From bagpipes to bouzouki – a small glimpse into the history of Greek folk instruments from the permanent exhibition at the museum in Plaka, Athens. We visited the Museum of Greek Folk Instruments – a small but very charming and truly fascinating museum, housed in […]
Greek folk instruments, part 1 – a visit to the museum in Plaka Read more »
Amid Athens’ many layers of history lie secrets rarely told. They hide behind everyday facades, in the shadows of well-known landmarks, and beneath the city’s bustling streets. 🔔BOOK NOW: Unique city walks in Athens | Limited spots available 📅 On our guided tours, we explore
What did the Greek islands look like before modernization and tourism transformed them?From the 16th century to the early 20th century, these islands were visited by European travelers – botanists, diplomats, adventurers – who left behind unique accounts of the landscapes, ancient ruins, and the
The Greek islands between the 16th and 20th centuries, part 1 Read more »
Santorini and Amorgos have recently experienced hundreds of earthquakes over an extended period. Magnitudes of up to 5.4 on the Richter scale have been recorded. The intense seismic activity has prompted authorities to declare the islands in a state of emergency. As a precautionary measure,
Santorini and Amorgos – memories of the 1956 Earthquake Read more »
Right in the heart of Athens stands the Temple of Zeus, also known as the Olympieion. It is one of the largest and most impressive sanctuaries of antiquity and took over half a millennium to complete. The ancient travel writer Pausanias, who visited the Olympieion
Temple of Zeus in Athens: lesser known stories about Olympieion Read more »
New Year’s Greeting 2025. The new year has just opened its doors, brimming with promise and new opportunities. The Expedition wishes all Greconauts another year of joy, discoveries, and inspiring adventures! While winter still grips us with its icy chill, and snow in some places,
Dodekaímeron in Greek means “the twelve days” and marks an important period in traditional Greek Christmas celebrations. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” also exists in English, an old phrase that carries faint whispers from a bygone era. During this time, as the sun’s movement pauses,
The Kallikantzaroi, according to Greek folklore, are malevolent creatures that emerge from the underworld during the Greek Christmas period and cause trouble for humans. During the winter solstice, when the movement of the sun seems to halt, they creep out: the malicious, mischievous, ugly, and
Kallikatzaroi, the malevolent creatures of Greek Christmas [updated 2024] Read more »
In the heart of Athens, in Psyrri – a charming and historic neighborhood known for its lively tavernas, music bars, and vivid shops – lies a small but unique music workshop. Here, the dedicated and innovative instrument maker Giorgos Karellas works. Amid the smell of
Visiting a bouzouki maker in Psyrri: Greek music and craft, part 1 Read more »
On Amorgos, the easternmost of the Cycladic islands, new life is brought into the traditional crafts. Projects have been launched to restore and preserve the island’s dry-stone walls—structures built without binding materials—which are iconic features of the Cycladic landscape. The timeless role of the walls
On the Greek island of Amorgos, a future is being built with the stones of older times Read more »
