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“Synastry”: When Art, Poetry and Astronomy Meet at the National Library

Syriopoulou Panagiota — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 07:20:00 +0000

A multidimensional cultural journey bringing together visual art, poetry and the scientific observation of the Universe will take place from September 16 to October 4, 2026, at the National Library of Greece (NLG), located at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC). The group exhibition “Synastry”, conceived and initiated by Lefteris Moysiadis and curated by Kostas Prapoglou, extends beyond a single exhibition venue, unfolding across four different locations in Athens and creating a unique “star map” of the city.

At the heart of the project lies the human desire to understand the Universe and our place within it. “Synastry” draws on the astrological term not as a means of prediction, but as a system for exploring relationships, affinities and unexpected correspondences between human beings and the celestial sphere, as well as between art, poetry, science and collective memory.

From a Walk on the Hill of the Nymphs

The idea was born during the pandemic, following a walk by Lefteris Moysiadis on the Hill of the Nymphs, below the National Observatory of Athens. As he observed the symbols of the constellations engraved on the Observatory’s dome, he conceived the idea of inviting visual artists to interpret the constellations and planets through painting and sculpture. Over time, the initial idea organically expanded through encounters with people and institutions who recognized in it a shared field of dialogue. The participation of curator Kostas Prapoglou, who took on the curatorship of the exhibition, proved decisive. As he explains, “Synastry” operates on multiple levels: on the one hand, it explores human relationships, and on the other, humanity’s relationship with the unknown. Visitors move among works of art and poetry while also encountering rare books and manuscripts, in a multidimensional experience that brings together visual art, language, scientific knowledge and memory.

Twenty Visual Artists, Thirteen Poets and the Collections of the National Library of Greece

In the atrium on the 4th floor of the National Library of Greece, beneath the glass ceiling that allows natural light and the changing sky to become part of the experience, 20 visual artists present works inspired by planets, constellations and cosmic narratives. The works bring together mythology, scientific observation, the celestial sphere, and personal and collective memory. Woven into this visual journey are the voices of 13 contemporary Greek poets, whose poems were written especially for the project and function as “constellations of language.” Where the image gives form, the verse adds rhythm and an inner resonance.

The exhibition is complemented by rare manuscripts and books on cosmography, astronomy and astrology from the National Library of Greece’s Special Collections. The juxtaposition of contemporary works with historical materials creates a dialogue between different eras: the observation of the sky by scientists of the past meets the contemporary artistic gaze, highlighting the timeless human need to interpret the Universe.

“Synastry” in the City

The project extends beyond the National Library of Greece to three additional landmark venues in Athens.

National Observatory of Athens – Hill of the Nymphs

Before the official opening of the exhibition, the National Observatory of Athens, Greece’s first research institution, will host a special event at its main facilities on the Hill of the Nymphs in Thissio. The public and members of the artistic community will have the opportunity to engage directly with the scientific observation of the sky through a guided tour and observations of the night sky, planets and constellations using the Observatory’s historic telescopes.

Eugenides Foundation Planetarium

At the Eugenides Foundation Planetarium, visitors will be able to take part in “Live Space Tours,” which make use of an advanced space-flight simulation system. The dates of the tours will be announced soon. The programme brings scientific knowledge together with the experience of a virtual journey through space, extending the central idea of “Synastry” from the exhibition space into the Universe itself.

Stoa Arsaki

The journey culminates on Saturday, September 26, under the full moon, at the new Stoa Arsaki. In the atrium of the Stoa, the poets participating in “Synastry” will read the poems they wrote especially for the project. Poetry will meet the night sky, followed immediately by a musical event dedicated to the Full Moon.

“The Universe Restores Measure”

For Lefteris Moysiadis, “Synastry” is also an opportunity to reconsider humanity’s place in the world. Modern technology often creates the illusion that everything can be measured, predicted and controlled. The Universe, by contrast, “restores a sense of proportion.” The awareness that we are small in relation to the Universe, he notes, is not a humiliation but an act of self-awareness. Awe in the face of infinity frees us from the belief that we are at the center of everything and can ultimately make us “more sensitive, more humble and more human.”

The event is organized in collaboration with the National Library of Greece, the National Observatory of Athens and the Eugenides Foundation, and is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, the General Secretariat for Communication and Information, the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Municipality of Kallithea. The communication sponsor is Tsakalou P.R. Agency.

Accessibility for All: Particular emphasis has been placed on ensuring equal access for people with visual impairments. The exhibition includes tactile representations of artworks, audio descriptions, specially designed labels and informational materials, enabling visitors with visual impairments to experience and engage with the artworks, poetry and books presented in the exhibition.

Information

Venue: 4th-floor atrium of the National Library of Greece, SNFCC, 364 Syngrou Avenue, Kallithea

Dates: September 16 – October 4, 2026

Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 09:30–20:00

Admission: Free

Sources and Photos:

-amna.gr

-athensvoice.gr

The post “Synastry”: When Art, Poetry and Astronomy Meet at the National Library appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

Arty Summer Holidays on the Greek Islands, Part 4/4 (Aegina, Spetses, Skiathos, Ios, Santorini)

iandrianopoulos — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 07:30:00 +0000

Summer in Greece is synonymous with sunshine, the sea, and a vibrant cultural scene. This season, island escapes and visits to historic destinations offer more than breathtaking landscapes: they also provide the opportunity to discover some of the year's most exciting art exhibitions. From landmark retrospectives of acclaimed artists to innovative group shows in remarkable heritage sites, Greek News Agenda offers a selection of exhibitions not to miss during your summer travels through the Greek islands. Take a deep breath—and dream!

AEGINA

The Municipal Art Gallery of Aegina is presenting the major group ceramics exhibition "CHOMA" (Soil/Earth), (until August 23, 2026) conceived and curated by Iris Kritikou. Τhe exhibition offers a broad survey of the contemporary landscape of Greek ceramic art. The 80 participating artists present works that draw subtle references to primitive vessels, non-figurative prehistoric pottery, ancient votive and utilitarian ceramics, as well as the lustrous surfaces of ceramic vessels from other cultures. Other works engage in aesthetic dialogue with modern Greek art and contemporary international art. Above all, however, the exhibition showcases works distinguished by the originality of their conception and execution, affirming ceramics' enduring ability to move audiences and to stand as a major art form—one with deep historical roots, rich modern traditions, and limitless potential for innovation and artistic expression. (lower photo: ceramic work by Nikos Ghikas)

(upper photo: Aegina, https://www.discovergreece.com/attica/aegina )

SPETSES

The Anargyros Art Residency on Spetses has quickly established itself as one of Greece's most inspiring artist residency programmes. Set within the historic grounds of the Anargyrios and Korgialenios School of Spetses (AKSS), a former boarding school overlooking the sea, it offers artists a unique environment in which to live, create and exchange ideas. Under the artistic direction of Eva Vaslamatzi and the coordination of Simoni Niarou, the residency fosters dialogue among participants and the local community. This year's edition, centred on the theme of animism, transforms the school's remarkable setting into a vibrant space where history, nature and contemporary artistic practice converge. The contemporary art exhibition “Insular Animisms” (until August 30, 2026) at the AKSS is the outcome of the Anargyros Art Residency. The exhibition features works by six international artists working across visual arts, film, dance, and music (lower photo right : Nona Inescu, Things not generally known). Concurrently, Building A of the School hosts “Photo Capsule”, an exhibition showcasing works by four photographers (lower photo left).

(upper photo: Spetses, https://www.discovergreece.com/attica/spetses )

SKIATHOS

The recently restored Monastery of Panagia Eikonistria on Skiathos is hosting the group exhibition “In the Shadow of the Pines”, curated by archaeologist and art historian Iris Kritikou (until November 9, 2026). The exhibition's title is drawn from a recurring literary motif and symbolic landscape in the work of Alexandros Papadiamantis, Skiathos' celebrated novelist and one of Greece's greatest writers. Papadiamantis's writing is deeply intertwined with the island's natural world, evoking the fragrance, atmosphere, and spiritual serenity of its pine forests through an early, remarkably holistic ecological vision that approaches the sublime. Through their works, the participating artists pay tribute to Skiathos, creating a visual psychogeography of the island that resonates profoundly within the monastery's evocative setting. (lower photo: work by Iliana Paloglou)

(upper photo: Skiathos https://www.discovergreece.com/thessaly-sporades/skiathos )

IOS

The group exhibition ΓΑΙΑ/GAIA at the Gaïtis–Simossi Museum on Ios (August 1- October 19, 2026) explores the concept of the Earth as a mythological, natural and cultural entity. It develops two parallel narratives that intersect at a common point of reflection: humanity’s relationship with the natural world and the consequences of the ever-increasing disruption of that relationship. The choice of a Cycladic island – and specifically Ios – as the venue for this exhibition lends an additional layer of meaning to it. The Cyclades form a landscape where the presence of the Earth is instantly felt through the geomorphology, rock formations, intense light, and constant interplay between land and sea. From the prehistoric civilizations of the Aegean to the present day, the islands have fostered a unique relationship between humans and the natural environment, a relationship linked to memory, survival, creation and transformation. In the Cyclades, Gaia is not merely a mythological figure but, rather, a lived reality inscribed in the landscape itself and in the cultural identity of the land. (lower photo: Nikos Tranos, from the installation Terrain (Horse Bit – Bridle), 2015–2026)

(upper photo: Ios Chora, https://www.discovergreece.com/cyclades/ios)

SANTORINI

The Tomato Industrial Museum “D.Nomikos” on Santorini, co-organises with the Theran Society of Arts and Sciences and in collaboration with the Cycladic Identity Initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art, the exhibition “INDUSTRIANA: The industrial heritage of Santorini and Therasia” (until October 31, 2026). Through raw materials, production facilities, industrial machinery and personal testimonies, the exhibition explores the artisanal, pre-industrial and industrial history of Santorini and Therasia. The museum narrative is supported by historical records, preserved artefacts, contemporary documentation and interviews with former workers. The initiative was born out of the organisers’ commitment to preserving the memories of the region’s inactive industrial heritage before they are lost.

(upper phot: Santorini Fyra, https://www.discovergreece.com/cyclades/santorini )

And after immersing yourself in the world of art, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the idyllic beaches of the Greek islands

Aegina, Temple of Apollo beach (https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/14-best-things-to-do-aegina#discover-unique-monuments-all-around-aegina)

Spetses, Agia Paraskevi beach (https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/8-best-things-do-spetses)

Skiathos, Lalaria beach (https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/10-best-beaches-skiathos)

Ios, Mylopotas beach (https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/8-best-beaches-ios)

Santorini, Vlychada beach (https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/8-best-beaches-santorini )

The post Arty Summer Holidays on the Greek Islands, Part 4/4 (Aegina, Spetses, Skiathos, Ios, Santorini) appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

Arty Summer Holidays on the Greek Islands, Part 3/4 (Hydra, Rhodes, Lesvos, Rethymno, Chania)

iandrianopoulos — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

HYDRA

This year, the Slaughterhouse Project on Hydra by DESTE FOUNDATION feature “Until That Day”, an exhibition by Nari Ward (b. 1963, St. Andrew, Jamaica; lives and works in New York), who is renowned for his sculptural installations composed of discarded material found and collected in his neighborhood (until October 31, 2026). By re-contextualizing these found objects, Ward creates thought-provoking juxtapositions that address social and political issues surrounding race, poverty, and consumer culture (middle photo left: Installation view, photo by Pinelopi Gerasimou for DESTE).

Visual artist Dimitris Antonitsis has organized the group exhibition “Hydor/Onar (Water of Dreams)” at Hydra School Projects (until September 6, 2026). The exhibition is the second chapter of a trilogy exploring the work of artists whose practices revolve around themes such as water, transformation, memory, and dreamlike states. Set against Hydra's luminous landscape, it examines the ways in which artistic creation emerges through intuition and instinct rather than certainty. At the heart of this ongoing trilogy is an artistic dialogue between two iconic figures whose lives and work were profoundly shaped by Hydra: Brice Marden and Jannis Kounellis. (middle photo right: Styliane Philippou's marble sculpture, photo by Pinelopi Gerasimou for Hydra School Projects).

Two elements of nature, two opposing worlds, come together to shape the universe of the exhibition “Of Ether and Sea”, featuring works by sculptor Venia Dimitrakopoulou, at the Hydra Historical Archive–Museum (until September 14, 2026). Hybrid forms—fragments of creatures that seem to belong simultaneously to the sea and the sky—emerge from the surface of marble in the new works of the acclaimed sculptor. (lower photo: Venia Dimitrakopoulou, «Anadyomene»)

(upper photo Hydra, https://www.discovergreece.com/attica/hydra)

RHODES

This summer, the second edition of the Biennale of Contemporary Keramics (BCK) takes place in the Medieval City of Rhodes (until October 31, 2026). Titled “Where the Day Starts”, the biennial transforms the island into an international meeting point for contemporary ceramic art. Spread across five landmark historic venues within the Medieval City, this year's edition brings together 42 artists from 18 countries, presenting a rich spectrum of contemporary practices and artistic approaches (lower photo: Asunción Molinos Gordo, ¡Cuánto río allá arriba!). Through its central exhibition and an extensive programme of events, BCK 2026 highlights contemporary ceramics as a dynamic and evolving medium of artistic expression, while also positioning it as a vital vehicle for intercultural dialogue across the Mediterranean.

(upper photo Rhodes Lindos, https://www.discovergreece.com/dodecanese/rhodes)

LESVOS

K-Gold Temporary Gallery on Lesvos presents the group exhibition “Spectral”, curated by Nikolaos Vamvouklis, and bringing together new and historical works by artists from different disciplines and placing the visual arts in dialogue with photography, dance, and fashion (until September 6, 2026). The exhibition explores how presence and absence can coexist within the same space. It is an attempt to understand these concepts by giving form to what cannot easily be seen or named: the other, the invisible, the unspeakable. And while memory does not retrieve a fixed image but instead often introduces a fracture into what we perceive as familiar, the exhibition approaches this fluid terrain not only as an atmosphere but also as a gesture. At the same time, K-Gold Temporary Gallery presents its annual exhibition “Re-Collection”, featuring works from its collection alongside material developed through projects on the island of Lesvos. The selection highlights artistic collaborations that have evolved since the organization's founding in 2014, proposing new encounters and fresh interpretations. (lower photo Bas Jan Ader, Please don’t leave me, 1969, House paint, lightbulbs, wire, dimensions variable, Courtesy of Meliksetian | Briggs, Dallas & Los Angeles)

(upper photo Lesvos Mytilene, https://www.discovergreece.com/north-aegean-islands/lesvos)

RETHYMNO

Visitors to Rethymno this summer will have the opportunity to see the retrospective exhibition “The Brittle Trace of Symbols” by Rethymno-born artist Nikos Alexiou (1960–2011) at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete (until November 6, 2026). The exhibition aims to illuminate key moments from the celebrated artist’s career, whose practice was rooted in memory—from his childhood blanket to Mount Athos, where he spent an extended period of his life. These personal references are interwoven with countless symbolic “roles,” while his meticulous attention to detail shapes a body of work in which innocence is constantly shadowed by tragedy. Reeds and twine, or delicate sheets of paper, appear perfectly balanced yet remain vulnerable, as though they could be destroyed by the slightest careless movement. The exhibition is curated by Maria Marangou. (On view until 6 November, lower photo: Nikos Alexiou Drawers, photo credit: Popi Alexiou),

(upper photo: Rethymno, https://www.discovergreece.com/crete/rethymno)

CHANIA

More than 150 paintings, installations, animations, comics, sculptures, notes, and preparatory sketches by Alexandros Psychoulis are on view in his new exhibition, “Runaway thoughts were my only danger”, at the Municipal Art Gallery of Chania (until October 4, 2026). Rather than following the linear narrative of a conventional retrospective, the exhibition highlights the artist’s pioneering contribution to contemporary Greek art, shaped by the influence of mass media, commercial television, new technologies, computers, pop culture, music, comics, graphic design, fashion, design, and architecture. At the same time, it brings into focus the defining threads of Psychoulis’s practice: the visual language that runs through and unifies his work, and the interplay between handcrafted techniques and technological mediation. The exhibition is curated by Christoforos Marinos. (lower photo: Alexandros Psychoulis, Meristomatrix, 2011, 70 x 100 cm, ballpoint pen on paper, a.antonopoulou.art),

(upper photo: The Venetian port of Chania, https://www.discovergreece.com/crete/chania )

And after immersing yourself in the world of art, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the idyllic beaches of the Greek islands

Hydra, Hydronetta beach (https://www.hydra.gr/mobile/en_paralies.html)

Rhodes, Kallithea thermal springs beach (https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/12-best-beaches-rhodes)

Lesvos, Aghios Ermogenis beach (https://www.visitlesvos.gr/en/natural-environment/beaches/, https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/12-best-beaches-lesvos)

Rethymno, Preveli beach (https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/discover-15-best-beaches-crete )

Chania, Elafonissi beach (https://www.discovergreece.com/tra v el-ideas/best-of/discover-15-best-beaches-crete )

The post Arty Summer Holidays on the Greek Islands, Part 3/4 (Hydra, Rhodes, Lesvos, Rethymno, Chania) appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

Arty Summer Holidays on the Greek Islands, Part 2/4 (Naxos, Amorgos, Tinos, Chios, Syros)

iandrianopoulos — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:30:00 +0000

NAXOS

The AFI collective brings together seven accomplished artists who, working with a wide range of materials—including paint, brushes, wood, iron, clay, handmade paper, thread, and fabric—and embracing the principles of slow making, translate ideas and traditional craft techniques into a contemporary visual language. Their new exhibition «syn AFI” at the historic Bazeos Tower on Naxos (until September 27, 2026) moves beyond a straightforward presentation of artworks, opening instead a meaningful dialogue with the monument’s handcrafted, sculptural architecture. In doing so, it proposes an alternative yet harmonious way of inhabiting the space—one that is both multisensory and multidimensional. The Naxos Festival, in the Bazeos Tower (lower photo right), began in the summer of 2001, as a bold and imaginative idea to transform an exceptional preserved monument, of the 17th century, into the current analogue of the function for which it was built: a temple of art, education and culture. (lower photo left: work by Inger Carlsson, lower photo right The Bazeos Tower)

(upper photo: Naxos Chora, https://www.discovergreece.com/cyclades/naxos)

AMORGOS

“Mnemosyne” is a curatorial concept unfolding across the island of Amorgos, spanning three distinct locations from north to south through three interconnected exhibitions that invite visitors to journey across the island by way of memory, landscape, and the natural elements (July–August). Each exhibition explores a different facet of the overarching theme and can be experienced independently, while together they form a broader narrative linking water, place, time, and human experience. The journey begins in Aegiali with “Remembrance,” continues in Chora with “Whispers of Water,” an encounter between painting and ceramics that examines water as a force of transformation, and concludes in Kolofana with “Memory,” bringing together artists from a range of disciplines.

(upper photo: Amorgos Chora, https://www.discovergreece.com/cyclades/amorgos)

TINOS

The Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation presents the solo exhibition by Argiris Rallias titled “Litany” in the Museum of Marble Crafts in Pyrgos on Tinos (until November 30, 2026). The exhibition, curated by Christoforos Marinos, takes place in a venue dedicated to marble craftsmanship on Tinos and the connection of this precious material to labour, worship, community and everyday life. In Pyrgos, a land with a strong tradition in the art of marble, Rallias's sculpture meets the long history of local craftsmen, merging technical knowledge with creation. The exhibition's title alludes to the litany as the movement of a community around something that transcends it. In Rallias's work, this community includes people, animals, the dead, the relatives, objects and the landscape itself. Each sculpture carries a plea, a loss, a small request for protection ((photo lower left).

The Cultural Foundation of Tinos presents this summer the painting exhibition “From Chaos to Cosmos”, featuring works by Anna Maria Tsakali and Edouardos Sakayan (photo lower right). Conceived as a creative dialogue between two leading figures of the contemporary Greek art scene, the exhibition brings together their distinct painterly languages to engage with the existential, social, and ecological questions of our time. (until August 23, 2026)

(upper photo: Dovecoats, a feature of the Tinos landscape considered some of the most impressive works of art in the Cyclades, https://www.discovergreece.com/cyclades/tinos)

CHIOS

The Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation presents the temporary photography exhibition by Giorgos Tatakis titled “Caryatis IV | Chios” in the Chios Mastic Museum (until December 31, 2026). The exhibition includes thirty-six photographs in black and white, selected from numerous images captured by Tatakis on Chios (lower photo George Tatakis, Chios island, Mastichochorea, Olympoi, 2021). They depict women of various generations in landscapes, settlements and historical buildings on the island. Having documented traditional costumes and their variations from twenty-one villages of Chios, Tatakis points out: "In all my travels, I have never encountered another place with such an extraordinary diversity of traditional costumes. Chios, with its exceptional textile production and unparalleled quality of fabrics, combined with the prosperity ensured by commerce, gave rise to this remarkable variety of attire. Villagers in settlements located very close to each other sought to display their wealth by distinguishing themselves from their neighbours, and so, each village developed its own distinctive attire".

(upper photo Chios, The Mastic Villages, https://www.discovergreece.com/north-aegean-islands/chios)

SYROS

The Municipality of Syros–Ermoupolis presents the group exhibition of contemporary art “Metoikoi – Transition, Integration, Creation”, hosted at the Cyclades Art Gallery from 1 to 30 August 2026. The exhibition brings together works by distinguished Greek visual artists (Daskalakis, Georgiou, Manousakis, Sakayan, Misouras, Giannakaki, Rorris, Filopoulou, Ragkou, Tzamouranis, Lappas, and Samios) and develops a creative artistic dialogue with the history, identity, and cultural heritage of Ermoupolis. The Cyclades Art Gallery (photo lower right) has been housed since 1994 in four of the former transit warehouses on the northern quay of the port of Syros, in Ermoupolis. The warehouses were built between 1834 and 1839 based on designs by the Bavarian architect Johann Erlacher, who accompanied King Otto, and were among the earliest buildings constructed in Ermoupolis.

2026 is a truly special year as Syros honor the 200th anniversary of its city’s naming, Ermoupolis. The anniversary cultural program of the Municipality of Syros-Ermoupolis unfolds before you as a celebration of memory, creativity, and culture (photo lower left). Through a rich program of concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibitions, and activities for all ages, Syros transforms into a meeting point for arts and culture.

(upper phot Syros, Ermoupolis, Vaporia district, https://www.discovergreece.com/cyclades/syros )

And after immersing yourself in the world of art, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the idyllic beaches of the Greek islands

Naxos, Plaka beach (https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/10-best-beaches-naxos)

Amorgos, Agios Pavlos beach (https://www.amorgos-island.gr/en/section/aegiali-beaches/, https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/10-best-things-do-amorgos )

Tinos, Kolympithra beach (https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/10-b e st-beaches-tinos)

Chios, Mavra Volia beach (https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/explore-10-best-beaches-chios)

Syros, Delfini beach (https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/10-best-beaches-syros)

The post Arty Summer Holidays on the Greek Islands, Part 2/4 (Naxos, Amorgos, Tinos, Chios, Syros) appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

The Greater Olympus Area inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List

iandrianopoulos — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +0000

The inscription of “The Greater Olympus Area” on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a Mixed Property was unanimously approved during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Environment and Energy expressed their joy, pride, and great satisfaction. The decision was adopted during the Committee's 48th session, held in Busan, South Korea, from 19 July. (cover photo: Stefani Summit, Mount Olympus, https://www.culture.gov.gr/)

The inclusion of the mythical mountain on the World Heritage List is one of the highest international distinctions in the field of cultural and natural heritage conservation. It recognizes the Outstanding Universal Value of Olympus, placing it among the world's most iconic heritage sites that merit special protection and stewardship for the benefit of humanity.

Climbing road to Olympus from the west side (photo: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1719/gallery/ )

View of the Enipeas Gorge

Approximately 50,000 visitors climb Mount Olympus each year. For local authorities and stakeholders, its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List represents both an opportunity and a challenge, as it is expected to strengthen protection against the growing pressures of tourism development and climate change. Under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, properties inscribed on the World Heritage List benefit from an internationally recognized framework for protection and conservation.

The "abode of the immortals," as Homer described it, was designated Greece's first national park in 1938 in recognition of its unique natural landscape. In 1981, UNESCO designated Olympus as a Biosphere Reserve, and in 2021 it was declared a National Park by presidential decree.

"The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has unanimously decided, during its meeting in South Korea, to inscribe Mount Olympus on the prestigious World Heritage List, confirming its status as one of the world's most significant sites of cultural and natural heritage," said President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas in a statement.

"From today, the mythical Mount Olympus becomes a mountain belonging to all humanity—one that must be protected forever. UNESCO's unanimous decision to inscribe it on the World Heritage List is a landmark national achievement," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a social media post.

Calling it a historic decision taken in Busan, South Korea, Giorgos Koumoutsakos, Greece's Permanent Representative to UNESCO and head of the Greek delegation, also welcomed the inscription in a post on social media. "The unanimous global recognition of Mount Olympus as a cultural and natural property of Outstanding Universal Value is a historic achievement. The hard work, coordination, and close cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Environment and Energy, and the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency made this landmark decision possible," said Giorgos Koumoutsakos, among other remarks.

Daphne oleoides (photo: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1719/gallery/ )

At the same time, Olympus is home to a rich and diverse ecosystem, rare species of flora and fauna, and important archaeological and historical monuments that reflect the region's long cultural heritage. It is also one of Greece's premier tourist destinations and one of the country's most recognizable symbols, embodying the enduring legacy of Greek mythology and inspiring people around the world.

Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni stated: "The inscription of Mount Olympus on the UNESCO World Heritage List confirms Greece's enduring commitment to the protection, promotion, and sustainable management of its cultural and natural heritage, in accordance with the principles of the World Heritage Convention. At the same time, it enhances the international profile of a place that has long been a timeless symbol of Greek civilization, nature, and our shared world heritage, underscoring the international community's collective responsibility to safeguard it for the benefit of present and future generations. This inscription uniquely encapsulates the inseparable bond between our cultural and natural heritage. Through the Homeric epics and the works of ancient Greek literature, Mount Olympus carried Greek mythology and Greek culture to every corner of the world. It remains the eternal home of the Olympian Gods and a landscape of extraordinary richness and dramatic beauty, inspiring awe and reverence while continuing to stimulate thought, the arts, the sciences, and cultural creativity across the globe. In Homer's epics, Olympus is described as polyptychos ('many-peaked'), makros ('towering' or 'lofty'), niphoeis ('snow-clad'), and polydeiras ('deeply ravined'). These Homeric epithets became the starting point of an enduring tradition of inspiration. The image of Olympus, shaped by Homer's poetic genius nearly three millennia ago, remains unchanged to this day, inspiring the same sense of admiration and reverence in modern visitors."

Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou stated: "Greece's natural environment is a living and inseparable part of our identity, history, and culture. Its protection and enhancement lie at the heart of our government's policy. Mount Olympus, designated Greece's first National Park in 1938, is a sanctuary for rare birds of prey and is home to 28% of the country's plant taxa—more than 1,900 species, including 27 that are endemic to Olympus and found nowhere else in the world—as well as significant wildlife populations. From Mount Olympus—a global symbol linking the ancient myth of Greece's highest mountain as the abode of the gods with our country's environmental future—to the Untrodden Mountains initiative and the new National Marine Parks announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and now being implemented, we are demonstrating in practice that the protection of nature and biodiversity remains a steadfast national priority. Through the establishment and strengthening of the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA), we have laid the foundations for a modern, integrated system for managing Greece's protected areas. Thanks to the close cooperation between the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the Ministry of Culture, and NECCA, a comprehensive nomination dossier was prepared for Mount Olympus' inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, successfully bringing to fruition an effort that began in 2014."

Mount Olympus (photo: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1719/gallery/ )

The successful completion of Mount Olympus' nomination for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a Mixed Property is the result of close and fruitful cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Environment and Energy in safeguarding and promoting Greece's cultural and natural heritage. The nomination dossier was prepared by the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA), supervised by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, in cooperation with the Directorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities of the Ministry of Culture, drawing on the expertise of both institutions in the fields of natural and cultural heritage. The successful outcome of the nomination highlights the value of cross-sectoral cooperation. Combined with the contribution of the competent authorities and their specialized expertise, the scientific community, local government, relevant stakeholders, and other interested parties, this cooperation led to the preparation of a highly complex dossier that successfully met the rigorous requirements of the World Heritage Convention.

This inscription is of particular significance, as Mount Olympus has been inscribed on the List as a Mixed Property, one of the most demanding categories under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Inclusion in this category requires comprehensive documentation demonstrating both the site's cultural and natural values. Mixed Properties represent a relatively small proportion of all inscriptions on the World Heritage List. Mount Olympus was also the only mixed-property nomination submitted for consideration during the current session of the Committee. Together with the previously inscribed sites of Meteora and Mount Athos, Greece now has three Mixed Properties on the World Heritage List. With a total of 21 World Heritage inscriptions, this achievement is of particular importance for the country, further strengthening Greece's international presence within the framework of the Convention.

Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica) on Mount Olympus (photo: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1719/gallery/ )

Waterfall at the Enipeas Gorge (left), Ramonda (Jankaea) heldreichii at the Enipeas Gorge (right)

At the same time, this inscription recognizes the exceptional natural value of Mount Olympus as a site of outstanding importance for biodiversity. Rising to an altitude of 2,918 metres, and owing to its proximity to the Aegean coast, its extensive altitudinal range, rugged terrain, topographical isolation, and historical role as a glacial refuge, Olympus supports 1,983 taxa, representing more than 25% of Greece's flora. This remarkable botanical richness, combined with the exceptionally high concentration of narrowly endemic species—species found nowhere else in the world but on Olympus—endows the mountain with global significance, making it a true "ark of biodiversity." At the same time, Olympus hosts a rich fauna, including numerous species of birds and mammals, as well as the brown bear and the largest Greek subpopulation of the wild goat, along with reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Sanctuary of Isis at the Archaeological Park of Dion. Dion stands in the northern foothills of Mount Olympus, and exercises complete control over the narrow defile leading from Macedonia to Thessaly

Mount Olympus, Greece's highest mountain and a timeless symbol of Greek civilization and world cultural heritage, as the mythical home of the Twelve Olympian Gods, occupies a central place in the worldview of the ancient Greeks. Its influence, conveyed through the Homeric epics, Hesiod's Theogony, and later literary traditions, extended far beyond the boundaries of the ancient world. Today, Olympus continues to inspire literature, the arts, philosophy, the sciences, and contemporary global cultural expression. The archaeological site of Dion (photo above), located at the foot of the mountain, represents the most significant material expression of the worship of the Olympian Gods, organically complementing this exceptional cultural and natural landscape.

Read also:

Olympus: The mountain of the gods

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Arty Summer Holidays on the Greek Islands, Part 1/4 (Andros, Paros, Poros, Samos, Corfu)

iandrianopoulos — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:13:19 +0000

ANDROS

The Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation presents at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Andros a tribute to Germaine Richier (1902-1959), one of the most important figures in 20th century European sculpture, titled “Germaine Richier (1902-1959) – Conversations” (until September 27, 2026). The exhibition retraces the entirety of Richier’s artistic career; despite her premature death at the age of 57, she left behind a remarkably coherent body of work devoted entirely to the exploration of living forms. The exhibition also features a reconstruction of Richier's studio and highlights her work in printmaking. (upper photo: Andros Chrora, https://www.discovergreece.com/cyclades/andros)

PAROS

As part of the cultural program of Paros Park, the Porto Aoussa art space in Naoussa, Paros, hosts the exhibition “Memories from the Aegean” by internationally renowned photographer Robert A. McCabe (until September 30, 2026). The exhibition features 82 selected photographs, personally chosen by the artist specifically for Paros. Through McCabe's lens, visitors journey across the Aegean islands from the 1950s to the late 1970s, discovering a Greece that existed before the tourism boom and the arrival of modern transportation. His photographs capture people who are humble yet proud, living and working within an authentic, unpretentious landscape. At the same time, the photographs reveal the innocence of islands such as Paros, Mykonos, and Santorini, long before they evolved into the cosmopolitan destinations they are today.

(upper photo: Paros Naoussa, https://www.discovergreece.com/cyclades/paros)

POROS

The Citronne Gallery on Poros island presents two solo exhibitions: "The Game of Emergence" by Aphrodite Liti (lower photo left, until September 13, 2026) and "Traces" by Nikos Podias (lower photo right, until September 30, 2026), the latter organized in collaboration with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Piraeus and the Islands. Aphrodite Liti sets up a sculptural world where sea, memory and myth fuse into a single spatial experience. A contemporary conceptual practice emerges as the artist creates an open field of relations and interactions—between the art and the setting, matter and light, the natural and the artificial, the familiar and the surreal. She employs reflection, scale and transformation to correlate nature, myth and dream. Nikos Podias collects mundane materials and reworks them into precious, almost votive objects. Fragile matter—paper, teabags, tin foil—comes into the Archaeological Museum of Poros to meet the sturdiness of marble, the hardness of metal and the earthly density of clay.

(upper photo: Poros, https://www.discovergreece.com/attica/poros )

SAMOS

The group exhibition “Fragments and Futures”, presented at Art Space Pythagorion (until October 2, 2026), the exhibition venue of the Schwarz Foundation on Samos, brings together contemporary artists whose work engages with the visual languages, material remains, and mythic narratives of classical archaeology. Through painting, sculpture, installation, performance, and digital media, these artists reconsider how ancient forms and artefacts continue to shape our cultural imagination. The exhibition asks: What does it mean to “unearth” the past today? How do contemporary artists reinterpret the ruins and relics of antiquity in light of present-day questions about identity, heritage, and historical narrative? Rather than treating classical archaeology as a fixed canon of beauty and order, the exhibition foregrounds it as a site of active interpretation. The exhibition is curated by Katerina Gregos and Ioli Tzanetaki. (lower photo: Lucia Tallová, From the series Unstable Monuments, 2023)

(upper photo: Samos Pythagorio, https://www.discovergreece.com/north-aegean-islands/samos)

CORFU

The National Gallery’s Corfu Annex presents the exhibition ”Alekos Fassianos. Under the Summer Sun” (until January 11, 2027). The poetic gaze of Alekos Fassianos unfolds through figures, colours, and moments inspired by everyday life and memory. Bringing together 46 works – including oils, acrylics, and prints – the exhibition offers a representative overview of the artist’s creative journey. The featured pieces are drawn from the collections of the National Gallery, the Alekos Fassianos Museum, and private collections, spanning nearly six decades of his artistic production. Together, they highlight both the consistency and the evolution of Fassianos’s practice, alongside his singular ability to transform life’s “small, ordinary” moments into images full of life and intensity. (lower photo: Fassianos Alekos (1935 - 2022), Set for the Play “Let’s go for a Walk”, Oil on canvas, 300 x 400 cm, National Gallery)

(upper photo: Corfu, https://www.discovergreece.com/ionian-islands/corfu)

And after immersing yourself in the world of art, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the idyllic beaches of the Greek islands

Andros, Old Lady's Leap beach (https://andros.gr/en/beaches.html, https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/10-best-things-do-andros)

Paros, Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach) (https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/12-best-beaches-paros#chrissi-akti-beach)

Poros, The Russian Bay (https://visitporos.com/beaches.html)

Samos, Tsamadou beach (https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/12-best-beaches-samos)

Corfu, Palaiokastritsa beach (https://visit.corfu.gr/category/beaches/, https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/cover-story/best-beaches-corfu)

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Greece at the Core of the New European Alliance for Cybersecurity Skills

iandrianopoulos — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:12:16 +0000

A new chapter in the development of European cybersecurity policy has begun with the official establishment of the Cybersecurity Skills Coalition European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (CSC-EDIC). Announced in Brussels by Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen during the Digital Skills EU Days 2026, the CSC-EDIC will have its seat in Athens, with Greece, Cyprus, Austria, Croatia and Slovenia coming together as founding members. Czechia and Poland have joined as observers. Other Member States will be able to join at any time under fair and reasonable terms. The consortium aims to become the European Union's primary mechanism for developing a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce across all Member States.

Greece's active participation in shaping this new European initiative is particularly significant. According to the National Cybersecurity Authority, Greece is among the founding Member States of CSC-EDIC and participated in every stage of its preparation—from designing the institutional framework to developing the consortium's strategic direction. The Greek authority also played a coordinating role during the preparatory phase, contributing to the design and architecture of this new European initiative.

The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCSA) of Greece aims to organize, coordinate and implement a comprehensive framework of strategies, measures and actions for achieving and maintaining a high level of prevention, protection, deterrence, response and recovery from cyberattacks. To fulfill its purpose, the Authority develops comprehensive cybersecurity policies framework and draws the National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCSS) through which the strategic objectives, the priorities and the cybersecurity governance framework are defined. At the national level, NCSA is the leading authority in the cybersecurity domain implementing a whole of government approach. The Authority is responsible for issuing mandatory cybersecurity requirements for essential and important entities, as well as guidance of implementation and it is the competent authority to monitor compliance with the cybersecurity legislation. It fosters cooperation and coordination between governmental agencies and between the public and private sector. The Authority cooperates with EU agencies, other member states’ entities and communicates and exchanges expertise with international bodies and organizations as well as allied countries.

Addressing the Cybersecurity Skills Gap

The creation of CSC-EDIC is intended to tackle one of the European Union's most pressing challenges: the growing shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals. As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated and digital infrastructure grows ever more critical to the economy, public administration, and defense, developing a highly skilled workforce has emerged as a strategic priority for Europe's competitiveness and resilience. In this context, the new consortium is expected to serve as the operational arm of the European Cybersecurity Skills Academy, gradually assuming responsibility for key initiatives related to education, reskilling, upskilling, and closer collaboration among governments, universities, businesses, and public-sector organizations. As a European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDIC), CSC-EDIC provides a permanent institutional framework for cross-border cooperation, enabling participating countries to jointly develop projects, pool resources, and consolidate expertise at the European level.

The CSC-EDIC will play a key role in the implementation of the EU’s Cybersecurity Skills Academy, a flagship cybersecurity skills initiative launched by the Commission in 2023. Since launching, the Cybersecurity Skills Academy has resulted in 26 pledges from global industry leaders who have helped to train more than 900,000 cyber professionals, while ten partnerships have been established through the Industry-Academia Network.

The Cybersecurity Skills Academy has helped expand the uptake of ENISA’s European Cybersecurity Skills Framework among industry. The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, ENISA, maintains its official seat in Greece, operating from headquarters in Athens and an office in Heraklion, Crete. Established in 2004, this pivotal institution strengthens Europe’s collective digital resilience against evolving online threats .The agency achieves this by developing standardized cybersecurity certification frameworks for ICT products, analyzing global threat landscapes, and fostering cooperation among member states. Additionally, ENISA coordinates large-scale cyber crisis exercises to prepare nations for emergencies.

Greece's Role

The Greek government believes that participation in CSC-EDIC strengthens the country's position on the European cybersecurity landscape—not merely as a recipient of European policies but as an active contributor to their design. For Greece, active participation in this new European structure represents both recognition of the expertise it has developed in cybersecurity in recent years and an opportunity to further strengthen its influence on European digital security policy. At a time when protecting critical digital infrastructure has become a matter of strategic importance, developing specialized cybersecurity skills is increasingly recognized as a key driver of Europe's resilience and global competitiveness.

The Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, Michalis Bletsas, described the establishment of the consortium as the culmination of years of collective European effort. He emphasized that developing cybersecurity skills is essential for effectively addressing the constantly evolving cyber threat landscape, adding that investment in education and continuous professional training is a cornerstone of Europe's digital security strategy.

Similarly, Ioannis Alexakis, Director General for Strategic Planning at the National Cybersecurity Authority, noted that through CSC-EDIC—and in collaboration with leading Greek universities, including the Athens University of Economics and Business, the University of Piraeus, the University of Macedonia, and the Ionian University—Greece aims to play a leading role in advancing European cybersecurity skills. These efforts will also contribute to establishing the European Cybersecurity Academy, which will be headquartered in Athens.

(Sources: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/, https://www.amna.gr/, https://www.ertnews.gr/ )

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Greece Gains National Earth Observation Capabilities for the First Time

iandrianopoulos — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +0000

A new chapter in the development of Greece's space infrastructure has begun with the successful launch of the Hyperion GR-1 microsatellite, the first Greek optical microsatellite developed under the National Microsatellite Program. The satellite was placed into orbit around Earth on Tuesday, July 7, following its launch aboard a SpaceX rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This milestone gives Greece, for the first time, its own national optical Earth observation capabilities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkJjx4Mq1K4&t=38s

The launch marks the beginning of the operational deployment of a Greek constellation of seven optical microsatellites, all of which are being built in Greece by Open Cosmos Aegean. The initiative is a strategic investment aimed at strengthening the Greek public sector's capabilities in areas such as civil protection, environmental monitoring, maritime surveillance, precision agriculture, and the protection of critical infrastructure.

Open Cosmos Aegean is implementing a critical part of the National Microsatellite Program, manufacturing 7 cutting-edge satellites (out of a total of 13 in the national program) in Greece, in state-of-the-art facilities in Pallini, which include 300 m² clean rooms and capabilities for comprehensive satellite design, assembly, integration, testing and operation. In addition, Open Cosmos Aegean has undertaken the construction and operation in Greece of a satellite ground station to provide telemetry, remote control and data transfer services for the entire constellation.

Hyperion GR-1 is equipped to capture high-resolution multispectral imagery with a ground sampling distance of up to 90 centimeters, enabling the systematic observation and monitoring of changes in both natural and built environments. The satellite also incorporates artificial intelligence (AI)-powered onboard data processing and inter-satellite communication links (ISLs), allowing for faster processing and transmission of critical information to ground stations. The data collected by the microsatellite will be integrated into Greece's Government Earth Observation Hub, which is being developed as the country's central digital platform for managing and exploiting satellite-derived information across the public administration.

With the launch of Hyperion GR-1, Greece now has a total of 18 microsatellites in orbit, as part of its broader strategy to develop national space infrastructure

According to the plans of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, the system's applications will range from the early detection of wildfires and floods to post-disaster damage assessment, as well as the protection of forests and water resources, precision agriculture and aquaculture, and maritime surveillance, including vessel tracking and the detection of marine pollution incidents. In addition, the satellite data is expected to support urban planning, the monitoring of major infrastructure projects, and the inspection of critical infrastructure, strengthening the government's ability to make informed decisions based on up-to-date geospatial information.

Hyperion GR-1 is the first of seven optical microsatellites being developed under Greece's National Microsatellite Program, which is funded through the "Greece 2.0" Recovery and Resilience Facility. The program is being implemented by the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Posts, with the support of the Hellenic Space Center (HSC) and the European Space Agency (ESA).

The Hellenic Space Center (HSC) is Greece's national space agency, responsible for coordinating the country's space policy, supporting the development of its space sector, and representing Greece in international space activities. Established in 2018, the HSC works under the supervision of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence and collaborates closely with the European Space Agency (ESA), of which Greece has been a member since 2005. The HSC plays a central role in planning and implementing Greece's national space strategy. Its responsibilities include promoting satellite technologies, supporting research and innovation, strengthening the domestic aerospace industry, and encouraging participation by Greek companies and universities in European space programs. The agency also helps expand the use of satellite data in public services, including environmental monitoring, disaster management, maritime surveillance, precision agriculture, and urban planning.

Particular emphasis has also been placed on the involvement of the Greek aerospace industry in the development of Hyperion GR-1. According to the announcement, the satellite was built with the participation of Greek companies and engineers, helping to strengthen domestic expertise and laying the groundwork for the development of exportable space technologies and services.

The Greek government has already outlined the next phase of its space strategy through the HELLAS-SPACE 2.0 program, with a total budget of €350 million. The initiative aims to significantly expand the country's capabilities in the space sector over the coming years.

The Greek Space Tech Forum 2026 (GSTF26) is one of Greece's leading events dedicated to the rapidly growing space sector, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, researchers, investors, startups, and European institutions. Held in Athens on 7–8 July 2026, the forum focused on strengthening Greece's role in the European space economy and advancing national capabilities in satellite technologies, Earth observation, artificial intelligence, defence and dual-use applications, climate resilience, and commercial space innovation.

Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Dimitris Papastergiou stated that "the launch of Hyperion GR-1 marks a new era for our country. We are acquiring another powerful tool that will enable us to use satellite data for the benefit of our citizens: to protect our forests and maritime areas, support precision agriculture, map both regulated and unregulated development, and make faster decisions during times of crisis.” He added that the launch forms part of a broader national strategy, referring to the recent unveiling of the HELLAS-SPACE 2.0 program, with a €350 million budget, which builds on the National Microsatellite Program. "Our goal is for technology to make the state more effective, the country more resilient, and the everyday lives of citizens better," he concluded.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/ )

Greece’s National Small Satellite Program: 15 Microsatellites for Climate and Environmental Protection

Greece Takes a Leap into Space: Adrian Golemis Becomes the First Greek to Join ESA Astronaut Training Program

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Greece: A Premier Sports Tourism Destination

iandrianopoulos — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:11:44 +0000

Greek tourism continues to demonstrate its strength and resilience, breaking one record after another, according to the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Anna Karamanli speaking at the Sports & Tourism Summit 2026. Focusing on special-interest tourism, the Deputy Minister referred to sports tourism, noting that Greece possesses all the comparative advantages needed to develop into a leading sports tourism destination: a unique natural environment, diverse landscapes, conditions that support sports activities throughout the year, a long-standing athletic tradition, and modern infrastructure that is continually being upgraded. (Cover photo: the 63^rd Aegean International Sailing Rally, 18-27 July 2026)

As Ms. Karamanli emphasized, 2025 was the best year ever for Greek tourism. "The first data for 2026 confirm that this momentum is continuing. During the first four months of 2026, tourism revenues jumped to approximately €2.791 billion, representing a 36.9% increase compared with the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, arrivals during the same period increased by 27.1% compared with the corresponding period in 2025," the Deputy Minister noted. At the same time, according to Ms. Karamanli, data from the Bank of Greece confirm Greece's gradual strengthening as a destination not only during the peak summer season but also in the winter and shoulder seasons. As she explained, extending the tourism season has been one of the Ministry of Tourism's primary objectives from the outset. "The data available so far show that we are on the right track to achieving this goal. Greek tourism withstands challenges, adapts to change, and continues to evolve with a focus on quality, sustainability, and resilience. From day one, we set a clear objective: not simply to attract more visitors or achieve better numerical results, but to build a tourism sector that creates greater value for the country, for local communities, and for future generations," Ms. Karamanli added.

The Sports & Tourism Summit 2026, "Sport and Tourism as a Vehicle for Social Development," is a new international forum for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas focused on the ecosystem of sport, tourism, and major events. The summit aims to showcase how sport, destinations, innovation, and contemporary experience-driven initiatives can contribute to sustainable development, international outreach, and the creation of a lasting social impact. Over the course of two days (30.6-1.7.2026), Athens hosted representatives from governments, sports organizations, Olympic institutions, tourism organizations, academic institutions, brands, media, and leading international experts, with the goal of fostering meaningful dialogue on the future of sport and tourism.

Speaking at the Sports & Tourism Summit 2026, the Deputy Minister said: "To support sports tourism, we are leveraging resources from the Recovery and Resilience Facility to fund major projects at tourist marinas, diving parks, ski resorts, and accessible beaches. These investments significantly enhance the potential for the development of sports tourism and other forms of thematic tourism throughout the country." At the same time, the Ministry of Tourism has consistently supported flagship sporting events, including the Athens Authentic Marathon, the Aegean International Sailing Rally, and the historic Acropolis Rally, which concluded successfully just a few days ago.

The Marathon Race has always had a prominent place in the hearts and minds of sports enthusiasts, as it represents the highest effort where the human body, soul and mind are tested to their limits as the runner presses himself/herself to reach the finish line. SEGAS, the Hellenic Athletics Association, has the honor and the historic responsibility to organize annually the Athens Authentic Marathon on the Original Marathon Course. Thousands of runners from all over the world are expected to participate in every year’s race. Apart from the sporting experience, they have the chance to enjoy the traditional Greek hospitality, discover the fascinating landscape of our country and explore a city which is constantly improving its standards (https://www.athensauthenticmarathon.gr/en)

The International Aegean Rally is a sailing race with a long and distinguished history, organized every year by the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club (HORC). It is the oldest and most prestigious sailing event in Greece, often described as a Marathon at sea. The total distance covered each year varies depending on the islands selected as intermediate destinations, ranging from approximately 350 to 500 nautical miles. The race features a wide variety of sailing yachts, differing in length and sail area, categorized between performance racing yachts and cruising yachts. The rally takes place during the best season of the year, when ideal weather conditions prevail across the Aegean. Local winds and the well-known Meltemi, blowing steadily at 20–30 knots, dominate throughout the race. The sun shines over the deep blue sea, and summer is at its peak, with temperatures around 30°C. A major factor in the success of the Aegean Rally is the natural beauty and local character of the islands visited or passed by each year. The traditional Greek islands, with their picturesque scenery and hospitable inhabitants, offer participants moments of relaxation and tranquility during the event. (https://aegeanrally.gr/?lang=en )

The 2026 EKO Acropolis Rally, serving as the 8th round of the FIA World Rally Championship WRC, stood out as one of the most innovative and logistically ambitious editions in the event's 73-year history. Transitioning into a new era, the legendary "Rally of the Gods" relocated its main hub and Service Park south to the coastal town of Loutraki, introducing a refreshed route with nearly 75% entirely new stages. The event combined Greece’s distinct landscape with modern sporting entertainment. The spectacle commenced in Athens with an asphalt head-to-head Super Special Stage inside The Ellinikon Sports Park. Spanning 17 gravel stages across Attica, Central Greece, and the Peloponnese, the 2026 route put a massive technical premium on vehicle durability and tire management. Scorching summer temperatures and sharp bedrock tested the grid of 58 crews, reinforcing the Acropolis Rally's reputation as the ultimate test of endurance for modern rally machinery (https://www.acropolisrally.gr/2026/en/)

In the same spirit of international outreach, the Ministry of Tourism is also actively participating in European initiatives such as EuroVelo, the pan-European long-distance cycling route network, which promotes cycling tourism and sustainable mobility across Europe. In addition, new thematic sports tourism initiatives are being developed, including cycling tourism events under The Greek Gravel Experience initiative. These events are held in different regions of Greece, including Megalopolis, Amarantos (Karditsa), and Marathon.

The Greek Gravel Experience is an innovative cycling initiative launched as an umbrella project to establish gravel bike racing and cycling tourism across Greece. Conceived by cycling experts and organized by the MBike team (the organizers behind the Athens Bike Festival), the initiative aims to combine competitive sports, sustainable tourism, and community building. (https://gravelchallenge.gr/)

For 2026, the initiative structures a trilogy of distinct events traversing different terrains:

Megalopolis Gravel Classic: A mountainous weekend festival tracking through rural backroads and historic trails in Arcadia, featuring a special twin-destination partnership with Italy's GeoGravel Tuscany.

Amarantos Gravel Experience: An adventure-focused, two-day mountain ride through the dense forests of the Thessalian Agrafa, where participants camp in a local village square and experience authentic hospitality.

The Gravel of Marathon: The flagship event scheduled for November 15, 2026, which marks Greece's historical debut in the prestigious UCI Gravel World Series, acting as a direct qualifier for the 2027 World Championship.

"Sports tourism, however, is not limited only to major international events or European initiatives. It opens new paths for tourism development through the organization of sports events of local interest in popular tourist destinations, such as the Spetses Mini Marathon and the Santorini Experience," Ms. Karamanli stated, adding that "in this effort, the contribution of Local Government is decisive. In recent years, more and more Municipalities and Regions are systematically investing in sports events tailored to the identity and potential of each place. Events that highlight the natural and cultural wealth of each region and create substantial added value for local communities."

The Spetses Mini Marathon is Greece's premier multi-sport festival, held annually in October on the picturesque island of Spetses. Founded in 2011, it has grown into an international award-winning event that combines athleticism, culture, and high-end sports tourism. (https://spetsesmarathon.com/en/homepage-en/)

The Santorini Experience is a premier sports tourism event that showcases the raw, volcanic landscape of Santorini through high-level athletic challenges. Organized annually by the Municipality of Thira and ActiveMedia Group, the event attracts professional and amateur athletes from all over the world, significantly extending the island's tourism season. (https://santorini-experience.com/en/ )

The Visit Greece platform presents Greece as a year-round, four-season sports tourism destination, highlighting diverse land and water-based activities that cater to active travelers. The website, recently updated to promote sustainable travel, showcases options ranging from extreme rock climbing to international sailing events. Explore the full range of activities at https://www.visitgreece.gr/en/events/sports.

With so many amazing climbing spots and jaw-dropping scenery, Kalymnos has become a landmark for climbing enthusiasts from all around the world. (Source: https://www.discovergreece.com/ )

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/ )

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Digitizing Five Centuries of Greek Heritage in Venice

iandrianopoulos — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:20:23 +0000

The Digital Management of the Archive of the Hellenic Institute for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies of Venice has recently been completed and is already operating through the digital infrastructure of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, making it accessible to a global audience. It offers free access to an invaluable treasury of materials—including registers, documents, heirlooms, icons, works of art, miniatures, manuscripts, and early printed books—and sheds light on the historical trajectory of the Greek diaspora from the 15^th to the 20^th century.

As was emphasized during the events held following the completion of the project, the Archive of the Greek Community, and later the Archive of the Hellenic Institute of Venice, constitutes one of the most valuable cultural assets to have been digitized in recent years. The archival holdings date from 1498 to 1954 and document the history of the Greek Brotherhood in the city of the lagoons, as well as that of the broader Greek population under Venetian rule. These records, however, are far more than the documentation of routine administrative procedures—they are living history. (Cover photo: Deputy Minister of Education K. Vlasis and the contributors of the digitization program in Venice)

The reconstruction of the church of St George began in 1536, on land purchased a few years earlier by the Greeks of Venice and was completed in 1577. The work was supervised by the architects Sante Lombardo and Zuanantonio Chiona, while the well-known architect Andrea Palladio was the consultant for the construction of the women’s balcony. The church was decorated with icons brought by refugees from Constantinople, such as the Grand Duchess Anna Paleologina Notara, but also from other regions, with works by important painters such as Michael Damaskinos, Emmanuel Tzanes Bounialis, Thomas Bathas and others. The illustration of the dome was entrusted to John the Cyprian, who worked under the supervision of the remarkable Venetian painter Jacopo Tintoretto. (Photo: https://www.ertnews.gr/)

Thirteen years after the Fall of Constantinople (1453), the great wave of exodus from the Byzantine capital—a migration that would permanently alter the course of European history—carried thousands of scholars, philosophers, and theologians to the Italian peninsula. They brought with them precious ancient Greek manuscripts in what may be regarded as the first great "brain drain" to the West. They were followed by heirs of the Byzantine Empire, architects and mosaic artists, painters, craftsmen, aristocrats, members of the imperial court, descendants of noble families, former soldiers, and many others. Venice became their principal destination, owing both to its extensive maritime trade network and to the presence of an already established Greek confraternity. This community would soon develop into one of the most important strongholds of the Greek diaspora and the foremost center of Hellenism in Italy before the Greek War of Independence of 1821.

The formal establishment of the first Greek Community in Venice in 1498, at a time when approximately 5,000 Greeks lived in the city, and the construction of the Orthodox Church of St. George a few decades later, mark what historians describe as a milestone in the history of Hellenism. It was the first organized Greek community, founded some 333 years before the establishment of the modern Greek state.

For five centuries, the Greeks of Venice have maintained a continuous presence, preserving—as the Greek Deputy Minister of Education, Konstantinos Vlasis, aptly remarked in a public address—"the language, the faith, the educational tradition, and the identity of Hellenism." From the late fifteenth century onward, they played an active role in every major period of the nation's history. Following the end of the Second World War, the movable and immovable property of the Greek Community, together with its few remaining descendants, was transferred to the Hellenic Institute of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies in Venice. Today, the Institute stands as the historical continuation of that Community, preserving its legacy across both time and place.

The Institute’s Digital Repository now presents to the world hundreds of its rare printed books, most of them in Greek (148), Italian (123), Latin (105), and French (81). As reported to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (APE-MPE), the program coordinator, Professor of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ch. Arabatzis, stated that a total of 140,000 documented records are now accessible in high resolution and with thorough documentation to every student, specialized researcher, and interested citizen. This includes approximately 1,000,000 digital images, 10,000 items of images and ecclesiastical artifacts, 1,000 rare printed books, and 47 valuable Byzantine manuscripts. An important aspect of the program was the development of applications with a clear educational orientation. ‘Students and university learners no longer study copies or editions—they work essentially with the original sources themselves, in their physical form and chronological sequence.’ He added that the completion of the project represents an important step in linking Greek cultural institutions with corresponding European programs that are gradually being integrated into Europeana.”

"The Digital Management of the Venetian Archive is a project of exceptional scholarly and national importance," Professor Stratos Stylianidis, former Vice Rector of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA). "It brings to light," he added, "through the use of advanced digital technologies, an invaluable archival heritage of Hellenism. It constitutes a unique testament to the historical memory, intellectual continuity, and cultural presence of the Greeks within the European world." According to Professor Stylianidis, a faculty member of the Faculty of Engineering at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Vice President of the International Scientific Committee for Heritage Documentation (CIPA – Heritage Documentation), the digital management, documentation, and dissemination of the archive "are far more than a technological intervention. They represent an act of safeguarding our collective memory and an investment in future research, education, and the dissemination of cultural heritage."

The Alexander Romance by Michael Damaskinos, Theodoros Poulakis, and the Cretan School: Portrait of Alexander the Great standing, dressed in the costume and crown of a Byzantine emperor (left); Alexander the Great dining with Darius (upper right); Alexander the Great conversing with the Gymnosophists (lower right)

Occupying a place of distinction in the new digital portal—as in the cultural heritage of the Greek Community as a whole—is the Alexander Romance, the celebrated and uniquely illustrated fourteenth-century Byzantine manuscript by Michael Damaskinos, Theodoros Poulakis, and the Cretan School (Codex 5, Narrative of Alexander, Pseudo-Callisthenes). The manuscript contains 250 remarkable miniatures embellished with gold leaf, depicting—and imaginatively narrating—the life and legendary exploits of Alexander the Great. Comprising 193 parchment folios bound into twenty-three quires (measuring approximately 32 × 24 cm), the codex recounts the principal events of Alexander's life. He is portrayed not merely as the ancient Macedonian king but as a Byzantine emperor and protector, embodying the cultural legacy of Hellenism while leading campaigns beyond the boundaries of his empire as both a military leader and a just ruler. The Alexander Romance is a work of imaginative literature that achieved worldwide renown and has been translated into eleven languages. The manuscript's extraordinary illustrations vividly portray Alexander's birth and upbringing, his military campaigns, battles, sieges, encounters with foreign rulers, and his death. It is also presented on the digital platform through an interactive application. The Institute also preserves a further forty-seven manuscript books, forty of them in Greek, all of which have now been digitized in their entirety.

Noah’s Ark, second half of the 17th century, work by Theodoros Poulakis (https://istitutoellenico.org/museum/)

At the top of the digitized and documented images and artifacts are the works of Michael Damaskinos, the distinguished Cretan painter of the 16^th century, who managed to ideally combine the strict Byzantine tradition (maniera greca) with the innovations of the Italian Renaissance and the Venetian School (maniera latina) during the period he lived in Venice. The digital archive also presents the entire collection of Orthodox art inherited by the Institute from the Greek Community. This includes masterpieces of Byzantine iconography, such as the icons brought from Constantinople in the 15^th century by Anna Palaiologina Notaras, as well as dozens of works by well-known painters: Georgios Klontzas, Emmanuel Lambardos, Victor (painter), Franghias Kavertzas, Theodoros Poulakis, Ioannis Moskos, and Emmanuel Tzanes and Konstantinos Tzanes, among others. This collection allows every visitor to follow the evolution of Cretan painting from the 15^th to the 17^th century and to be taken on a journey from Byzantium to Crete and Corfu during those centuries. Also available on the same website are impressive icons by unknown artists, such as The Descent into Hades (late 14^th century, unknown Constantinopolitan painter), The Dormition of the Virgin (second half of the 15th century, unknown painter from a Cretan workshop), and The Ascension (second half of the 15^th century, unknown painter from Candia).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwQQS_HDTf0&t=37s

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/)

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