I Love Hellas

Patras. The “king” of carnivals in Greece is here!

2016-03-12T09:25:00.000-08:00

Patrinó karnaváli (Patras carnival) is the largest event of its kind in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe. This carnival is purely of Italian origin and it is completely unrelated to the pagan carnival customs of the rest of the country. The Carnival started approximately 180 years ago, and it is believed to have acquired a prestigious reputation thanks to the masquerade balls thrown in the mansions of the local bourgeoisie.

At some point, from 1870 onwards, the bourgeoisie also began to finance the construction of carnival floats and the first parade came into being. The carnival of Patras flourished thanks to the city’s port and commercial relations with the cities of Italy, which, by the beginning of the 19th century had established a reputation as masters of carnival celebrations. In the mid 20th century, the carnival acquired its present form, as locals perceived it as a way to escape the gloom of the post-war years.

Along with the bourgeoisie’s events, parties were also thrown in tavernas or houses, called “boúles” (an improvised masquerade, usually with the help of clothing belonging to the opposite sex). The floats and masquerades were also constructed by popular artisans. As well as the “boúles”, we can also see the bourgeois influence in customs such as the waxed egg war, the chocolate war, or the dances which take place every night in Patras’ night clubs, social clubs, the Municipal theatre, even tavernas.

How about being a driver or a steward on a carnival float?

Every year in Greece, during the Carnival period, floral, artistic and satirical floats are taking the field. As usual, giant decorated cars, carts and coaches, and colourful papier-mâché figures will fill the city streets. A key character is the Carnival King, presented in all his splendour. The Carnival also has its Queen, who is actually a beautiful young lady on a floral or an artistic float. If you’d like to get a taste of how it feels, imagine the biggest party you've ever seen. Add loud carnival music, DJ’s, and thousands of flamboyant carnival-goers with painted faces wearing sequined and feathered costumes. You still won't have all the energy of the carnival of Patras! But have you ever marched in a night parade? “Nyhteriní podaráti", takes place on Saturday night, before Sunday’s extravagant parade. Thousands of carnival participants organised into groups dance holding torches in the dimly lit streets of the city. The only float participating is the King’s, and that’s the reason why this parade is called “podaráti”, which means “walking”.

http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/civilisation/patras_the_king_of_carnivals_in_greece_is_here

Put on your favourite disguise and become a treasure hunter.
As part of the city’s carnival festivities, locals and visitors come together to form large colourful groups. Every group takes a different name and disguise according to a specific theme, such as “Colourful Umbrellas”, “Cosmic Chimneys” or “Love Princes”. Depending on your spare time, or your experience as a member of a carnival, you can choose just to march in the city parade, or to actively participate in treasure hunt games and various contests. Test your knowledge and answer questions about history, literature, and math, or show off your special skills of deduction by finding your way through hidden clues scattered all over the city. Express your artistic flair and enter artistic painting, pantomime and theatrical sketches contests. Get ready for some surprises, as more imaginative games await you this year. And don’t forget: your team performance will be evaluated as the treasure hunt continues. Do your best and your team will definitely emerge as the final winner!

http://patrascarnival.gr/

http://www.carnaval.com/greece/

http://blog.liu.se/angelikipsychogyiou/2015/02/22/patras-carnival/

5 Things to do in Aghia Efimia Kefalonia

2014-06-21T09:27:00.002-07:00

For those looking to a stunning holiday in Greece, the picturesque traditional resort of Aghia Efimia in Kefalonia is the ideal place to head for. Small, unpretentious, tranquil and welcoming, this resort is the perfect choice if you want to kick back and relax. Here is a guide that was kindly put together by the travel experts at Directline Holidays on things you can do in Aghia Efimia.

Beach life - Paradise Beach is perhaps the best known in Aghia Efimia, but it is quite small (20 metres long). That’s why, to really ‘hit the beach’, trips to the famous Myrtos Beach (only a 20-minute drive away) are a must. The journey there is a treat in itself: be dazzled by the dramatic countryside as you head for Myrtos feeling increasingly excited about the snorkelling and scuba diving you can enjoy in the clear water there.

Harbour Café Scene - Once back in Aghia Efimia, head for the harbour where you can kick off your shoes, sit back, enjoy a cool drink and then reflect upon your day. The harbour café scene is something that many tourists say ‘makes’ their stay in the village, with the relaxed atmosphere and friendly bars there making it a real draw.

Eating and Drinking - Although Aghia Efimia has a few Greek tavernas where good food is served, a delicious three-course meal in a waterfront fish restaurant is not really an option. For this, simply hop on a bus to Argostoli (which has restaurants aplenty), or other resorts, such as Sami, Fiskardo and Assos.

Get Out and Explore - For a break from the village for a few hours (and even as a chance to get an entire beach to yourself) you could hire a boat from Aghia Efimia and sail out to even the most seemingly inaccessible sandy coves.

Excursions - There are a number of excursion options available from Aghia Efimia which will help enhance your holiday overall. Among these are trips to the Melissani Lake Grotto and Drogarati Cave (near Sami) where the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites never fail to take visitors’ breath away. A ferry trip to the island of Ithaca, the mythical land of the famous Odysseus (Ulysses), could also be an inclusion on your ‘things to do on holiday’ list.

Astypalea photo and Info

2014-06-01T04:37:00.003-07:00

Description of the island

Until the 19th century, Chora was the only settlement of the contemporary years of Astypalaia. The other settlements which exist today were created in the uncultivated spots of the island.

The biggest of these settlements are Livadi and Analypsi or Maltezana, created during the Italian years. Most of the islands life is concentrated in Chora. It is built on a peninsula which is bathed by the serene sea creating two tranquil bays called Pera Yalos which is situated on the left as we look at the open sea and Livadi which is on the right. The Venetian Castle, with its two whitewashed churches, stands proudly at the top of the peninsula proclaiming the onset of the development of the settlement.

As the centuries progressed, little white houses began to appear outside the walls of the castle which covered the hill and reached the port of Pera Yalos joining together to form a mosaic of our islands history. The portrait of Chora with its white body and ocean blue heart, leaves the visitor speechless because of, its beauty and harmony.

The Castle takes up all the plateau at the top of the hill and used to be densely built group of houses which made up the Middle Ages settlement. Today, only a few of the houses have survived, the outside walls of which make up the walls of the Castle.

Only on the southside is there a strong battle tower which is known by the name "Serai". Inside the Castle, between the scattered columns and the carved stones, two beautiful churches, Panagia of Castro (the Holy Virgin of the Castle) and Agios Giorgios (Saint George) stand. The church of Panagia of Castro was built in 1853 on the arched entrance of the castle. Inside there is an ownership signature of 1413 and the shields of the Querini family. Agios Giorgios was built in 1790. Around the walls of the Castle the uniform white houses, with blue stutters and wooden balconies, the churches and all the small family temples are clustered together.

The balance of white and blue is cut of by the red shade of geraniums which blossom in the pots of the narrow, stone-cobbled lanes. In the old neighborhoods of Chora, there are no great-open spaces, no squares. The Astypalaian traditional houses are similar to those of the Cyclades.

Moreover, the cycladic colour seems as though it surpasses the dodecanese colour around the island. The most interesting part of the house other than the fireplace and the divisions of the walls, is the wooden loft in the far part of the room decorated with lace, woodwork, which was used as a bed. It has a height about two meters and to reach it, one must climb a ladder which is formed by three wooden trunks, one placed on top of the other. Next to the bed, three or four rows of carved, wooden shelves make up the "Krijola", on which are kept the most beautiful and the best glassware of the housewife.

The wooden ornamentation of the bed, the Krijola, the door and window cases and the ceiling is a sample of the excellent wood-carving craftsmanship which developed in Astypalaia.

One of the most characteristic pieces of work of this art is the carved, wooden ceiling of one of the houses inside the castle; the only one which has been saved today.The special ornamentation of Chora is its eight preserved windmills along the turning of the hill from which the new houses (suitable to the surroundings) decline towards the port. Near the windmills, the traditional café of Chora is found and a bit further up is the Mayors office from where the two main roads begin their ascent towards the castle.

Each leads to a noteworthy church: the monastery of Panagia Portaitissa, which is on the side of Livadi, and the Megali Panagia, which is on the side of Pera Yalos.

Megali Panagia is formed by a group of five temples which, having a view of the sea, create a unique picture. The special feature of this church is its cobble-stoned courtyard. Panagia Portaitissa makes up the religious center of the island with the largest amount of homage. It began being built in 1762 by the blind Osios Anthimos from Cephalonia who before building Panagia Portaitissa, has built the monasteries of Zoouthochou Pigis at Sikinos and Saint George at Castellorizo . The construction of the church lasted nine years during which the tradition has it that many miracles occurred. It is dedicated to Panagia Portaitissa of the monastery Iviron, a copy of whose icon Osios Anthimos brought to Astypalaia. On the 15th August when the celebration of Portaitissa is held, there is a grand festival with violins and utes. Near the monastery the ecclesiastic museum of Astypalaia is on display with rare heirlooms of unique craftsmanship.

The rippled coastline of Astypalaia is nothing more than a constant game between the land and the sea. In about the middle of the island, the land narrows so much that a strip of land, only 100 meters in width, connects the two parts.

Steno, as the local townspeople refer to it, divides Astypalaia into the eastern part known as the "Inner Island" and the western part known as the "Outer Island". The concrete road towards the "Inner Island" stretches past the successive beaches "Marmaria", "Steno", "Plakis" and the "Blue Limanaki" until it reaches Analypsi or Maltezana after a total of 9 Km. Just a little before the town, a fork in the road leads to the airport of the island (10 Kilometers from Chora). Analypsi is one of the three towns of Astypalaia. It is also called "Maltezana" because it was first settled by Maltese pirates.

The town, which is usually made up of mainly summer holiday visitors, embraces the bay with its long dock where fishing boats come round and includes the orchards and vineyards of ascends through the steep mountains of this side of the island, offering a panoramic view of Vai bay, and ends up at the closed bay of Vathi.

At the serene site of Mesa Vathi, a beautiful church, a tavern, a few houses, and a few fishing boats at the small dock can be seen. The visitor can reach Vathi either from the passable dirt road or by the boat which conducts frequent trips from Vai.

Vai can be reached by the bus which leaves from Chora.

Before the road to Vathi begins, a difficult dirt road ends up at the monastery of Panagia Poulariani.

Returning to the "Outer Island" and after Steno, a dirt road begins which leads to the small port of San Andreas (1 Kilometer) where a small tavern can be found.

Another route from Chora runs through the mountains of the Inner Island whose curves are smooth.

The panoramic views of Chora and Livadi at the outset and the view of the tranquil mountains with the scattered, white monasteries offers a unique pleasure to the viewer. On this same route is the monastery of Flevariotissa.

Since the monastery of Flevariotissa's festival is celebrated on the 2nd February, it is the winter rendezvous of Astypalaias friends from all over the world. This route comes to an end in the area called Agios Ioannis (Saint John) which is 16 kilometers away. The picturesque, whitewashed church is set between two abrupt hill slopes near the open sea.

In front of the church, on the hill, there are orchards and bubbling water sources and, further down, after quite a bit of walking, there is a superb beach.

On the right of the church, high on the edge of the mountain, there are the remains of the old castle.

Near Chora is the village of Livadi which is the blossoming garden of the island.

The orchards, which are overflowing with tangerine trees and orange trees, the vineyards, which are seething with their juicy grapes, and the houses which are surrounded by numerous, multi-colored flowers, stretch throughout the ravine and wind up at the beautiful beach. From Livadi, a passable dirt road begins which provides a truly breathtaking view of Chora and connects Tzanakis, the cut off nudist beach, to Chora; and, after passing a number of small coves and Papou beach, it ends up at the enticing, sandy beach of Agios Konstantinos.

Two of the most beautiful beaches of the island can be reached by the tourist boats which set off from Pera Yalos and Maltezana. These beaches are Kaminakia, where there is a tavern which serves boiled goat (stew), an island speciality, and Vatses, where there is a cave with stalactites and stalagmites.

117 seamiles from Athens / Piraeus
23 seamiles from Kos
97 qkm (the whole archipel 114 qkm)
1113 inhabitants
482 m highest mountain
4 villages (Astypalaia, Livadi, Maltezana, Vathi)

Locomotions in the interior
Buses or small ships connect the villages, the beaches and the around islets.

Usefull phones

Foreign calls +30 22430 phone
Town Hall 61 206
Travel Agency - Municipal Information 61412
Tourist information 61 778
Health Center 61 222
Pharmacy 61 444
Post Office 61 223
Police 61 207
Port Master's Office 61208
Bank with Bankomat 61 402
Customs 61 317
Airport 61 410 - 61665
Olympic Airways 61 588
Ferries Agency 61 588
Ferries Agency 61 224

Website townhall www.astypalaia.gr

http://astypalaia-island.gr/eng

Ancient monuments and sites of archaeological interest
The Tallaras Baths in Maltezana are Hellenistic baths with mosaics unique in Greece with blue and terracotta colours. They are in a good state of repair and the compositions are interesting with the subject being the seasons of the year and the symbols of the zodiac.

The Monument to the French admiral Bignon, leader of the struggle against the pirates at the beginning of the 18th century, located near Schinonda. There is a Heroes Monument in Hora.

At the mouth of Vathy Bay are the remains of a Minoan settlement and the ruins of a tower. The remains of a Paleo-Christian Basilica from the 5th century with remarkable mosaics can be seen at Maltezana. The Church of Aghia Varvara has been built atop them with an Ionian capital in the door lintel. In the grounds of the church are monolithic columns and their bases. The meadow in front was once the site of the temple of Artemis.

Fortresses
The Venetian Quirini Fortress with the heraldic shield of the family. In architectural terms it belongs to the fortified settlement category where the outer walls of the houses are the curtain walls with small openings as murder holes. The home of the Quirini is built around the entrance on the eastern side and covers two storeys. Until 1956 the entire fortress was inhabited. Inside the fortress are two churches painted white with ornate bell towers. At the entrance is Panaghia Kastriani (Evangelistria) and at the end Aghios Georgios. The Panaghia Church was built in 1853 above the arched entrance to the fortress. Inside there is a founder's inscription dated 1413 and the heraldic shields of the Quirini. Aghios Georgios was built in 1790.

Ai Yanni Fortress stands opposite the monastery with the same name. It is a natural fortress and is said to have a secret entrance and passageway to the next hill. Barbarossa, the feared pirate, attacked here and annihilated the residents. According to tradition the fortress was impregnable. Ruins of buildings and cisterns have survived. It was perhaps here that the residents of the island took refuge during the difficult years of pirate raids that scourged the Aegean from the 7th century on. Access was difficult.

Monasteries and Churches
The church of Panaghia Portaitissa in Hora, white with a charming bell tower, stands below the Fortress in Rhodia - a poetic place name taken from the tree which stood in the church's grounds. It is one of the most beautiful churches in the Dodecanese. It was founded by Blessed Anthimos in the mid 18th century. It has a carved wooden iconostasis covered in fine gold leaf, unique for its kind. Tradition says that the icon is an imprint of an icon from Iviron Monastery on Mount Athos. They say that the wood was placed atop the icon and it copied itself. Next to Panaghia church is a small ecclesiastical collection with old icons.

Megali Panaghia church in Hora with its pebbled courtyard. This is part of a complex of five churches which, with the sea as their background, create an enchanting picture.

Panaghia Flevariotissa Monastery in Hora built in a cave in the side of the hill. Inside the cave lies part of the church supplemented by a building in the Byzantine style. In antiquity this was a place of worship as can be seen from parts taken from older buildings lying around the courtyard. The carved wooden iconostasis is worth viewing.

Aghios Ioannis Monastery lies 12 km west of Hora and is built in an impressive landscape amid two steep slopes with a view of the sea and the islets of Ktenia, Pontikoussa and Ofidoussa. Below the church are gardens and springs with bubbling water. The streams end up at beaches with crystal clear waters.

Picturesque chapels
Of particular note are Aghios Dimitrios (5 km SW), Aghios Eleftherios (7 km SW), Aghios Panteleimon (9 km W), Aghios Georgios (6.5 Km S) and Aghios Konstantinos (7 km S).

Ascension Chapel (Analipsi) is the oldest in the village of Maltezana.

The church of Panaghia Poulariani lies NE on the way to Vathy. She is the patron of sailors. The rock here is in the shape of the Virgin with child in her embrace. According to tradition, during bad weather the lights come on. The church can be reached by boat or by footpath.

Panaghia chapel lies ruined on the road to Vathy.

Aghios Nikolaos church stands on a hill in Mesa Vathy.

The churches of Aghios Ioannis in Exo Vathy and Panaghia Thomiani are worth visiting.

There are also ruins of a Paleo-Christian Basilica on Aghios Vasilios Hill in Livadi.

Caves
Drakou Cave is at Vathy with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Get there from Vathy by caique or on foot (around 2 hours along dirt track). Negrou Cave is in Vatses Bay. Tradition links it with pirates and their treasures. Get there by boat from Hora. Trips to the cave and nearby islets are organized.

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The Temple of Aphaia / Afea in Aegina Island

2014-05-17T10:55:00.002-07:00

The Temple of Aphaia / Afea is arguably the jewel in the crown of Aegina island. Whether or not you are especially interested in history and archaeology, failure to visit this outstanding monument would be a great pity. It is a stunning example of ancient architecture set in a beautiful natural forested area with sensational views across the island to the sea.

The Temple site is located on the eastern side of the island on a peak some 160 meters high. It is approximately 13 km by road from the main port in Aegina Town. If you do not have a car then it is easy to take a bus from Aegina Town headed towards Aghia Marina which stops at the Temple. Alternatively some visitors choose to take a taxi and arrange for the return journey after 1 or 2 hours.

The historical and archaeological importance of the Temple site is sufficient to motivate many to visit Aegina island for this reason alone. Its history can be traced through various phases with the earliest being the Late Bronze Age (14th Century BC). The discovery of many female figurines from this period indicate that the site was used for worship to a fertility and agricultural deity. The first Temple was built around 570 BC but this was destroyed by a fire in 510 BC when the second Temple was erected, the remains of which are preserved for today.

You will enjoy the opportunity to walk within very close proximity to the Temple remains. Indeed, many visitors comment that this is what makes their experience so special. There are twenty remaining columns constructed with local porus stone. Originally there were pedimental sculptures which must have been glorious to see in situ. However, these must now be viewed at the Glypthotek which is a museum in Munich, Germany. Below you see some pictures of them. They were discovered by Baron von Hallerstein in 1811 during his excavations with the English architect Cockerell.

The sculptures led to an initial belief that the purpose of the Temple was to worship the goddess Athena since she is the central figure. However, in further excavations over 100 years later (in 1901), inscriptions to the local goddess of Aphaia were found. The mythology associates Aphaia with Britomartis from Crete who was the daughter of Zeus and half-sister of Artemis. Britomartis was pursued by King Minos of Crete who had fallen in love with her. In order to escape his unwanted attentions she leapt into the sea but was caught in the net of fishermen who took her towards Aegina on their boat. However, a fisherman was also captivated by her beauty and attempted to rape her. This time Britomartis successfully fled onto Aegina and seemed to disappear into the woods. The word Aphaia is derived from the Greek for 'invisible'.

Temple of Aphaia

The Temple site is indeed a special place with an atmosphere of tranquility and beauty. The sunlight reflects upon the ancient pale columns and one cannot help but be impressed by a sense of our small place in the great passage of time. What is more the Temple is positioned an equal distance from the Acropolis in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. These three great and magnificent Temples form a triangle between North, East, and South.

If you have the time and energy, walk up the rocky road to the east of the main road to Aghia Marina, opposite where the fire truck parks, high enough to look back down at the Temple. The view is well worth the effort.

Contact information

Address: Aphaia Temple

18010 Aegina island

Greece

Telephone: (+30) 22970 32398 http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh355.jsp?obj_id=2354

single head

from the sanctuary of Athena Aphaia

Munich, Glyptothek

from the west pediment in an old compilation

from the sanctuary of Athena Aphaia

Munich, Glyptothek

Photograph by Maria Daniels, May - June 1990

Mythical Naxos... Sightseeing Snapshot: The Temple of Apollo

2014-05-15T13:26:00.001-07:00

One of the Cyclades’ -- and Greece’s -- most visible ancient archaeological and mythical landmarks is located on the island of Naxos. Arrive by sea and you can’t miss it.

Upon entering the island’s main port, standing atop the islet Palatia are the remnants of the Temple of Apollo.

Distinguishable from afar is the towering Ionian-style 80-ton marble grand entrance, known as Portara*, a fitting metaphor, one might say, for the welcoming experience that awaits…

In honor of the God of Light, the temple, measuring 59metres x 28 metres was built in the 6th century BC.

The entrance to the temple, Portara (literally large door in colloquial Greek*) -- on the western side -- and traces of the temple’s foundations are the only remaining parts.

Two thousand five hundred years after its conception and construction, this very large marble entryway commanding over the vast Aegean continues to attract and greet visitors from all over the world.

* Portara, literally means very large door in colloquial Greek. It is a term derived from adding the superlative Greek suffix of “ra” to the word “porta” the Greek word for “door”, thus the term porta-ra, or large door.

Mythical factoid:

According to Greek myth, the islet of Palatia, visible upon entering the port of Naxos, is where Theseus, son of the King of Athens and Ariadne, daughter of the King of Crete, stopped to rest on their way to Athens after having killed the Minotaur in Crete.

It is there where the God Dionysus was said to have first seen and fallen in love with the princess.

Sightseeing Tips:

• The Temple of Apollo and Portara is easily accessible on foot via a delightful pedestrian promenade from Chora

Suggested vantage spots to take a photo of Portara are:

• at the site itself on the islet of Palatia

• from the hill at Grotta - a natural path that begins just before the pedestrian walkway will get you there

• from the islet in the harbor, where the little white church Panagia Myrtidiotissa is located (accessible by small boat)

• and of course, by boat, if you are traveling by sea

Also interesting to know:

• Palatia is also a place where couples may exchange wedding vows

Demeter and Persephone

The Temple of Demeter at Gyroula, Sagri.

Demeter, the goddess of earth fertility, and her daughter Persephone were worshipped with special affection by Naxiots.

The myth of Mother and Daughter –who was abducted by Pluto and taken to the netherworld as queen of Hades- symbolizes the cycle of seasons.

The sorrow which accompanies the wilting of nature in the autumn and winter gives way to the joy brought by revivification in the spring and summer.

Naxiots built a splendid temple for Demeter –protector of the farmers and agriculture- at a conspicuous position in the fertile valley of Baouzi, in the Sagri area.

The ruined temple has been recently restored, mostly with its original marble pieces that were collected from the surrounding area.

It is considered one of the most representative and important ancient temples, not just for the historical evidence and knowledge of Naxos society that it has provided but also for its contribution to understanding the ancient religion and worship.

It also features architectural elements which we find later in the Parthenon.

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Naxos and the Small Cyclades: Five Islands. One Destination.

2014-05-15T13:20:00.002-07:00

Naxos, the largest of the Cycladic islands, is a unique travel destination because it incorporates the communities of four additional smaller isles – Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissia and Donoussa -- that belong to the Municipality of Naxos and Small Cyclades, hence the term “Naxos and the Small Cyclades. Five Islands. One Destination.”

Shaped like a rhombus, Naxos may be referred to as a diamond on the Aegean, with 4 colorful gems alongside, giving it an added sparkle unlike any other in the region. Our logo makes reference to this characteristic – four colorful dots encircling the larger “mother” island

What does this mean for the traveller?

Variety, choice and the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds: that of a larger island with access to the more remote.

Naxos, in itself, is a destination that could take weeks to explore, while the smaller isles – Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissia and Donoussa -- offer a more condensed holiday experience.

Naxos with its many beaches, buzzing downtown and historic Old Town takes the Cycladic island experience a bit further.

With a vast landscape of green valleys, mountains, and pristine coastline, it offers a lot to the traveller, from a quiet and relaxing holiday with swimming, good food and sightseeing, to a more recreational fun type of adventure vacation with water sports and all-level hiking trails.

With a long history that dates back to prehistoric times, each island keeps it exciting with local gastronomic specialties, fantastic myths, captivating legends and a telling history and landscape that are worth discovering.

The added value of the nearby Small Cyclades is the chance to hop on over to a smaller island to experience untouched, romantic and, in some cases, soft rugged beauty. The beaches are crystal clear and there is an aura of calm that surrounds.

Whichever one you pick to visit, each one offers a different type of luxury – the luxury of peace, quiet, serenity and a return to the wholesome, with just enough sightseeing, adventure and culinary heritage to offset the long lazy days at the beach.

Things to know:
When is the best time to visit Naxos?

Naxos is an all-year destination. The island’s varied landscape and topography of mountains, valleys and seacoast, offers a wide variety of things to do depending on interest, taste and level and appetite for adventure! Of course, the high season for summer fun is late spring to early fall (May-September). Sport enthusiasts can indulge in hiking, mountain biking off-season, while culinary aficionados might want to explore the culinary harvests unique to each season.

Access to Naxos*:
Naxos is accessible via ferry and hydrofoil from the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, the islands of the Cyclades and others, including Crete, depending on the season (see below). Additionally, there is a direct flight (s) from Athens.

[Please note: schedules/timetables are subject to change. Please contact your travel agent and/or the airline/sea transport line for the latest schedule information.]
[Please note: Peak season usually begins from the Greek Orthodox Easter holiday, late Spring and continues to early Fall - mid October  ]

From Athens:
Peak Season:
• By air:   
• Daily flight (s) from Athens International Airport,
Eleftherios Venizelos (time travel: 35 minutes)  By sea:

By sea:
• Daily ferry/ferries from the port of Piraeus (approximately 5.5 hours)
• Daily ferry from the port of Rafina (approximately 5 hours)
• Daily catamaran (s) from the port of Piraeus (approximately 3,5 hours)
• Daily catamaran (s) from the port of Rafina (approximately 3-3.5 hours)

Off-peak season:  
By air:  
• Daily flight from Athens International Airport,
Eleftherios Venizelos

By sea:
• Daily ferry/ferries from the port of Piraeus approximately 5.5 hours

From Santorini
Peak Season:
• Daily ferry/ferries (approximately 2-2.5 hours)
• Daily catamaran (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes)
Off-peak
• Daily ferry year round (approximately 2.5 hours)

From Mykonos
Peak season:
• Daily ferries (approximately 1-2 hours)
• Daily catamaran(s) (approximately 20 minutes)

From Crete
Peak season:
• Daily catamaran(s)-3-4xper week (approximately 3.5 hours)

When is the best time to visit the isles of the Small Cyclades?
Late May, early June until end of September.

Access to the isles of the Small Cyclades:
[Please note: schedules/timetables are subject to change. Please contact your travel agent and/or the airline/sea transport line for the latest schedule information.]
[Please note: Peak season usually begins from the Greek Orthodox Easter holiday, late Spring and continues to early Fall - mid October  ]

Naxos to Iraklia
Year round
• Daily local ferry (approximately 1 hour), except Sundays
• Ferry line 4x per week (approximately 45 minutes)
Naxos to Schinoussa
Year round
• Daily local ferry (approximately 1hr 45 min.), except Sundays
• Ferry line 4x per week (approximately 1 hr and 15 min)
Naxos to Koufonissia
Year round
• Daily local ferry (approximately 2 hrs 30 min.), except Sundays
• Ferry line 4x per week (approximately 2 hrs)
• In the peak season: there is a catamaran 6x per week
(approximately 35 minutes)
Naxos to Donoussa
Year round
• Daily local ferry – 3x per week (approximately 4.5 hours)
• Ferry line 2x per week (approximately 2 hours)

http://www.naxos.gr/en/

10 Best Beaches In Greece

2014-05-15T08:57:00.001-07:00

http://www.discovergreece.com/en/what-to-do/by-activity/sun-and-beach-holidays/top-10-beaches
The beaches of Mykonos have won fame as the best in the Aegean, thanks to their crystalline and golden sand, not to mention multi-starred service and flawless organisation. One of the most impressive lives up to its name, Super Paradise, a vast sandy bay with translucent turquoise/jade water. Dive in, open your eyes before you surface and you’ll know at once why it ranks as one of Greece’s most beautiful.

skiathos

What words could capture the magic of Lalaria? The island’s trademark, it has often won the title of most stunning beach and its fame has spread around the world. Its emerald water and smooth white pebbles under towering sheer rocks attract dozens of boats daily, loaded with eager visitors who can’t wait to see it up close.

Milos - Sarakiniko..

Milky white volcanic rocks as soft as chalk, sculpted into intriguing shapes by the wind and waves. A deep gulf with green water that turns every shade of blue as you get further from shore. Psychedelic.

Paros - Kolybithres

This famous beach tucked into the bay of Naoussa has gorgeous blue-green water and smooth greyish rocks chiselled into phantamasgorical shapes interspersed with delicious golden coves of varying sizes.

Navagio

Who could have imagined that an old boat called Panayiotis would be the star of thousands of snapshots and videos that have pushed Zakynthos to fame the world over? The beach where it ran aground forms a magical setting with its sheer white cliffs, turquoise water and white sand. You’ll be definitely tempted to dive right into its unbelievable clear water.

Kefalonia - Myrtos

This amazing beach between Assos and Argostoli is literally breathtaking. Unquestionably the most famous on the island, it must be included in any top beach list for Greece. White sand, fine pebbles, azure waters at the foot of impossibly high cliffs – once seen, it’s unforgettable.

Corfu

Between Sidari and Peroulades this surreal setting has to be seen to be believed: white sculpted rocks, grottoes, little beaches, blue-green water. Among the unusual formations, Canal d’Amour stands out. They say that whoever swims the narrow opening in the rock will find the love of their life on the other side.

Lefkas - Porto Katsiki

This beach, at the foot of an enormous white cliff that turns orange with the sunset has been voted one of the six best in the entire Mediterranean

Crete - Balos

Another of the most exotic beaches in Greece that’s considered one of the finest in the Med, Balos lies in western Crete near Kissamo. Here the sand glistens pink and white, the water combines the most dazzling shades of blue and green, while the islet of Gramvousa with its Venetian castle adds a fairy-tale note to the scene.

Voidokoilia

Photos of this beach in Messinia have gone viral. The white sand that surrounds the delicious blue-green water is such a perfect semicircle one suspects a draughtsman’s hand. The unspoilt environment behind it is yet another reason why this ranks among Greece’s top ten beaches.

The Arcadian Gate connected Messene with Arcadia

2014-01-29T02:25:00.001-08:00

http://www.messini.gr/alpharhochialpha943alpha-muepsilonsigmasigma942nueta.html

THE FORTIFICATION WALLS

Ithome was the strongest natural and man-made fortress in Messenia. It controlled the Stenyklaros valley to the north and the Makaria valley to the

south. The fortification walls are best preserved on the north- northwestern side, on either side of the Arcadian Gate. Remains of the walls are extant along its entire course (9.5km). Large rectangular limestone blocks were used for its construction quarried on the spot on the rocky body of Mt. Ithome which at places preserves evidence of ancient quarrying activity.

The top of Mt. Ithome was also fortified. The towers are normally square- shaped with the exception of one horse shoe-shaped and a circular on.

THE LACONIAN GATE

The eastern Laconian Gate did not survive. It was destroyed in the 18th century during road construction works necessary for providing access to the lower new Monastery of Voulkano. A relief representing Artemis and the feet of a marble male statue are built into the southeastern corner of the enclosing wall of the new Monastery.

THE ARCADIAN GATE

The western Gate, the so called Arcadian, is preserved in relatively good condition and since the time of the early travelers it has become the symbol of the city depicted repeatedly on engravings. The Arcadian Gate is a monumental construction built of gigantic awe inspiring limestone blocks Its shape is circular with two entrances, a double one in the interior and an external one, the latter being protected on either side by two square-shaped towers. The circular area inside the Gate has two niches, one on each side of the entrance where a Hermaic stele stood. God Hermes appears under his capacity as Propylaios, that is, the protector of Gates. Above the north niche one can read the following inscription: Κoιντος Πλώτιος Ευφημίων επεσκεύασεν Cointus Plotius Euphemion restored (the Gate)

http://www.ancientmessene.gr/site/monuments_articles_en.php?id=11

Nautilus: Navigating Greece - Exhibition in Brussels

2014-01-26T01:18:00.000-08:00

Clay rhyton from the Palace of Phaistos, 1500-1450 B.C. © Archaeological Museum of Herakleion.
Opening periods from Friday 24 January 2014 to Sunday 27 April 2014
Address:
Palais des Beaux-Arts
Rue Raveinstein 23
1000 BRUXELLES
MAPS: Google Maps

Learn about the relationships that the Greeks had with the Mediterranean Sea over the centuries. At the BOZAR, from 24/01 to 27/04/14.

This exhibition is held as part of the Greek presidency over the European Council, which will be proposing a multi-disciplinary and varied programme for the occasion.

Nautilus: Navigating Greece will be the focal point.

Discover over a hundred historical pieces and objects (bronze and marble sculptures, potteries...), exhibited outside of Greece for the first time and coming from over 30 museums.

These pieces cover a period that spans from the Cycladic art period (3000 BC) to the Hellenistic period (200 AD) via the Minoan, Mycenaean, Archaic and Classical eras.

With the Sea as a common denominator, Nautilus: Navigating Greece will cover subjects such as nature, identity and all forms of mobility (immigration, travel, trade, etc.).

In addition to the historical pieces, 23 contemporary art pieces, such as photos, paintings and videos will be present.

An exhibition organised by the Centre for Fine Arts, in collaboration with the Greek ministries for Foreign Affairs and Culture.

Don't hesitate to join the BOZAR community on Facebook!

The Fisherman fresco, 1600-1500 B.C., Archaeological Museum of Thera Courtesy: Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports/General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage/ Archaeological Museum of Thera

One-handled cup. 1550-1500 BC. Gold. H. 0.135, rim D. 0.135-0.14, base D. 0.11 m. Peristeria (Messenia), Tholos Tomb 3. Chora, Pylia, Archaeological Museum 2634.

Bronze statuette of a youth riding a dolphin, after 480 B.C., Athens, Acropolis Museum Courtesy: Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports/General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage/Acropolis Museum

http://www.bozar.be/activity.php?id=14253&pressguest=yes

Theatrical mask. 350-300 BC. Pentelic marble. H. 0.24 m. Athens, south of the Stoa of Attalus. Athens, National Archaeological Museum.

Konitsa in Epirus

2014-01-19T11:13:00.000-08:00

Konitsa is a town in Epirus, Greece, near the Albanian border. It lies, amphitheatre-shaped, on a mountain slope of the Pindos mountain range, overlooking the valley where the river Aoos meets the river Voidomatis. The valley is used for farming. Konitsa is a regional centre for many small Pindos villages, and there are shops, schools and a hospital. It is a good starting point for tourists who want to explore the Pindos mountains, or who want to go rafting in the river Aoos or parapenting. Other places of interest nearby are:

The Vikos–Aoös National Park, including the Vikos Gorge, the Aoos Gorge and the Tymfi mountains. It is where Vikos spring water is collected;

Mount Smolikas (2637 m), Greece's second highest mountain;

The sulfur baths of Kavasila;

The two Dragonlakes (Tymfi's and Smolika's)

Zagori, a group of small mountain villages;

The nearest city is Ioannina

http://www.konitsa.gr/visit/gallery

Προβολή konitsa σε χάρτη μεγαλύτερου μεγέθους

We Love Athens .....

2014-01-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

http://www.repowergreece.com/

Saffron, the gold of Greek land

2014-01-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

Saffron, the gold of Greek land as it is called, is one of the most beloved and precious spices of ancient cultures because of its aroma, colour, pharmaceutical and aphrodisiac properties. Cleopatra used it in her cosmetics, the ancient Phoenicians in their offerings to the goddess Astarte, Homer mentions it in his writings and it is even found in the Old Testament.

The locals are planting saffron every summer and when autumn comes, they remove the precious stigmas of the beautiful flower by hand and dry them thoroughly to make crimson slim threads. It takes about 50,000 stigmas to obtain 100gr of red saffron. Greek saffron is among the best saffron in the world, quality-wise.
Krocus Kozanis Products

Krocus Kozanis Products, established in 2007, is a joint venture between the Cooperative de Saffran of Kozani and the Greek skincare brand KORRES. The company takes its name from saffron (Krocus in Greek) and the area, this valuable spice is cultivated in, Kozani in North Greece.
In addition to developing products based on the beneficial properties of saffron – the variety cultivated in Kozani is considered among the best in the world – the company is also set to promote Greek Saffron globally.

History of Safron The word "krokos" (saffron) in its original or in derivative forms when referring to the plant, the bloom, the essence or the herb/drug, is well known since the earliest texts of the world. ιστορία κρόκου As an essence and bloom it is found intact in the Book of Proverbs as well as in the Song of Solomon 3 in the Old Testament. The word in its original form is also found in texts of Homer, Sophocles, Theophrastos, Aristophanes and Strabo.

Its derivatives krokinos, krokobaptos, krokoessa, krokochros and krokotos, in the sense of colouration and dyed fabric (chiton), can also be found in texts of Aeschylus, Theophrastus, Pindar, Aristophanes and Nikita Eygeneiako. In addition, the verb "krokizo" is used by Plutarch and Dioskoridis.

Homer, in his Hymn to Demeter 178 speaks of “krokos bloom”, Theophrastus says that from the flowers of the plant they got the saffron essence, while Strabo said that near Corycian Cave grew saffron of excellent quality. Finally in Hippocrates, Asclepius, Dioskorides, Galen, and other physicians of antiquity, the word is used to refer to a medicinal or therapeutic herb.
ιστορία κρόκου Apart from the aforementioned meanings, the same word has been used by some of our classical poets, such as Homer, Sophocles etc., who have been later imitated by some of our more recent ones, for the description or simile of an object, more frequently so for the sunrise itself.

It was also known to other ancient civilisations as well, such as the Egyptians, the Hebrews and the Romans (Virgil, Pliny and others). However, it retained its undisputed Greekness since it derives from the Greek word “kroki” (thread that is woven in warp threads with the shuttle).

Driven by clinical studies on the spice’s efficacy, a dedicated Research & Development team is working on fully exploring saffron’s benefits. A first taste of this ongoing effort, is the Krocus Kozanis Organic Herbal Tea Collection. This organic saffron tea line is the company’s debut in the nutraceutical market. It is also a worldwide innovation, as this is the first time, saffron is combined with various organic herbs to create premium taste blends that help establish the precious spice as an essential everyday nutrient.

Featuring seven blends, the Krocus Kozanis Organic Herbal Tea Collection is available in over 10 markets including Greece, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Spain, Poland, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Holland, Russia and Canada.

ABOUT SAFFRON
Research on saffron’s efficacy is multi-faceted and new findings are constantly being made. In addition to most recent discoveries, the spice’s beneficial action - iconvulsive, digestive and antiseptic - known through yesteryear’s traditional use is now supported by lab experts. Saffron stigmas are proven to have strong antioxidant properties, while also helping neutralize free radicals and boost memory.
Saffron quality is determined by laboratory monitoring of a number of variants such as crocin (colour), picrocrocin (taste) and safranal (flavour) content. Greek Saffron is considered the best in the world – scoring 66 points higher than the minimum international standards, as of 1998 it has entered the Register of Protected Designations of Origin.

The myth of Krokus

While Hermes was practicing in discus throwing, he fatally wounded his mortal friend Krokus. What a shame! How could he, a God, kill a man! Hermes was deeply saddened. So, he decided to grant Krokus with immortality by transforming his soulless body to a beautiful purple flower and his blood into three red stigmas at the heart of the flower (saffron crocus). Since then, every autumn, the flowers of crocus cover the land of Kozani, in Western Macedonia, with a purple carpet and fill the air with their fine aroma.

Homer, the ancient poet, at some point in the Iliad sang the sunrise somewhat like that: "The Sunrise drew her crocus-like scarf over the sea to bring light on Gods and men alike."

"That is what Zeus (son of Saturn) said and at once grabbed his wife (Hera) in his arms; just for them, the divine land grew freshly-bloomed grass, cool clover and crocuses and hyacinths, thick and soft that covered them. There, they lied down and they were covered with a cloud soft, gold; and bright drops were pourring down on them…".

The above story took place on the Spring marriage of Zeus and Hera (heaven and earth), that is when the earth is pollinated by rain.

ORIGINSaffron as a plant, dye, medicinal herb or flavouring, was known in both ancient Greece and other ancient peoples. But the opinions of all those who have involved in any way with saffron, differ. κρόκος καταγωγή Some argue that saffron is native to the East where it was first cultivated. From there it was brought to Europe by the Crusaders in the 13th century A.D. Others have claimed that it originates in Greece and that it was first cultivated during the Middle Minoan era. This view is reinforced by a painting of that era (1600 B.C.) named “Krokosyllektis (saffron picker)” that was found in the palaces of Knossos, showing a young girl or boy, to some a monkey, picking saffron flowers and putting them in a hamper.
It is also claimed that the Greeks engaged in cultivation of saffron during the Macedonian and Byzantine times. It was spread to the East through the expeditions of Alexander the Great.
What we can be most certain about the history of this plant is that the Arabs after systematically cultivating and using it not only as spice but mostly as a medicinal substance, brought it to Spain in 960 A.D. and from there it spread both directly and indirectly to other countries of Europe.
However, the current cultivation of saffron in Greece (in Kozani area) was imported by Austria during the 17th century. More specifically, it was brought by merchants from Kozani, who at that time maintained close trade relations with Austria.

PROPERTIES

The colouring, scenting, flavouring and medicinal properties of saffron are due to two basic (acting) components: picrocrocin and crocin, especially in the unsweetened parts of them i.e. in the safranal of the first and the crocetin of the latter. Other ingredients of saffron are lycopene, zeaxanthin, α, β and γ-carotenes, vitamin B and B2, carbohydrates and essential oil. ιδιότητες κρόκου

From picrocrocin via enzymatic hydrolysis we get the unsweetend part which in turn is converted to saffranol, the main component of essential oil, that gives saffron its characteristic scent.

From crocin with acid we get the unsweetened part, crocetin, which is the main colouring part of the product. In the market, the percentage of the essential oil and the colouring strength of saffron (which should be as high as possible) basically defines its quality.

Saffron is used in various ways. It is used in pharmacy, confectionery, cooking, cheese-making, distillery, even in painting. Byzantine artists used it considerably.

In popular medicine it is used as a emmenagogue, antispasmodic and stimulant. Many experts argue that in small doses it relieves kidney pains, stimulates the appetite and it facilitates digestion. In addition it limits convulsions, hysterics, nervous colics and whooping cough. Externally it is used to cure pimples, inflamations and breast diseases.

From ancient times, saffron was considered to have aphrodisiac properties. Many authors, Greek mythology, even Old Testament itself, associate saffron with love-making and fertility.

Nowadays, it is still used extensively as a spice in various foods in every economically developed country, especially in Europe.

In India, it is used widely as an icense in religious ceremonies, as well as in painting the mantles of the priests, a custom that ancient Egyptians and Romans also had.

CULTIVATION

The cultivation of edible saffron is made for the reddish stigmas of its flower (three columns of pistil), which is a product of high pharmaceutical, collouring, flavoring and scenting value.

Cultivating species of Saffron & special herbal characteristics

The only kind of saffron that is systematically cultivated around the world, for at least ten centuries, is the edible saffron or as it known in scientific (botanical) terminology Crocus Sativus Linneaus. The special botanical features of this kind of saffron are:

1. Bulbs

Diameter of about 2-3cm, fleshy with spherical shape with brown meshy tunics.

2. Flowers

There can be up to three flowers from each bulb, which come out in October/November and they form small bristled cones, which after some hours they open losing their first shape. These consist of:

* Six navy-purple petals, 4-5cm in length and 1cm in width

* Three yellow stamens

* The column which is divided into three stigmas

* The ovary which is narrow and contains many brown, round shaped sperms

The stigmas in particular, which give the prodrug of the plant, are glossy coloured red to orange and their length is 40-50mm, together with the part of the column. On the top they are jagged and because of their weight they are drooping; many times outside of the cone formed by the petals.

3. Leaves

The leaves that come out directly from the bulb are deepgreen, sword-like and streaked. They grow during the winter and in spring they reach 40-50cm, at which point they are harvested just before they dry out.

http://www.safran.gr/trading.asp

RECIPES

Tips for using Krokos Kozanis in cooking

Krokos Kozanis saffron gives to dishes a delicate aroma, a subtle spicy flavour and a beautiful yellow color. It goes perfectly with rice, pasta, sauces, chicken, fish soups, lamb, potatoes, pulses, bred and cakes, even ice-cream! Using Krokos Kozanis saffron is like using an expensive perfume: a little bit has an amazing effect, so it should be used sparingly, in the quantity stated in each recipe.
Krokos Kozanis in powder form is dissolved in water before being added to cooking.The stigmata of Krokos Kozanis are dissolved in a cup of water for 1 hour before cooking and added in food either together with the water or add just the water after straining out the stigmata.

Tips for using Krokos Kozanis in drinks

For every cup, use 10-12 stigmata of Krokos Kozanis or in powder form, use half of the 0,25g sachet. It is not necessary to dissolve powder previously, as you can add it directly to the drinks.

http://www.safran.gr/recipes.asp?cat=6&rec=7

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Krokos is renowned in Greece and abroad for the production of the Greek Macedonian Saffron, which is one of the world's most intense and valuable varieties. Although the ancient Minoans were known to cultivate saffron during Late Bronze Age Crete, the cultivation of the plant disappeared from Greece until about 300 years ago, when Greek Macedoniantraders brought the plant from Austria to the region of Kozani. The town of Krokos is the base of the Cooperative of Saffron Producers of Kozani, a cooperative that counts 2000 members spread between 40 small villages. Annual production, depending on weather conditions, ranges from 6 to 12 tons of pure red saffron each year. Much of this production is certified organic. All of it is Protected Designation of Origin (PDO); no other region of Greece can produce Greek Red Saffron. It is also extremely high-quality: Greek Red Saffron, as provided by the Kozani Cooperative, has a guaranteed coloring strength of 230.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krokos

Alexandroupoli, Evros, Weather

2014-01-18T06:12:00.001-08:00

weather forecast by weather.gr weather forecast by weather.gr

Alexandroupolis Information

2014-01-18T05:47:00.002-08:00

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Alexandroupoli is a city in Greece and the capital of the Evros regional unit in Thrace. It is an important port and commercial center of northeastern Greece.

Alexandroupoli is about 14.5 km (9.0 mi) west of the delta of the river Evros, 40 km from the border with Turkey, 346 km (215 mi) from Thessaloniki on the newly constructed Egnatia highway, and 750 km (470 mi) from Athens. Around the city one finds small fishing villages like Makri and Dikella to the west, and suburban Maistros, Apalos, Antheia, Aristino, Nipsa, Loutra to the east, while north of the city are the ever closing Palagia, Abantas, Aissymi and Kirkas. At the 2001 census, the main city had a population of 48,885 and the municipal unit had a population of 52,720. The current metropolitan population is estimated at around 70,000 inhabitants, and its area covers the southern portion of the regional unit, running from the Rhodope regional unit to the Evros Delta. The municipality has a land area of 1,220 km² (468.73 sq mi). Besides Alexandroúpolis, its other largest settlements are the villages of Mákri (pop. 820), Ávas (497), Sykorráchi (309), Aisými (289), and Díkella (288).

Useful phone addresses

Prefecture diam : 25510 36500
Dimos Alexandroupolis : 25510 64100
Tourist Police : 25510 66200
Port : 25510 26468, Ferries to Samothraki
Port of Alexandroupolis: 25510-26,251 & 28464 Fax.: from 25,510 to 26,485 http://www.ola-sa.gr/
Airport 'Demokritos' 25510 89300
Hospital : 25510 74000
Fire : 199 http://www.fireservice.gr
Ambulance : 166 http://www.ekab.gr
Mail (Post Office) : 25510 23122 RADIO TAXI : 25510 33500

Bus Evros

Alexandroupolis	25510 26479	25510 25126 bales
Feres	25550 22219
Soufli	25540 22291
Didymoticho	25530 22366
Orestiada	25520 22550	25520 22732 bales
Kavala (stop)	2510 837176
Thessalonica	2310 595439	2310 595465 bales
Athens	210 5133280

TAXI TAXI & Evros

Alexandroupolis	25510 33500	25510 22000	25510 28358
Feres	25550 22242
Soufli	25540 22888
Didymoticho	25530 23333
Orestiada	25520 25025	25520 24443

trains Evros
Alexandroupolis 2551026395
Orestiada 2552022328

Flight Program

http://www.alxd.gr/flights/monday.html

The location of airport is 7 km east of Alexandroupolis to NE Greece on main national road E90. The airport is equipped to international standards of navigational-electronics aids and passenger facilities. The name " Democritus " was given to the airport in honour of the ancient Atomic Philosopher who was born in Avdera (a village which located about 100 Km west of Alexandroupolis). The Alexandroupolis airport originally opened in 1944. Recognized in 1955 as international airport. The existing facility was opened in 1975.

View e-evros.gr - Επιχειρήσεις στον Έβρο. in a larger map

Sights and tourist destinations in Naoussa

2014-01-16T13:42:00.002-08:00

At a breath's distance from the town lies its wonderful countryside. Our mountain, Vermio, with its rich vegetation and cool waters, suceeds, to the west, the famous orchards and vineyards of Naoussa and discloses to nature lovers beauties beyond description.

Agios Nikolaos Thicket

Agios Nicholaos Thicket, at a distance of just 2 kilometres from town, shelters under its enormous plane trees the springs of the Arapitsa River, which with its plentiful waters supplies water for the whole town and irrigates the fertile lands of the entire area. Modern athletic, recreational and resting facilities, places to spend the day and walking paths, small taverns and Vermio municipal hotel offer carefree hours of spiritual euphoria to thousands of visitors. The implementation of the LIFE program in this area for ecological administration and lasting development received an award from the European Union.
http://www.naoussa.gr/en/visit/sights/st.nikolas/index.htm
Other Country Places

At distances a little further from the town, small country churches perched upon the mountain slopes provide the joy of a rest after a pretty journey by car or by foot (Agios Theologos - Saint Theologos, Metamorphose - Transfiguration, Epapante - Candlemass, Prophetis Elias - Prophet Elias, Agioi Taxiarches - Holy Archangels, Agia Triada - Holy Trinity, Aelias - Saint Elias, Panagiopoula, etc).
http://www.naoussa.gr/en/visit/sights/park/index.htm
On the road to Giannakochori we encounter Timios Prodromos (John the Baptist) Monastery, (better known as Exo Prodromos), which stands out for the architecture of its nave with its three small domes, a unique sample throughout the area. At Panagiopoula (Zoodochos Pege - Fountain of Life country church), the wood-carved screen is remarkable, with six large icons from 1860 and hagiography on all its surfaces.

The alpine camping at Grammeni at an altitude of about 1000 m. provides one with the opportunity to live with nature during the warmest summer months and to explore its deeply-shaded forest paths.

Athletic Facilities

Naoussa has a remarkable athletic substructure to offer, which is continually being reinforced and improved. In town, the Municipal Athletic Centre of Naoussa (D.A.K.N.) hosts hundreds of athletes and many athletic clubs. It provides a stadium with a capacity of 4000 spectators, football fields, handball, basketball and volleyball courts, a track with turf, auxiliary facilities, and an indoor gymnasium with a capacity of 1000 spectators. The C. Lanaras Athletic Centre includes 5x5 football fields, and basketball and volleyball courts. Agios Nicholaos Athletic Centre, located in the homonymous thicket, includes tennis courts, football fields, basketball and volleyball courts, while the Olympic-standards indoor swimming-pool is expected to soon reach completion.

To illustrate, Naoussa has gained the reputation of a world class training centre. Its climate, combined with the wonderful environment and the thoroughness of its athletic installations has led great teams to prepare here, with excellent results.

Winter Sports

For those who fancy winter sports, two large ski resorts, Seli and 3-5 Pigadia are located at a distance of 16 km. from town, but in different directions. Wonderful ski runs, both for athletes as well as for plain amateurs, modern ski lifts and, of course, rooms for visitors' board and lodging are there to accommodate mountain friends.

Pigadia Ski Resort is located at an altitude of 1430-2005 m. and is linked to the city with a paved road. It is one of the most modern ski centres of Greece, with integrated facilities for tourist-athletic skiing. It has ski runs for every level of difficulty and cross country ski runs, an elevated double chair lift, five ski lifts and baby lifts. Pigadia is the only ski resort in the country which has a system for artificial snow. Aside from the beautiful chalet at the mountaintop (2005 m.), the area has a hotel with 34 rooms (hotel and lodge), which may accommodate 100 people. It also has a restaurant, a lift bar and a snow bar. Other private hotels with similar facilities exist in the neighbouring area of Koutsoufliani.

The wonderful climate and exceptional natural environment have established Pigadia as a centre for the preparation of athletic teams since the early 1980s. Athletic installations also include football fields, gymnasiums, an indoor heated swimming pool, saunas and other auxiliary facilities.
http://www.naoussa.gr/en/visit/sights/pigadia/ypodomes.htm

How to come

FROM ATHENS

As soon as you drive over Aliakmonas River in the national highway Athens - Thessaloniki you proceed to the exit of Veria-Kozani. When you pull in Veria via Egnatia highway, you proceed to the exit of Naoussa and Edessa through the ring road of Veria. In approximately 15 kilometres, you reach in the crossway of Naoussa, where you turn left in the lights. You pull in Naoussa in 7 kilometres.

FROM THESSALONICA
You direct in the westerner exit of Thessalonica and continue in the highway towards Athens. As soon as you drive over Loudias River, you proceed to the exit of Veria-Kozani. When you pull in Veria via Egnatia highway, you proceed to the exit of Naoussa and Edessa through the ring road of Veria. In approximately 15 kilometres, you reach in the crossway of Naoussa, where you turn left in the lights. You pull in Naoussa in 7 kilometres.

FROM KOZANI
You direct to Veria via Egnatia highway. As soon as you pull in Veria you turn left in the ring road of Veria to Naoussa - Edessa. After you reach in Veria, you turn left in the regional road of Veria, to Naoussa-Edessa. In approximately 15 kilometres, you reach in the crossway of Naoussa, where you turn left in the lights. You pull in Naoussa in 7 kilometres.

FROM EDESSA
You travel at the ring road of Edessa - Veria. In approximately 25 kilometres and after you drive over the Kopanos village, you reach in the crossway of Naoussa, where you turn left in the lights. You pull in Naoussa in 7 kilometres.

KILOMETRIC DISTANCES FROM NAOUSSA

Distances from capitals of prefectures
Athens: 510 km (Omonoia Square)
Thessalonica: 90 km (Courts)
Veria: 20 km
Edessa: 30 km
Kozani: 80 km
Distances from settlements and visiting places
Arkochori: 7 km
Giannakochori: 7[klm].
Rodochori (Mega Rema or Reuma): 12 km
Stenimachos: 9 km
Agios Nikolaos: 3 km
Agios Pavlos (Koutsoufliani): 17 km
3-5 Pigadia: 17 km
Nea Strantza (Rodakinea): 5 km
Seli (kato Vermio): 17 km
Metamorphosis (Ntrazilovo): 13 km

Where to ask

Information can be found by the following services:
Town Hall of Naoussa
Plateia Dimarchias 30
Telephone Centre 2332053000
Centre of Citizens' Service in Naoussa
Great Alexander 1
Telephone 2332052196
Municipal Enterprise of Tourism in Naoussa
Agios Nikolaos of Naoussa
Telephone 2332029311-14
Ski Centre 3-5 Pigadia
3-5 Pigadia Naoussa
Telephone 2332044981-85
Municipal Cultural Organism of Naoussa
17 Chatzimalousi street
Telephone 2332029800

http://www.naoussa.gr/

General information about Naoussa

2014-01-16T13:30:00.003-08:00

Arapitsa River, Naousa

Average town altitude: 360 m. above sea level.
Highest peak of Mount Vermio: Hamitis peak, 2064 m. above sea level.
Climate: Continental-Mediterranean.
Average greatest temperature: 33° C (July).
Average lowest temperature: -2° C (February).
Population: Municipality of Naoussa: 23,000 residents.

(including the municipal districts of Arkochori, Giannakochori, Rhodochori and Stenimachos)

Main Economic Activities::
Fructiferous tree cultivation (apple, peach, pear, cherry, etc.)
Viniculture-Origin labelled wine production
Textiles
Plastics
Agricultural industry
Commerce
Tourism

Distances from Naoussa:
Veroia: 18 km.
Edessa: 40 km.
Thessaloniki: 90 km. (via the Egnatia road)
Athens: 510 km.
Both bus and train connections exist with all the above cities.

http://www.naoussa.gr/en/city/info/routes.htm

Tourist Points of Interest-Sports:
Archaeological sites
Folkloric events
Traditional environment
Winter sports
Hunting
Mountain climbing
Field trips
Alpine camping

Board-Lodge-Recreation:
At Naoussa and in the surrounding area there are various categories of hotels and traditional guest houses which operate all year round. There are also exceptional restaurants, traditional taverns and 'tsipouradika', wineries open to visitors, as well as modern cafe-bar both in town and in the nearby countryside (Agios Nicholaos, Arkochori, Giannakochori, etc.)

Pharmacies

PHARMACY	ADDRESS	PHONES
Pharmacies
Andreadis Alexandros	Dimarchias 17	2332022269
Athanasiadou - Lousi Sabina	Par. Anadoli 16	2332029341
Digkas Ioannis	17is Oktobriou 6	2332023030
Geros Georgios	Kampiti 5	2332022800
Kapetanopoulos Evaggelos	Pl.Karatasou 2	2332027906
Kati Sofia	Zafeiraki 20	2332027777
Kolitsi Anastasia	N.Theofilou 3	2332027900
Mantsos Ioannis	N.Anadoli 17	2332027000
Mpaitsi - Fidopoulou Vassiliki	17is Oktobriou 8	2332026507
Panagiotou Panagiotis	Zafeiraki 19	2332024820
Papadopoulou Athina	Chr.Lanara and Dimitriadi	2332020120
Poutouris Anastasios	Pl.Dioikitiriou	2332022831
Samara Evaggelia	Konstantinidi 17	2332027180
Tachmazidou Magdalini	Stavrou Chonou 23	2332022722
Tirintzis Ioannis	Panagouli 13	2332024100
Tsiogka Natassa	Pl.Karatasou and Benizelou	2332024220
Vogiatzis Georgios	Zafeiraki 7	2332028535

TITLE	AREA	ADDRESS	PHONES
Gass stations
ATLANTIK S.A.	Naoussa	Ch.Petridi 12	2332052185
Dimitriadou Eleni	Rodochori		2332051149
Drossos Polivios	Naoussa	Scholis Aristotelous 1	2332022549
Giannakovitis Nikolaos	Naoussa	Ch.Petridi 11	2332028144
Ioannidi Sons - Andreou Comp	Esperides junction	G.Kyrtsi 36	2332022767
Kokovidis Adam	Spileo	Periochi Spilaiou	2332022171
Lafara Sofia	Naoussa	Stoumpanon 2	2332029133
Lazou Bros Comp	Naoussa	Ag.Nikolaou	2332021835
Logdanidis Panagiotis	Gianakochori		2332051166
Markou Antonios	Stenimachos		2332042121
Mitrou Georgios	Naoussa	Tria Platania	2332022486
Mokios Konstantinos	Naoussa	Ch.Petridi 6	2332022271
Mpilis Anastasios	Naoussa	Ch.Petridi 1	2332022352
Mpliatkas Kiros	Naoussa	Per. Panagiopoulas	2332022089
Tzimitsis Dimitrios	Naoussa	Gennimata 15	2332024162

TITLE	AREA	ADDRESS	PHONES	MOBILE	E-MAIL
Hotels
3-5 PIGADIA	3-5 Pigadia		2332044981-5 2332029311-4 2332044446		3-5pigadia@cybex.gr
ACHILION	Agios Pavlos		2332044111		info@hotelaxilleion.gr
Akrorion Hotel	Agios Pavlos		2332052732	6932377640	info@akrorio.gr
AMPELONAS	Agios Nikolaos		2332052300 2332026372		info@hotel-ampelonas.gr
ASTERAS	Esperides junction	2° km Naoussa - Veroia	2332052332,34,35	6972831447	asterasn@otenet.gr και info@hotelasteras.gr
DELLAGIO	Naoussa	Meg. Alexandrou	2332024242 2332024243, 2332022333		contact@dellagio.gr
DRIADES	Choras nero - Militsa		2332020009		info@driades-naoussa.gr
ESPERIDES SPA HOTEL	Esperides junction	2° km Naoussa - Veroia	2332020250		info@esperideshotel.gr
GERMA CHALET & SPA	Metamorfosi		2332044794 2332044795		welcome@germa.gr
HAGIATI	Naoussa	Ethn. Antistasis and Aristotelous	2332052120 2332024553		hayati@otenet.gr
NAOUSSA NATURA	Agios Pavlos		2332044777 2332029982		info@naoussanatura.gr
NISI MARGARITAS	Agios Nikolaos		2332052600 2332023915
Palea Poli	Naoussa	Bas. Konstantinou 32	2332052520 2332052521	6976974738 6932588028	info@paleapoli.gr
Sfendamos Wood Village	Agios Pavlos		2332044844	6932711080	info@sfendamos.gr
VERMION	Agios Nikolaos		2332029311-4		hotelvermion@otenet.gr
VILLA ANTHEMIA	Isvoria		2332043480		info@villaanthemia.gr
Hostels
TITLE	AREA	ADDRESS	PHONES	MOBILE	E-MAIL
AGKONARI	Metamorfosi		2332044588 2332029802
AGNANTI	Arkochori		2332025542 2332023546	6979016817	info@xenonasagnanti.gr
ANEMOESSA	Arkochori		2332029501		anemoessa@arkohorivillage.gr
CHALET «PAREA»	Metamorfosi		2332021637	6947815288	info@chalet-parea.gr
EPAVLI ELIZA	Lazaraska	Agios Theologos hill	2332023747	6948856601	eliza_bil81@yahoo.gr
ERATINO	Esperides junction	3o km Naoussa - Veroia	2332024184	6932923225 6936687611	info@erateino.gr
FILISTOR	Naoussa	Antarton 20, Naoussa		6978154776	info@filistor.gr
GALINI	Arkochori		2332024868		galini@arkohorivillage.gr
LYDIA LITHOS	Metamorfosi		2332044538 2310831797	6934034903	info@lydia-lithos.gr
MESOCHORI	Arkochori		2332024464 2332026441		mesohori@arkohorivillage.gr
MILITSA	Choras nero - Militsa		2332022122 2332026500	6974226868	info@militsa.gr
MILOS	Arkochori		2332022630		mylos@arkohorivillage.gr
NIAOUSTA	Choras nero - Militsa		2332022374	6977412072	info@niaousta.gr
NIKOLAS	Agios Nikolaos		2332021594	6973425190	info@xenonasnikolas.gr
PENSION PANTHEON	Naoussa	Ag. Theofanous 31, Alonia		6949946487	pension-pantheon@hotmail.com
PLEIADES RESORT	Agios Pavlos		2332044415	6977135142
Remos Stone Houses	Agios Pavlos		2332044973	6936208534 6976000323	info@remosvillas.gr
THEA	Choras nero - Militsa		2332028562	6977352018	thea.naousa@gmail.com
Villa Vadola	Arkochori		2332023068		info@villavadola.gr

View Larger Map

History and Ancient Naousa

2014-01-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

Naoussa is built in the foothills of Eastern Vermion, in a natural embrace which is shaped by successively levels that slowly descend to the plain and dominate from a medium altitude of 330 m. above the sea to the entire fertile plain of Imathia that is extended up to Thessaloniki. To the West, the horizon of the city is described by verdurous mountains and hills that create this precisely hospitable embrace, where the current city has been founded and developed.

The Vermion Mountain, that constitutes the natural border between the plain of Imathia-Thessaloniki in the East and the uplands of Kozani in the West, allows minimum obligatory crossings where the most important cities of the region can be found: Veria, the capital of Prefecture of Imathia in the South, Naoussa in the middle and Edessa the capital of Prefecture of Pella in the North. Many villages dispread among the cities ensure the continuity in the human presence.

The northern and Eastern slopes of Vermion are covered by forests with mainly conifers and beeches, while the Western slopes are almost naked. The abundant water forms big and small waterfalls, which have been used since 19th century and are still used as motive force for the industry. More specifically in Naoussa, the most important river is "Arapitsa" whose sources are located in a very beautiful place near the city which is the thicket of Agios Nikolaos. Rolling to the lower levels, the river crosses the city and separates it in two unequal parts, while successive smaller or bigger waterfalls are formed in all the way up to the plain.

History of bold Naoussa

This particular area of Vermio, where Naoussa is found today and where Herodotus places the famous "Gardens of Midas", was inhabited from most ancient times by the Vriges, who migrated to Europe before the Trojan War. According to Thucydides and Strabo, these Vriges were persecuted by Caranus, founder of the Macedonian State, while subsequently other Macedonian tribes came and intermixed with the Vrigo - Pelasgian tribes which were left and thus comprised the population of historical times.

Extended ruins in the area between today's Naoussa and the neighbouring villages of the plain reinforce the version that contemporary Naoussa has evolved at the site of a significant city of an
tiquity, which was found between Veroia and Edessa. The name of this city, according to archaeologists' most recent views, was Mieza. According to local myth, the three children of the mythical king of the area, Veretos, passed their names on as follows: the daughters to the two important cities of Emathia, Veroia and Mieza, while the son, Olganus, metamorphosed into a river god and gave his name to the river known today as the Arapitsa. A bust of Olganus, which was discovered in the Copanos area and dates back to the 2nd century A.D., is now preserved at the Museum of Veroia.
ANTIQUITIESThe archaeological site of Mieza - better known by the name of Lefkadia - which today is included for the most part within the limits of the Municipality of Anthemia, had already been located in the 19th century by the French traveler Delacoulonche and the Dane architect K. F. Kinch, but was subject to systematic research only after 1950, with the work of curator of antiquities at that time, Photis Petsas. The existence of settlements from the late Bronze Age, the Iron Age, the Classical, and also the Hellenistic Era has been verified, the Hellenistic being the most significant from the standpoint of surviving monuments (late 4th c. -168 B. C. ). Among the many scattered archaeological findings of the area, the unique great Macedonian tombs (of Judgment, Lyson and Kallikles, Anthemia, Kinch et. al.) and the School of Aristotle in the Nymphaion at Mieza are considered most significant. Rather recently the ancient theatre of the city has come to light and the city's Agora is being excavated.

The School of Aristotle at Esvoria - Naoussa

A place of universal interest, the ruins of the School of Aristotle is a short way from contemporary Naoussa, at Isvoria site. This is the place with the racing waters and the deeply-shaded caves which the ancient writers mention, where the greatest philosopher of antiquity taught the greatness of classical Greek thought and the ideals of Platonic philosophy to the son of the King of Macedonia Phillip II, Alexander, and the other nobles of the Macedonian court. The encounter of these two greatest personalities of the ancient world at the Nymphaion of Mieza, of Aristotle, the scientist, with the great military commander, Alexander, would definitely affect the future of mankind, and of all Western Civilization.

The area which the Nymphaion, the sanctuary dedicated to the Nymphs, occupies is a very impressive natural landscape, where the ancient relics -the wall prop of a two-floor arcade of Ionic columns forming a Π is preserved- combined with the three natural caves which are found there constitute the main grounds of the school. The vertical surface of the rock, where the openings for supporting the roof's girders are discernable, comprised the back-end of the shady porch (stoa), (350 B. C. and after), where Aristotle taught "the ethical and political word" (Plutarch VII, 668) to the Macedonian nobility's young offspring. At the Archaeological Museum of Veroia, tiles and clay pugs from the porch (stoa) roof are on display. The landscape where the Master rambled with his students on the riverbanks, full of paths with dense vegetation, while surrounding cool streams gushed from the springs and serenely flowed, is complemented by an even greater cave a little further off, with two carved entrances, and a distinct devotional use.

The ancient Theatre of Mieza

The most significant structure, discovered in the summer of 1922 in the same area, is a theatre of Hellenistic times (2nd c. B.C.) with surviving proscenium and stage wall. Its orchestra has a diameter of 22 meters. The first four rows of seats made of porous rock may be discerned, as well as twelve more rows carved from the soft slope rock. It is calculated to have had a capacity of 1500-2000 spectators.

At a small distance from the Theatre, the Agora of the city (Mieza) is being excavated and the remnants of large public buildings are gradually coming to light, disclosing its significance.

The Macedonian Tomb of Judgment

This is the largest known Macedonian tomb, which came to light by chance in 1954 and was restored structurally just in 1998, while maintenance works on its painted ornamentation are still underway. It is the only Macedonian tomb with a two-floor facade, with alternating Doric and Ionic order. Four Doric semi-columns and two pilasters in the corners support the epistyle and the Doric frieze. Above the entablature and the colorful zone with botanical decorations, the Ionic frieze extends, in which a contest between the Greeks and the barbarians is depicted in relief. This representation probably alludes to the - recent at the time of the tomb's construction-confrontation of the Macedonians with the Persians. On the ceiling, between the six Ionic semi-columns and the two pilasters, seven pseudo-windows have been opened, while only very few parts of the pediment remain. To the interior, the tomb is divided into a narrow, but tall antechamber and the main chamber of the tomb.

The painted representation of the facade is unique; it belongs to the sphere of the religious beliefs of the Greeks and alludes to the Platonic dialogue of Gorgias. It is made up of four autonomous paintings which are found among the Doric semi-columns. To the left of the main entrance of the tomb, in two paintings, there is a depiction of the deceased being led by Hermes Psychopompos (soul-sender) to the Crites (Judges) of the Underworld, Aeacus and Radamanthys, who take up the two paintings to the right of the entrance. The deceased, dressed in a short tunic and chest plate, is the only one who is not referred to by name in the inscriptions, obviously because he was a very well known figure to the society of Mieza. It has been speculated that he was Peukesta of Mieza, the General of Alexander the Great. The metopes are decorated with exceptional painted representations from the mythical battle of the Lapiths with the Centaurs. The ensemble is strongly reminiscent of a screen belonging to an Orthodox Christian temple!

The Macedonian Tomb of Anthemia

The other tomb of the area, the so-called Tomb of Anthemia, was discovered in 1971.This is a graceful, two-chamber monument with an Ionic facade of four semi-columns which support the entablature and the pediment. In the pediment's hollow, a semi-declining couple is depicted in fresco. The three fleuron points which decorate the pediment retain their intense red and blue colours untouched, while the whole vaulted roof of the antechamber is painted with water lilies and fleuron (anthemia) in white and violet tones on a light blue background. The tomb gets its conventional name from these flowers.

The facade's entrance was blocked by simple stone plinths, while the passageway from the first to the second chamber used to close with a monumental two-leaved marble door, which today we see fallen to the chamber floor. Inside the main death chamber, a four-sided stone base is preserved which contained some kind of metal vessel or reliquary with the bones of the dead. Today's monumental entrance was constructed after the tomb's discovery.

The Macedonian Tomb of Lyson and Kallikles

This tomb, which comprises a rare sample of Hellenistic tomb architecture, was discovered in 1942 and is not open to the public, since, in order to protect its unique murals and inscriptions, it still remains completely buried under the ground. It is a simple monument, which dates back to the 2nd c. B.C., and is made up of an arch-covered rectangular chamber and a narrow antechamber with a flat ceiling. People belonging to four generations of the same family were buried here in special compartments in the walls, each marked by their name: Lyson, Euhippos, Kallikles, Sparte, Thessalonike etc. The ashes of the dead were placed in the twenty-two compartments which had previously been opened in the three walls of the chamber.

The family members must have held an important place in the military hierarchy of ancient Mieza, as we observe from the military gear which is depicted in the round hollows of the tomb: chest plates, shields, helmets, greaves and warriors' armour accompany the dead at their final resting place. The same armour, in the shape of dozens of silver coins which create a real imbricate chest plate, is still preserved even today in the folkloric happenings of Naoussa.

The Macedonian Tomb of Niaousta (Kinch's Tomb)

Named this way for the Dane archaeologist, K. F. Kinch, who excavated it in the late 19th century. It is a small two-chamber tomb with a simple Doric facade. Of the painted decoration which existed in its interior, nothing has survived today. Only from a drawing from the initial publication of the monument may we now see a beautiful mural which represented a Macedonian horse rider attacking a Persian, who, terrified, is trying to escape. The tomb's current state is due to reconstructive work which was performed during the period 1970-1971.

Kastoria The Beautiful city and the lake

2014-01-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

One of the most picturesque towns in Macedonia - real Byzantine art museum-is Kastoria , the capital of the prefecture, built on the shores of beautiful Lake Orestiadas. Located on the western edge of West Macedonia .
rózsaszínpárduc flickr

mpalis flickr

tsianakas flickr

Is built on a peninsula west of Lake Orestiadas at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level, between the mountains Vitsis and Grammes , and has rightly termed one of the most beautiful cities of Greece . According to tradition, it was founded by Orestis in honor of his sister Electra. flickr

Element Zero flickr

flickr

attractions

The sights are really too much! Amazingly well- preserved mansions, Byzantine and Post-Byzantine churches, museums ( Byzantine Museum - Folk Museum - Museum of Costume), the prehistoric settlement of Dispilio, Petrified Forest Kastoria, the cave of the dragon, and many impressive villages near Kastoria as:

Nestorius , Klisoura , Vitsis and other settlements.

Another amazing destination is the mountain cluster GRAMMOU the source Aliakmona river , the longest river in Greece 297chlm. The area is ideal for sightseeing and hiking trails in the National . For those who love winter sports, the mountain, a village 20 km from the city of Kastoria and operated ski resort , with three runs, is capable of receiving a large number of visitors.

O 17th century was the period of great luster. Since then kept amazingly mansions , which in one version are the evolution of Byzantine style residence.

Currently dominate the narrow streets of the old town district, the listed numerous towering mansions with their impressive Byzantine architecture.

photograph from flickr

flickr

Samples of high social and economic level of Kastoria and higher living standards are, the beautiful mansions.

The wealth and prosperity that brought gounemporio city captured and kept up to date on homes built by the widely traveled and affluent residents.

The architecture of the mansions influenced by the rhythms of Macedonia and northern Europe . The mansions are usually three floors.

The neighborhoods that stand proudly mansions of Kastoria is Apozari and Doltso , which were built around the 17th and 18th century, and are the eyewitnesses of the economic prosperity of Kastoria furriers , where commercial activities had outgrown the border with activities abroad. Touring the streets of our travels in other seasons

Monastery St. Anargiron Melissotopos

In Kastoria still preserved very considerable monuments of Byzantine culture, such as walls and almost 80 Byzantine churches it has, which together with the truly magnificent Lake Kastoria create an unmatched setting.
few of them are:
The Holy Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissas (12th)
Monastery of St. Anargiron (10-11 century)
The church of St. Nicholas Karidis (18th)
The Church of Three Saints (14th)
The Church Lady Tsontou Varda (19th)
The church of the Archangel Metropolis (13th)
In Church of St. Nicholas Magaleiou (16th)
Here is the Monastery of Panagia Mavriotisa 12th century.
Sources: el.wikipedia.org / www.kastoria.gr

How to get there:

- By private car : Take the highway from Thessaloniki to Athens and approximately 30 miles before turning hometown for Veria. Overtake Veria and Kozani to continue through Via Egnatia. Not pass through Kozani. Continue Egnatia few miles after the junction of Kozani, you will find the node that goes to Siatista. We turn and from there follow the signs to Kastoria.

- Access to Kastoria by air through regular daily service from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) to Kastoria Airport "Aristotle" in Argos Orestikon within 10 km from the city center .

Tel airport "Aristotle": 24670.42.515

Distances:
Kastoria - Athens 555 Km
Kastoria - Thessaloniki 219 Km
Kastoria - Prespa 54 Km
Information:
Municipality of Kastoria : 24670-22312 F :24670-22451
Traffic Department : 24670-83500
Fire : 24,670 to 22,199
Byzantine Museum : 24670-26781
Folklore Museum : 24670-22908 Museum Costume : 24670-28156

Kastoria Bus : 24670-83455
Kastoria Bus (Athens) : 210-5152548
TAXI Kastoria : 24670-82100
Hospital Kastoria : 24,670 to 55,600 .. 5

Difficult to choose from the best time of year come in Kastoria, because each period is as beautiful here. In spring and autumn, nature gives incredible images with vivid colors and pure atmosphere, the winter snow makes magical landscape while in summer the River party organized here gives an exquisite touch of fun to the area. - See more at: http://travel-around-greece.blogspot.gr/2012/03/blog-post_5720.html#sthash.W4h8DW6N.dpuf

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The prefecture of Kastoria

2014-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

The prefecture of Kastoria borders with Ioannina, Grevena, Kozani and Florina, while a part of it is at the Greek border with Albania. The area is dominated by the mountains of Pindos, Grammos, Voio and Vitsi, while it is crossed by Aliakmonas. It consists of 15 municipalities and the capital is the town of Kastoria.
Kastoria

Aspect of the lake in Kastoria
This city combines nature, history, tradition and culture, which certainly offers the visitor wonderful experiences and memories.

The name comes from Kastor, one of the Dioskouroi. Kastoria is an ideal destination for the lovers of the Byzantine history. Lake dwelling Mavriotissa with its folkloric frescoes of 1200, Agii Anargyri with the amazing paintings of Virgin Mary Koumpelidiki and other 40 beautiful churches.

During your ride you should not miss a visit to Ntoltso and Apozari neighborhoods. There, you will admire the imposing mansions of the 17th and 18th century and wander into past eras. The Natzi, the Mpassara and the Arampatzi mansions stir up a special interest.

Also for anyone who visits the region, it is worth to see the forest, the lake, the view from Prophet Elias and the stone bridges. Finally, a visit to the costume museum, the Folklore Museum and the Temple Church of Saint Anargyri of the 11th century is adviced.

One can reach Kastoria easily by plane since it has an international airport or by car in just 2 hours from Thessaloniki or 5 to 6 hours from Athens.

Ntoltso settlement in Kastoria

Argos Orestiko
It is the capital of the municipality Orestidos. It is located on the borders of the prefecture of Kozani and its population is estimated at 11000 inhabitants. It is also called Chroupista. Argos Orestiko was founded in the 7th century and experienced prosperity especially in the 15th century and onwards due to textiles and fur processing workshops. In the area attractions include the paleochristian temple of St. George, the triklitos Byzantine temple of St. George, the walls of the Roman city Dioklitianoupoli (out of Diocleziano), the Petrified Forest of Nostimo and the spas.
Nestorio

It is the largest village of Grammos. Located at 950 meters, it has a population of around 3000 inhabitants and is characterized by traditional architecture and beauty since the visitor can meet Grammos, Aliakmonas and Kastro there. It is divided into two settlements: Ano Nestorio and Kato Nestorio, which actually are now united. The fans of agritourism and nature’s sports are rewarded here. Moreover the River Party is a special event which takes place every August next to Aliakmonas and lasts 3 days.

Panoramic view of Nestorio

Aliakmonas River in Nestorio

Old and New Kotyli

They are picturesque villages at an altitude of 1450 meters and a distance of 10 km away from Nestorio and they are characterized by lush vegetation of beeches, black pine and fir trees. The thumping rock of 130 m, which is known as «Death of Kotyli» is unique. It took its name from the savage battles of the Civil War during which the rebels fell from the cliff to escape. Finally, it is worth to admire the view from the hilltop at Profylakio Tower at 1700 m. It is easy to see the outline of Olympus in the east, while in the north you face Vitsi and Kaimaktsalan.

The Death of Kotyli

Houses in Kotyli

Kypseli

It is one of 9 Grammochoria (villages of Grammos) that have Nestorio as center. Located at a distance of 50 km from Kastoria it took its name from its characteristic geomorphology. The inhabited houses are around 80 and they are all located at the heart of a coniferous forest with pine and fir trees. The Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi is characteristic.

River Party Nestorio

To river party of Nestorio is the most widespread and historical music festival that has developed over the past 30 years and brings together every summer in the valley of Aliakmonas River over 50.000 visitors of all ages and music preferences. In a green location on the banks of the Aliakmonas and at a distance of just 1 km from the village of Nestorio, every year in the last days of July thousands of nature and music lovers gather for 5 days at the premises of the festival which functions as a campground with a capacity of over 4000 tents and every necessary facility usually offered by an organized camping (WC, shower, bar, restaurant).

The space of River Party

The program of events is announced over the Internet a few weeks before the opening and includes music concerts in two stages. In one of them perform some of the greatest names of the Greek music scene and in the second one, bands of new artists.

However, the fun does not stop here: in addition to the musical events, the area of the river party hosts a number of facilities for parallel activities (bungee jumping, paintball, archery, etc.) that will delight fans of extreme sports.

The space of River Party in the night

For those who have no means of transportation, their transfer to the river party is taken care by buses, which the Municipality of Kastoria provides for free for the days of the event connecting Kastoria with Nestorio, while for visitors from other parts of Greece there are frequent routes of the Bus Network (KTEL) and Olympic Airways.

Telephone: 24670 31011, 31012 (Municipal Corporation of Tourism, Culture, Social Welfare and Development of Nestorio).

Links: River Party Nestorio

Orestia

“Orestia” is a series of cultural events taking place every year in the second half of July. These events include music concerts, theatrical performances, presentation of traditional dance bands, film screenings, fairs and more.

Orestia is organized by the Municipal Corporation of Cultural and Social Development of Orestida Municipality.

Links: www.argosorestiko.gr

Boubounes

One of the most famous carnival traditions of Kastoria is “Boubounes”, large fires that light up in town squares at the last Sunday of the Carnival and trigger a great traditional revelry with dances and local delicacies.

Boubouna the start of fire

This custom, like most carnival traditions, goes back to the ancient times and it is pagan. Today the firing up of Boumpouna is one of the most common customs of Western Macedonia and marks the end of the carnival. Around the fire gather attendees in the evening and accompanied by traditional folk music orchestras they participate in the feast that holds up until the flame burns out. At the same time various carnival delicacies are offered along with wine, raki, halvah, olives and roast sausage.

Boubouna the start of fire

Boumpounes take place in all plazas of the city, while the largest of them are in Ntoultso, Apozari and Omonia square, but also in other near settlements such as Mavrochori, Vasiliada, Vogatsiko, Kostarazi, Dipotamia, Eptachori, Nea Zouzouli, Klisoura, Nestorio, Inoi and Pentavryso.

Ragkoutsaria

Ragkoutsaria, the traditional carnival of Kastoria, is a set of events with a special color and unique character. It starts on the 6th of January and ends three days later on the 8th of the month with the parade of Carnival.

The history of Kastoria carnival is long. Moreover it coincides with the ancient fairs made in the context of Dionysian worship, part of which was also disguises.

Ragkoutsaria, the traditional carnival of Kastoria

Most city residents and visitors participate in the celebrations with joy and fun. All together form the so-called “mpouloukia” (mobs), each with its own traditional orchestra in various disguises wandering around the streets of the city and creating an actual outdoor feast.

Ragkoutsaria, the traditional carnival of Kastoria

The feast climaxes on the third day of the event, the Pateritsa as the people of Kastoria call it. Early in the afternoon everything is ready for the big carnival parade where all the “mpouloukia” (mobs) dance satirizing persons and situations with original ideas. In fact the best mob is awarded by the municipality of the city. Together they end up in Ntoltso, the old medieval square of Kastoria and there in a frantic jamboree they compete among themselves, which will cover the other with his music.

On the 6th of January Santa Claus gives away gifts to the children after the sanctification of the water and starts from square Davaki, always accompanied by traditional happy folk music from the band and offers Kastoria’s wine to those he encounters on the way. Noon at Omonia Square begins the carnival and the “mpouloukia” take part. Early afternoon they present themselves in every street of the city with live music from popular orchestras. Noon of the next day starts the dancing and the revel.

The young and the old visit as “mpouloukia” friendly always homes - which are open to those unexpected visits - and tease the owners asking for treat. Plenty of wine and traditional dishes are offered in the largest squares of the city. When the third day of the events starts everybody is ready for the big carnival parade in Metropolis Street that ends with fireworks, giving everyone a broad smile and unforgettable impressions.

Grammos Mountain

Grammos is the fourth highest mountain in Greece after Mount Olympus, Smolikas and Voras. It has an altitude of 2520 meters and is part of the wider range of Pindos.

http://www.ifms-grammos.gr/en/enviroment-en

Old Dispilio
In the middle of the last century due to the fall of water levels in times of drought, parts of wooden pales were revealed in Lake of Kastoria, which were remains of a prehistoric settlement.

The excavations carried out so far in the region show that it is the oldest lake village of Europe, which dates in 5500 BC. This lake village shows development for more than 2,000 years, while during the period of its thriving it is estimated to reach 4.5 kilometers in length and to have over 3,000 residents. A wooden plate has been found in the sludge of the region which is the oldest writing in the world (precursor form of Linear A) dating in 5300 AC and the oldest musical instrument in Europe, a flute engraved on a bird bone.

Despite the fact that researches are continuing in the region, a park-museum has been set up for visitors, where part of the settlement has been recreated by constructing copies of prehistoric hutches, tools, pottery, fetish and objects that were used in everyday life.

Source:
Study of tourist development in Regions of Central and Western Macedonia
Studies Office of George Michaelides A PHASE - Chapter 1 - 59
Links: Dispilio Excavations

Views of the lake village Dispiliohttp://www.ifms-grammos.gr/en/attractions-old-settlements-en

Greek olive oil packaging design

2014-01-09T09:03:00.001-08:00

Greek designer Dimitrios Panagiotidis created this Greek olive oil packaging design for Five Olive Oil called “An Emblem of Wisdom” The packaging design’s inspiration comes from the old greek paintings of the Olympic games. A host of archaeological evidence reveals the existence of olive trees in the Hellenic territory since the Neolithic era, namely 7,000 years ago. The olive has been considered by Greeks a blessed fruit since antiquity: an emblem of knowledge, wisdom, abundance, health, power and beauty. Legends, traditions, religious and athletic ceremonies have relied upon it. The olive branch was awarded to the winners of the Olympic Games since 776 B.C. and in antiquity it symbolized the peace and mandatory truce all over the world throughout the duration of the Games.

Designed by: Dimitrios Panagiotidis

http://creativeroots.org/2013/09/greek-olive-oil-packaging-design/

Chestnut A winter fruit!

2014-01-09T08:49:00.003-08:00

A winter image most loved and ever so familiar to Greeks; one that has inspired painters, novelists and song makers: it is none other than the image of the chestnut-seller sitting next to his portable brazier, at the corner of the street, roasting chestnuts on the charcoals and selling tasty snacks to passers-by.

Who could really say no to the tantalizing aroma of roasted chestnuts, drifting in the air, inviting everyone to stop briefly for a scrumptious healthy snack? The chestnut is after all a food of high nutritional value with a great taste which will satisfy your appetite and bring warm feelings to your heart!

So, next time you go out, look for the chestnut man, taste and feel the atmosphere of the Greek winter!

Wintertime Recipes

You can try chestnuts on their own, roasted, boiled or baked in the oven; use them also in your recipes and add a unique flavour and colour to your culinary pursuits, as both your sweet and salted creations will gain greatly by this ingredient’s mellow, rich taste. Although they are the perfect accompaniment to pork and poultry, the Greek traditional confectionery is where they are mostly used in. Enjoy them as a spoon sweet, in jams and spreads and you will certainly love it in cakes such as tsoureki, vasilopita and sweet breads!

Chestnut festivals!

Chestnuts grow everywhere in Greece in Macedonian forests in the north and all the way down to Cretan mountains in the south; the new harvest is cause for celebration in many parts of the country. Join the locals in mountainous villages across the land and savour this valuable winter fruit with a glass of tsipouro [a strong spirit] or wine!

In the Peloponnese

It is time for chestnuts in late October! If you travel to Kastanitsa, a picturesque village on the eastern mountainside of Mt Parnonas, apart from chestnut dishes, you can try herbal mountain tea, traditional bean soup, boiled goat meat, wine and tsipouro. The feast includes various events involving traditional music and dancing, a cooking contest as well as an activity for the little ones: a chestnut spoon contest!

In neighbouring Arna, Laconia, you can try roasted chestnuts, boiled or in sweets next to locally made tsipouro. Before leaving, make sure you carry with you some local produce such as walnuts, pomegranate, quince and mountain herbs. You will find them in the open air marketplace in the central square during the festival.

Another chestnut festival takes place in Ampeliona village, Messinia. Taste roasted chestnuts, hot bean soup and a shot of tsipouro near Trani Vrysi, the imposing stone fountain in the village square and then take a walk in the neighbouring chestnut tree forest. It is a 4km route to be taken on foot or by car through the dense woods!

On the islands!

A chestnut festival is a rare thing to see on an island… or maybe not?? Picturesque Agiassos on Lesvos Island is famous for its chestnut forest and the feast in November is all about welcoming the new harvest. Follow the trails in the forest, pick chestnuts along your way or watch a theatre or music performance, fill your suitcase with cheese, herbs and sweets made by the members of the Women’s Agricultural and Manufacture Cooperative of Agiassos or by other local producers.

If you happen to travel to Crete in late October or early November, make sure you visit Elos and Prassé villages near Chania. You can try baked chestnuts next to traditional roasts, and the chestnut spoon sweet.

In the rest of Greece

A treat of chestnut and tsipouro welcomes visitors to Ano Chora in the mountainous Nafpaktia region in early October. The braziers and distillation boilers are set up early in the day in the village’s paved square, awaiting visitors, whereas in the afternoon local ladies offer traditional pies and sweets such as pancakes, loukoumades, baklava, ravani, kourabiedes and spoon sweets.

A chestnut festival is put up also in Mavrilo village on the east slopes of Mt Velouchi in late October. Try the local chestnuts next to traditional pies accompanied by a glass of tsipouro under the shade of age-old plane trees; visit also the renovated gunpowder mill at the village entrance.

A Chestnut and Tsipouro festival is also held yearly in Rodavgi, Arta. Enjoy roasted or boiled chestnuts and fragrant tsipouro made from zampela – a local grape variety, against the majestic backdrop of Mt Pindus Range and artificial Lake Arachthos.

A stone’s throw from Thessaloniki, in Livadi, Thermi, a chestnut festival takes place in the main square with the centuries-old plane tree. Follow the beautiful chestnut forest trails and enjoy the lovely view of Anthemounta valley and the horse shoe shaped Thermaikos Gulf.

http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/gastronomy/fruits/chestnut

Aigeira of Achaea - The ancient Theatre - 3rd Century BC

2014-01-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

Τhe ancient theatre is one of the city's most important monuments, although Pausanias does not refer to it in the 2nd cent. A.D. It is situated to the north of the acropolis, at a height of 350 m above sea level. The main theatre, the koilon, is horse-shoe shaped and provides ample view to the Corinthian Gulf. The construction of the theatre is dated to the first half of the 3rd cent. B.C. (around 280-250 B.C.), when the Second Achaean League, under which Achaean cities were reorganised, was established. The koilon was hewn out on the natural rock and whenever this was not available, the soil was cut in order to accommodate stone seats. The orchestra was also chiselled directly into the rock for its main part, while a channel was constructed on its wayside for the rainwater runoff. The scene of the Hellenistic period was a two storey building. A corridor, diazoma, divides the koilon in two parts and its spectator capacity is up to 3000 people, while its length reaches 30,70 m.

Ancient Aigeira was one of the most important towns of Achaia and the Achaiko Confederation. It was located east of the present day community of Aigeira, on the hill "Paliokastro", has an altitude of 650m and the main settlement was fortified with strong walls.
Ancient Aigeira, which existed before the period of Homer has been of concern to many writers who seemed to locate it between Sikionos and Aigiou. Polivios referring to the location of Aigeira writes, "the town of Aigeira is located between Aigio and Sikionos and is built in fortresses and impassable hills, and looks towards Parnasso".
According to Alzinger, the first people settled there in 3 thousand B.C, namely in the early Greek period. Evidence of their existence, are the fragments of ceramics found in the excavations of the lower stratum. During the period of Homer it was known as Iperisi and this was, the name referred to by Homer on the list of ships that took part along with other Achaian towns in the Trojan expedition. The name Iperisi, and according to Pausania Ipirisia, was maintained in Ancient Aigeira for many centuries and according to the archeologist Otto Walter until the 23rd Olympiad in 688 B.C.
As referred to by Pausania, Iperisia got its name Aigeira when it was, inhabited by the Iones and they were, invaded by the Sikionioi. So as the residents could defend themselves effectively and because there were few of them, they gathered all the goats (aiges) in the area and lit torches which had been placed in their horns and they let them loose against the Sikionion, who were so frightened that they left. Therefore, the Iperisies were, saved by the goats (aiges) and they changed the name of their town to Aigeira. There are those however who claim that Ancient Aigeira got its name from a type of Poplar-tree, the aigeirous, which was abundant in the area during ancient time. A third version as to the origin of the name of Ancient Aigeira is that referred to by Nikolaos Papandreadis in his book, "History and Folklore of Zaholis". He claims that it got its name from a nobleman from Patra, named Aigeiro, who took over and ruled it, therefore giving it his name.
Ancient Aigeira lived great periods of prosperity and was at its peak. Due to the excellent location that it occupied on the east section of Aigialeias, north of Mount Evrostina, it was visible not only by the neighboring towns of Corinthos but also from across the sea, of Central Greece, towns of Aitolon. It therefore suffered from many hostile invasions, the most familiar being that of the Aitolon in 220 or 219 B.C and that of the Sikionion. As a result of their victory against the Sikionion, they built the holy sanctuary of Agroteras Artemidos, as they believed that the fabrication (with the goats already mentioned) against the invaders was inspired by Artemis.
In Ancient Aigeira, according to descriptions of Pausania, there was a statue of Zeus made of marble from Pendeli, a statue of Athina, temple of Artemidos, with ancient statues of Agamemnona and Ifigeneias, statues of "Asklipiou" of Serapidos and Isidos and a holy sanctuary dedicated to Apollon.
Coins of Ancient Aigeira
From the catalogue of coins of the monetary collection of Copenhagen, it appears that approximately in the year 330 B.C, Aigeira cut copper coins with Athina on the front side and on the other side, the front end of a goat inside an olive wreath. They also cut coins with the head of a woman wearing a veil, which on the front side there is the inscription ?Aigiaraton? and on the back, a goat with a wreath. Also, in the years 193-221 A.D with the head and shoulders of Plautillas, wife of the Roman emperor Karakala.
Olympic champions of Aigeira
Ancient Aigeira was distinguished for its many significant Olympic champions. The most familiar of these were Kratinos the Aigeiratis and Ikaros. Kratinos was a very significant wrestler and won the Olympic children?s wrestling contest. Ikaros won the race of 1 stadium in the 23rd Olympiad.
The decline of Ancient Aigeira
The town of Aigeira must have been at its peak until the 4th century A.D. We reach this conclusion from a decree by the Roman emperor Dioklitianou, who determined the prices of different provisions which are bought by the Roman soldiers so as to avoid exploitation by the merchants of that period. The decree was written on marble plaques that were found in the excavations of Ancient Aigeira and,believed to have been written in 303 A.D. It is claimed that it was destroyed by a strong tidal wave, although it is considered more likely to have been destroyed by a powerful earthquake.
The findings of the excavations in the area os Ancient Aigeira
The first excavations in the area of Ancient Aigeira began in 1916 by the Austrian Archeological Institute, which still continues its excavations.
The archeological findings of the investigations of the excavations to this day cover a period of time from 3000 B.C, to the Imperial years of Rome and almost to the 4th century A.D. From the first days, the investigation which, was carried out by Otto Walter was crowned with amazing success. On the 31st of August 1916, the head of the marble statue of Zeus was found. According to Pausania the statue was the work of the famous creator Evklidi from Athens, and the height exceeded three metres. In subsequent investigations the left arm and one finger of the right hand of the same statue were found.
O. Walter's second stirring discovery was that of the "Pillar" of the theatre of Ancient Aigeira. According to Wilhem Alzinger who continued the investigation from 1972 onwards, the theatre was constructed during the 5th towards the 4th century B.C.
The front part of the stage of the theatre was decorated with semi-pillars. Still preserved is the orchestral drain and the north wall of the stage with a central door which during the Roman years was transformed into venetian style. The greater part of this evidence of the theatre was destroyed during the 2nd century A.D, when the stage was transformed. With this transformation a three-storey stage was created, where its architectural decor shows little evidence of relics.
The facade was divided into three storeys with a protective roof. The lower was of Doric style, the middle was Ionic and the upper was Corinthian. The building of the three-storey stage is dated back to the years of Andrianou, 117-138 A.D.
At the location of the excavations there has also been found a part of the wall of the town, a kiln for pots and pot fragments from 3000 B.C, marble plaques on which is written the decree of the Roman emperor Dioklitianou, many inscriptions and names. At the excavations of 1972, on the north side of the theatre a part of the temple of Zeus was discovered as is believed by Alzinger. The floor is covered with splendid mosaic and river pebbles, and is decorated with different pictures such as vultures, beetles and an eagle attacking a snake and two vases.
From 1989 to this day, the excavations and investigation are carried out by Antonio Faber, architect and professor at the University of Vienna, professor O. Mous and the students of the university.

Town Hall EGIRA , ACHAIA , GREECE
Head office
25010 EGIRA , ACHAIA , GREECE
Tel.: +30 26963 60100 , Fax: +30 26963 (26960) 39010
E-mail: aigeira@otenet.gr , URL: http://www.aigeira.gov.gr

Teichos Dymaion

2014-01-05T02:01:00.000-08:00

The fortification was built in the mycenaean period, probably around 1300 B.C., in the so-called cyclopean manner (making use of large limestone blocks) and was protecting the hill on its three sides, the fourth being naturally protected by the cliff and the lagoon. The wall is 250m. long and 4.5-5.5m. thick, with an average surviving height of ca. 8.4m. Access to the inside of the citadel was provided by three gates, one at each side of the wall, the main gate at the southeastern side being further protected by a gate tower. House ruins belonging to successive habitation phases have come to light inside the acropolis, proving the intensive use of the site during the mycenaean period (1680-1040 B.C.). Human occupation of the site has been verified for phases prior to the fortification’s construction, as early as the Final Neolithic period (ca. 3500 B.C.) and more intensively during the Early and Middle Helladic periods (ca. 3000-1680 B.C.).

In historical times human activity at Teichos Dymaion was, more or less, continuous. During the war between the Achaean and the Aitolian Leagues (220-217 B.C.) the site was seized by the Aitolian general Eutichidas and was later taken without battle by king Philip V of Macedonia, who subsequently handed it to the Dymaians. In roman times the acropolis was part of the Colonia Iulia Augusta Dumaeorum (the imperial colony of Dyme) and was probably inhabited by roman settlers.

Intensive use of the site continued during the byzantine era. Significant alterations to the citadel’s original form took place during the middle byzantine period (10th - 12th cent. A.D.): a cross wall, dividing the acropolis in two parts, was built at that time, along with a tower over the southeastern corner of the fortification; the middle gate was disused and blocked by a wall.

The Venetians took over the acropolis in 1408, when the catholic bishop of Patra leased the barony of Patra to them for a five-year period. Later on (1687-1715), 1000 settlers from Lidhoriki (a mountainous town in Phokis, in central Greece) came to live in the surrounding area that was then uninhabited; this is probably the period during which the northern part of the acropolis was used as a cemetery. After that, habitation on the site was very sporadic and has left no traces. When a number of western European travelers visited Teichos Dymaion during the 19th cent. it was found deserted.

More recently, during World War II, the site was used as a military camp by the Italian occupation troops that built a number of installations (gun-shelters, bunkers, storage rooms, dormitories etc), thus causing extensive and irreversible damages to the prehistoric fortification.

Description

The prehistoric citadel of Teichos Dymaion, also known as ?Kastro tis Kalogrias? (the castle of Kalogria) occupies an imposing rocky hilltop at the southernmost tip of the so-called ?Mavra Vouna? (black mountains), a few hundred meters from the village of Araxos. This is the only fortified mycenaean acropolis in western Greece.

The site has been identified with Teichos Dymaion by Polybius and Strabo and the name has been confirmed by the finding of roof tile fragments bearing the stamp of neighboring Dyme, the dominant ancient city of the region. The name Teichos Dymaion dates back to the hellenistic period, when the mycenaean fort was the stronghold of Dyme in its defense against the raids of the Eleians and the Aitolians. An older name could have been Larissa (a common name, used for fortified citadels), mentioned by ancient writers as lying near river Larissos.

The location offers obvious strategic advantages to its inhabitants, providing unhindered views to the surrounding plain - the Dymaian land - and to the coastal zone towards the gulf of Patra to the north and the Ionian sea to the west.

This strategic location, along with the ample natural resources of the region, the Prokopos and Pappas lagoons, the forested slopes that would provide excellent hunting possibilities and the fertile plains spreading between the two major rivers of the region, Peiros and Larissos, give the reasons for the long term occupation of the site, beginning in the final neolithic period (ca. 3500 B.C.) and continuing, almost without a break, until medieval times (17th cent. A.D.).Administrative Information

Official Unit:
6th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities

Patra, Araxos, (castle of Kalogria) (Prefecture of Ahaia)

Telephone: 2693051605
Fax: 2610624051

Email: stepka@culture.gr

photo by

http://arxaiaellinika.wordpress.com

http://www.tdpeae.gr/index.php?ID=Io3K9UtjZwhi5LeJ

http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/gh351.jsp?obj_id=18783

View Achaia in a larger map

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2013-12-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

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Meteora, Greece’s city in the sky

2013-11-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

Meteora is, after the Holy Mountain, the largest and constant presence since the establishment of the first ascetics today monasteries in Greece. From the historical evidence suggests that the monasteries of Meteora were thirty in total. Of these thirty monasteries six are in operation today and receive many pilgrims. There are also many smaller monasteries abandoned. Most of them were founded in the 14th century.

In the 14th century, Saint Athanasios the Meteorite, set up the first organized monastic priory with regulations and organized according to typical organized monasteries of Mount Athos.

Meteora was named by Saint Athanasius of Meteora Monastery of the Great Meteoro. Since then, over the Acropolis came and settled Monks and Nuns, who toil day and night work, fasting, vigil, not only for their own salvation but for the salvation of all people with long prayers and supplications.

The six visited monasteries of Meteora, is now restored and preserved for the most part in the mural decoration. In 1989, Unesco inscribed Meteora in the list of World Heritage Monuments, as a particularly important cultural and natural property.

Theopetra Kalambakas

Built on the banks of Lithaiou (180 meters) 5 km away from Kalambaka.About 600 inhabitants engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry. The old name of the village was "kouveltsi" found on Golden Bull of Emperor Andronikos Palaiologos, the year 1336. The kouveltsi renamed "Theopetra" place name associated with the size of the rock "stone" which, according to tradition, was so great that "touched God." During the Ottoman rule was the seat of the local Aga.

To the north of the village, rises the rocky top of Petra and slightly below, the Litheon river, between stone, stretching plane area 300 acres at the foot of "stone" is the picturesque church of St. Nicholas, while the view from the this is amazing, especially at sunset. Interestingly, the church of St. Athanasius (1876), with a sizeable wooden temple.

The cave of Theopetra located on the northeast side of rocky limestone volume (the 'Muti') on a hill at the foot of which lies the village. This cave in the Middle Paleolithic period (40,000 BC), surface 600sq.m with stalactites. 2 have been found human skeletons, aged 14,500 years and 8500 respectively as well as other kinds of life that dates back to age some 50,000 years BC, and excavations continue. In common store collected and classified all sorts of discoveries. The visit becomes possible, after consultation with the responsible officer of the Archaeological Service.

Celebrations take place during Holy Week. The young people of the village gather holly and other woods for the lighting of the Great Fire, the lamp in the evening of the Resurrection at the top of the rock Stone. The fire was visible from a distance. On Easter Sunday the events culminating in the central square, with municipal;; folk dance groups from local traditional costumes.