The Museum of the City of Athens
Comprised of the Dekozi-Vouros Residence and the Ephtaxias Residence, this twin building complex on Paparrigopoulou street, in Klafthmonos square, houses the Museum of the City of Athens. Built in 1834 from designs by German architects Lunder and Hoffer, its construction had been commissioned by Dekozi-Vouros, a banker from Chios. Being one of the first new buildings constructed in the city, it remains a superb example of the architectural style known as early classicism. When completed, the building... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Tzistarakis Mosque
Known as the "Tzistarakis Mosque," this is one of the few Muslim monuments remaining in Athens. Built in 1759 by the Governor, Tzistarakis, during the second period (1689-1821) of the Ottoman occupation, it has been rumoured that the lime used for its construction was procured by melting down a column from the Olympieion. But research has proved that a column from Hadrian's Library was actually used. In the 20th Century, the mosque housed the Museum of Hellenic Folk Art. Today it serves as an annex... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Hydra Traditional Residential Area
The picturesque town of Hydra, the capital and port of the island, has been declared a “preserved historical site.” Located in the center of the island, its magnificent mansions and simple, stone-built houses overlook the entrance of the famous port. During the War of Independence in 1821, Ibrahim Pasha called the island "Little England," due to the huge fleet of 186 ships moored in the harbour, their well-trained crews ready for battle. And the island produced its own share of heroic sailors... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Presentation of the 12 Olympian Gods
In “Alexander the Great” by Ulrich Wickens is stated that “in order to understand the Greeks we must get into the specificity of their nature” and as Jacob Burckhardt once said, “the myth is the virtual foundation of their entire being”. It was usual for the Greeks, even in cold political cases, to refer to mythological incidents or to form the myths in accordance to the interests of their present as well to project their present situations to the mythical times in order to gain more... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Ancient Theater of Aigeira
The ancient theater is situated near the town of Aigeira at an altitude of 350m above sea level offering a view to the Corinthian gulf. Its construction dates back to 280-250 Β.C. Similar to the orchestra, the koilo is hewn on natural rock and when not available the soil was cut to accommodate stone seats. During the Hellenistic period it consisted of a two storey building. A corridor divides the koilo into two parts with a total capacity of 3000 spectators, its total length reaching 30,70 m. Source:... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Odeum of Patras
Erected before the Odeum of Herodes Atticus in Athens, the Roman Odeum of Patras was built in 160 BC. According to Pausanias, it has the most beautiful decoration after that the Odeum of Athens. On site was the statue of Apollo, which was built from the spoils of war between the Aitolians and the Gauls. In 279 B.C., the inhabitants of Patras created an alliance with the Aitolians to win the war. Completely covered with earth until then, the Odeum was revealed in 1889. The monument was repaired... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Ancient Ilida
Ilida or Ilis was a city-state in ancient Ilia, very near ancient Olympia, and took up the area which today extends from the village of Paliopoli (or Nea Ilida) to the southeast, Bouchioti (or Avgeio) to the southwest and Kalyvia to the west. According to myth, it was founded by Oxylus, son of Aemon and Gorgi, who is also mentioned in some traditions as the founder of the Olympic Games. Oxylus, who hailed from Aetolia, founded Ilida by merging all pre-existing towns in the area, and became its first... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Ancient Olympia
During classical times Olympia was the city of Ilia best known as the area where the Olympic Games took place, the greatest athletic event of the then-Greek world. Today Ancient Olympia is a village and a municipality of Ilia, built in the valley of river Alpheus. Nearby lies the archaeological site, one of the most popular ones in Greece, which attracts every year tourists from all over the world. The first excavations in the area began in 1829 and are still on-going, with important information... διαβάστε περισσότερα