Philippi Archaeological Site Excavation 2023
Among the most important findings of the excavation research, carried out at Philippi in 2023 by a team of three professors and fifteen students of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, was the head of a statue, dating back to the 2nd or early 3rd century AD. The head is that of a beardless man with lush hair and a crown of laurel leaves, which once probably adorned a water fountain. This elegant head is believed to belong to a statue of the god Apollo. The excavations will continue next year.
Read more about the 2022 and 2023 excavations
https://www.culture.gov.gr/el/Information/SitePages/view.aspx?nID=4914
and learn more about the Archaeological Site of Philippi, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List
The Meteora – Pyli Geopark is included in the UNESCO World Geoparks
The Meteora-Gate Geopark has been recognized as a UNESCO World Geopark. The Meteora – Pyli Geopark covers an area of 2,409.5 square kilometres, boasts a unique natural environment, landscapes of outstanding natural beauty, geodiversity and geological monuments, as well as protected areas with rich biodiversity. The distinctive landscape of Meteora, which has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and the mountainous mass of the Pindos mountain range from Koziakas to Peristeri, which includes landscapes and geotopes of outstanding importance, are elements of international value.
Meet https://meteorapyligeopark.gr/
and learn more
https://www.amna.gr/en/article/807579/Meteora-Pyli-Geopark-added-to-UNESCO-Global-Geoparks-network
Four Greek Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities
Ioannina, Kalamata, Kozani, Thessaloniki are among the 23 European cities that have been awarded the EU Mission Label for forming part of the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, one of the EU Missions under Horizon Europe. The Label recognises the cities’ plans to achieve climate-neutrality already by 2030 and aims to facilitate access to public and private funding towards that objective. The first ten cities had received the Label in October 2023.
Read more
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_24_1645
and get to know the 4 cities through Visit Greece
Ioannina https://www.visitgreece.gr/mainland/epirus/ioannina/
Kalamata https://www.visitgreece.gr/mainland/peloponnese/kalamata/
Kozani https://www.visitgreece.gr/mainland/macedonia/kozani/
Thessaloniki https://www.visitgreece.gr/mainland/macedonia/thessaloniki/
Isometricks from JA Greece, Experimental Senior High School of the University of Macedonia, Wins Global Entrepreneurship Award
Isometricks (JA Greece), students at Experimental Senior High School of the University of Macedonia, were awarded the De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award is the highest global award for the JA Company Program. The JA Company Program is the world’s oldest hands-on entrepreneurial experience, helping students develop real companies that create products or services to meet a specific need; build, market, and deliver products; and earn real profits. Student companies compete at the local level, and some move on to national and regional competitions.
The 2024 De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award competition included teams from JA Ghana (AID Electronics), JA Argentina (MANIK), Prestasi Junior Indonesia (SIEVASCO), JA Greece (Isometricks), INJAZ Oman (Warif), and JA Southeastern Pennsylvania (Youthful Thinkers).
Isometricks (JA Greece) were the winners of the 2023 JA Europe Gen-E Company of the Year competition, hence automatically becoming global finalists. The student company won US$15,000 cash prize for its product Wizzle, a 3D-printed puzzle game with medical and educational applications. Congratulations to Korina Malasidi, John Terpsiadis, Fay Katsanou, Marina Giakoumoglou, and Nikolas Sivvas!
Read more: https://www.jaworldwide.org/news/isometricks-wins-2024-dlvgea
Thessaloniki, City of Gastronomy
Thessaloniki became the first Greek city to join the UNESCO’s Network of Gastronomy in 2021. In this context, a new website has been created tracking the history and significance of the city’s signature dishes.
https://cityofgastronomy.thessaloniki.gr/en/ aims to enhance Thessaloniki’s visibility, to highlight points of interest in the city and to present the unique products of the Macedonian land. It also provides information about the Food Policy Council, the European Food trails program of the Municipality of Thessaloniki and the farm to fork strategies it promotes. Central to the website are UNESCO’s principles for the development of sustainability, social responsibility and local economy and the importance of this major international distinction for the city.
Take a digital tour of Thessaloniki
https://thessaloniki.gr/visitor/?lang=en
and learn more about its gastronomy
https://thessaloniki.gr/gastronomy/?lang=en
2024 Athens Epidaurus Festival
The program of the 2024 Athens Epidaurus Festival has been announced. The historic festival’s 69th edition will run from June 1st until August 24, featuring 93 productions, including theater productions but also dance performances, concerts, screenings, discussions, educational programs and retrospectives.
For more ore info and bookings
