Breath 03

01 MAR-MAY2009 / issue03

THE OFFICIAL CITY OF ATHENS MAGAZINE FOR TOURISM PROFESSIONALS www.breathtakingathens.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS EDITORIAL

ATHENS WITH KIDS

IN AND AROUND ACROPOLIS

BUSINESS NEWS

GRAND RESORT LAGONISSSI

SPRING CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS

ATHENS TOP 10

SEMIRAMIS HOTEL

FOOD: EASTER IN THE COUNTRY AND IN THE CITY

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GREEK PASCHA

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Giorgos Salamas

With breathtaking views of the famed Acropolis and Parthenon, regal Constitution

Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company

Angie Paragoulia

President Aikaterini Katsabe

Design Director Charalambos Andreanidis

CEO Panagiotis Arkoumaneas

Square and the Parliament, lush Lycabettus

Contact: 7 Xenofontos Street, Syntagma 105 57 Athens, Greece

Hill, or the original Olympic Stadium, the Hotel Grande Bretagne offers unrivaled

Editorial Team Nikolas Dervenoulas Stavros Dioskouridis

Director, Tourism Development Manolis Psarros

perspectives of Athens’ mythical history.

T. +30 210 32 53 123 F. +30 210 32 16 653 E. [email protected] www.breathtakingathens.com Production

Life is a collection of experiences. Let us be your guide. The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts Hotel Grande Bretagne Explore the collection at luxurycollection.com or contact your travel professional.

LIVANIS PUBLISHING ORGANIZATION 98, Solonos Street, 106 80 Athens. T. 210 36 61 200, F. 210 36 17 791 www.livanis.gr

YELLOW PAGES

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Art Director

A View of the Ancients.

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MONASTIRAKI, ANAFIOTIKA, PLAKA

Editorial Director

The Breathtaking mag is a quarterly publication of the Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company

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INTERVIEW WITH SAKIS ROUVAS

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ROCKWAVE FESTIVAL 2009

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Cover Illustration Lila Kalogeri

Director, Athens Convention Bureau

Photography

George N. Angelis

Gerasimos Domenikos Dimitris Koilalous

Public Relations Director Katerina Papadopoulou

Translation Proofreading Yorgos Avgoustis Danae Seemann

© Breathtaking mag. All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company. Where opinion is expressed it is that of the authors and does not necessarily coincide with the editorial views of the publisher of the Breathtaking mag. All information in this magazine is verified to the best of the authors’ and the publisher’s ability. However, the Breathtaking mag does not accept responsibility for any loss arising from reliance on it.

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Grand Resort Lagonissi The Elegant & Exciting Escape

BUSINESS NEWS

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Greek Pascha A Resurrection of Souls

Semiramis Hotel Focus on positive energy

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ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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Athens with Kids

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SPRING CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS

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EDITORIAL Panagiotis Arkoumaneas CEO / Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company

Spring is considered by many to be the best time of year to visit Athens, as the world-renowned Attica light is at its best and the city fills with fragrances and colors to match. In our spring issue, you will read all the latest business news concerning Athenian tourism and much more. We will offer you some excellent suggestions in making your accommodation choices, highlighting two luxurious hotels. This issue also features an introduction to Greek Easter (Pascha), a presentation of the biggest rock music festival-Rockwave 2009 in Athens, an interview with Greek pop star Sakis Rouvas talking about Athens, a Top 10 list of things to do in Athens and a guide to the area in and around the Acropolis. Furthermore, you will learn about the cultural events taking place in Athens, get an introduction to the Monastiraki – Plaka – Anafiotika districts and view the helpful yellow pages that will guide you through the city. We hope you enjoy your reading and look forward to seeing you in Athens soon! For more information on Athens, you can visit our brand-new website www.breathtakingathens.com We look forward to seeing you in Athens.

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Frontlines

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Business News Five new galleries opened at National Archaeological Museum of Athens Info Kiosk at Athens International Airport ATEDCo has introduced tourist infopoints in the Arrivals area of Athens International Airport to better inform and welcome incoming visitors to Athens. Through these hospitable and efficient kiosks, visitors may get information from specially trained staff and receive brochures providing extensive details on all that Athens as a tourism destination has to offer. These offerings include recommendations for sightseeing, dining, nightlife, day trips and shopping; included in the brochures are a map and a “What’s Hot” insert listing all current events. A plasma TV screen at these points shows various video spots around Athens. There is also a special informational touch-screen connecting users to the Athens web site www.breathtakingathens.com, which also provides a variety of tourist information. The Info Points at Athens International Airport are the first of a broader information network serving visitors which will gradually be extended to all points of entry to the city, as well as to other locations of interest to tourists, with the aim of providing the best possible service for visitors to Athens.

More than 2,500 objects, including figurines, vessels, gold jewellery and silver utensils, among others, now grace five new exhibition halls at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, completing the museum’s re-exhibition process. The grand opening was held Thursday at a newly opened wing which served as the Numismatic Museum from 1946 to 1998. This 500 m2wing will house parts of the Vases and Small Objects Collection and includes objects never before exhibited publicly. The ceremony launched a series of events to mark the 120 years since the National Archaeological Museum of Athens was first opened at this location (1889), as well as the 180 years since its founding in 1829. The first gallery features vessels from the Hellenistic period (4th-1st century BC), which are notable for the variety of their shapes as well as for their rare decorative images. These are followed by approximately 500 ceramic figurines, exhibited in sections according to their association with specific areas of ancient Greek society, such as religion, theatre, agricultural life, women’s activities and childhood. The Vlastou-Serpieri Collection is displayed as a distinct category and includes ancient items from Greece and Taranta, Italy.

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The ancient Greek art of gold- and silversmithing is presented in an exhibition of artfully made gold jewellery and silver utensils. There are about 600 objects, notable for their originality, elegance and the fine detail of their craftsmanship. The final gallery features rare glass vessels from the Epirus and island regions of Greece, from the Archaic period through the Byzantine era (6th century BC-6th century AD). These are followed by approximately 500 ceramic figurines, exhibited in sections according to their association with specific areas of ancient Greek society, such as religion, theatre, agricultural life, women’s activities and childhood. The Vlastou-Serpieri Collection is displayed as a distinct category and includes ancient items from Greece and Taranta, Italy. The ancient Greek art of gold- and silversmithing is presented in an exhibition of artfully made gold jewellery and silver utensils. There are about 600 objects, notable for their originality, elegance and the fine detail of their craftsmanship. The final gallery features rare glass vessels from the Epirus and island regions of Greece, from the Archaic period through the Byzantine era (6th century BC-6th century AD).

Air Arabia to introduce service to Athens Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, announced today that it will launch service to the city of Athens, beginning April 21, 2009. Roundtrip flights will operate three times per week between Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in the capital of Greece, and Air Arabia’s hub in Sharjah. Air Arabia is the first LCC in the Middle East to commence operations to Athens. The LCC will fly to Athens on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, departing Sharjah at 18:55 and arriving at Athens at 22:45. Return flights will depart Athens at 23:30 and arrive in Sharjah at 05:20. Air Arabia’s first destination in

Greece is also the carrier’s first destination in a European Union country. In total, Air Arabia now serves 45 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia and the Southern Europe. “We are extremely pleased to announce the launch of service to Athens,” said AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department. “An international tourist destination, Greece is also an important economic centre in the Mediterranean region. There is significant passenger traffic between the country and the Middle East, particularly for tourism and business. We are confident that Air Arabia’s non-stop flight to Greece will further enhance its popularity among the Middle East-based tourists.” Athens, the largest city in Greece, is one of the world’s oldest cities with recorded history spanning some 3,400 years. A bustling and cosmopolitan metropolis, Athens is central to economic, financial, industrial, political and cultural life in Greece. It is rapidly becoming a leading business centre in the European Union. Athens is widely referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation and the birthplace of democracy. With over 16 million visitors every year, tourism contributes 15 per cent to the US$350 billion Greek economy.

Athens International Airport’s website Web Award winner The Athens International Airport’s website has won a pair of prestigious “Webbies” awards from Flightglobal.com. AIA won the Bronze award in the category “Best Airport Website” and the Silver award in the category “Best Online Innovation” for its Infogate and Autopilot tools. “Online innovation, fast, customised, practical, accurate and up-to-date information, intelligent use of Flash, well developed section for business visitors, comprehensive” were some of the elements that led to the excellent evaluation of Athens International Airport’s website and a pair of “Webbies” awards, in the

framework of Flightglobal.com’s “Webbies - Aviation Web Awards 2008”. Athens International Airport’s www.aia.gr was awarded with • the bronze award in the “Best Airport Website” category (gold for Amsterdam’s Schiphol website and silver for San Francisco International Airport) • the silver award in the category “Best Online Innovation”, for offering airlines personalized customer communication through the innovative e-tools Infogate and Autopilot, blending market intelligence with e-communication Focusing on the flow of up-to-date, accurate and useful information, AIA aims at the continuous development of a comprehensive and dynamic airport website, in a friendly environment offering fast and easy navigation.

Cultural Park at the Faliron Delta The Stavros Niarchos Foundation has gifted Athens a project on a grand scale that elegantly combines education, culture, public space and respect for the environment. The project to be constructed in an expanse of 166,000m2 will include the new National Library of Greece, the Greek National Opera, the “Agora” (an imitation of the gathering place of Ancient Greeks) and the Stavros Niarchos Park. The internationally known Italian architect, Renzo Piano, who was selected for the design of the project, recently presented the preliminary plans. A 10,000m2 sloping roof covered with photovoltaic cells will dominate the otherwise aesthetically low-key Faliron complex, to be built mainly in stone. The roof will cover the National Library’s expansive reading room, which is designed to serve as a meeting place. Copies of textbooks from the libraries of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world, such as Harvard and Yale universities, will be housed at the new library, which will also include conference rooms.

Frontlines

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Athens’ Hotel Grande Bretagne on List of World’s Best Hotels The Hotel Grande Bretagne has once again been included on the lists of the world’s best hotels in Conde Νast Τraveller (USA) και Τravel + Leisure magazines. The Athens hotel was chosen among the best hotels in the country and the world in Conde Nast Traveller magazine’s 2008 Reader’s Choice Survey, in which the magazine’s more than 32,000 subscribers responded to select the best hotels, resorts and cruise ships in the world. The survey results were published in the November 2008 issue. At the same time, Travel + Leisure’s international team of journalists included the hotel on the list of the World’s Best Hotels 500, which features hotels receiving the highest score in the World’s Best survey. The Hotel Grande Bretagne, which first opened in 1874, is owned by Lampsa Hellenic Hotels, SA. It is managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., one of the leading hotel and tourism companies in the world with about 900 hotels in more than 100 countries and employing a staff of 155,000 at the hotels it either owns or manages.

Reconstruction of Monastiraki Square The reconstruction of Monastiraki Square has been completed, with the multi-coloured stone paving symbolising its the multicultural history. Visitors can now see - as well as hear - the waters of the River Iridanos flowing in the bed found at a depth of 6 metres during the reconstruction. The renewed square was embraced by visitors the first weekend after work was completed. The square seems to harmoniously co-exist with the surrounding historical area: the Temple of Pantanasas, restored after the 1999 earthquake, the view of the Acropolis, the ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library and the Roman Agora. Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis thanked the Ministry of Culture and the Unification of the Archaeological Sites of Athens, SA, for the funding and effort they contributed, “so that we can see a renewed Monastiraki,” he said. “It is a part of our city.” With projects such as these, the area around Monastiraki has undergone a significant renewal.

In combination with the programme to showcase archaeological findings in appropriately designed outdoor areas, the image of the capital is improved along with the daily life of residents of and visitors to Athens.

Etihad Airways adds Athens to its flight route Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is set to boost its flying programme to Europe with the addition of a major new route to Athens. The Greek capital will be initially served by the airline three times a week from early June, increasing to five flights a week from October 2009 and then daily from the start of 2010. ‘We anticipate strong demand for flights to and from Athens,’ said James Hogan, chief executive at Etihad Airways. The airline will also provide a flight link between Athens and Melbourne. ‘The new route also offers excellent connecting opportunities between Athens and the rest of our network, helping to link this historic European city with Greek communities worldwide,’ added Hogan.

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Top 10

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Athens has so much to offer that visitors coming to the city for the first time should put some thought into planning their itinerary ahead of time. Here is a list of 10 things you should not miss.

The Athens Acropolis Visible from almost every corner of the city, the Acropolis stands defiant and dignified, dominating the Athenian skyline. The quintessence of the classic era and one of the most important monuments on the World Heritage List, the Parthenon dominates the Athens Acropolis, attracting millions of visitors every year.

Antique Athens integrated contemporary city

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Walk along the Monastiraki, Plaka, Thission and Kerameikos districts and get to know Ancient Athens in situ. As a result of the urban development project “Unification of Archaeological sites,” the majority of archaeological sites have been perfectly integrated into the contemporary city. Walk around Athens or enjoy a cup of coffee and at the same time gaze on major sites of antiquity, such as the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora and others.

Get to know more than 5,000 years of civilisation Museums in Athens boast important exhibits, taking you on a journey through more than 5,000 years of human civilisation. Beginning with the Cycladic era, you can move on to the Minoan times, explore the Classic era, the Roman times, the Byzantine era, the era of the Ottoman empire, then pass into the era of Enlightenment, finishing up in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Athens Top 10

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Top 10

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THEATER

Hiking in the heart of the city Situated in the heart of the city centre, Mount Lycabettus is ideal to go up, either on foot or by cable car, and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of Athens.

Plaka and Sunday morning flea market Within the picturesque old town of Athens is Plaka, a neighbourhood full of small cafes, tavernas and souvenir shops. Every Sunday morning, a flea market takes place at Monastiraki and Avissinias Square, with antique furniture, porcelain and many other interesting things for sale.

The Athens Metro: A museum on the move The Athens Metro is much more than just a means of transportation. It is a museum where in order to pass from one area to another, you are presented with exhibits of both the antique era and contemporary Greek art.

Delicious Mediterranean cuisine by the sea It takes less than half an hour to get from the city centre to Mikrolimano, where you can enjoy a meal by the sea. Make sure you try the variety of fresh sea food as well as other recipes of Greek cuisine, famous worldwide for their fresh ingredients and high nutritional value.

Shopping Boasting a long tradition in handicrafts, jewellery making and shoe manufacture, Athens impresses with both the number and originality of its stores. Alongside these specialty shops, the fashion world offers more than one could possibly ask for: department stores, internationally acclaimed designers and labels, as well as a big variety of small boutiques that carry brands from all over the world.

Notorious nightlife Nightlife in Athens lasts until the early morning hours. With such a large number and variety of bars and clubs, you always want to visit two or three places before going to bed. The Psirri district is home to a number of the city’s hottest clubs and bars playing all types of music from rock to Latin and pop. The Gazi district is host to many trendy, arty-style bars. If you are looking for something chic, head for the Kolonaki district. In the southern suburbs, you will find noisy or quiet places to dance or have a drink by the sea.

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Vibrant cultural life Last but certainly not least, the arts are flourishing in Athens these days. Throughout the year, internationally acclaimed artists perform in the Greek capital and distinguished visual arts events take place in a large number of galleries and museums.




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Spring

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Greek Pascha A Resurrection of Souls

The air is filled with the scent of honeysuckle and lilac. Yes, Greek Pascha (Easter) carries within it a certain magical quality that is associated with the first signs of spring, the deep religious feeling characteristic of the famous Greek writer Papadiamantis, and of course the ever vibrant spirit of the Greek people.

Welcome Sweet Springtime! Something peculiar always happens during Easter time. As soon as Holy week starts, everything falls into place. Scents become even stronger and sweeter, the verses in church are sung louder, and the spirituality of nature is reflected in the deep mystical feeling of our soul. Yes, Greek Easter is unlike any other. The fact is that Easter in Greece is by far the most important celebration Orthodox Christianity, since it is associated with the Resurrection of Christ. The Greek name pascha is derived from the Hebrew word Pesach, meaning the festival of Passover. The question of when Easter should be observed was first settled by the First Council of Vithynia in Nicaea in 325 AD, when it was decided that the celebration should take place on the Sunday after the first full moon on or after the day of the vernal equinox. In Greece, Pascha is called Lambre (meaning bright or lucent) because it is a day of joy and it signifies the passage from death to life. Many customs and folk traditions are revived annually at this time. The week preceding Easter is called the Holy Week and each day of that week relates directly to a particular event that took place during the last days of Christ prior to his crucifixion. The procession of the Epitaphios takes place on Good Friday, while on Holy Saturday (which is called the Great Sabbath in Greek) the faithful gather in churches for the Paschal Vigil holding white Paschal candles as they wait for the proclamation of the resurrection of Christ. Just before midnight, all the lights go out. At midnight, the priest chants, “Come receive the light,” and then exits the church’s sanctuary with a lit Paschal candle to light the candles of the faithful. Then he reads passages from the Gospel of the Resurrection and as soon as he finishes he chants “Christ has risen...” Then the fireworks begin - a custom that has its origins in the era when Greece was part of the Ottoman Empire - while the congregation kiss each other (what the Greeks call the kiss of Love) and say Christos anesti (“Christ is risen”).

The Churches of Athens For every Christian, Good Friday is the most solemn day of the year. In order to understand what the profound solemnity that characterises Greek Easter is all about, you can wait at Syntagma Square, where at 9.30 pm the various Epitaphios processions converge, each one decorated with fresh flowers. There you can see the decorated biers upon which the Epitaphios is carried from many central churches, such as the Aghia Irini Church (Saint Irene Church), the Aghia Aikaterini Church (Saint Catherine Church), the Ai Yiorgi Karytsi Church (Church of Saint George of Karytsi) and of course the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. If, however, you want to experience a more solemn religious event, you may head towards Plaka, the most picturesque precinct of the City of Athens, where in Kydathenaion Street you can see the procession of the Epitaphios of the Church of the Metamorphosi tou Sotiros (Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour). Although you will have to go up a lot of stairs and then come down while making your way through a dense crowd in the narrow streets holding a Paschal candle, the whole ambiance of the procession is richly rewarding.

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Come receive the light If you want to experience the Paschal Vigil in Athens, you can go to any church you happen to be near, but bear in mind that in some churches the Vigil takes a special form. The Metochion of Panagios Taphos in Plaka (Monastery of the Holy Sepulchre, 18 Erechtheos St.) is the church which first receives the Holy Light from Jerusalem. Athenians welcome the Holy Light at the Athens Airport at about 8 pm on Holy Saturday. Then it is passed on to the representatives of every metropolitan bishop of the country, which then fly back to their respective cities carrying the Holy Light with them. The atmosphere is full of magic: the scents from the sacred rock of Acropolis, the cool breeze of the night and the absolute silence as the congregation awaits the Holy Light. Another idea you may want to consider is going to the Chapel of Aghios Georgios in Lycabettus Hill.

Sunday of Love The morning of the Sunday of Pascha (Easter Sunday) starts with the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great and the gospels are read in all languages as a gesture towards international peace and friendship. Then the Easter celebration starts in every house. The main dish of the day is the spit-roasted lamb, which has been prepared the day before, and the traditional Greek dish kokoretsi (made of the skewered pieces of the organs of the lamb -- liver, heart, kidneys -- wrapped tightly in its small intestines, seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and oregano and roasted over a slow-burning open fire). Others follow different culinary customs. They eat roast lamb cooked in the oven, stuffed with rice, pine seeds and raisins. As soon as the Greeks sit at the table, they tap their eggs against their friends’ eggs and the owner of the last uncracked egg is considered lucky. Then they exchange wishes and the feast begins in earnest. In the afternoon of the same day, we have the Easter Vesper, also known in Greece as the Vesper of Love. During the Afterfeast of Pascha, which lasts for 40 days, Orthodox Christians greet each other by saying Christos anesti, to which they reply Alethos anesti (“Indeed, He has risen”).

Easter in Athens The Paschal Vigil starts at 11 pm and at midnight the lights of the church go out. This small church is situated in one of the most spectacular sites in Athens, but on the night of Holy Saturday, as one listens to the people chanting in unison while holding candles and hears the cannons firing in the distance in honour of Jesus raised from the dead and all the congregation chants in unison, it is truly unique. Another idea is to participate in the Paschal Vigil at the Russian Church (in Philellinon Street) where the congregation gathers, each person carrying their festive baskets filled with buns, red-dyed eggs and chocolates so that the priest will bless them before they carry them back home. Here you will not find traditional chanters, but a women’s choir. At exactly midnight the Christos Anesti is chanted 100 times and the service continues until 4 in the morning.

Athens provides many opportunities for you to have a good time and experience the unique atmosphere of the Paschal season. You can stroll around and visit various exhibitions, buy gifts and Paschal candles, lose yourselves amidst the many shops specially decorated for these festive days or you can try some Lenten food (any food or sweets that do not contain meat, cheese, milk and eggs). All the formal religious events which take place in the churches of Athens provide a first-hand experience of the solemnity that is typical of the Greek Holy Week while, after the Paschal Vigil, almost every restaurant offers mageiritsa (a soup made of the lamb’s internal organs: liver, heart, lungs and intestines with an egg-lemon sauce), red eggs and roast lamb.

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Culture

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Rockwave Festival 2009 & Terra Vibe

nori.kapza

MONSTER MAGNET

ARCH ENEMY W.A.S.P.

GOGOL BORDELLO

Celebrating its 13th year of success, Rockwave once again presents a four-day music festival experience this summer which promises to be more spectacular than ever, hosting some of the biggest names on the international music scene on two stages. Rockwave Festival is noted for its great atmosphere as well as being able to lure some of the world’s biggest acts, with the likes of the Offspring and Judas Priest mixing it up with Manu Chao and Marky Ramone last time round. Festival goers will have plenty of shady spots to loosen up over a cold Margarita before the music stars at the amazing Terra Vibe venue in Malakasa for the evening sheNANIGANS

Saturday 27 June TERRA STAGE

Sunday 28 June TERRA STAGE

Monday 29 June CRUEFEST STAGE (TERRA STAGE)

PLACEBO (Alternative Rock) MOBY (Electro Pop - Rock) GOGOL BORDELLO (Gypsy Punk)

THE KILLERS (Alternative Rock - Post Punk Revival) DUFFY (Pop Soul)

PLACEBO Brian Molko, a modern-day Ziggy Stardust with a voice that stands out on first hearing, is morally responsible for the sophisticated lyrics that have made Placebo so unique. It is no coincidence that they have played sold-out concerts in 44 countries so far and have gone gold and platinum in 30.

Two bright stars at the peak of their international success are coming to Greece for the first time to appear on the Terra Stage on the second day of Rockwave Festival! The big name of Rockwave Festival this year are the Killers, one of the hottest and most successful bands in recent years! They are coming to Athens at the zenith of their career. Alongside with will be appearing the pop soul Welsh queen Duffy at Terra Stage for one of the most anticipated Rockwave nights. Award winners, critically acclaimed and at the top of their music career with so many hits already to their name are among those expected, as we still wait for the full line-up to be announced.

Motley Crue (Hard Rock) Monster Magnet (Hard Rock) Arch Enemy (Melodic Death Metal) Lauren Harris (Hard Rock - Power Pop)

Moby Slightly earlier, Richard Melville Hall aka Moby will appear for a dance session that few will be able to resist. Words are inadequate to describe Moby. He’s been playing music since he was nine, he was a member of a punk band at 13, he launched New York’s decks after that and since then he has been experimenting, stimulating and enthralling audiences while remaining our own Rockwave Hero! Gogol Bordello The party will have started long before with the noisy and outrageous Gogol Bordello. An unusual mix of gypsy and punk music with elements of cabaret, Gogol Bordello is Eastern Europe’s musical answer via the heart of America. Since 1998, they have toured the biggest festivals in Europe and America and have shared the stage with Manu Chao and Dub Trio, as well as with Madonna for a special version of L’Isla Bonita! The troubadours are coming; the troubadours are here; their words are fire; their sound a spear.

THE KILLERS Are we Human or are we Dancers? That is the question posed by the eccentric youths from Las Vegas who seem to have an answer. Brandon Flowers and his group descend on the Terra Stage as true headliners with their complex lyrics, outlandish appearance and above all, their tremendous attitude! Duffy The surprise of the year, this young Welsh woman with the deep soulful voice will take us through the streets of Rockferry, the most successful album of the year by this year’s most successful British singer. Rockwave welcomes Duffy!

The poster boys for ‘80s hair metal, Mötley Crüe parleyed whip-lash hard-rock songs, melodic power ballads and a wild image into platinum-level heavy-metal stardom and with hits like Dr. Feelgood and Girls, Girls, Girls will dominate the third day of the festival. Rockwave Festival 2009’s third day is the ultimate hard rock-metal festival experience. Terra Stage will be transformed into CrueFest Stage to welcome the pirates of hard rock, Motley Crue. Earlier, Monster Magnet will take us far away on an ecstatic and cerebral Powertrip. No performance would be complete without the female side of hard rock. The “Diva Satanica,” Angela Gossow, with her manic voice and the death-metal dynamic of Arch Enemy, appears along with Lauren Harris, any father’s idea of an ideal daughter and hard rock idol. VIBE STAGE W.A.S.P. (Heavy Metal) Voivod (Heavy Metal - Thrash Metal) Meanwhile back on the Vibe Stage: Blackie Lawless’ W.A.S.P. come to the Vibe Stage as he carries on the classic W.A.S.P. tradition to headline this ultimetal date with well-known hits and a strictly R-rated attitude. Slightly earlier, the legendary Voivod will be releasing their own musical Armageddon. Terra Stage and Vibe Stage will be in use back to back while bands alternately take the stage.

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THEATER The result: not a minute without music! Also on offer: camping, kiosks, games, t-shirts, souvenirs, theme events and festival services as only Rockwave knows how to provide, and above all, the Rockwave Festival Vibe.

KILLERS

Tuesday 30 June How could the Rockwave Festival refuse to give the stage over to the great Slipknot and massive favourites Mastodon. The nine members of Slipknot are the true on-stage embodiment of theatrical elaborated lyrics (contemporary industrial poems) and a unique melding of metal and rap, industrial and gothic. The masked nu-metal Slipknot headline the Terra Stage on the fourth day of the Rockwave Festival. They will be preceded by the hysterically cerebral Mastodon, American New Wave metal pioneers and huge favourites among Greek fans. They will be taking us on their own astral journey with their new album Crack the Skye, destination: Rockwave 2009’s star.

DUFFY

PLACEBO

Terra Vibe celebrated its grand opening in 2004. It has since accommodated major shows and events such as Rockwave Festival and Terra Vibe Festival with various parallel activities and happenings taking place during the events, such as: Street theatre-Jugglers Bungee Jumping Bazaar Art Exhibitions

TRAVEL AND CONGRESS SERVICES

What you should know about Terra Vibe It is located at the 37th km of the Athens-Lamia National Road in Attica. Terra Vibe lies on a 40-acre piece of land and has 200m frontage to the access road of the Athens-Lamia National Road, where the main entrance is located. Access is easy by train (Sfendali Station), by coach, with your own vehicle via the national road or by specially chartered buses that are hired during events such as Rockwave Festival. Terra Vibe boasts: • 15,000 square meter turf • Storage rooms • Technical equipment for shows • Refreshment and snack stalls • Medical centres • Lavatories • Prefabricated houses as dressing rooms • Stalls (styled like gazebos) for various uses

Doors open at 11 am daily. Terra Vibe On the map as the biggest open air venue in the world, Terra Vibe is the ideal destination for the greatest bands and the most famous artists. It has accommodated some of the greatest names of the international and the local music scene. The natural beauty and the amazing scenery of Terra Vibe confirm the feeling that you are in the countryside, as a sense of liberation overcomes you.

Services that Terra Vibe offers include: • Catering • Medical care • Cleaning & hygiene services • Audience safety For more information: www.breathtakingathens.com www.rockwavefestival.gr

39-41 Lykavittou Street, Athens 106 72, Greece, Direct Tel.: ++30 210 366 8800, Fax: ++30 210 364 6415 email: [email protected] ñ www.afea.gr

MOBY

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Kids

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Travelling with children is not like travelling with friends. Kids need to be entertained and amused and Athens is a child-friendly city full of activities for that purpose. So if you are coming to Athens with kids, you will find there are many things for them to see and do every day that you will spend in the city. There are also many facilities in and around Athens that cater to families travelling with children of all ages. Playgrounds, water parks, zoos, adventure parks, fun parks and children’s museums are all here for you to enjoy. Listed below are some suggestions of places to visit with your children.

Athens with Kids Athens is great for kids and has lots of attractions, events and activities for the whole family. Playmobil FunPark Playmobil FunPark is a magical children’s play area which pleasantly combines creativity with fun. It is a world especially designed to meet the playing needs of preschool and school-aged children (1-10 years). The entire world of Playmobil unfolds before the eyes of children. Pirates, fire fighters, Vikings and a lot of other themes have been assembled for children’s enjoyment. If your children enjoy Playmobil toys, then this park is definitely the place to be. A unique experience for every child! It is located in 1,000 square meters on the first floor of the Playmobil warehouse in Kato Kifissia. For more information, call: +30 210 8000018.

Emotions Museum of Childhood The Emotions Museum of Childhood is a museum which uses exhibits, play and stories to encourage children to discover the world of emotions, as well as to learn more about themselves and others. Moreover, it sensitises parents and educators on issues relative to children’s emotional development and socialisation through seminars aimed at adults. Using play, story-telling, interactive exhibits and other activities, children are encouraged to increase their self awareness, to explore their feelings and thoughts and to develop better communication with adults. This is a great place to have fun with your children and learn a few things about them. For more information, visit: www.mce.gr.

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Sunshine Express

The English Theatre Club The English Theatre Club was launched in 1990 as a theatrical workshop for teaching English through drama and has since performed over a hundred plays in theatres, parks and schools. Since 2004, the English Theatre Club has also had an acting ensemble of international actors and experienced teachers which produces plays and puppet shows for children of all ages. This year’s play is The Cambridge Art Gallery, an original comedy about an art gallery where the portraits come to life. For more information, call: +30 210 3631217.

Ice skating rink in Glyfada Glyfada ice skating rink is definitely one of the venues where you can have a great time with your kids. Ice skating is one of the best sporting activities for children, providing them with an opportunity to exercise and lots of fun for the whole family. If you are worried your children may be too young, worry no more – ice skating is a suitable activity for kids of all ages as long as they can walk. Known for its plethora of youthful activities, hotspots, bars and cafes, the cosmopolitan and international district of Glyfada has added a certified ice skating rink to its offerings. Built on the basketball court located at the indoor swimming pool, Palais de Sport, and surrounded by green, the ice-skating rink, named “Glyfada on Ice,” will be open daily through midMay from 11 am until midnight. For more information, visit www.onice.gr.

The Museum of Greek Children’s Art The Museum of Greek Children’s Art, a nonprofit cultural association, is the only one of its kind in Greece and one of the very few worldwide. It was founded in 1994. The paintings and the three-dimensional art works exhibited in the museum have all been created by children up to 14 years of age from all over Greece and are renewed regularly. The museum aims at presenting, preserving and promoting children’s art, developing their aesthetics and creativity, and cultivating children’s love for all forms of art. It is definitely a museum worth visiting in Athens. For more information, call +30 210 3312621.

Africa Farm Africa Farm on the Lambrou Park Estate was opened in 2000 in Melissochori Thivas. It houses a large number of exotic and rare animals from around the world. It’s a haven for kids and it is also a learning studio for children and adults alike. Away from the noisy urban rush, you will find a real oasis surrounded by green, as though you were in magical Africa. It is located in Thiva, just one hour outside Athens. African species like zebras and monkeys, along with some Greek species, are enough to make kids go wild. For more information, call +30 22620 98000.

Sunshine Express is a passenger city train that offers regularly scheduled sightseeing tours around the historical centre of Athens and through the picturesque streets of the old city and the Plaka area. It is a fun and imaginative way to introduce the city of Athens to kids. They climb into the train and discover all the amazing places of Athens: Monastiraki, Thission, Plaka and of course the area that surrounds the Acropolis. Aboard the Sunshine Express, children and adults will have the opportunity to tour the major ancient and contemporary sites and monuments of the Athens city centre in one single trip. The train departs every hour and the tour lasts about 40 minutes. For more information, call +30 210 8819252.

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Grand Resort Lagonissi: The Elegant & Exciting Escape

The famous Grand Resort Lagonissi is one of Athens’ top destination resorts. Over the years, it has set high standards for premium services and exceptional facilities. It is located on the beautifully lush 72 acre peninsula of Lagonissi, south of Athens, and it combines the magical Greek sandy beaches with the crystal clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea. The hotel offers natural beauty with all the advantages of modern living.

Hotels

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It is perfectly designed for leisure visitors seeking a relaxing holiday but also for business travellers who appreciate comfort and luxury. The resort is only 40 minutes drive from the heart of Athens, 20 minutes away from Athens International Airport and just 15 minutes away from the fashion-conscious suburb of Glyfada.

The Grand Resort Lagonissi is the crown jewel of Helios Hotels & Resorts S.A., a company with decades of experience in luxurious destinations in Greece. It was acquired a few years ago and after significant renovation and expansion, it opened its doors to welcome its guests with a high standard of service.

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The Grand Resort Lagonissi welcomes its visitors all year round and is the perfect destination for any time of the year for both business and leisure travelers. For the comfort of guests, a choice of lavish hotel rooms or suites, bungalows on the waterfront, villas with private pools and suites with gardens or balconies are available as outstanding options for accommodation or even for hosting private meetings or business events. Organised in seven distinct categories, each suiting specific requirements, a guest can find everything from basic to the decadently luxurious without compromising on comfort. Visitors can enjoy the sunrise and sunset from the balconies of one of the rooms or suites of the Comfort Club, while the bungalows and suites of the Premium Club are ideal for families. If keeping fit is important to you, choose your accommodation from the Grand Sports Club or Zen Club or raise the stakes on luxury with the suites of the Exclusive Club and Golden Club.

But if you want to feel like royalty, the best option is to choose among the eight villas of the Platinum Club with their private heated pools, patios, gardens, private access to the beach, butler service and many more luxuries. The Dream Suite with its retractable glass ceiling in the bedroom is the ideal romantic getaway for newlyweds. Forbes and Elite Traveler magazine have named the Royal Villa, with its indoor heated pool, private gym, vast garden graced by an outdoor heated pool and private sea-level deck, as one of the most exclusive in the world. For the shrewd business traveller, state-ofthe-art services and facilities are to be found in the brand new conference centre, the Grand Hall. With its pioneering architecture, the Grand Hall provides indoor and outdoor conference spaces with modern high-tech equipment. The Cosmos Ballroom, able to accommodate up to 1,600 delegates, features a stage, outstanding acoustics and unhindered visuals and, last but not least, a

breathtaking view of the Aegean. A further 10 satellite meeting rooms, an open-air exhibition area and two foyers surrounded by waterfront terraces and with capacities ranging from 25 to 250 delegates provide facilities for conferences, meetings, exhibitions, galas or social events. In order to tame your appetite, a gastronomic haven awaits with many different types of restaurants offering a choice of traditional, fusion or gourmet cuisines from Greece, Italy, Polynesia, Japan and the Mediterranean region. The thrice awarded exotic “Kohylia,” with its oriental atmosphere and mouth-watering sushi bar, “Captain’s House,” with its maritime theme and popular Italian dishes, and “Ouzeri,” for those wanting to feel they really are in Greece, are only few of the choices to send your taste buds to heaven. A visit to “Veghera,” the brand new club-restaurant resembling a cruise ship, is the absolute must for the coming summer.

The luxurious spa centre situated on the Mediterraneo beach, has created luxurious treatments and earned its place among the Leading Spas of the World for the second year running. It offers the quality, purity and integrity of natural ingredients in all products, combined with the progressive therapy techniques to ensure outstanding results. A team of highly skilled and trained therapists will select a sequence of therapies and programs to suit specific and individual needs. The unique combination of luxury, location, service and facilities make the Grand Resort Lagonissi a top destination for business or for pleasure, side by side with the cultural treasures of Greece and the privileged Mediterranean ambiance of its idyllic location where every visitor can find true harmony and peace.

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Hotels

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On first entering the Semiramis, you immediately become aware of its otherworldly atmosphere. It is a space that wins you over, offering every convenience you can conceive of. Exclusively designed by acclaimed designer Karim Rashid and located in the affluent and leafy suburb of Kifissia, Semiramis is in the heart of evolving Athens, surrounded by high-end boutiques, restaurants and cafés, just 20 minutes from the airport and 30 minutes from the city centre.

Semiramis Hotel Focus on positive energy Hotel Amenities • Rooms designed and furnished by Karim Rashid • Semiramis Bar – Restaurant • Originally designed swimming pool with sun deck, umbrellas and lounge chairs • High-speed wireless Internet connection throughout the hotel • Art exhibitions • Gym with personal trainers • Beauty centre and hamam – face and body treatment • Underground parking • 24-hour room service • 24-hour concierge service • Free CD and DVD library • Conference space – 180-person capacity • Laundry and dry cleaning service • Multi-lingual staff • Secretarial service • Baby-sitting • Car rental service • Turn-down service in all rooms • Early-bird complimentary breakfast • Unpacking service • Non-smoking rooms • Smoke detectors and sprinkler system throughout the hotel

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Room Facilities •4  standard rooms, 38 superior rooms 5 pool bungalows, 3 penthouse studios 1 penthouse suite • Balcony with pool or park view • Direct telephone line with voice mail in every room • Electronic in-room safe • Air Conditioning • Plasma TV (satellite and local channel connection) • Pay TV and movies on demand • DVD and CD players with free lending library • LED signage • Art work by Karim Rashid in every room • Variable lighting • Completely sound-proof • Electrically operated light-proof draperies • Choice of king-size, queen-size or two double beds • Maxi bar (snacks, beverages and accessories) • Luxury natural bath products • Choice of pillows • Cordless phones

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Interview

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Sakis Rouvas We met with Sakis Rouvas, one of the most popular Greek singers, who spoke to us about the Athens he knows and loves.

You grew up in Corfu. When did you come to Athens for the first time and what do you remember most clearly? I was very young, not more than 8 or 9 years old. I had come as a member of the gymnastics team. The most impressive thing I remember was the Acropolis. I also remember how impressed I was with the wide streets of Athens and of course, the many trolley wires high above. It was an unfamiliar sight for me. This was particularly true in the area near Amerikis Square. There were so many trolley wires that I could hardly see the sky! Which part of the city would you take a friend of yours from abroad to who was visiting Athens for the first time? I would certainly take him to Plaka.

If you only had one day to spend in Athens, where would you go? I would go to the same place I said I would take my friend: Plaka. Could you describe Athens in three words? To me, Athens is Classical Athens. The power, the energy of the place, and also the light, the spirit... Is there something you would like to have done in Athens that you have not done yet? At some point, I must get myself a nice loft in Plaka with a view of the Acropolis.

If you were Mayor of Athens for one day, what would you do for the city? I would make everybody remember and pay attention to the glory of Athens. I would make them see that they deserve much more than what they have got.

Sakis Rouvas is taking part in the 54th Eurovision Song Contest with the song “This is Our Night.”

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Strolling through Athens

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Monastiraki, Anafiotika, and Plaka are places whose reputation has achieved international fame. And yet, even those who know these places well never fail to discover something new every time they walk through the narrow streets. Athens is an everchanging city! Monastiraki - the Heart of the City Going down Ermou Street, you are bound to see the historic church of Kapnikarea. At the point where Ermou Street intersects with Athinas Street, you enter Monastiraki, part of the district of Plaka. In the middle of it you can see Monastiraki Square, which has been recently restored and opened to the public allowing everyone to admire the extraordinarily beautiful mosaic that adorns it while exposing a part of the riverbed of the Iridanos River. The area was known as Monastirion because of the small Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary which is situated at the intersection of Ermou Street and Athinas Street. Very close to the square you can see the mosque that was built by the Turkish official Tzistarakis in 1759 with materials taken from the oldest nearby buildings. Today, it is part of the Museum of Greek Folk Art and houses the ceramics collection of Vassilis Kyriazopoulos. From the square, one enters the flea market, famous for its antique shops and especially for the Sunday crowd that gathers there (the place is also known by its old name, Youssouroum). The bargain hunters and collectors who descend upon the area have raised it to urban legend status.

Monastiraki, Anafiotika, Plaka The Other Side of Athens

What to mark on your map

Plaka - the Past Alive in the Present

The Roman Library of Hadrian (near the Metro Station, Areos Street); the Roman Market (Areos Street); the Tower of the Winds (Aiolou Street); the Mosque (1 Areos Street), the building at 22 Panos Street (part of the Museum of Greek Folk Art), where you can see the permanent exhibition Men and Tools: Aspects of labour in pre-industrial societies; and the renowned monument Loutro ton Anemon (Bath of the Winds) (8 Kirristou and Lysiou Street), the first Turkish public bath built during the time Greece was part of the Ottoman Empire. This public bath was repaired during the reign of King Othon in the 19th century and remained open until the early post-war years.

Plaka during the spring is a totally different place from the one the visitor sees in any other season. In every courtyard you see and smell the jasmine and the honeysuckle, the night is filled with intoxicating scents and serenades reverberate through the narrow streets. Without a doubt, spring is the best season to visit Plaka. Its neoclassical mansions, its stone-paved narrow streets and its many historic buildings all shine under a starry sky that highlights the long, unbroken history of the city. Plaka embraces the east side of the sacred rock of the Acropolis, while in the south it borders on the Makriyianni district, Olympieion, Zappeion, Monastiraki and the central shopping areas at Aiolou Street and Ermou Street. Most of Plaka’s buildings are listed and any significant structural change is forbidden by the Greek state. It remains the only place in Athens where you can see what the city looked like 100 years ago. Lanterns, flowers and stone-paved alleys are all part of an Athens that existed next to history and some of the most significant archaelogical sites. Even today, the entire electricity and water infrastructure is built underground so nothing can spoil its historical image. Indeed, the fact that the streets are so narrow that cars are forbidden to enter the historic centre makes exploring the area on foot a delightful experience. Plaka’s main street is Adrianou, which begins at Hadrian’s Gate and ends at the Thissio metro station. Excavations in that area have provided ample proof that this is indeed the oldest street of the city in continuous use more or less for the same purposes from Classical times to the present. The whole quarter of Plaka is in fact a historical monument, where in every corner the visitor can see remnants from the Classical period co-existing with fragments from later periods (Roman, Ottoman and Modern Greek). In this historic neighbourhood, there are many galleries and museums which offer a comprehensive survey of each period. Since anyone who explores the cultural treasures of Plaka needs some time to pause for a rest, it is always good to know that there are many small taverns (many of them built below street level) that offer a glimpse of what old Athens was like, with the songs and the traditional fried cod that are typical of a Greek Lenten meal.

Anafiotika – A Touch of the Aegean Anafiotika is the most magical part of Athens; it is indeed an island situated just below the Acropolis, a place that links the Greek history and culture of the past with that of the present. It is situated at the point where Plaka approaches the Acropolis on its north-east slope and is a settlement of whitewashed houses built into the rock of the Acropolis hill in a Cycladic style. This place was initially built by migrant workers from the island of Anafi who came to the Greek capital in 1840 to find work on the excavations of the various archaeological sites around the Acropolis. Being very experienced builders, they had little trouble constructing their new houses below the Parthenon, taking advantage of every nook and cranny of the steep hillside and using stones that had rolled down from the sacred rock. Today, this settlement is made up of 60 houses which make you think you are actually on the island of Anafi, with its narrow streets, its small whitewashed houses with their courtyards filled with pots of basil and all kinds of flowers. Twenty houses in this area were demolished around 1970. Later, the whole area was reclaimed by the state, though some people continue to live there, standing guard over their homes as if to symbolise the long history of the Greek people. What to mark on your map The Metochi of the Panagios Taphos (the Monastery of the Holy Sepulchre) (18 Erechtheos St.) belongs to the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It is a church characteristic of the Ottoman period which was built at the beginning of the 17th century and is dedicated to the Agioi Anargyroi. The church plays a prominent role in the Easter celebrations, as it is where the Holy Light first arrives from Jerusalem on the evening of Holy Saturday. You may also want to visit Aghios Nikolaos Ragavas (Stravonos Street), an 11th century church that is considered one of the most important Byzantine monuments of the city and which offers a panoramic view of Athens and Lycabettus Hill.

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Strolling through Athens

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What to mark on your map The Museum of Greek Folk Art (17 Kydathinaion St.), a superbly rich collection of artefacts from Greek folk tradition; the Hellenic Children’s Museum (14 Kydathinaion St.) is supported by the Municipality of Athens and is one of the best in Europe; the Museum of Greek Children’s Art (9 Kodrou St.), a museum unique in its kind; and the Museum of Greek Popular Instruments (1-3 Diogenous St.), which offers the visitor the chance to see every aspect of the musical tradition of Greece. There are also many listed buildings with a long history, such as the Second Primary School of Athens (106-108 Adrianou St.); the Archontiko Benizelon (Benizelos Mansion) (96 Adrianou St.), one of the very few surviving monuments from the Ottoman period; the Centre for Asia Minor Studies (11-13 Kydathinaion St.), one of the first private buildings of post-Independence Greece; the Theodoridi Mansion (9 Aiolou St. and Pandrossou Street), from the end of the 19th century; and the Kallimasioti Mansion (49 Mitreopoleos St. and Kaprinareas Street) which is, at the moment, protected with aluminium bars for safety reasons.

How to get there Plaka is served by the following metro stations: Acropolis, Syntagma, Monastiraki and Thissio. You can also find the two tram stations, Syntagma and Zappeion. There are also a lot of bus and trolley lines which cross the centre of Athens. However, the best way to enjoy the area is to put on your best hiking shoes and start walking toward the sacred rock of the Acropolis.

THE NEW FACE OF ATHENS ON THE WEB Enjoy the best of Athens with us www.breathtakingathens.com

All you need to know about your business trip in Athens www.athensconventionbureau.gr

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Strolling through Athens

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Athens would hardly be the city it is without its crown jewel. In the centre of the city, but holding a unique place in the centre of the whole world as well, there is something extremely precious, a cultural monument that connects the past with the future in the most profound and decisive way.

In and Around Acropolis

Imagine a sunny day in spring. Now try to also imagine a magnificent warm sun that leaves nothing untouched, awakening an exquisite scent of flowers growing in the gardens of the houses of Plaka. The place you are imagining is the area around Acropolis, a place that seems to be frozen in time. The houses there have not been converted, at least not yet, into apartment blocks; the streets lead towards the sacred place that is the Parthenon. A walk through this area makes one feel as if time has graciously stopped progressing at such a furious pace. Now put on your hat, your sunglasses (Athens, you need to remember, is almost always sunny), comfortable flat shoes (the area lends itself to very satisfying walks as most of it is paved), and gather your friends to explore the places where the inhabitants of Classical Athens walked 2,500 years ago.

Walking Side by Side with History The route that starts from Dionysiou Areopagitou Street is by far the most beautiful as it follows a path parallel to the sacred rock of the Acropolis. You could start from the bust of Melina Merkouri, the woman who contributed the most to the new Acropolis Museum located opposite Hadrian’s Gate. This “grand promenade,” as Athenians call the three-kilometre pedestrian walkway from the Makriyianni district to Kerameikos, was by far the greatest gift the people of Athens could offer their city. You will see a great many people opting to stroll along this wide paved walkway. As you are enjoying your walk, you have the chance to gaze at the Acropolis, this masterpiece of the 5th century BC, and marvel at the Parthenon, which seems to be just a stone’s throw away. Right across the Acropolis, at the opposite side of the street, you can see the new Acropolis Museum, glittering in the Attica sun.

As you walk uphill, you can see the ruins of the Theatre of Dionysus, the Odeon of Pericles and the Asklepieion on the south face of the Acropolis. The steps that lead to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, built in 161 AD by Herodes Tiberius Claudius Atticus in memory of his wife, begin just next to these monuments.

At the crossroads of civilisations Moving further ahead, you reach the entrance of the west side of the Acropolis on your right, while on your left you can see the entrance to Philopappou Hill. Here you will find the “Dora Stratou” Greek Dances Theatre, named for the woman that has made traditional Greek dances world famous. The rustic chapel of Aghios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris, built in the 9th century AD, is also located here. You can also see the so-called Socrates’ prison on the nearby footpath. From there, the road (Apostolou Pavlou) continues downhill where it leads to the Pnyx. On the left side, the Pnyx spring is visible inside the grey rock. From there you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Propylaea, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Apteros Niki (Wingless Victory). The Parthenon was dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron of the ancient city of Athens. Seeing the Acropolis from this vantage point will certainly remind you of often-seen images of this great monument. The road here runs parallel to an olive grove in the foothills that protect the ancient monument. If you walk further on, you will reach the pedestrian walkway in the Thissio district, which is full of coffee houses affording a spectacular view of the ancient sites around them and where you will encounter the most multicultural assembly of people in the whole of Athens. There you can also see a flat area from which you can marvel at the Areios Pagos, the oldest courthouse in the world. It was at this very place that Saint Paul preached to the people of Athens, a decisive event that was crucial in the adoption of Christianity by the Greek people.

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Narrow Streets and Low Houses The road continues around a large pine-filled park where the monuments of the Ancient Agora can be seen: the Temple of Hephaestus or the Hephaestion, the Stoa of Zeus Eleutherios, the Temple of Apollo Patroos, the Bouleuterion, the Altar of the Twelve Gods, the Odeon of Agrippa, the Stoa Vasileios (Royal Stoa), and the Tholos (Round Temple). Further down the road, near the Thissio metro station, you will come to Asomaton Square, where a small 11th century church stands, and where Adrianou Street with its magnificent neoclassical mansions begins. There are a lot of shops and coffee houses here and you will be able to marvel at the architectural perfection of the Temple of Hephaestus. Adrianou Street is the oldest roadway in continuous use from antiquity to the present day. Going uphill, you will see the Roman Agora, which was built around 19-11 BC. The Tower of the Winds, or Orologio Kyrristou, stands outside the eastern boundary of the Roman agora. Although there used to be a hydraulic clock up in the tower, it is called Aerides (Winds) because it was constructed in the shape of an octagon whose eight sides each had a carved depiction of the eight winds: Boreas (north), Sciron (southwest), Zephyr (west), Apeliotis (east), Livas (south), Notos (south), Evros (southeast) and Kaikias (northeast). The surrounding neighbourhood has taken its name from this monument. Moving eastwards you will have the chance to see the Anafiotika quarter, with its small whitewashed houses built in the Cycladic architectural style. From there, you can see the sacred rock of the Acropolis towering above the area. Winding further through the narrow streets, you inevitably reach Adrianou Street and Hadrian’s Gate, from where you originally set off.

An Alternative Route An equally enticing route often preferred by many people is through the commercial streets starting from Syntagma Square, then following Mitropoleos Street to reach the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. From there, you can take Pandrossou Street, which will lead you to Adrianou Street. You gradually leave the busy centre behind you, as you approach the foot of the Acropolis and begin your walk from the Plaka area.

A Tour Around the Monuments If you wish to learn more about the monuments around the Acropolis, you may book a place on the guided tours offered by the City of Athens Cultural Organisation every Sunday and certain Saturdays starting at 10:30 am (excluding summer months). These guided tours are free, although you still have to pay the entrance fee to the various archaeological sites, wherever this is applicable. Information: City of Athens Cultural Centre, 50 Akadimias St., Athens, and the Office of the Municipal Art Gallery and Museums of the City of Athens Cultural Organisation, 51 Peiraios St., Koumoundourou Square, 2103231841 and 2103240762.

How to get there Depending on your preferred route, you can go to one of the following metro stations: Acropolis, Syntagma, Monastiraki and Thissio. You can also use the two tram stations at Syntagma and Zappeion. Many bus and trolley lines also pass through the centre of Athens, making the area around the Acropolis accessible from virtually every part of the city.

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Culture

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YOUSSOU N΄DOUR

Spring Cultural Highlights Nuevo Ballet Español - Sangre Flamenca comes to Athens May 5 - 10 Can jazz be combined with gypsy dance rhythms? Can the flawless movement and synchronisation of classical ballet mix with the spontaneity of flamenco? In their new production, Sangre Flamenca, choreographers Angel Rojas and Carlos Rodríguez, the founders of Nuevo Ballet Español, present a passionate panorama of flamenco rhythms incorporating modern and traditional artistry. Don’t miss this celebration of flamenco at the Badminton Theatre in Athens from 5 to 10 May. INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION: COMING FROM...”MILAN-ATHENS” March 6 - April 6 The non-profit organisation Centre for Applied Industrial Design Science and Society is staging an international exhibition of digital art titled “COMING FROM…Milan-Athens.” The exhibition calls for young voices in art, particularly the art of video, to come together in harmony as they forge the film aesthetics of the future, offering new, impulsive, challenging and revolutionary visions. It will take place from 6 March to 6 April at the CAID Centre. This initiative, under the supervision of Professor Diego Esposito from Brera in Milan, is an effort to create a connection between the two cities of Athens and Milan: two poles in art and history, two locations for study and culture, science and technology.

Karita Mattila and the BBC Symphony Orchestra of London for one unique performance in Athens April 24 Karita Mattila, one of the most famous sopranos in the world today, will appear alongside the BBC Symphony Orchestra of London under the direction of Jirí Belohlávek on April 24 for a unique performance that is expected to captivate all opera lovers. Mattila is recognised as much for the magnificence and versatility of her lyric voice as for her amazing stage ability. The programme of the concert in Athens will include Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss, the Prelude, Act I and Good Friday Spell from Richard Wagner’s Parsifal and the Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” by Antonín Dvořák.

Nuevo Ballet Español

Nuevo Ballet Español Les Ballets C. de la B. presents Aphasiadisiac in Athens May 5 Based in Ghent, Belgium, Les Ballets C. de la B. is a collective of choreographers renowned for presenting powerful, theatrical performances of startling, anarchic beauty. Focusing on issues of communication and human relationships and featuring a cast of five performers who each represent a member of his own family, Aphasiadisiac sees Ted Stoffer exploring the private languages and politics of love. Enjoy this unusual and exceptional ballet at the Pallas Theatre in Athens May 5.

ART ATHINA_Faliro Pavillion

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THEATER

Culture

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AC/DC May 28 AC/DC, who are famous worldwide for their magnificent shows and their sold-out appearances which galvanize the crowds in big stadiums round the world, are bringing the “Black Ice World Tour” to Athens! This is the first worldwide tour of the electrifying hard rock band, AC/DC, since 2001, and it is the first time in their long-running career they will appear in Athens. Exactly seven months after the start of the “Black Ice World Tour,” on 28 October at the Wachovia arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, we welcome AC/DC on 28 May at ΟΑΚΑ in Athens. For more than three decades, the Young brothers have enjoyed the highest level of success. With songs such as Back in Black, Hell’s Bell, Highway to Hell and For Those about to Rock, the most important guitar duo in the history of rock has succeeded in entering for good the music conscience of millions, regardless of their music preferences. Their basic characteristics are their unique energy and eccentric rock ‘n’ roll stage presence. Huge bells, the inflatable Rosie, loud canons and of course the band’s trade mark, restless Angus Young in school uniform.

ART-ATHINA 2009

February 7 - June 28

Launched in 1993 by the Hellenic Art Galleries Association, Art-Athina stands today as one of the longest-lasting contemporary art fairs in Europe, attracting over 10,000 visitors annually. Art Athina has witnessed a burgeoning growth in the number of art collectors, art dealers, curators, artists, critics and other art enthusiasts from around the world visiting the event, establishing Athens’ reputation as a vigorous, vibrant art scene. The fair will welcome a showcase of selected international galleries, a wide range of international collectors and art professionals through the VIP guest programme, unique parallel events, talks, exhibitions and art projects. Newly located near the seashore in the Faliro Bay, Art Athina presents a unique opportunity to discover and enjoy international contemporary art in Greece.

The human body - a fascinating experience!

Youssou N’Dour in Athens

BODIES...The Exhibition showcases meticulously dissected real human body specimens that have been preserved through an innovative process and respectfully presented, giving visitors the opportunity to view the beauty and complexity of their own organs and systems. BODIES...The Exhibition displays real human bodies and allows visitors of all ages to view themselves as never before. More than 200 organs and complete body specimens are on display in nine galleries showcasing the complexity of the body’s many bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels and organs. BODIES...The Exhibition is a stunning display of human anatomy, arriving in Athens following its huge success in cities such as New York, London, Washington, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Prague and Budapest. More than 11 million people have already had a chance to discover all there is to know about human anatomy. The exhibition opened in Athens February 7 and continues until June 28 at Technopolis.

April 22

BODIES...The Exhibition

BODIES

May 21-24

One of the most important African artists-activists in the world and most beloved by young people internationally, Grammy award-winner and ambassador of the United Nations Youssou N’Dour and his 12-member band will give only one concert on 22 April, at the Olympic Velodrome at OAKA, Athens, as part of a fundraising effort in support of Action Africa. Youssou N’Dour and his band, Super Etoile, will give a great concert, supporting the causes of Action Africa and the building of an orphanage that cares for more than 1,000 children whose parents have dies of AIDS.

Nuevo Ballet Español

AC/DC

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THEATER

Easter in the Country and in the City The red eggs, the Easter bread, the spit-roasted meat, the kokoretsi, and of course, the traditional Easter wishes Christos Anesti (Christ is risen)... There is no doubt that Easter, as celebrated in Greece, is something utterly unique.

Lenten Food In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, Lent lasts for 40 days (hence the name given to it by Greeks: Sarakosti, meaning 40), from Clean (Ash) Monday until Easter Sunday. During Lent, normal food is not allowed for those who observe the Eastern Orthodox customs, and since virtually

every piece of food contains one or other of the forbidden ingredients, it is easy to see that eating can be quite a challenge. However, the truth is that these restrictions only provide a wonderful opportunity to explore other Greek culinary customs, a bit on the vegetarian side to be sure, but equally mouth-watering as any of the traditional, well-known dishes famous the world over. These Lenten dishes are mainly based on vegetables, pulses, greens, potatoes, pasta, oil, and all kinds of sea-food plentiful throughout Greece. For a culinary treat during that period, there are the Lenten sweets, loukoumades (pastry made of deep fried dough soaked in sugar syrup or honey and cinnamon), semolina halva, fruit preserves called glika tou koutaliou (spoon-sweets)

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in Greek, chocolates, sesame paste cakes, and skaltsounia (Lenten cookies) filled with walnuts, a sweet that you can find all over Greece and one that is prepared by adding a small quantity of ouzo, for that extra touch. The fast starts in earnest with the coming of Holy Week and on Holy Wednesday there are two separate Communion services, both of which begin at dawn. As for Holy Friday, the day commemorating the burial of Jesus Christ, even water is proscribed due to the solemnity of the commemorated occasion. Most children are not very keen on observing these customs and, as soon as the Paschal Vigil is over on Holy Saturday evening, they rush to secretly help themselves to the traditional tsourekia, (sweet Easter breads) and the red-dyed eggs adorning the serving platters laid out in the dining room. If you want to sample some of these dishes yourselves, then go to: Kallisti Gefsis, 137 Asklipiou St., Athens, 210-6453179 and Miniature, 21 Romvis St., Syntagma, 2103233459. If you want to enjoy the traditional Lenten sweets, the places to go to are: Fresh, 21B Loukianou St., Kolonaki, 2107293453, Ktistakis (famous for its loukoumades), 59 Sokratous St., Omonoia, 2105240891 and Karavan, 11 Voukourestiou St., Athens, 210-3641540.

The Night of Holy Saturday The preparations for the festive meal that takes place after the Midnight Mass of the Greek Orthodox Easter beginon the morning of Holy Saturday. Greek housewives put their best efforts into preparing the mageiritsa, a traditional Easter soup made of the lamb’s finely chopped internal organs in rice and egg-lemon sauce (in certain areas they use tomato sauce instead) and fresh seasonal herbs. This late-night meal is meant to prepare the stomach after the long Lenten period for the huge feast to follow on Easter Sunday. The meal starts with the ritual knocking of the eggs, which have already been dyed red – a symbol of the death of Christ – on Holy Thursday. This day is also known in Greece as Red Thursday. The first tsourekia (sweet Easter

breads) and the Easter cookies are also made during that day. Many women also prepare gardoubakia, a gourmet appetiser that is made with plaited lamb intestines and egg-lemon sauce, but roasted in a pan in the oven, along with kokoretsi (a traditional and very popular dish, typical of Easter celebrations in Greece, that is made of chopped intestines and organs marinated in lemon, olive oil and oregano or thyme, seasoned with salt and pepper and roasted over an open fire). Right after the exchange of the wish Christos anesti (“Christ is risen”) at the church, the whole family gathers around the table and, with one candle still burning (this candle never goes out during the entire meal) all the family members start filling their plates, while exchanging wishesr. Wine flows freely and the traditional foods of the day are served with all kinds of salads and fresh cheese. If you want to sample some of these dishes yourselves then go to: Butcher Shop, 19 Persephonis St., Gazi, 210-3413440 and Nea Diagonios, 14 Lycavittou St., Kolonaki, 210-3617821).

The Easter Table It is virtually impossible to imagine the Greek Easter table without the spit-roasted lamb and the kokoretsi. The lamb has been prepared from the day before (Holy Saturday) – the intestines of the lamb from which the various traditional Easter appetisers are made must be cleaned thoroughly and seasoned with salt. Then the lamb is skewered on an iron rod, or spit, (souvla) ready to be roasted. The roasting starts very early in the morning as it takes at least 10 to 12 hours for the lamb to cook. Early on Easter Sunday, every home prepares the fire for the roasting of the lamb and in Roumeli (Central Greece) the custom is that dozens of skewers are all lined up in a massive celebration that lasts until the next day and where they offer free wine along with roasted lamb and mezedes (appetisers) to visitors. The kokoretsi, also prepared from the day before, is roasted on a separate spit.

The Greek Easter table also offers tiropita (cheese pie), red eggs, a great variety of regional cheeses, and christopsomo (Christ’s bread - a kind of sweet Easter bread). Whoever visits a Greek household during Easter Sunday has to knock his egg against the eggs of the members of the family for good luck (it is believed that whoever is left with an uncracked egg will have good luck throughout the year). Then guests are treated to all kinds of hot appetisers as everyone wishes Christos anesti and gets the reply Alethos anesti (“Indeed, He has risen”). If you want to sample these specialties for yourselves, then go to: Mamacas, 41 Persephonis St., Gazi, 210-3464984 and Vlassis, 8 Pasteur St., Mavili Sqaure, 2106463060).

Easter Sweets There are certain sweets that are made specifically for Easter Sunday (although all sweets are welcome on the Easter table). Sweet Easter breads, or tsourekia, special biscuits and chocolate eggs are to be found in every Greek household. In Greece, the custom is for the godfather of every child to offer them a sweet Easter Bread, a chocolate egg and, of course, the Paschal candle with which the child will receive the Holy Light at midnight of Holy Saturday. You can try some of the Greek Easter sweets in these places: Agapitos, 7 Voulis St., Syntagma, 210-3258110 and Sarayli Saray, 105 Aiolou St., Athens, 2103253463).

The Easter Basket This is by far the greatest pleasure for old and young alike during the Easter season. They are sold in every sweet-shop and contain tsoureki, Easter cookies and chocolate eggs. These sweet treats, along with the fine spring weather, make Greek Easter or Pascha, as it is called in Greece, a unique religious celebration.

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Yellow Pages

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Banks

Clothes and shoe sizes

Cost of Living

Electricity

Internet Access

Pharmacies

Major international banking institutions, credit card companies and ATMs in and around Athens are plentiful and easy to access.

For an easier shopping experience, you can check our list of the Greek equivalents for American and European sizes.

Athens is a city that offers numerous temptations as far as consumer products are concerned. Below is a list with indicative prices for a number of everyday products and services: • Museum tickets €4-12 • Theater tickets from €20 • Cinema tickets €7-10 • Sandwich from €2 • Souvlaki from €1.80 • Big bottle of water €1 • Greek coffee “to go” from €1 • Cappuccino coffee at a café €3,5-5 • A refreshment at a kiosk €0.70 • Drink at a bar from €6 • Full meal (starter, main dish, dessert, not including drinks) between €20-40 1.5 hour ticket for all means of transport (metro, buses, trains) €1

Tech Specs Voltage 220V Frequency 50Hz

There are numerous internet cafés in Athens which are usually open all day long and are very reasonably priced. You can also use the public internet WiFi connections in Syntagma Square, Kotzia Square and Theseion (WiFi public hotspots). Athens wifi is a wireless hotspot based on 802.11b/g (WiFi). You can easily connect to the Internet while you are sitting on a bench or enjoying your coffee. The connection is free provided that you chose the wireless network (SSID) athenswifi and type the number which appears on your screen. The connection speed is quite fast and the capacity is 4Mbps.

Pharmacies can be found throughout Athens. For overnight service, there are always one or two pharmacies open in every district. For pharmacies on call, dial 1434.

Banks are open to the public Monday through Thursday 08:00 to 14:30 and Friday 08:00 to 13:30, except on public holidays. The “Open24” Bank (Eurobank) is open mornings and afternoons, as well as on Saturdays. Foreign currency may be exchanged for euros at most Greek and foreign banks and at exchange bureaus located in the city center. Bring your passport when exchanging money as you will need it for the transaction. Traveler’s checks and credit cards issued by major companies are also widely recognized and an accepted means of purchasing items in Athens.

Clothes GR

USA

UK

IT

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extra small (XS)

6

32

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small (S)

8

34

40

medium (M)

10

36

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large (L)

12

38

44

extra large (XL)

14

40

46

extra extra large (XXL)

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42

Shoes GR

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UK

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6

3.5

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6.5

4

38

7.5

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7/W 8.5

6

40

7.5/W 9

6.5

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8.5/W 10

7.5

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9/W 10.5

8

43

10

9

44

10.5

9.5

Shopping If you come from a country outside the European Union and spend a minimum of €120 on the same day in the same store, you can benefit from a tax refund. Ask for your invoice or receipt and the tax-free receipt. Do not forget to get your invoices or receipts stamped at the airport. You can also find duty free shops at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport and at the Port of Piraeus.

Holidays Calendar of Traditional and National Holidays in and around Athens • October 28 - “OHI” Day commemorates the day the Greek dictator Metaxas said OHI, or “no,” to the Italian ultimatum which asked Greece to allow Italian forces to use Greek soil for military operations or otherwise face war. • December 25 & 26 - Christmas • January 1 - The feast of St. Vassilis (Greek Santa Claus), New Year’s Day • January 6 - The Epiphany • Clean Monday (Ash Monday) movable feast • March 25 - Greek Independence Day • Orthodox Good Friday - movable feast • Orthodox Easter - movable feast • Orthodox Easter Monday movable feast • May 1 - Labor day and the Feast of the Flowers • August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Hospitals Many public hospitals and a few private ones operate in Athens. The Emergency Departments at public hospitals work on a rotation basis. To find out which hospitals are on duty at any particular time, dial 1434. Treatment in public hospitals is free of charge.

Police • Emergency call: 100 • Tourist police: 171 (information available in English, French and German) • Tourist Police Headquarters: +30 210 69 77 386, +30 210 69 24 929 • Airport Police: +30 210 35 30 000

Mobile Phones Usually mobile phones automatically connect with the Greek network. You can also do it by yourself by choosing the option “network selection” on your mobile to get manually connected. Your mobile phone operator will inform you about charges for calls received from your own country or for the ones you make while in Greece (local and international calls).

Tech Specs GSM Band

900MHz 1800MHz

Of course, a cheaper solution is to get a Greek mobile telephone number as soon as you arrive in Athens and use this during your stay. You can buy a new SIM card even from the kiosks on the streets and the cost is €5.

Time Athens is in the Eastern-European timezone, which means two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Additionally, Athens has daylight-savings time, meaning that during spring and summer (from March to October) the clocks are put forward one hour.

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Weather and Climate Athens is an ideal year-round city destination with comfortable and favorable climate conditions for travel and sightseeing. Rainfall is minimal (estimated at just 40 cm or 16 inches per year) and Helios, the sun god in Greek mythology, smiles upon its streets over 300 days a year. The summers (June through August) are dry and hot with temperatures ranging from 78° to 94°F, or 20° to 34°C, and are recommended for diehard sun worshippers. Seasonal winds, known as meltemi, may accompany some hot days depending on the climatic conditions. September is often considered the ideal month for both urban activities and nearby island day trips with temperatures ranging from 70° to 83°F, or 20° to 28°C. The Mediterranean climate makes for mild winters and even milder autumns in lowlying areas (such as Athens) with the coldest temperatures reported in January at a very temperate 41° to 55° F, or 5° to 13°C. Christmas in Athens is a delight considering you can take in the city’s lights and attractions at a relatively comfortable 45° to 50°F, or 7° to 14°C. Snowy, icy days are few but within reach atop the surrounding mountain peaks. In Athens, sunshine and outdoor living is almost always a given- no matter what time of the year.

Weights and Measures Listed below is a month-by-month breakdown of average temperatures and precipitation in Athens. (Source: worldweather.org and Hellenic National Meteorological Service) • Jan: 5.2° - 12.5°C / 41° - 54.5°F 5.69 cm / 2.2 inches rainfall • Feb: 5.4° - 13.5 °C / 42° - 56.3°F

4.67 cm / 1.8 inches rainfall

• March: 6.7° - 15.7 °C / 44° - 60.26°F 4.07cm / 1.6 inches rainfall • A  pril: 9.6° - 20.2° °C / 49° - 68°F 3.08 cm / 1.2 inches rainfall • May: 13.9° - 26.0 °C / 57° - 78°F 2.68 cm / 1.05 inches rainfall • June: 18.2° - 31.1 °C / 65 - 88°F 1.06 cm / 0.4 inches rainfall • J  uly: 20.8 ° - 33.5 °C / 69 - 92°F 0.58 cm / 0.2 inches rainfall • A  ug: 20.7° - 33.2 °C / 69 - 92°F 0.6 cm / 0.2 inches rainfall • Sep: 17.3° - 29.2 °C / 63 - 85°F 1.39 cm / 0.5 inches rainfall • O  ct: 13.4° - 23.3 °C / 56 - 74°F 5.26 cm / 2 inches rainfall • Nov: 9.8° - 18.1 °C / 50 - 65°F 5.83 cm / 2.2 inches rainfall • D  ec: 6.8° - 14.1 °C / 44 - 57°F 6.91cm / 2.7 inches rainfall

Greece uses the metric system, as do the majority of European countries. The UK and the U.S.A. use the imperial system. The conversion table below may be useful.

METRIC SYSTEM UK / USA (IMPERIAL) - 1 gram (g) 0.0353 ounce - 1 kilo(gram) (kg) 2.204 pounds - 1 centimeter (cm) 0.393 inch - 1 meter (m) 3.281 feet / 1.093 yard - 1 kilometer (km) 0.621 mile - 1 centiliter (cl.) 0.021 US pint / 0.0176 UK pint - 1 liter (l) 0.264 US gallon / 0.220 UK gallon - 1 liter (l) 2.1 US pints / 1.76 UK pint UK/USA (IMPERIAL) METRIC SYSTEM - 1 ounce (oz) 28.349 grams - 1 pound (lb) 0.453 kilo (grams) - 1 inch (in) 2.540 centimeters - 1 foot (ft) 0.304 meters - 1 yard (yd) 3 feet-0.914 meter - 1 mile (mi) 1760 yards-1.609 kilometers - 1 US pint (pt) 0.473 liter - 1 UK pint (pt) 0.568 liter - 1 US gallon (gal) 3.785 liters - 1 UK gallon (gal) 4.456 liters

Temperature in Greece is expressed in degrees Centigrade. But if you come from the United Kingdom or the United States, you’ll find our conversion tables useful.

Degrees Centigrade Fahrenheit -10°C -5°C 0°C 5°C 10°C 15°C 20°C 25°C 30°C 35°C 40°C

14°F 23°F 32°F 41°F 50°F 59°F 68°F 77°F 86°F 95°F 104°F

Fahrenheit Degrees Centigrade 10°F 20°F 30°F 40°F 50°F 60°F 70°F 80°F 90°F 100°F 110°F

-12.2°C -6.7°C -1.1°C 4.4°C 10°C 15.6°C 21.1°C 26.7°C 32.2°C 37.8°C 43.3°C

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Blue Buses OASA The blue bus network consists of more than 320 lines connecting the city center to all the Athens suburbs and to Piraeus. OASA provides information on the best way to reach a destination by dialing 185. Blue buses run daily from 05:00 to 00:15. For more information: www.oasa.gr

Athens Sightseeing Public Bus Line No. 400 The Athens Sightseeing Public Bus Line No. 400 makes stops at the city’s top sightseeing spots. Schedules from June to September are from 07:30 to 21:00, every 30 minutes. The duration of the round trip is 90 minutes. The ticket costs 6 euros and can be purchased only on the bus. The ticket is valid for 24 hours and provides for unlimited travel by the Athens Sightseeing Public Bus Line and all modes of public transport. For more information: call 185; www.oasa.gr

Intercity Bus Company or Association of Bus Operators (KTEL)

Thermal Buses S.A. (ETHEL) The Ethel buses are the core lines that connect the Athens and Piraeus city center s to the centers of surrounding municipalities. The renovation of the core Athens bus system resulted in hundreds of new buses, many of them powered by natural gas. There are several express bus routes to and from Athens International Airport. Thermal buses run daily from 5:00 to 23:00. For more information: call 185 or +30 210 88 36 076; www.ethel.gr

Trolley or Electric Buses (ILPAP) The old yellow trolleys of Athens’ past have been replaced by cutting-edge purple and yellow trolley buses with digital displays. The trolleybus is just one more means of transport to take you where you want to go in Athens. Trolleybuses run daily from 5:00 to 00:30. For more information: call 185 or +30 210 88 36 076; www.ethel.gr

The Greek bus companies, or KTEL, serve destinations outside of Athens and have a dense network throughout Greece. Almost every city and village has a local KTEL with routes to main centers and to Athens. There are two bus terminals: Kifissou 100 serves the Peloponnese (+302105124910) and western Greece; the Liossion 260 terminal serves central and northern Greece (+302108317109). For more information: call 1440; www.ktel.org

tram Ecologically and environmentally friendly, with a view of the Saronic Gulf, the Tram connects the center of Athens with the coastal neighborhoods of Glyfada to the east, and Piraeus to the west. Three station hubs along its routes connect passengers with Metro Lines 2 and 3 and one station connects to the Electric Railway (ISAP), or Metro Line 1. Total waiting time during peak hours is a mere 8 minutes. The Tram operates from Monday to Thursday 5:00 to 00:15 and from Friday to Saturday on a 24-hour basis For more information: www.tramsa.gr

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MUSEUMS Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos 148 Ermou St., Athens Nearest Metro: Monastiraki Nearest Rail: Thissio Telephone: +302103463552 Opening Hours: 08:00-19:30 Admission: €2 Archaeological Museum of Piraeus 31 Charilaou Trikoupi St., Piraeus Nearest Rail: Piraeus Telephone: +302104521598 Opening Hours: 08:00-15:00; Closed Mondays Admission: €3 The Railway Museum of Athens 4 Siokou St., Athens Nearest Metro: Sepolia Telephone: +302105126295 Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 09:00-13:00 (Wednesday 17:00-20:00); Saturday-Sunday 10:00-13:00; Closed Mondays Admission: Free B&M Theocharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts and Music Vasilissis Sofias & Merlin Street, Athens Nearest Metro: Syntagma (Line 2 & 3) Telephone: +302103611206 Website: www.thf.gr Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00; Closed Tuesday; Thu-Fri 10:00-22:00 Benaki Museum Koumpari Street& Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Athens Nearest Metro: Syntagma (Line 2 & 3) Telephone: +302103671000 Website: www.benaki.gr Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00; Thu 09:00-00:00; Sun 09:00-15:00; Closed Tuesday

New Benaki Museum 138 Pireos St., Athens Nearest Metro: Kerameikos Nearest Rail: Petralona Telephone: +302103453111 Website: www.benaki.gr Opening Hours: Mon-Tue Closed; Wed, Thu & Fri 10:00-18:00; Fri-Sat 10:00-22:00 Byzantine & Christian Museum 22 Vasilissis Sofias St., Athens Nearest Metro: Megaro Moussikis Telephone: +302107232178, +302107211027 Website: www.byzantinemuseum.gr Opening Hours: 08:30-15:00; Closed Monday Admission: €4 Cycladic Art Museum 4 Neofytou Douka St., Athens Nearest Metro: Panepistimio Telephone: +302107228321, +302107228322 Website: www.cycladic.gr Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00; Thu 10:00-20:00; Sun 11:00-17:00; Closed Tuesday Admission: €7; Monday €3.50

Frissiras Museum for Contemporary European Art 3 & 7 Monis Asteriou, Plaka Telephone: +30 2103234678 Nearest Metro: Acropolis Website: www.frissirasmuseum.com Opening Hours: Wed to Fri 10:00-17:00; Sat & Sun 11:00-17:00; Mon & Tue Closed Admission: €6

Goulandris Natural History Museum 13 Levidou St., Kifissia Telephone: +30 210 8015870 Nearest Train: Kifissia Website: www.gnhm.gr Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 09:00-14:30; Sun 10:00-14:30 Admission: €3.50 Greek Folk Art Museum 17 Kydathinaion St., Athens Telephone: +302103229031 Nearest Metro: Syntagma Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-14:00; Closed Monday Admission: €2 Herakleidon Museum – Experience in Visual Arts 16 Herakleidon St., Thission Nearest Metro: Monastiraki Telephone: +302103461981 Website: www.herakleidon-art.gr Opening Hours: Tue to Sat 13:00-21:00; Sun 11:00-19:00; Closed Monday Admission: €6

Jewellery Museum – Ilias Lalaounis 6 Karyatidon St., Athens Nearest Metro: Acropoli Telephone: +302109221044 Website: www.lalaounis-jewelrymuseum.gr Opening Hours: Thu-Sat 08:30-16:30; Sun 11:00-16:00; Wed 09:00-21:00 Mon-Tue: Closed Admission: €5 Jewish Museum of Greece 39 Nikis, Athens Nearest Metro: Syntagma Telephone: +30210 32 25 582 Website: www.jewishmuseum.gr Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 09.00-14.30; Sun10.00-14.00; Closed Saturday Admission: €5 Museum of Islamic Art 22 Agion Asomaton St., Athens Nearest Metro: Monastiraki Telephone: +302103251311 Opening Hours: Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Su 09:00-15:00; Wed 9:00-21:00; Closed Monday Admission: €5 Museum of Greek Children’s Art 9 Kodrou St., Athens Nearest Metro: Acropoli Telephone: +302103312621 Website: www.childrensartmuseum.gr Opening Hours: Tue to Sat: 10.00-14.00; Sun: 11.00-14.00; Mon: Closed Admission: €2

Museum of Modern Ceramics 4-6 Melidoni St., Athens Nearest Metro: Monastiraki Nearest Rail: Thissio Telephone: +302103318491 Website: www.potterymuseum.gr Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 09:00-15:00; Sun 10:00-14:00; Closed Saturday Admission: €3 National Archaeological Museum 44 Patision Ave., Athens Nearest Metro: Omonoia Nearest Rail: Viktoria Telephone: +302108217724 Opening Hours: Tue to Sun 08:30-15:00; Mon 13:00-19:30 Admission: €7 National Art Gallery – Alexandros Soutzos Museum 1 Michalakopoulou & 50 Vas. Konstantinou , Athens Nearest Metro: Evangelismos Tel.: +30 2107235857 +302107235937-8 Website: www.nationalgallery.gr Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 09:00-15:00; Sun 10:00-14:00; Closed Tuesday Admission: €6.50

National Historical Museum 3 Stadiou St., Athens Nearest Metro: Panepistimio Telephone: +302103237617 Website: www.nhmuseum.gr Opening Hours: Tue to Sun 09:00-14:00; Closed Monday Admission: €3; Sunday: Free Numismatic Museum 12 Panepistimiou Ave., Athens Nearest Metro: Syntagma Telephone: +302103643774 Website: www.nma.gr Opening Hours: Tue to Sun 08:30-15:00; Closed Monday Admission: €3 War Museum Vasilissis Sofias Avenue & Rizari Street, Athens Nearest Metro: Evangelismos Telephone: +302107215035 Opening Hours: Tue to Sun 09:00-14:00; Closed Monday Admission: Free

CITY OF ATHENS

ARTS Exhibition

Dance Festival

BABEL Comics Festival

Athens Video Art Festival

Technopolis hosted hundreds events from May 1999 to present such as: Visual Art - Photography - Technology - Sculpture -Conferences Seminars, International Festivals Concerts - Theatrical and Dance Events- Business Forums Educational Programs Product presentations Concert Alkistis Protopsalti

“Technopolis” of the City of Athens provides: Access to the disabled, Coffee bar, 20 WC, nearby parking. Operating hours: Weekdays and Weekends 10.00-22.00. (Operating hours may be modified without notice) Access: Trolley: Line 21 (from Omonia Square), OASA Busses: 035, 049, 811, 815, 838, 914, B18, ?18, 731, 031. Train: Station “Thision”. Metro: Station "Keramikos". Contact: Technopolis City of Athens, 100 Piraeus Str., 11854 Gazi, Athens Tel: 210-3461589 and 210-3467322, Fax: 210-3413228 http://www.cityofathens.gr/dimotikoi-foreis/texnopolis-dimoy-athinaion Mail: [email protected]

CITY OF ATHENS

CULTURE TO THE NEIGHBOURHOODS Íikitaò Êaklamanis

The City to Share Your Ideas Some of humanity’s most exciting ideas were born in Athens, and from here they were shared with the world. This could be due to the fine weather. Or the inspiring scenery. Or, if you prefer, the Athenian attitude towards life. Whatever the reason, great ideas seem to have always reached the most distant places when coming from this unique place of Europe. Enhanced by its state of the art venues and facilities, Athens today can meet the demands of any event and always deliver an impeccable result. Bring your meeting to Athens. Get inspired. Share your ideas.

Athens

T: +30 210 32 53 123 F: +30 210 32 16 653 E: [email protected]