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News
Sights of Interest in Greece
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Zappeion
08-06-2013 12:34The Zappeion Exhibition Hall is an outstanding examples of late architectural Athenian classicism. The building was funded by Evangelis Zappas, a native Greek visionary who had lived and made a fortune in Romania. Zappeion is located beside the Temple of Olympian Zeus, next to the National Gardens, in walking distance from the Panathinaic Stadium surrounded by over 200,000 square meters of gardens with over 70 neoclassical sculptures.
The original purpose of Zappeion was to serve as the hosting place of the revival of the Greek spirit and culture in modern Greece. The vision was conceived in 1856 by Evangelis Zappas and the building was inaugurated in 1888 by his cousin Constantine Zappas. The original plans of Zappeion were designed by French architect Boulanger but they were amended by the famous Danish architect Theophilus von Hansen.
In 1896 Zappeion hosted the first modern Olympic Games and served as the "Olympic Village" during the second International Olympic Games in 1906. From 1936 and for the next 40 years, it hosted the country's first state radio station. In 1940 it was converted into a hospital. In 1941 it was commandeered by the German occupation army and became a storehouse and barracks and later in 1944 it was bombed.
Zappeion has also witnessed some of the most important events of Modern Greece. The accession of Greece to the European Economic Community on 28 May 1979 was signed here by then Prime Minister Constantinos Karamanlis. It has also served as the headquarters for the Greek EU Presidency, the Press Centre for the Ministry of the Press during the 2004 Olympic Games.
In the gardens of Zappeion there is also an entertainment multiplex, Aigli Zappeiou. Aigli was built in the late 1880’s as a kiosk as a meeting place where the Athenians could enjoy their coffee with friends or take refreshment following the small theatrical shows that took place in the Gardens.
Nowadays is a true oasis in the heart of the busy capital and consists of an all day café, a restaurant, an open air cinema, a garden summer bar and events halls that can host business conferences and receptions.
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Top bews!
Parea Restaurant: a beautiful terrace for the perfect dinner.
We have been choosing Parea Tavern for our meals and dinners for 14 years! Every time someone from Touristorama travels to the island of Santorini, he enjoys authentic Greek cuisine at the terrace of this restaurant in the heart of Fira. And we are not the only ones. Thousands of tourists include it among their favorites on the volcanic island.
Privacy on the vivid island of Santorini? Yes, you can have it!
Explore the fascinating volcanic island of Santorini the way you want it yourself! Enjoy a unique accommodation experience, with huge doses of privacy and luxury by choosing to stay in Incognito Villa.
Aktaion - Writing gastronomic history since 1922
Like a relay race of three generations; a journey with happy days, sad days, joys, sorrows, wars, Occupation, poverty, hunger, deaths, volcanic eruptions, catastrophic earthquakes, flee for a better life, return, better days, feasts, tourism explosion, financial crises and so on… Everything has been indelibly inscribed on the walls of this small building, Aktaion. I feel grateful that life has given me the opportunity to hold the reins of Aktaion all the way to its centennial.
Santorini has a secret... but we have to share it.
It opened in 2004 and soon became one of the favourite dining spots in Santorini. It is called Metaxy mas which means.. between us, but it is not a secret any more that this restaurant has a rich menu with almost 40 different dishes and appetizers based on traditional Greek cuisine.
Something old, something new.... Marmita combines them both!
The Marmita Restaurant is now a part of the history of Santorini, since it has been operating in Megalochori since 2004. From 2013 it s been running under the observation of new owner Giannis Manikas and the sense of renewal is obvious.
We found the best scandinavian bar in Naxos!
Touristorama has been travelling all around Greece and its islands for over a decade. This year, during our trip to Naxos, the biggest of the Cyclades complex, we discovered an interesting spot, perfect for your night out on the island… which is what we do best: finding the best places and then propose you should visit them! Prime is a Scandinavian Bar, located on a privileged position in Chora of Naxos, opposite the port. It’s been operating for 21 years and enjoys a great fame to both foreign and local tourists.
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