.5 miles (2.4 km) route from the volcano to the old port of Fira with the imposing view of the island in front of them at the Open Water Swimming by Vikos. The race was held under the technical direction of federal coach and director with Olympic and World championship distinctions, Nikos Gemelos, with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, following the FINA regulations, the approval of the Hellenic Coast Guard of 2 Santorini and the permission of Cyclades Regional Tourism Service of Ministry of Tourism.

Men’s winner was Japanese Olympic champion Yasunari Hirai, George Arniakos finished 2nd and Dimitris Manios in the 3rd place. In women, World champion Kelly Araouzou was 1st, Stellina Aplanti finished 2nd and Irene Diakoumakou came 3rd. You can see the detailed results on the official page of the event (in the event there was an extra classification for those wearing wetsuits - wetsuit category): HERE!

Swimming race with the highest possible safety

The absolute safety of the race was ensured with the contribution of the Boatmen Union Santorini, which transported the athletes to the volcano and contributed to the smooth running of the open water swimming, the 100 specialized escorts in the water, mainly assisted by Lifeguard Patrol and several lifeguard boats beyond its staff, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Atlantis Dive Center, Santorini Nautical Club, Santorini Yacht Cruises and Caldera Yachting, all with more than 30 boats next to the athletes! The organization provided swimmers with a high-quality safety lifeguard buoy. In fact, Olympic champion Spyros Gianniotis set the example by swimming with a lifeguard buoy. The event joined the Global Swim Series (GSS) [numbering more than 150 swimming races].

On Saturday 05/10, the 15km by Samsung, 10km and 5km “Aristides Alafouzos” races were held. Runners had the opportunity to enjoy the three established routes on the Caldera, overlooking the enchanting images of the volcano and the background scenery of Imerovigli, Firostefani and Oia. Specifically, the 5km “Aristides Alafouzos” route concerned the running and dynamic walking, the 10km was addressed to the most experienced in distances and the 15km route by Samsung to those who love strength, endurance and adrenaline. All routes started from the desalination plant in Oia, including parts of the trail track, and finished in Oia. The running routes are designed by the former marathon runner, Greek classic route record holder, running trainer and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias. 5km and 10km running races were co-organized with AS Ifestos Thiras and EAS SEGAS Cyclades Region with the approval of the Hellenic Athletics Federation [SEGAS]. “Santorini Experience” was part of the global community of World’s Marathons [numbering more than 4.391 running races worldwide]. In the following link you can see the running results HERE!

Characteristically within 7.5 kilometers, there were 40 rescuers and lifeguards with first aid experience! With the contribution of the Municipality of Santorini and Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) the event ensured the cleaning of the path that connects Oia with Fira.

The event received very substantial support and assistance from its official sponsors Athina Luxury Suites, and Alafouzos Sport store where registrations were held throughout the weekend.

On Friday 4/10, the awarded Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa as the official sponsor of Santorini Experience gave the opportunity to people to admire the enchanting view of the famous sunset in Oia, by hosting a Sunset Pilates Session with the exceptional instructor, Mandy Persaki under the Cycladic setting harmony, providing smoothies to its guests.

Real Madrid Foundation Clinics for the first time in Santorini!

In the framework of Santorini Experience, and in cooperation with MGC Soccer Central, head coaches from the academies of Real Madrid visited Santorini for the first time and 3 specifically the facilities of the athletic center Playland, from October 3-6, 2019 and taught football to 100 children aged between 6 and 16, using the coaching methodologies of Los Merengues!

The event innovated for yet another year with the official technology partner, Samsung. During the race, runners had the opportunity to try out the latest Fit-e technology and measure the calories they burned, their heart rate and of course their time. At the same time, Samsung helped achieving a zero footprint of the event by contributing to the paperless registration with its devices.

Ford Motor Hellas promoted sports and “fair play” by participating for the 5 th year in the support team of Santorini Experience. Athletes and organizers moved with the safety and efficiency of Ford Motor Hellas cars, the official sponsor of the event.

For another year Vikos SA as an official sponsor spread the message of sporting energy with the natural mineral water “Vikos”, offering the necessary hydration and revitalization to all participants. The natural mineral water “Vikos” offered the necessary balance, well-being and energy that the athletes needed during their exercise in order to be able to continue their effort.

Easy access with Blue Star Ferries!

Santorini Experience ensured once again the best service for all participants, creating ideal conditions for all travelers. All those who travelled to the island by ferry for the 5 th Santorini Experience, were able to enjoy the safety and comfort of the event’s official sponsor, Blue Star Ferries, with offers and discounts applied also on the connection with the Cyclades and Dodecanese group of islands.

For another year, Luanvi was the official sports supplier. The leading company in the sportswear industry in Spain, offered the event’s special technical T-shirt to all participants. The event’s collectible t-shirt featuring elements and symbols of the island and race is now available at Alafouzos Sport store. The t-shirt was perhaps the most beloved souvenir of all.

Official supporters of the event were: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts and Boatmen Union Santorini.
Avance Rent A Car was the event’s official rental partner helping transportation in the Cycladic island with special discounts and its dynamic fleet of cars.
On was the event’s official shoe partner for the first time. During Santorini Experience, participants had the opportunity to try and buy the top Swiss shoe On, the event’s official shoe partner, which is the ideal trail running shoe on the demanding routes of the event renowned for its design and its technology. National Geographic was the event’s strategic partner and 24MEDIA its premium media partner.
DNA Travel, as the official transport partner of the event, facilitated the transportation of all participants and volunteers of Santorini Experience. Santorini Experience was assisted by West East Suites, Lifeguard Patrol, Assyrtico Wine Restaurant Café, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Atlantis Dive Center, Santorini Nautical Club, Santorini Yacht Cruises, Caldera Yachting and Erotokritos. Stronger together Another element to the event’s success was the association of all the major hoteliers of the island for the actualization of Santorini Experience.
The event was supported with special offers and prices by its 28 hospitality sponsors: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, West East Suites, Andronis Arcadia, Vedema a Luxury Collection Resort, Mystique a Luxury Collection Hotel, Sienna Resort, Marvarit Suites, Santo Houses, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia’s View, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia, Casa Iphigenia, La Mer Suites & Spa, Antinea Suites & Spa, Beach Boutique Hotel, Bloom Travel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Iokasti Villa, Olive Cave Houses, Panorama Studios & Suites, Esperas Santorini, Mesana Stone House and White Pearl Villas. VitaNTravel was the event’s official travel agent.
The dynamic team of volunteers contributed to the smooth implementation of the running and swimming races. Santorini Experience joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2019 program of the European Commission and was under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. Santorini Experience was co-organized by the Municipality of Santorini, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) and Active Media Group. The event was held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation.

More info at: www.santorini-experience.com
Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience
Photo credit: Danijela Bogdanovic

 

The most historic swimming event in Greece, the Authentic Marathon Swim, which opened the road for the organization of safe sports tourism events last year, returns this year with all the necessary health & safety measures and will be held with utmost safety, on July 2-4, 2021, at Pefki Evia of the Municipality of Istiea- Edipsos.

The Authentic Marathon Swim will gather great names of marathon swimming for another year. More specifically, the races will be held with the presence of the silver Olympic medalist, world champion and member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, Spyros Gianniotis. The Hungarian Oceans Seven holder and member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, Attila Manyoki, the American world ice swimming champion who has swum in the Arctic Circle, who is also the fastest swimmer in the world in his category, Quinn Fitzgerald, and the European champion George Arniakos will participate in the event for the first time. The list of Greek participants is enriched by members of the Greek national swimming team such as Dimitris Negris, Stellina Aplanti and Ilektra Lebl.

The Authentic 14km Route “Skyllias & Hydna”
The historic moment has arrived. In the morning of Friday, July 2, 4 top athletes from Greece and abroad will try to revive the feat of Skyllias and Hydna, the very first “marathon swimmers”, according to The Father of History, Herodotus, who helped the Greek forces in the historic naval battle of Artemision against the Persian fleet in 480 B.C. The swimmers who will try to cover the authentic marathon 14 km route are Attila Manyoki, the open water masters’ world champion, Vicky Kouveli, the three-time Greek champion and two-time English Channel marathon swimmer, Sofia Psilolignou and the English Channel marathon swimmer, Giannis Kotsiopoulos.

The Schedule of The Authentic Marathon Swim
On Saturday, July 3 at 11:30 in the morning, the action will start with the new 5km open water swimming race, at 14:00 the 1.5km will follow, and the schedule of the day will end at 15:30 with the 3km race. The swimmers will swim within the square and triangular routes that have been designed with a starting and finishing point at Pefki beach. On Sunday, July 4, the event will climax with the 10km marathon swimming route. Swimmers along with their escorts will board at Pefki beach pier, at 06:30 in the morning and their boats will sail towards the race’s starting point at 07:00. The race will start at 2 08:00 with a finish point at Pefki beach. At 09:00 in the morning, the 800m children's race will be held. The warm-up of the athletes will be held by the physical education instructor, Mandy Persaki.

You may find the full schedule of the event here!

The Historic Routes
All routes of the Authentic Marathon Swim have been designed by the Federal Technical Director of the Greek National Swimming Team and race’s technical director, with Olympic & world distinctions in open water swimming, Mr. Nikos Gemelos.

You may find the historic routes here! 

Symbolic Activities Honor The History of Marathon Swimming
On Friday, July 2, in the afternoon the Authentic Marathon Swim, honoring the history of the place, will hold a symbolic event at the ancient settlement of Artemision where Mavroelia from Artemision, which is also know as Olive Mavromandila can be found. It is a monument of nature and local history, one of the oldest olive trees in the world, dating back over 2,500 years. Winners of the routes will be symbolically awarded with a branch of Mavroelia.

Moreover, activities will include for the first time the presence of a Music Convention with the participation of the Hellenic Navy Music Band, connecting the historic naval battle of Artemision with the present and honoring the naval feat. On Saturday, July 3, at 21:30 in the evening, the Hellenic Navy’s Music Department will hold a music concert in honor of the Artemision naval battle and the Authentic Marathon Swim.

We Inspire the New Generations to Protect the Environment
With respect to the environment and aiming at informing and raising people’s awareness in the effort to achieve a zero environmental footprint, the Authentic Marathon Swim will have the nonprofit organization π 3 (pi3) as a Sustainability Partner this year. The event’s environmental activities will begin on Friday, July 2, in the morning, with the cleaning of Pefki beach. During the three days, additional actions will follow, aiming towards informing and educating the public for the adoption of an environmentally friendly attitude by everyone.

Strict Implementation of a Health Protocol
The Authentic Marathon Swim, that was recently honored with a Silver Award at the 2021 Tourism Awards for its “Guest - Staff Protection” strategy during the Covid-19 pandemic, will be held again this year in accordance with FINA regulations and the health protocol approved by the Greek General Secretariat of Sports’ Health Scientific Committee and established by the experienced team of ActiveMedia Group, in order to ensure the health of athletes and attendees.

Every Participant Should Bring the Following on the Day of the Event
All participants will have to do a self-test or a rapid test within the last 24 hours, or alternatively a PCR test within the last 48 hours prior to their race, in order to enter the event’s venue. They will have to show the certification of the negative diagnostic test for Covid-19. Self-test declaration is held here!  .

If there are consecutive race days for a participant, it is recommended to do 1 test before the first race. In addition, everyone must provide a health certificate from a cardiologist issued within the last 2 months before the event. This applies for everyone except for participants representing the Hellenic Swimming Federation who must provide their respective health certificate. You may find the general terms and conditions that all participants should know here: https://bit.ly/3gTouZi 


Register now & Acquire the Richest Participation Kits Participants will swim with safety in the impressive 10km route (over the shipwrecks of the Naval Battle of Artemision that took place in 480 B.C.), the 3km, the 1.5km as well as the new and unique 5km route. Respectively, the younger fans of the sea will have the opportunity to test their swimming skills in the 800m children’s race. Registration for the 800m children’s race is free. The event also offers a special discount on group registrations of more than 10 people. All citizens of Istiea-Edipsos will have the opportunity to take part in the 5km, 3km and 1.5km routes as well as the 800m. children’s race, completely free of charge.

Special offer: Book 2 nights & Get the 3rd Night for Free!
Accommodation packages at the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos The Authentic Marathon Swim already collaborates with more than 35 hotels in the region, offering the 3 rd night of their stay for free, with the aim of revitalizing the sports tourism industry of Northern Evia and strengthening the Greek tourism product. Up to this point, this year’s event is enormously supported by the following hospitality sponsors: Maria Louiza Apartments, Altamar Hotel, Villa Anastasia, Ellaeon Throesma, Kochili Apartments, Pefki Seascape Rooms, Hydna Studios, Aktaion Hotel, Arethousa Hotel, Galini Hotel Edipsos, Island, Ilios Studios, Irene Studios, Meliti Studios, Mirtia Hotel, Prigkipessa Studios, Aenaon Studios, Aidipsos Hotel, Alex Spa Hotel, Anesis, Apolonio, Artemis Rooms Pefki, Artemision Hotel, Asimina Rooms, Avli, Evia Dream, Galini Hotel Pefki, Kerasiotis Apartments, Konstantinos Hotel, Lito Hotel, Maria Studios, Melikari Studios, Oversea Rooms & Villas, Posidonio Studios, Rodon Hotel, Sunset Pefki, Thalassa Hotel, Vasiliki Studios, Viki Studios.

Check the special accommodation packages here!

Participants and visitors can take advantage of the special offers, providing reduced accommodation prices and late check out while discovering beautiful hotels in the areas of Pefki, Loutra Edipsos, Artemision, Istiea, Kanatadika, Neos Pyrgos, Orei and Agiokampos.

Offers by the top Greek car rental company Avance
The top Greek car rental company Avance, as the event’s Official Car Rental Partner provides participants of the Authentic Marathon Swim with an opportunity to make their reservation, with a 15% discount on the official price list, for any vehicle of their choice regarding their travel to North Evia during the period of the event. In terms of bookings, participants need to send an email to reserve(at)avance.gr

NP Insurance and Philosofish are the event’s
Official Sponsors. Natural Mineral Water Vikos is the Official Water. Luanvi is the event’s Official Clothing Partner.
Avance is the Official Car Rental Partner.
Target Security is the Security Partner. Schoretsanitis Cheese Factory, Nivea Sun, Syconia, E. & D. Kontos S.A., Almanda and The Norman Farm are the event’s Partners.
Leandros, Swimmingclub.gr, LA Elite Fitness, APS TRIAS and Kallithea Open Water Team are the Authentic Marathon Swim’s Athletic Partners.
Liquid Media is the Premium Media Partner. π 3 (pi3) is the Sustainability Partner.
The event is assisted by Hellenic Red Cross with Chalkida’s Regional Department, Super Market Andreou and Melirriton. 

The Authentic Marathon Swim will be held with the permission of the General Directorate of Tourism Policy of the Regional Tourism Service of Central Greece, under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and the International Olympic Academy.

The event is co-organized by the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos, the Region of Central Greece, the Organization of Cultural Development for Central Greece (O.P.A.S.T.E.), the Central Union of Municipalities in Greece (KEDE) and the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece. ActiveMedia Group is responsible for its sports production. 

Photo Credit: Elias Lefas

Christmas is a time of year like no other; gifts are exchanged, little-spoken-to relatives are contacted, and appetizing treats are consumed with great gusto. Christmas can be both a time of stress and a time of relaxation. But whether you love or hate Christmas it’s pretty difficult to avoid – and so your brain may be altered by the experience one way or another. Here are some of the main facets of the Christmas experience, and how they might affect your brain.

The festive spirit of Christmas

The joy surrounding Christmas may influence some of the chemicals in your brain (dopamine and serotonin) which affect your happiness levels. Dopamine is known to be involved with reward-driven behavior and pleasure-seeking and serotonin are thought to increase our feelings of worth and belonging. So when people talk about “Christmas cheer” they may be on to something.

In fact, researchers at the University of Copenhagen conducted an imaging study to try and find the “centre” of the Christmas spirit in the human brain. Here, participants were shown Christmas-themed images and, in those participants who actively celebrated Christmas, there was increased brain activation in the sensory-motor cortex, the premotor and primary motor cortex, and the parietal lobule. Previously these brain areas have been associated with spirituality, bodily senses, and recognizing facial emotions. While these results should be interpreted with some caution, it is interesting to note the physical effects that feeling festive can exert on your brain.

Stress

Not everyone finds Christmas an entirely joyful and festive time – many people find it very stressful. In fact, the burdens of navigating through a busy shopping centre to find the ideal gift for your other half, or of cooking the perfect turkey for a house full of hungry people, are enough to rattle even the calmest person. Stress can exert a physical response in your body, with the automatic release of adrenaline and cortisol. Further, cortisol has been shown to have a profound effect on the hippocampus, which may decrease your memory and ability to multitask.

Giving gifts

The giving and receiving of gifts is an age-old Christmas tradition and there’s no better feeling than seeing your loved one’s eyes light up when you’ve found the perfect gift for them. But why does giving make us feel so good? Generosity has been linked with the reward circuitry of our brain, causing the release of dopamine and endorphins. Researchers have described a “helpers’ high”, which is experienced after giving. The chemicals that cause this high can reduce stress and increase your desire to repeat these acts of kindness. So, while you may resent being out of pocket after buying your great aunt that pair of slippers, your brain at least ensures that you are compensated with a chemical reward.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

The National Garden, a green oasis in the heart of the city, one of the most beautiful landmarks of Athens, regains its lost glory. As part of a strategic plan, which includes the complete refurbishment of the historic garden, the Municipality of Athens delivers the first complete section on the northern side of the garden, between the Amalia and the Vasilissis Sofias Avenues.

From now on, residents and visitors of the city can wander the upgraded areas of the garden, sit on the benches, read a book under the trees, exercise, and play with their kids.

With respect to the area’s historical importance, which dates 186 years back, the Municipality proceeded with the reconstruction of the garden’s paths, the replacement of the old water supply system with a new advanced one, and the upgrade of the lighting system network. The garden’s distinctive lampposts were preserved and replaced where necessary. The benches were also upgraded but maintain their historic character and are totally aligned with the natural environment.

In the coming weeks, modern lights, as well as a signage system, will be installed.

Regarding the garden's flora, a team of experts was invited to take care of the rare trees, some of which are over 170 years old.

At the same time, emphasis was placed on the addition of new trees and plants that will enhance the biodiversity of the National Garden and help Athens become a green city. A total of 11,155 trees, shrubs, perennial herbaceous, seasonal, and climbing plants were planted.

Works are carried out in phases, so the garden remains open to the public.

The project also includes the restoration of historic buildings, the maintenance of historic marble and stone elements, the reconstruction of the playground and the pedestrian walkways, the fence’s restoration, the repair of the garden’s wooden bridge, and the construction of a new metal fence in the zoo.

Imagine waking up in ancient Athens, one of the most prominent city-states in ancient Greece. Your day would vary depending on your social status, gender, and occupation.

Here's a detailed look at how different individuals might spend their day.

Morning: The Start of the Day

Men: