When ads take over

For many websites, ads are a reasonable way to finance their operations. We have no objection in principle to online advertising. But that is not the path we want to choose for our platform.

When external ad networks are allowed onto a website, part of the control over it is handed over at the same time. Of course, some things can be controlled—blocking certain types of ads, limiting their placement, and trying to keep the most disruptive formats away.

But if you want to preserve a clean and coherent website, you have to restrict the ads so severely that the advertising model itself soon begins to work against what you are trying to protect.

If, instead, you give the ad network greater freedom, it begins to affect how the site looks, feels, and is used. In the end, the site is no longer entirely your own, either in terms of content or design.

And the result often becomes downright absurd.

You may be reading about the Eleusinian Mysteries, the cult of Demeter, and one of antiquity’s most secretive religious traditions—and in the middle of the text an ad for shoe inserts appears, another for car insurance, while from the margin, a flashing offer for lucrative mobile phone plans suddenly intrudes.

In the next paragraph, a new ad may try to sell you a mattress. Or an over-the-counter medication.

They are not necessarily bad products. But they simply do not belong there.

For us, this kind of intrusion disrupts both concentration and the feeling of actually being in the place the article describes. We want those who read about Eleusis to be able to spend a moment in Eleusis—not in an automated stream of ads.

It is also a matter of identity. On a web where more and more sites are filled with almost identically designed ads, pop-ups, and sponsored blocks, it has become increasingly difficult for a website to retain its character.

When you come to Greek Expedition, it should be our texts, our images, and our stories that greet you.

Open to everyone—without paywalls

The same principle applies to who has access to the content. Greek Expedition should not only be ad-free. Our articles should also be free to read.

We will therefore not put them behind paywalls, membership fees, or other barriers for those who want to read our articles.

As you may already know, there is an option to support Greek Expedition with a voluntary donation. It helps us keep the site alive and continue our work on new articles, guides, and stories about Greece.

But the support is entirely voluntary. You do not have to pay to continue reading, and a donation does not give you special access to content that is withheld from others.

Greek Expedition is and always will be a platform open to everyone.

A place of our own on a changing web

The web is changing rapidly. New ways of searching, reading, discovering, and sharing content are constantly being developed, and much of this makes the internet both richer and more useful.

At the same time, an ever-growing part of our digital everyday life has become concentrated on global platforms, behind registered accounts, subscriptions, and commercial systems. That is why we believe there is particular value in websites that can still stand on their own.

We at Greek Expedition have long fought to keep the site free from things that take over, distract, or try to come between our content and our readers.

We intend to continue developing the site and making use of the opportunities offered by technological development. But our basic idea does not change with technology: the content should be easy to find, free to read, and clearly carry Greek Expedition’s identity and editorial voice.

The ways in which people search for information and how they find and access content will continue to change. Our task is to keep pace with that development without giving up what defines Greek Expedition.

To some, it may sound idealistic, even a little romantic. But we have made it work so far—despite the difficulties—and we intend to continue doing so.

A clean and ad-free home for everyone who loves Greece—all Greconauts.

By 2026, a total of 21 sites in Greece have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The latest additions are the Minoan Palace Centres on Crete, inscribed in 2025, and the wider Mount Olympus area, added in 2026.

The list includes famous destinations such as the Acropolis in Athens, Olympia, Delphi, and the historic centre of Rhodes. But it also includes lesser-known places that are every bit as fascinating.

Below is a more detailed description of the sites inscribed as World Heritage in Greece. The list covers a broad historical range, from prehistoric and ancient remains to Byzantine monasteries, medieval towns, and cultural landscapes.

Of the 21 World Heritage Sites, 18 are cultural sites. The remaining three – Meteora, Mount Athos, and the wider Mount Olympus area – are mixed cultural and natural sites.

Explore Greece’s rich history and remarkable landscapes through the complete list below. Click the links in the table to visit the UNESCO page for each World Heritage Site in Greece.

World Heritage in Greece, sites 1 – 6

Name	Image	Location	Year of inscription	Description
Acropolis, Athens		Athens	1987	A well-known ancient site that includes the Parthenon Temple and other ancient buildings in the heart of Athens.
The archeological site of Delphi		Delphi	1987	An ancient sanctuary and oracle dedicated to the god Apollo. Delphi was considered the world hub in ancient beliefs.
Apollon Epicurius temple at Bassae		Messenia, southwest Peloponnese	1986	A well-preserved Doric temple dedicated to Apollo, known for its harmonious architecture and magnificent views of the valley.
Medieval City of Rhodes		Rhodes	1988	An impressive medieval city with fortifications, palaces and narrow alleys.
Monastery complex of Meteora		Thessally, central Greece	1988	A collection of Orthodox monasteries built on the spectacular, vertical rock formations that rise several hundred meters above the ground.
Mount Athos		Chalkidiki-peninsula, northern Greece	1988	A mountainous region considered sacred, with an orthodox, strictly male, monastic republic, enjoying a high degree of autonomy since the 11th century AD.

World Heritage in Greece, sites 7 – 12

Namn	Bild	Plats	Årtal för utnämning	Beskrivning
Paleo-Christian and Byzantine monuments in Thessaloniki		Thessaloniki	1988	A collection of early Christian and Byzantine monuments, including churches and basilicas, which testify to the historical importance of the region.
Sanctuary of Asclepius, Epidaurus		Epidaurus, North-eastern Peloponnese	1988	A well-preserved sanctuary, with the famous amphitheater and temples dedicated to Asclepius, the ancient Greek god of healing and medicine.
The Historic Centre (Chora) with the Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse on Patmos		Patmos, northern Dodecanese islands	1999	An important religious site, which includes the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse, where the Apostle John is believed to have written the Book of Revelation.
Archeological site of Olympia		Olympia, central Peloponnesos	1989	The site of the ancient Olympic Games with a monumental collection of Greek architecture and sculpture.
Island of Delos		Delos, Cyclades	1990	An important island, revered in prehistoric mythology, with well-preserved archaeological remains and temples.
Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas och Nea Moni of Chios		Located in Athens, in Fokida district – near Delphi, and on the island of Chios	1990	Three ancient monasteries with unique architecture and mosaic work representing the artistic skill of the Byzantine era.

World Heritage in Greece, sites: 13 – 21

Namn	Bild	Plats	Årtal för utnämning	Beskrivning
Pythagoreion and Heraion on Samos		Samos, Northern Aegean Islands	1992	Remains of an important ancient city of high cultural and religious importance, with an impressive sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera.
Archaeological site of Aigai (current Vergina)		Vergina, Greek Macedonia	1996	The site of the ancient royal tombs in Macedonia, where impressive burial treasures and artifacts have been found.
Archeeological site of Mycenae and Tiryns		Mycenae, Tiryns, Peloponnese	1999	Two important cities from the Mycenaean period, showing the grandeur and architecture of the older ancient Greek civilization.
Old town of Corfu		Corfu, Ionian islands	2007	A well-preserved Venetian city center that bears traces of several different historical cultures and varying architectural styles.
Archeological site of Philippi		Philippi, north-eastern Greece	2016	An ancient city with impressive archaeological remains of great historical importance. The site of the Battle of Philippi .
Archeological site of Mystras		Near Sparta, Peloponnese	1989	The city of Mystras developed around the fortress built in 1249 on the slopes of Mount Taygetos. The city flourished during the later Byzantine period and was conquered by both the Ottomans and the Venetians.
Zagori Cultural Landscape		Region of Epirus, North-western Greece	2023	A remote and timeless rural landscape in northwestern Greece, where the stone-built villages of Zagorochoria nestle among sacred forests and are linked by a remarkable network of arched stone bridges, cobbled paths, and hand-carved stairways connecting the communities of the Vikos and Voïdomatis river basin.
Minoan Palace Centres		Crete	2025	Six archaeological sites: Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, Zakros, Zominthos, and Kydonia. They bear witness to the advanced architecture, social organisation, trade, and cultural life of the Minoan civilisation.
Mount Olympus area		Northern Greece	2026	Greece’s highest mountain, with a dramatic landscape and unique biodiversity, strongly associated with ancient mythology as the home of the twelve Olympian gods.

Sources: UNESCO, Wikipedia
Photo: Wikimedia Commons license

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The silk town of Soufli

Amorgos preserves its dry-stone walls

📣 The mainland has caught sight of the Expedition

It’s a joy to see that the wind has carried our voices to the Greek mainland. Our sails have been spotted on the horizon. Not like an armada – more like a solitary vessel carrying an uncommon cargo: unusual stories about the genuine Greece. And it wasn’t marketers or algorithms who took notice.

In recent months, Greek Expedition has been noticed from unexpected quarters – first in the culture section of Parapolitika, one of Greece’s most widely read news platforms, and more recently in the classic evening newspaper Apogevmatini.

We see it as a sign that our efforts are being recognised – not only for the content of our stories, but for the very choice to present a different Greece, beyond clichés and tired stereotypes. Read the full article in Parapolitika (in English) 👇

⛵ Before we set sail again

It’s been two years since we first raised anchor, and the journey has already brought more than we could have imagined. We’ve chosen a course that often moves more slowly, but leads deeper. Thanks to you, our fellow Greconauts, the Expedition has grown into a living logbook of a different Greece. 

Sharing our discoveries with an ever-growing number of curious travelers is a true privilege.

We’re tied to the quay for a while—not in rest, but in waiting. We’re shifting the cargo. New adventures are beginning to take shape out there in the haze. We sense their outlines and feel the wind turning.
Soon, we’ll raise the sails again, toward new horizons.

🌞 Until then: may the summer bring you fair winds, new horizons, and perhaps a dreamy detour from the beaten paths!

And perhaps, somewhere, you’ll catch sight of a sail on the horizon. Then you’ll know: it’s the Greek Expedition, once again in motion.

Our blog

Here you can browse all the articles on our blog: https://greekexpedition.com/en/blog-page/

Latest posts

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  The villages of the Cyclades – built for protection against pirates
  Many of the villages of the Cyclades lie high above the harbors, with houses clustered closely together on the mountainsides. It is a familiar sight to many of us as the ferry approaches land. The sun sparkles on the water, and down by the quay, cafés and restaurants await visitors. A few fishing boats are… Read more: The villages of the Cyclades – built for protection against pirates
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  Why Greek Expedition Chooses to Remain Ad-Free and Without Paywalls
  Greek Expedition is and always will be a platform open to everyone—a clean and ad-free home for everyone who loves Greece, with articles that are easy to find and free to read.
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  Another Heracles, a Three-Bodied Giant and a Two-Headed Dog – Part 3 of Our Mythology Series
  Heracles is one of the best-known figures in Greek mythology. But in the ancient sources, the name does not always refer to the same person. Another Heracles also appears there, connected with the mysterious Dactyls of Mount Ida and with a lesser-known tradition concerning the origins of the Olympic Games. This is a good example… Read more: Another Heracles, a Three-Bodied Giant and a Two-Headed Dog – Part 3 of Our Mythology Series
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  Who Painted the Houses of the Cyclades White?
  The houses of the Cyclades: bright white facades against the deep blue Aegean Sea. It is the view promised in every travel brochure and seen on thousands of postcards. The image has become so powerful that many people today believe it represents all of Greece. Many also believe it is an ancient, unchanged tradition. But… Read more: Who Painted the Houses of the Cyclades White?
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  Greek Holidays: The Entire Country Celebrates Panagia on August 15
  The second largest of the Greek holidays falls on August 15 and is often called the Summer Easter. On this day, people celebrate the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου in Greek, commemorating her death, resurrection, and ascension, according to Greek Orthodox tradition. Panagia, as the Virgin Mary is also called, has a… Read more: Greek Holidays: The Entire Country Celebrates Panagia on August 15

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The timeless role of the walls

Dry-stone walls are more than mere structures—they are essential to the Cyclades’ cultural and landscape identity. For centuries, they have supported the foundations of local agricultural communities. Today, they are an important reminder of traditional architecture and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Environmentally, the dry-stone walls are crucial in combating erosion and collecting rainwater in the dry Cycladic environment. They stabilize slopes and help keep the land arable. Restoring these structures is therefore not just a tribute to the past but also an investment in a sustainable future.

Along steep slopes stretching from mountain peaks to the edge of the sea, terraces and dry-stone walls shape the landscape of the Greek island of Amorgos, enabling agriculture for generations.

Here, among abandoned vineyards and rocky trails, enthusiastic participants from around the world gathered to breathe new life into a tradition at risk of being lost.

The Amorgian craftsmanship

Recently, the third seminar in the series “Η Αμοργιανή Μαστοριά” (The Amorgian craftsmanship) was held, aiming to revive and preserve traditional construction techniques.

The seminar, organized by the non-profit association The Mitato of Amorgos, was a great success, attracting local craftsmen, representatives from many other islands, visitors from mainland Greece, and several other countries. For five days, they gathered to work, learn from one another, and share their knowledge.

The Mitato of the Greek island of Amorgos

Mitato: A stone hut offering shelter to shepherds

The Mitato of Amorgos is a non-profit organization founded in 2020. Their mission is to protect and promote the island’s natural and cultural heritage. Through various projects, including seminars on building dry-stone walls and other traditional crafts, they aim to pass down knowledge to new generations while integrating it with modern methods and technologies. They also explore how this heritage can contribute to creating a unique and sustainable form of tourism that benefits both the local community and visitors’ experiences.

Places that hold both history and future

The seminar attracted participants from around the world—from architects and engineers to farmers and environmentalists. Together with local craftsmen, they worked to revive Amorgos’ historical heritage and give the landscape a renewed purpose in our time.

The central craftsman leading the fieldwork is renowned for his passion and dedication to the art of traditional construction—a quality that has made him highly regarded in the region.

The location for this year’s fieldwork was chosen to be the area of Palia Strata, near the village of Potamos on the Greek island of Amorgos. Here, steep slopes are lined with stone walls and terraces, bearing witness to generations of hard labor.

“We carefully select sites that can benefit the local community while also highlighting the value of the environment,” explains Semeli Drymoniti from The Mitato of Amorgos.

During the five days of the seminar, extensive work was carried out with the help of participants and invited experts.

• 246 feet of supporting stone walls were restored to stabilize the ground above.
• 328 feet of the trail in Palia Strata were cleared and repaired, including a previously hidden paved section.
• 37.5 feet of the trail were reinforced at a site that had eroded.
• New stone structures were built along a stream to slow the water flow.
• An abandoned well was excavated, and repaired, and the surrounding area was paved and equipped with a protective wall.

Building with stone and tradition

During the practical phase of the seminar, the work took place out on site. Semeli Drymoniti introduced us to the restoration process and explained how every step requires precision.

“We always begin by clearing away soil and loose stones to expose the stable foundations.
Using hand tools like hammers and chisels, the local stones are then carefully shaped and stacked to create durable structures,” she explained.

“An important goal is to use as much material as possible directly from the site,” Semeli continues. “In this year’s work, no stones needed to be brought in from elsewhere.”

For the participants, the on-site work is not only a practical experience but also an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the role of dry-stone wall construction and its significance to the identity of the Cyclades.

Reflections and emotions from the seminar

For both participants and organizers, the seminar was an experience filled with profound emotions. “There’s an indescribable joy in seeing such a large-scale project come to completion,” says Semeli Drymoniti.

“Bringing together people from different parts of the world alongside local craftsmen created a unique sense of community,” she continues. “We worked together, shared ideas and perspectives, and formed bonds that will hopefully last a long time.”

The participants formed a diverse group, all united by a shared desire to learn and contribute. “It’s heartening to see how the seminar continues to evolve and strengthen its position,” added Semeli, viewing this as a sign of growing interest in preserving the cultural heritage of the Cyclades.

The work also provided an opportunity for reflection and insights. Many participants expressed how rewarding it was to work with the stones under the guidance of masters who have preserved this craft for generations.

At the same time, the organizers emphasized the importance of preserving the walls as a living part of the landscape. “Our efforts not only protect the landscape but also inspire more people to engage with this traditional craftsmanship.”

The seminars have sparked discussions about the potential of tourism in the Cyclades. The Mitato of Amorgos members see opportunities in a tourism model that combines local craftsmanship with economic development.

“Responsible tourism can become a positive force for reviving the terraces and restoring the dry-stone walls,” notes Semeli Drymoniti.

Collaboration between sustainability experts and local communities could pave the way for a more sustainable tourism industry.

Visions for the future and next steps

The seminars on dry-stone walls on the Greek island of Amorgos are not just about preserving a tradition—they are part of a broader initiative for sustainable development in the Cyclades.

Evenings were dedicated to discussions and lectures held in a conference venue, where participants exchanged ideas and planned future initiatives.

Among the topics discussed were concrete measures to create educational programs in stone craftsmanship, with the aim of establishing schools where the craft can continue to thrive and inspire new generations.

The lectures also highlighted international role models, such as Ireland’s successful programs for preserving cultural heritage while creating new opportunities for local communities.

Through new collaborations among the Cycladic islands and with support from international stakeholders, the organizers hope to strengthen the future of dry-stone wall craftsmanship. The strategy is not only to preserve the landscape but also to establish global recognition for this unique craft as a model for sustainable development.

“This is not just about tradition; it’s also about building a sustainable future for our islands,” was noted during the seminar.

Despite the positive momentum of the seminars, participants are aware of the complex challenges involved in preserving this traditional craft in modern times. Hopefully, future seminars and initiatives will not only ensure the survival of this knowledge but also foster its continued development.

Discover more about the world of dry-stone walls

The seminars held on the Greek island of Amorgos do more than breathe new life into ancient walls and trails—they also open the door to a fascinating tradition that still holds relevance in today’s society. Perhaps you too will be inspired to participate in the future or learn more about dry-stone walls and their significance to the landscape and culture of the Cyclades.

If you’re interested in exploring the Amorgian craftsmanship further, you’re welcome to join one of The Mitato Amorgos’ future seminars. As Semeli Drymoniti herself says: “Come to our seminars and learn how we build—you’ll discover many of our secrets there!”

You can find more information about the association’s activities on their website here: http://mitato-amorgos.com/en/

The seminars are supported by several organizations, including the Greek Ministry of Culture, the Cycladic Museum, the Cyclades Preservation Fund, and others. They are organized by the The Mitato Association on Amorgos and held under the auspices of the Municipality of Amorgos.
Images and video courtesy of The Mitato on Amorgos.

More about the Greek Island of Amorgos here:

Join a fascinating tour of Athens’ lesser-known sights. Discover secret vaults, subterranean passages, crypts, and catacombs, hidden beneath the commercial streets of the city center. Walk on unmapped paths, step into underground treasure chambers, visit unknown museums, and see the city with new eyes, in a different way.

Today’s route, about 3 km

Today, we will walk from the trendy Kolonaki, through the commercial center of Athens, to the outskirts of the well-known Plaka district and the hidden arched bridge over the Ilissos river. The entire route through these lesser-known sights of Athens is approximately 3 km and is best explored on foot.

We start at the Dexameni/Δεξαμενή square, located on the western slope of the Lykabettos hill, not far from the central square of Kolonaki.

Dexameni/Δεξαμενή, the Hadrian water reservoir

One of Athens’ lesser-known but still exciting sights is the Hadrian’s Reservoir. The reservoir was part of the impressive aqueduct system built in the 10th century AD by the Roman emperors Hadrian and Antoninus Pius. The system ran 25 kilometers underground and provided the city with drinking water from the springs of Mount Parnitha for many centuries. During the Ottoman period, the viaduct was abandoned but reopened in the 19th century.

Then, for over a century, the aqueduct served as the main source of drinking water for the growing capital. However, it was abandoned in 1940 in favor of more modern systems. Today, the water is solely used for irrigation.

Dexameni Square, named after the reservoir, was a significant meeting place for Greece’s cultural and intellectual elite in the early 20th century. It attracted numerous famous writers, painters, and other artists, including Kazantzakis, Papadiamantis, Sikelianos, and others.

The Hadrian’s Reservoir is presently closed for restoration. However, visitors can still view the interior through large glass windows that enclose the building’s facades. Currently, it only opens once a year on Epiphany Day, celebrated on January 6th, when the church sanctifies the city’s water. For more information about Epiphany Day, please click here>>.
According to the Greek Water Authority (EYDAP), the reservoir will be open to the public by 2025.

Dexameni Square has several popular cafés and ouzeries that are frequented, notably by students. During the summer months, you can enjoy open-air cinema shows on the roof terrace of the cistern itself. The small cinema, Cine Dexameni, is run by the EYDAP cultural association. You can find the summer program on their website here >> (In Greek).

The park at Split Rock or Little Lykabettos

It may seem unbelievable to those who have enjoyed a refreshing walk at Lykabettos, but in the mid-19th century, the entire area, which includes two hills, one larger and one smaller, was a barren and harsh landscape, with very little vegetation, if any. It was inhabited only by a few shepherds. It’s no surprise that the entire district was known as Katsikadika, the land of goats. During the planning of the new capital, a profitable business idea emerged to construct a limestone quarry on the smaller of the two hills, which was later named Little Lykabettos.

The quarried stone was primarily used to construct the many “neoclassical” houses that were becoming increasingly common in the growing young capital and, although awareness of the aesthetic and ecological value of the area gradually increased over time, quarrying continued until 1960, when it was finally banned altogether.

The park at Split Rock, one of the lesser-known attractions in Athens, is the remaining portion of such an old quarry. Due to the surrounding high-rise residential buildings, Lykabetto’s smaller sibling can no longer be recognized as a hill. However, visitors will be rewarded for their efforts to reach the park, as it resembles a natural balcony and offers an outstanding view. Beyond the Acropolis, one can see all the way to Piraeus, and above the visitor’s head rises the majestic big brother Lykabettos, adorned by the small church of Agios Georgios at the top.

Although some claim otherwise, there is no evidence that the Split Rock is anything other than a geological formation. Nevertheless, many fanciful legends and myths about its mysterious powers have long circulated in some circles.

Ziller Mansion/Loverdos Museum

We walk a few hundred meters down the western slopes of Lykabettos hill towards the city center. At number 58 on Akadimias Street we come across a rather unpretentious and inconspicuous facade of an old house. As worn and scribbled as it is, it is rarely noticed by the many pedestrians who hurry by.

The Loverdos Museum occupies the entire block at the corner of streets Akadimias and Mavromichali. You can visit the museum’s website at http://loverdosmuseum-bma.gr/ for more information. Admission to the museum is free.

The huge three-story neoclassical building is constructed skillfully on multiple levels and features a variety of interior spaces including large halls, smaller rooms, corridors, internal staircases, marble floors, colonnades, mosaic walls, verandas, balconies, a courtyard, as well as one small private Orthodox chapel, and a small garden.

Ernst Ziller (1837-1923) was a German architect, professor, and archaeologist who influenced Greek urban development in the 19th and 20th centuries. He was one of the most important architects in Greece, designing and supervising the construction of hundreds of public and private buildings throughout the country. Ernst Ziller left his indelible imprint on Greek urban development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Ziller’s private mansion was eventually taken over by the banker and art collector Dionysios Loverdos, who converted the building to house his collections, which are now on display in the museum. The collections include woodcarvings, stained glass, paintings, sculptures, icons, rare manuscripts, and various other crafts.

Historical site: 1941-1944, Gestapo detention center

We now move closer to the city center, to Korai Street. This street intersects with two major roads, Stadiou and Panepistimiou. In the basement of Korai Street no. 6, the detention center of the German kommandantur during the occupation years 1941-1944, has been preserved and restored.

The conservation and restoration work on the premises was carried out by the property owners, Ethniki Asfalistiki Insurance Company, in collaboration with the Greek State Ministry of Culture. The philosophy behind the work was to intervene as little as possible, offering visitors a journey through time to listen to the stories of the scribbled walls and found objects about those who were imprisoned here.

The wall of Themistocles in the staircase

In the very heart of Athens, near Klauthmonos/Κλαυθμώνος Square, and more specifically at street Dragatsaniou, there is an old arcade, unused and abandoned, probably since the post-war period. If you venture down the desolate staircase, you will encounter something strange, to say the least. Suddenly, a section of the ancient Athenian defensive wall appears, harmoniously interwoven with the foundations of the modern skyscraper. A small blurry sign on the adjacent wall informs us that what we are seeing is one of the few remaining sections of the famous Themistocles Wall, dating from the 5th century BC.

A few words about the arcades of Athens

If you have walked around central Athens, you will have noticed the extensive network of characteristic passageways or arcades on the ground floors of tall modern buildings. You could say that the arcades act as small shopping malls connecting the main central streets. In Greek, they are called εμπορικές στοές, which means commercial galleries or passageways.

The arcades house not only shops, but also cafes, offices, workshops, and sometimes even theaters or cinemas. The arcades are excellent shortcuts between the different parts of the city center, away from the crowded streets, sheltered from the rain in winter, and pleasantly cool in summer. In a way, they form their little city within the city.

Many of the arcades, especially in recent decades, have fallen into disrepair and are no longer the vibrant commercial and social centers they once were. However, they are still an integral and important part of the cityscape and are, despite being so common, one of the lesser-known attractions in Athens. Some of them, as we have seen, can be quite surprising.

The catacombs beneath the Russian Church

We move on to the outskirts of the Plaka district, where the church commonly known as the Russian Church is located. Under a metal hatch on the marble floor in the nave, an admirable and hidden world is revealed, unknown even to most Athenians. A world full of priceless archaeological finds.

The cellars were discovered during the restoration of the church in 1855 and have since given rise to countless myths and legends. It should be noted that the Russian Church (officially the Church of the Holy Trinity), run by the Russian community of Athens, is one of the oldest and largest Byzantine monuments in the whole of Attica region.

The underground vaults bear clear traces of several eras and civilizations of archaeological remains, stored and stacked on top of each other. The cellars, which are not catacombs in the classical sense, have been used in different ways over the centuries by different religions and cultures. Indeed one of the lesser-known attractions in Athens.

Remains of a sanctuary from Greek antiquity can be recognized, probably dedicated to the god Apollo. The Romans built baths on the same site, and much later a Byzantine monastery was finally built on top of everything, with the underground spaces used as crypts and ossuaries.

Civil engineer and speleologist Panagiotis Deuteraios, who has examined and explored the vaults in detail, informs us that the picture we see today, with the archaeological finds stacked on top of each other, is the result of the restoration of the church in 1855. The underground chambers were indeed rebuilt, but do not seem to have served any other purpose since then, other than being a temporary museum for that period, he says.

Next tour among lesser-known attractions in Athens

In the next tour, we will peek at some of the secrets hidden in the Greek capital. Among others, we will explore the Frog Island/Βατραχονήσι and the Ilissos River basin – an unknown wild oasis hidden in the middle of the city center, right at the intersection of several major highways. In its vicinity, if we are lucky, we will also see a rare relief of the god Pan, a relief visible … only occasionally.

Next, the walk takes us past two small but not insignificant Greek chapels: the Holy Power and the Little Metropolis. We will also descend the narrow medieval stairs to the treasury of the central Metropolis Cathedral, and then follow the Hiridanos stream – the aorta of ancient Athens, running underground where you least expect it. Next, we’ll make our way up Filopappou Hill on the artful footpath created by the famous architect Dimitris Pikionis, and finally make some short stops at lesser-known museums that are well worth a visit.

Beyond the bridge of Ilissos

From the stone arch bridge, you can follow the Ilissos river channel underground to its outlet at Faliron, near Piraeus. As you can see in the video below, the Greek Expedition took part in such an impressive and exciting tour beneath the traffic routes and urban agglomeration of the Greek capital.

The entire series of articles on the lesser-known attractions in Athens is based on tours with the Terra Incognita team, led by speleologist and civil engineer Panagiotis Deuteraios.

Follow the Expedition on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin, for updates and further information.

Sources:

• http://urbanspeleology.blogspot.com
• http://www.mixanitouxronou.gr
• https://exploringgreece.tv
• https://geomythiki.blogspot.com/
• https://athensbylocals.com/
• https://www.athensvoice.gr
• Wikipedia

The Greek alphabet has also historically played an important role in philosophy, science, and art. Letters such as Α (Alpha), Β (Beta), Δ (Delta), Π (Pi), and Σ (Sigma) have been fundamental in mathematics and other sciences. Learning the Greek alphabet and its background provides a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Greece and its impact on today’s societies. By exploring this alphabet, we open the door to new ideas and insights into how our civilization was shaped.

Moreover, if you wish to learn to speak Greek, you will hear from those who have already studied the language that the first step is to master the Greek alphabet.

The 24 letters

The modern Greek alphabet used today consists of 24 letters and has undergone many changes throughout history. In fact, the older alphabet had several letters that are no longer used in the modern written language. The 24 current letters are divided into 7 vowels and 17 consonants. The vowels are α (alpha), ε (epsilon), η (eta), ι (iota), ο (omicron), υ (ypsilon) and ω (omega). These are combined with different consonants to write the words of the Greek language.

Vowels, consonants, digraphs, and diphthongs

In addition to individual letters, the Greek writing system also includes digraphs, which are combinations of two letters that represent a specific sound or phonetic feature. Also, diphthongs are used in the Greek language. Diphthongs are mainly combinations of two vowels that form a single sound.

In simple terms, one can say that the Greek alphabet is thus a combination of vowels, consonants, digraphs, and diphthongs that together form the written representation of the language. These elements are used to create words, expressions, and sentences; they are the building blocks of the modern written Greek language.

Examples of how to say …

Related video – Guess Greek Gestures

Historical development of the alphabet

The Greek alphabet shows a fascinating historical development. Already in ancient times, there were numerous myths and theories about its origin. The dramatist Aeschylus claimed that the titan Prometheus was the first to give humans the letters. The tragedian Euripides, on the other hand, believed that the mythological hero Palamedes invented the alphabet, or at least parts of it. Other thinkers believed that the three goddesses of fate – the Moirae – created the first letters. There were also some who honored the god Hermes for this gift to humanity.

Linear B – the first Greek written language

As discussed in previous posts, it is now generally accepted that the oldest Greek written language was Linear B, which was in use during the Mycenaean period from 1400 BC to 1200 BC. However, the alphabet, as we know it today, is believed to have evolved from ancient Phoenician, although there are theories claiming that several language families may have influenced its development, according to the polygenesis theory.

Separating vowels and consonants

The Greek alphabet was an adaptation and modification of the Phoenician alphabet. The Greeks removed consonants that did not have equivalents in their language and used them instead to denote vowel sounds. Thus, they created the first writing system with separate symbols for vowels and consonants, allowing an unambiguous representation of speech. This was a significant advantage over other contemporary writing systems that could be ambiguous. In addition, the Greek alphabet now had a lower number of characters, which made the writing system more accessible to those who wanted to learn to write and could no longer be monopolized only by specialists, the scholars.

Upper and lower case letters

In ancient times, the classical alphabet consisted only of uppercase letters, meaning that all letters were written in capitals. We recognize this form of the alphabet from monumental texts, such as inscriptions on statues, vases, buildings, and public places.

It was not until the early Middle Ages, more specifically in the 9th and 10th centuries, that the lower-case letters were fully established in the Greek writing system. The introduction of lower-case letters allowed for greater variety and flexibility and enabled the use of different fonts and levels of style.

Accents

Greek language development is also characterized by the various systems of accent markings, used throughout the centuries, to facilitate linguistic pronunciation.
As early as the Hellenistic period, around 200 BC, people began experimenting with using a variety of diacritical marks, such as accents and breathing signs, to mark particular stresses and pronunciation variations. This was later systematized and became the so-called Greek polytonic system, where letters could carry several different accent marks and have varying pitches. The polytonic alphabet was in use for a very long time, almost two millennia. However, it was replaced in the 1980s by the monotonic writing system.

The monotonic system assigns letters only one accent, called a tone, which indicates that that particular letter should be emphasized in the word. This adjustment greatly simplified the written language and facilitated the use of the Greek alphabet in modern technologies and digital platforms. Those changes in the formation and the accentuation of the Greek alphabet reflect the continuous evolution of the language throughout history and its adaptation to different written and verbal needs.

Learn how to count with Greek numbers

In its original form, the Greek alphabet was probably used mainly to denote numbers and figures. In Greece, the Ionian numeral system was once the most widespread, before the Arabic numerals became established. This system is still used today, alongside the now-dominant modern numerals.

The Arabic system, also known as the Hindu-Arabic numeral system, was introduced in Greece in the Middle Ages. This took place in the context of trade relations and cultural exchange between the Arab and Greek worlds. It is important to note that the Arabic system did not replace the Greek numeral system completely and immediately. The transition was gradual and took place over a long period, from around the 9th century until the Renaissance. However, even today in Greece, the older system is used, especially for ordinal numbers and in official or ecclesiastical contexts.

Influences and impacts outside Greece

The historical importance of the Greek alphabet extends far beyond the borders of Greece. It has influenced the development of other writing systems, such as the Latin alphabet used in the Western world and the Cyrillic alphabet used in several Slavic languages. This shows the global impact of the Greek alphabet and its extensive spread across continents and cultural environments.

In science, the Greek alphabet has historically played a very significant role. Many mathematical symbols and terms used internationally have their roots in the Greek alphabet. For example, Σ (sigma) is used to denote summation, π (pi) to represent the number pi, and α (alpha) or δ (delta) to denote variables in various scientific disciplines. In astronomy and astrophysics, the Greek alphabet is used to name stars, constellations, and other celestial bodies. Many of the most famous stars have Greek letters as prefixes, such as α Centauri (Alpha Centauri), β Orionis (Beta Orionis), and γ Cassiopeiae (Gamma Cassiopeiae).

Combinations of letters of the Greek alphabet are also widely used by international associations, societies, and organizations to show common affiliation and strengthen cohesion. The letter combinations serve as identity symbols and can be seen in logos, emblems, and naming. Using Greek letters reinforces the link to ancient Greece and its rich cultural heritage. Examples include Lambda Theta Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Beta Kappa.

In English, we have the expression “the Alpha and Omega,” which comes directly from the Bible (Revelation 1:8). It refers to God calling himself the beginning and end of all things. So in English, “the Alpha and Omega” can be used to mean the absolute most important part of something.

When it comes to how the Greek alphabet is represented digitally, the Unicode character encoding is used. This means that each character of the written language is assigned a specific code that allows it to be represented on computers and digital devices. This has facilitated the use of the Greek alphabet in the digital world and made it accessible to a wide audience. In total, there are 518 characters in the Unicode standard that are classified as belonging to the Greek written language. Example: Alpha “Α” = (U+0391) and Omega “Ω” (U+03A9).

Letters that have disappeared

The letters of the Greek alphabet were not always twenty-four. During its development over the centuries, some of them fell out of use and were gradually abandoned. Some of these phased-out letters are:

• Digamma (Ϝ ϝ), was the sixth letter in early forms of the Greek alphabet. It was a phoneme, like the English (w)
• Sabi (ϡ) is also an old and now obsolete letter of the Greek alphabet, which was later used solely as a numerical symbol for the number 900. It is believed to represent a phoneme similar to double [ssh] or [tt].
• Stigma (Ϛ ) is a cluster of the characters sigma σ and taf τ still used today in the Greek numbering system as a symbol for the number six (6), Στ’. It was previously used instead of the pair st to write words such as stratos (ϛratos).

Final words

In conclusion, the alphabet is a fundamental part of Greece’s cultural and historical heritage. The Greek alphabet has a significance that extends far beyond its written uses. It is a symbol of Greece’s history and heritage, and has had a significant impact on science, mathematics, and other fields. By preserving and using the alphabet, Greece honors its rich history and demonstrates its continued importance in today’s society.

Sources:

• https://users.sch.gr/ipap/NEGlossa/fon-sim_NE-Gl.htm
• https://piotermilonas.blogspot.com
• Wikipedia
• worldhistory.org
• Encyclopedia Britannica

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Moreover, Soufli and its surroundings offer an impressive variety of attractions, such as an outstanding national park, a 45-million-year-old fossil forest, several prehistoric megalithic monuments, as well as numerous Muslim and Christian religious sites.
Another aspect highlighted by the UNWTO is Soufli’s excellent wine and meat production, the beekeeping and other local traditions and crafts. “Soufli is perfectly placed to develop an alternative to mass tourism by focusing on offering unique experiences with a local touch,” concludes the UNWTO.

The silk town of Soufli is emerging

The town and municipality of Soufli are located in northeastern Greece and are stretched out on the eastern side of the mighty Rhodope Mountains. The city center is located just 1600 feet away from the Evros River, which forms the natural border between Greece and Turkey.

The area has a long history dating back to prehistoric times. Megalithic monuments, rock paintings, sacrificial sites and inscriptions indicate very early human presence. Ancient tombs and other important archaeological finds confirm a flourishing civilization during the Hellenistic period.

According to Dr Athanassios Gouridis, civil engineer-archaeologist of Municipality of Soufli, the town was first mentioned 1401-1402, (as Sofular Mehmedi) when it was tax-freed in order for the inhabitants to serve as river – passers. Another early documentation is dated back to 1667 when the Turkish traveler Evliya Çelebi mentions that “Sofulu is a main village that does not pay taxes to the Sublime Porte” (Ottoman Empire).
Eventually, Soufli developed into an important hub for trade and cultural exchange. In the 19th century, the city became the administrative center of a rich province that stretched on both sides of the Evros Valley.

The development of new methods of silk production and the expansion of the national railway network in the late 19th century contributed significantly to the impressive economic development of the following decades. The city’s economy flourished and prosperity increased significantly in the wake of the expanding silk industry. At the same time, there was a social and cultural renaissance. The population of the silk town of Soufli almost tripled at the turn of the century and the educational level of its inhabitants increased significantly. Alongside the many silk factories, new schools, churches and theaters were built, which still characterize the townscape today.

In the latter part of the 20th century, however, there was a marked deterioration in economic prosperity and a slowdown in previously prosperous development. This decline can be attributed to a variety of factors. The Greco-Turkish war of 1919-22, when Soufli lost tens of thousands of hectares of land with mulberry trees east of the river Evros, and the introduction of synthetic silk are perhaps the main reasons for this deterioration. In the latter part of the 20th century, Soufli suffered several devastating floods in its low-water areas. In the summer of 2023, the catastrophic forest fires that raged throughout Greece destroyed large parts of the Dadia National Park.

Cocoon houses – koukoulospita

The UNWTO motivation also praised the historic local architecture of Soufli, especially the characteristic cocoon houses (κουκουλόσπιτα/koukoulospita or μπιτζικλίκια/bitziklikia). They are impressive two- or three-storey brick buildings in an industrial style with symmetrical facades and large open interiors. In these buildings, silkworms were bred in large beds of mulberry leaves where they spun their precious cocoons. The buildings also served as housing for the families of the silk producers. There are several dozen cocoon houses left in the silk town of Soufli. Most are now abandoned but some have been renovated and refurbished. One of the most famous is Kalesis’ cocoon house, which has been converted into a small hotel, hotel Koukouli.

In the cocoon houses, the silk worm practiced its extraordinary art for many decades. It is almost inconceivable to us that a tiny worm that hatches from an egg smaller than one tenth of an inch, feeds on mulberry leaves until it grows thousands of times larger, and at the same time spins a cocoon of silk thread that can be 1500 miles long!

Recent recovery

The UNWTO’s selection of the silk town of Soufli as one of the world’s top tourist villages reflects the recovery that has taken place in recent years, driven by the local authorities. The cultivation of silk has started again and the production of silk fabrics has resumed. At the same time, new ways of making and using silk products have been developed. Other traditional crafts have also been promoted to highlight the region’s rich cultural heritage. With EU funding, the municipality has also organized large-scale events and festivals to attract visitors. Investments in innovative technologies such as VR and digital guides contribute to a modern and sustainable tourism offer. The silk town of Soufli combines the old and the new in a creative way.

It is no wonder that Soufli sometimes is called the town of museums. There are several impressive museums offering unique collections and exhibitions on the production and processing of silk. They also organize guided tours where visitors have a great opportunity to immerse themselves in the whole process of silk production and silk processing:

• Art of Silk Museum
• Soufli Folklore Museum
• Silk Museum of the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation (PIOP) network
• Municipal Folklore Museum

Visitors can also explore beautiful and high-quality silk products, not only in the city’s museums, but also in the numerous shops that characterize the townscape.

Taste experiences in the silk town of Soufli

Since the entire region of Thrace and the Evros Valley always constituted a crossroad and a melting pot of people and cultures, it is no surprise that Soufli offers a gastronomic diversity rich in influences from all directions. The town is known for its outstanding wine, the spicy tsipouro drink and its traditional delicacies, including tasty herb-spiced sausages, kavurma and, above all, the babo sausage – the famous Thracian delicacy. In the food shops you can also find products from local dairies and apiaries, as well as delicious dried fruits and nuts.

Detailed information on the local supply of products and services in Soufli can be found here: https://www.visitsoufli.com/

Related article: World Heritage in Greece 2023, complete UNESCO list

Sources: Municipality of Soufli, UNWTO, Wikipedia, Svens­ka In­sti­tu­tet i Athen

Our visitors’ opinions and feedback have been taken seriously and major changes were made. Most excitingly, we have decided to release all the material for free also in English, for everyone to access. This is an important milestone for the expedition and we believe it’s the right way to go about spreading the knowledge and love for Greece and for Greek culture. So get on board the new Greek Expedition and explore the treasure trove that now is open for free also in English: https://greekexpedition.com/en

New home on the web

The entire platform has now been moved to this new .com-domain. This is an important transition making the expedition more accessible to a wider and more international audience. We are sailing towards new goals and after the Swedish and English version our plan is to translate the website into several other languages. Greek and German are the next targets on our map. Our aim is to reach even more Greconauts around the world who share our passion for the country.

Final words

Thank you for continuing to follow our journey! It will take you on ever new digital adventures through Greece’s rich and amazing culture. Don’t forget to keep an eye on our social media:

• Facebook page
• YouTube channel
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Material will be posted regularly as we move on

We wish you all a fantastic rest of the year filled with exciting adventures and discoveries! Looking forward to continue sharing our Greece with you.
/The Crew – Expedition Greece