Our Parthenon is the envy of the world. But while there can only be one, we’re loving this restored and detailed replica of Athens’ crowning glory in Nashville, Tennessee. The wondrous full-scale replica – complete with a 42ft golden revival of our long-lost Athena - is a flattering testament to the influence of Greek history across the w...
Read moreAs the world celebrates the 200th anniversary of Greece’s revolution, Athens Insider recommends a mandatory reading of Roderick Beaton’s Greece: Biography of a Modern Nation. Beaton treats Modern Greece as a biographical subject, a living entity in its own right, and encourages us to take a fresh look at a people and culture long celebra...
Read moreThe powerful dolls of Greek sculptor Ioanna Paraskeva speak for those women and girls who can’t. Through her ‘I am Not a Doll’ Project – the conceptual artist hopes to create a bridge between children and adults, allowing them to break down taboos about brutal topics – from domestic violence and rape, to sexual harassment and cyber abuse ...
Read moreFrom landmark monuments to famous city icons, here’s how the world turned on the blue and white colours to fete Greece on its 200th anniversary. Sydney's ic...
Read moreGreece’s National Gallery is home to some of the world’s most coveted artworks, yet it spent a better part of its 143-year existence homeless and abandoned. All that is about to change as the new National Gallery opens its swanky doors on March 24 in Athens’ Pangrati district. A bright and cheery triptych by Panagiotis Tetsis with vibrant...
Read more“Byron shows us what Philhellenism is. It is quite simply a transformative love affair,” writes John Kittmer, who – just like Lord Byron – fell head over heels for Greece on his first visit as a young man. In this heartfelt paean to Greece, the former British ambassador distils the enduring essence of Philhellenism, past and present. ...
Read moreWhy on earth would a 70-plus Englishman, who’s terrified of traffic, hop on a decrepit 50cc “papaki” bike named Harley and embark on a road trip from his village in Evia, all the way to Mount Athos? John Mole’s charming latest book, Harley and the Holy Mountain, is Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance with creaky knees, lashings of h...
Read moreHer haunting bass voice and rousing lyrics of hope and inspiration were wartime anthems for Greek troops. On the anniversary of her death, Insider celebrates the courageous chanteuse Sofia Vembo, who defied German orders to entertain young Greek soldiers - often undercover - and remains a national treasure for generations of Greeks; still...
Read moreManto Mavrogenous was a freedom fighter from Mykonos who captained Greece to liberation. It cost this educated-aristocrat-turned-rebel her personal fortune and the love of her life. Mykoniot-resident Stacey Harris-Papaioannou profiles this captivating and tragic Greek heroine. [caption id="attachment_9583" align="alignleft" wi...
Read moreGreece's Russian-doll like lockdowns within lockdowns now extended to March 16. Stricter measures to be reinforced starting Thursday, March 4 from 6am onwards. All schools and retail stores to remain closed. Only supermarkets, essential services and food take-away services to remain open. What you need to know: As throug...
Read more“Everything originates from love.” To artist Pavlos Samios, who lost his battle with illness last week, painting was merely “daily life seen in a metaphysical way”. His intimate canvasses oozed vitality and old-world elegance – much like this prolific and treasured artist himself. Like his large...
Read moreFor more than twenty centuries, Thessaloniki gave shelter and a new sense of home for the persecuted Jews of Europe. During the Holocaust, more than 80 per cent of this vibrant Jewish community were exported and slaughtered. Insider revives the rich legacy of a forgotten people. As the city of Thessaloniki remembers and mourns...
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