Step into the world of Mycenaean seafaring: A New Maritime Heritage Center Opens in Xylokastro

A fascinating new cultural destination has opened in Xylokastro, Corinthia: the “Aristonautes” Center for Mycenaean Maritime Art, dedicated to experimental archaeology, research and education.

The center brings the maritime world of the Mycenaean era to life, featuring part of a reconstructed twenty-oared ship, complete with its rigging, as well as ancient shipbuilding tools, replicas of vessels used to transport goods, and exhibits exploring life and sea travel during the Bronze Age.

Visitors can discover how the Mycenaeans built their ships and explore the techniques described in Homer’s Odyssey for the construction of Odysseus’ famous raft.

From the tools and materials used by ancient shipbuilders to the foods, plants and goods mentioned in Homeric epics and traded across the Mediterranean, the center offers a hands-on journey through the maritime world of the Bronze Age, including a glimpse into the markets of ancient Egypt.

Japanese Rating Agency R&I Upgrades Outlook for Greek Economy from Stable to Positive (BBB Positive)

Japanese rating agency R&I has upgraded the outlook for the Greek economy from “stable” to “positive” (BBB Positive), a development considered particularly positive amid the prevailing international conditions.

Explaining the upgrade, the agency said that the Greek economy is expected to continue growing steadily. Thanks to structural reforms aimed at strengthening tax revenue collection, the primary balance continues to record significant surpluses, while public debt has declined further.

A continued improvement in the country’s fiscal position is also expected, partly because expenditure growth will remain limited under the European Union’s fiscal rules. At the same time, financial-sector stability has strengthened, reflecting progress in reducing non-performing loans.

Synastry: A Constellation of Connections ✨

Visual art, poetry and the scientific observation of the Universe come together in a multidimensional journey exploring unexpected affinities, collective memory and our place among the stars. Across four locations in Athens, Synastry creates a constellation of encounters, connecting artists, ideas, disciplines and perspectives.

📍 National Library of Greece, SNFCC
📅 September 16 – October 4, 2026

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Εθνική Βιβλιοθήκη της Ελλάδος - National Library of Greece