Travel

Sensible Issues to Do in Athens

Published

3 years ago

24/08/2023

Isabel Rosas

With a glowing nightlife scene and a wealthy foods and drinks tradition, there’s a lot to have interaction with all through Athens, from artwork to island life

August 24, 2023

Introducing a collection of different city guides, specifically curated for the cultivated traveller.

Like a vacationer arriving in LA may expertise a ‘pinch me’ second when bodily aligned with the Hollywood signal, visiting Athens prompts a level of rapture when conscious of 1’s proximity to the Acropolis (the citadel, and UNESCO world heritage web site, on which the imposing Parthenon resides). The birthplace of democracy and residential to the fashionable Olympics, and extra not too long ago, an uncomfortable relationship with gentrification – significantly within the anarchy-leaning, community-focused neighbourhood of Exarcheia – has been trigger for protest. Away from the centre, the completion of the Stavros Niarchos Basis Cultural Middle in 2017 has proved one thing of a gem within the metropolis’s wider cultural panorama.

Greatest considered from a hilltop at sundown – Lykavittos and Filopappou are guidebook favourites – there’s additionally a lot to look at on the bottom all through the day, whether or not you’re on the town to embrace town correctly, or simply passing via en path to an island. Piraeus alone, from the place common ferries depart, boasts a formidable listing of galleries, whereas the majestic Benaki Museum in the present day has 9 additional satellite tv for pc places unfold throughout Athens. Moreover, with seasonal alfresco cinemas, a glowing nightlife scene and a wealthy foods and drinks tradition, there’s a lot to have interaction with all through town.

Beneath are some spots price bookmarking, although in gentle of current close by wildfires highlighting the vacation spot’s fragility, accountable journey plans are inspired.

Pin It — Jeff Koons, Apollo Wind Spinner, 2020-2022Set up view, DESTE Basis Venture House, Slaughterhouse, Hydra © Jeff Koons; picture: Eftychia Vlachou

Jeff Koons, Apollo Wind Spinner, 2020-2022Set up view, DESTE Basis Venture House, Slaughterhouse, Hydra © Jeff Koons; picture: Eftychia Vlachou

Opened by Stathis Mitropoulos (a graphic designer and artwork director) and Andreas Kokkinos (a former editor and stylist) in 2021, Hyper Hypo has rapidly turn into one of many metropolis’s most coveted bookshops. All sensible picture books and (form of) Yves Klein blue partitions on the bottom ground – additionally they inventory a powerful choice of journal titles and a variety of energetic postcards – downstairs the pair host common exhibitions, whereas their first in-house publication, Michael McGregor’s The Greece Pocket book, bought out (and was rapidly restocked) earlier than this summer season formally obtained began.

Regardless of not being recognised as a metropolis for cinephiles, Athens does have a long-established movie tradition: living proof, the official preservation of Astor and Excellent earlier this yr, saved from turning into inns by an intensive marketing campaign backed by Yorgos Lanthimos and Costa-Gavras. Cine Thision in the meantime, the oldest of Athens’ 60-plus open-air cinemas, having launched in 1935, is considered one of its most charming. Open from Could via to October, its easy exterior publicizes its traditional classic, whereas its promise of selfmade snacks and blockbuster titles looks like a profitable date night time components.

Since 2017, this modern gallery has been offering an area for experimentation, collaboration and demanding improvement. Housed in a classical Athenian townhouse on Patisson – a historic avenue operating via numerous neighbourhoods, in November 1973 it was the location of the Athens Polytechnic rebellion – administrators Hugo Wheeler and Julia Gardener are subsequently sympathetic to their environment and dedicated to partaking with the fast group. With a delicate deal with work by Greek and Cypriot practitioners, current reveals have included work by Marina Xenofontos, Yorgos Prinos and Jeff Wall Manufacturing.

Even earlier than this vibrant, superbly curated house opened to the general public in April of this yr, the late artist Alekos Fassianos had a well-established relationship with the museum’s location: since 2000, The Fantasy of My Neighbourhood, a pair of murals recalling the realm within the Fifties, have greeted commuters stepping off the tube at Metaxourgeio. One among Greece’s foremost painters, recognised for his singular aesthetic and vivid use of color, Fassianos’ household owned a house on this similar plot from the 30s via to the 70s, and in 1995 the artist, with architect Kyriakos Krokos, accomplished renovation work on the constructing that was subsequently erected. Sadly, Fassianos handed away in the beginning of 2022, however his distinctive eye is obvious all through the gallery.

Should you’re fortunate sufficient to attend a marriage, personal eating scenario or another shiny affair within the metropolis, you may end up aware of the work of this Exarcheia-based plant and backyard studio. Failing that, you’ll want to cease by the nook retailer as you weave your method via the neighbourhood’s consummate bar and occasional store providing, or on the very least give them a comply with on Instagram: most of their vibrant bouquets, extra dramatic preparations, and work journeys overseas are documented there on 36mm. Opened in 2018, they’ve been recognized to crew up with different small companies within the space, occasionally shelling out free flowers and enjoyable stickers.

A gastronomic spotlight on the Keramikos nook of Avdi Sq., at this level Seychelles can barely declare to be even a badly saved secret, having arrived in 2014 to close fast admiration. It has since constructed a strong repute on word-of-mouth suggestions (and latterly, would-be coy Instagram tales from followers positioning the each day menu ‘simply so’ within the nook of the body). Regardless of a number of adjustments in-house, the hype stays justified: an informal eating room with brown paper desk settings, the restaurant marries modern concepts with a largely conventional providing (suppose daring iterations of plates like stuffed vine leaves), utilizing contemporary elements sourced from across the nation.

A strolling tour may sound like an excessive episode of organised enjoyable (pejorative), however this collection from graphic designer, Desired Landscapes founder and editor, and Athens native Natassa Pappa, is strictly knowledgeable by visible tradition, urbanism and the vernacular. With a deal with town’s altering signage and subsequently, its disappearing typefaces, Pappa’s specifically curated excursions make good use of Athens’ lined walkways, highlighting quiet pockets of town that may in any other case seem out of bounds.

As with its museums and galleries, Athens has an abundance of bars, starting from the wholly conventional (by which you’ll largely discover terrazzo flooring and charming and/or unbothered older locals) to the totally modern, the place pure wine is king. Taníni Agápi Mou, which interprets to ‘Tannins My Love’, is a part of the latter crowd, boasting a décor of easy picket furnishings alongside clear and first colored plastics, and a daring wine listing of 100 wines. Providing a number of classes price of data, equivalent to selection, producer and area, the epic menu is introduced on a slab of outsized plastic, issued with a ruler for ease.

Using varied places for its exhibitions throughout town within the 80s and 90s, since 2006 DESTE has had a everlasting venue in Nea Ionia, nevertheless it’s its Venture House on Hydra (an hour and a half by boat from Piraeus, so not technically Athens), that’s maybe most attractive. Housed in a former slaughterhouse, the house has beforehand hosted reveals by Kara Walker and Doug Aitken, whereas final yr’s Wind Spinner from Jeff Koons’ Apollo has since been given over to the island as a everlasting set up. A golden solar of mammoth proportions, the motorised work is a hanging however thought of addition to the island’s gorgeous pure panorama.

The Acropolis of AthensPictures by Zoe Whitfield

A cultural organisation based in 2001 – at its main venue in a Bauhaus-skewing constructing in Kerameikos – Bios boasts a rooftop bar and humanities house that shares the colourful disposition of south London’s Franks and Daring Tendencies format (albeit with a markedly completely different set of variables and aesthetics at play). On the terrace, deckchairs and a DJ accompany advantageous views of the Acropolis whereas movies are projected onto a close-by wall, and downstairs the Tesla bar leans into the indulgent Greek apply of serving popcorn together with your drink order as customary; elsewhere the venue’s efficiency programme is price trying out, whether or not you establish as a thespian or just an informal observer.

Travel

British Museum to focus on Hawaiian tradition in new exhibition

Published

11 months ago

04/10/2025

Isabel Rosas

British Museum to focus on Hawaiian tradition in new exhibition

Portaits of Hawaiian King Liholihoand Queen Kamāmalu, created in 1824

Trustees of the British Museum Sketches of a young Hawaiian man and women in fine 19th century clothing. On the left is the king wearing a dark grey military style jacket. He has short wavy hair and is posing, looking slightly upwards. The Queen is wearing a white plumed headdress and a square-necked white dress with fine ruffled neckline, puffed sleeved and the dress gathers in at the waistband and flares out in pleats. Her hair is gathered and you can only see some of her curled hair around her forehead and she wears earrings. — Portaits of Hawaiian King Liholihoand Queen Kamāmalu, created in 1824

The primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.

Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.

The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.

This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.

This feathered cloak was despatched from Hawaii to King George III in 1810

Royal Collection Enterprises Ltd A 19th century yellow and red cloak made from feathers. It has an simple diamond shaped pattern and a yellow border. The feathers have fallen away in parts of the cloak. — This feathered cloak was despatched from Hawaii to King George III in 1810

The exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.

Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.

Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.

This 9ft (2.7m) statue of a Hawaiian god will probably be positioned within the Nice Courtroom

Trustees of the British Museum A wooden sculpture of a human-like figure wearing a large helmet that covers the face and extends at the back to the floor. Is it wearing a white loin cloth. — This 9ft (2.7m) statue of a Hawaiian god will probably be positioned within the Nice Courtroom

Guests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.

A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.

The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.

Umeke ki’i (bowl with determine) is among the many reveals on show

Trustees of the British Museum Two carved wooden bowls linked by a carved wooden human figure. — Umeke ki’i (bowl with determine) is among the many reveals on show

The creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.

Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.

She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.

“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”

The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.

Travel

20 Greatest-Preserved Medieval Cities in France You Ought to See!

Published

11 months ago

04/10/2025

Isabel Rosas

20 Greatest-Preserved Medieval Cities in France You Ought to See!

France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.

From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.

These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.

On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.

20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to

Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!

1. Riquewihr, Alsace

Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.

Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.

Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.

Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.

2. Eguisheim, Alsace

Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.

The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.

Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.

The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.

3. Rocamadour, Occitanie

One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.

The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.

4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne

Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.

Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.

Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.

5. Dinan, Brittany

Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.

Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.

The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.

6. Honfleur, Normandy

Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.

Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.

Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.

7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.

Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.

8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie

Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.

Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.

9. Gordes, Provence

Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.

Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.

Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.

10. Locronan, Brittany

Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..

Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.

Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.

11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie

Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.

Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.

12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy

Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.

This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.

Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.

Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.

13. Minerve, Occitanie

Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.

Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.

14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..

Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.

15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.

The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.

Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.

16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.

Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.

Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.

17. Conques, Occitanie

Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.

Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.

Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.

18. Najac, Occitanie

Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.

Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.

Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.

19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.

This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.

Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.

20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.

Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.

Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities

Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.

Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.

From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.

Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.