We are very excited that the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens has opened up its "home" to the general public and invites us to get to know the Propylaea, one of the most iconic places of the Greek capital.
Officially founded in 1837, the University of Athens has been in continuous operation for 180 years and is an integral part of modern Greece’s academic tradition. It is considered to be among the leading universities in Europe and is listed 72nd among 5011 universities in the world. During its remarkable history, numerous political changes and social developments have taken place in the building and its monumental precinct acknowledges highlights of Greek history.
The neoclassical building of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens was designed by the Danish architect Hans Christian Hansen, and is home to a famous fresco by the painter Carl Rahl. The sculptures of its precincts focus on important historical figures including Rigas Feraios, Gregory V of Constantinople, Adamantios Korais and Ioannis Kapodistrias.
The tours available are an opportunity for the general public to get acquainted with the university’s long history; they will be made by art historians of the Department of History and Archaeology, under the scientific supervision of the Associate Professor of History of Art, Dimitris Pavlopoulos.
For more information and reservations visit, https://visit.uoa.gr/en/
Despite Athens being a metropolis with millions of people - a city that never sleeps - in August, it feels tranquil and quaint. As many Athenians head out of the city on summer holiday, in August the city becomes less crowded; it is a great opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy some sightseeing, visit monuments and check out spots around the city that are typically crowded. If you happen to be in Athens on August 15th then head to the Acropolis to enjoy utter peace and tranquility.
There is evidence that the Acropolis hill was inhabited as far back as the 7 millennium BC. In 570 BC, the Old Temple of Athena, dedicated to Athena Polias, was erected and around 500 BC, an older Parthenon was built. When the Persians invaded the city in 480 BC, the building and practically everything else on the rock was destroyed. It was Pericles who, between 450 to 420 BC, coordinated the reconstruction of the site. Phidias created the massive gold and ivory sculpture of the Greek goddess Athena and was responsible for the reconstruction; while in 447 BC, Ictinus and Callicrates built the Parthenon. In 421 BC, the construction of the elegant temple of Erechtheion in Pentelic marble began. The eastern part of the temple was dedicated to Athena Polias, while the western part served the cult of the king Poseidon-Erechtheus; this temple was supported by huge female figures known as Caryatids. Between 427 and 424 BC the small temple of Athena Nike was built and in 427 BC, Pericles built the Propylaea, the entrance to the temple. In August you can admire the Parthenon and experience Ancient Athens’ history wonderfully undisturbed.
August’s full moon will occur on August 15th and seeing the Acropolis rock bathed in ample moonlight is a spectacle not to be missed. The Ministry of Culture has organized numerous events at and around the Acropolis on this day; the ancient site and museum will stay open for 24 hours. Philopappou Hill, Nymphon Hill, and Pnyka Hill are all ideal spots to gaze at the Acropolis and savor the jaw-dropping views.
Psatha Beach
Psatha lies on the Corinthian Gulf, 60 kilometers west of Athens and feels much like being on a Cycladic island. Spanning more than 2 kilometers, the bay is covered with small pebbles and has crystal blue waters. Although not organized, there are many traditional fish taverns - called “ouzeri” in Greek - as well as coffee shops and amenities available nearby. Be sure to take your own beach umbrella and a towel and plan to spend a perfect day at the beach!
Sandy Skaloma Beach
65 kilometers west of Athens, Skaloma is a small sandy beach located in the area of Prosili at Porto Germeno. It has striking natural beauty with pine trees and crystal clear turquoise waters. The unique landscape will reward you, especially if you visit in August when most Athenians are on vacation and Attica is a real breath of fresh air!
Small Yet Marvelous Althea Beach
Following along the Athenian Riviera toward Cape Sounio, near Agia Marina, lies the small beach of Althea. Find a spot to park your car and follow the steps that lead down to a small, secluded, and non-organized sandy bay. Grab your beach equipment and a small cooler so that you can stay and enjoy the tranquility of the landscape until late at night. It’s worth it!
Charakas Beach Has It All
Heading toward Cape Sounio on the Lavrion-Sounion road and seek out the beach of Charakas, one of the most beautiful beaches of Attica. Situated between Lavrio and Keratea, this beach is partially organized if you’d like sun chairs and service, and partially not if you prefer to lay on the sand with your own beach gear. One thing is for sure, in August this beach is the ultimate place for relaxation!
A Hidden Paradise In Anavissos
As you arrive at the organized beach of Anavissos continue up the road until you see a small church; follow the path that leads behind the hill and there is a small, hidden gem of a beach awaiting to be discovered!
Thymari Beach Caters To Every Taste
Following along the Athenian Riviera toward Cape Sounio, just beyond Palea Fokea lies the beautiful, sandy beach of Thymari. It is a beach that caters to every taste as it is both organized with serviced beach chairs, as well as free and pristine with shimmering waters!
The Athens Open Air Film Festival is arguably the city's most relaxing summer festival as it uniquely combines fun with history and art. Movie screens are set up in unique places around Athens and feature multi-awarded movie classics against the backdrop of the most distinctive monuments in Athens, and for free. A unique, summery, and nostalgic experience awaits!
The Athens Open Air Film Festival, the biggest cinematic event in the city, returns for its 9th consecutive year. Over the years, the festival has transformed about 50 archaeological sites and monuments, as well as parks, squares, beaches, and theaters into open-air cinemas, screening some of the greatest cinematic masterpieces of all time.
The festival is an imaginative idea that adds a touch of liveliness to the city and offers a unique recreational opportunity. In July, audiences will have the chance to watch legendary movies in some of the city's most unexpected locations, while promoting Athens' unique urban landscape. Screenings of the films "Point Blank" by John Boorman, "Lost Highway" by David Lynch, "Stray Dog" by Akira Kurosawa, "Enter the Dragon" by Robert Clouse, "Army of Shadows" by Jean-Pierre Melville, "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans" by F. W. Murnau, "Imitation of Life" by Douglas Sirk, "Blow-Up" by Michelangelo Antonioni, and "Poltergeist" by Tobe Hooper will take place at Avdi Square, Lycabettus Hill, Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, Alsos Petralonon and many more locations lighting up our nights with the magic of cinema!
