Wildfire Aftermath
In August 2024, a series of severe wildfires broke out near Athens, Greece, exacerbated by extreme heat, prolonged drought, and strong winds. These fires followed a summer that saw some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded in the country. The most intense fires occurred about 35 kilometers northeast of Athens, in areas like Varnavas and Marathon. Several neighbourhoods and towns were evacuated as flames reached the city’s outskirts, forcing residents and even some hospitals and monasteries to be evacuated.
The fires were particularly challenging for firefighters due to shifting winds, which frequently reignited blazes after they were partially controlled. Hundreds of firefighters, including international support from neighbouring countries like Romania, battled the flames with air and ground units. Despite the efforts, the smoke and ash reached into Athens itself, disrupting daily life with hazardous air quality and causing power outages in several areas.
These wildfires were part of a larger trend of devastating blazes that plagued Greece during the summer, attributed to rising temperatures linked to climate change
The fires were particularly challenging for firefighters due to shifting winds, which frequently reignited blazes after they were partially controlled. Hundreds of firefighters, including international support from neighbouring countries like Romania, battled the flames with air and ground units. Despite the efforts, the smoke and ash reached into Athens itself, disrupting daily life with hazardous air quality and causing power outages in several areas.
These wildfires were part of a larger trend of devastating blazes that plagued Greece during the summer, attributed to rising temperatures linked to climate change
Mont Parnes
The Mont Parnes Cable Car in Athens offers a scenic and thrilling ride to the Casino Mont Parnes and its accompanying hotel, perched high on Mount Parnitha. The cable car glides over dense forests and rugged terrain, offering stunning views of the city of Athens and the Attica region below. This modern aerial tramway is not just a means of transportation but also a popular attraction for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The Mont Parnes Casino, established in 1961, is Greece’s oldest and one of the most prestigious casinos. Alongside it stands a luxury hotel, offering guests an elegant stay with breathtaking mountain and city views. The hotel boasts premium amenities, including fine dining, spa facilities, and access to the casino, providing a perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation.
The surrounding area is part of Parnitha National Park, a protected region rich in biodiversity. The park features extensive hiking trails, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can spot wildlife like deer and birds of prey, and enjoy serene moments in the unspoiled wilderness. The combination of luxury, natural beauty, and adventure makes the Mont Parnes experience a unique getaway from the hustle and bustle of Athens.
The Mont Parnes Casino, established in 1961, is Greece’s oldest and one of the most prestigious casinos. Alongside it stands a luxury hotel, offering guests an elegant stay with breathtaking mountain and city views. The hotel boasts premium amenities, including fine dining, spa facilities, and access to the casino, providing a perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation.
The surrounding area is part of Parnitha National Park, a protected region rich in biodiversity. The park features extensive hiking trails, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can spot wildlife like deer and birds of prey, and enjoy serene moments in the unspoiled wilderness. The combination of luxury, natural beauty, and adventure makes the Mont Parnes experience a unique getaway from the hustle and bustle of Athens.
SNFCC
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in Athens is a modern cultural landmark, opened in 2017. Funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, it houses the Greek National Library and the Greek National Opera.
The SNFCC is notable for its innovative and sustainable design, including an expansive solar-paneled roof that powers much of the facility. The complex also features the Stavros Niarchos Park, a 21-hectare green space offering walking paths, gardens, playgrounds, and outdoor venues for cultural events like concerts and open-air cinema.
The Greek National Library offers state-of-the-art resources for research and public access, while the Greek National Opera provides a world-class venue for performances ranging from classical operas to contemporary productions.
With its LEED Platinum certification, the SNFCC sets a standard for environmental sustainability. Beyond being a cultural hub, it hosts a variety of educational programs, workshops, and festivals, making it a dynamic space for both locals and visitors, blending modern culture with sustainability and accessibility.
The SNFCC is notable for its innovative and sustainable design, including an expansive solar-paneled roof that powers much of the facility. The complex also features the Stavros Niarchos Park, a 21-hectare green space offering walking paths, gardens, playgrounds, and outdoor venues for cultural events like concerts and open-air cinema.
The Greek National Library offers state-of-the-art resources for research and public access, while the Greek National Opera provides a world-class venue for performances ranging from classical operas to contemporary productions.
With its LEED Platinum certification, the SNFCC sets a standard for environmental sustainability. Beyond being a cultural hub, it hosts a variety of educational programs, workshops, and festivals, making it a dynamic space for both locals and visitors, blending modern culture with sustainability and accessibility.
Pestcontrol
Pestcontrol, near Neo Faliro Translation
Corinth Canal #2
The Corinth Canal in Greece is a remarkable 6.4 km (4-mile) waterway linking the Ionian Sea with the Aegean Sea, cutting through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth. Its steep walls rise up to 79 meters, though the canal is just 21 meters wide, restricting modern ship traffic to small vessels and tourist boats.
Historically, rulers like Periander (7th century BC) and Roman Emperor Nero (1st century AD) envisioned a canal to save ships the 700 km journey around the Peloponnese. Nero even began the work, famously using thousands of slaves, but the project was abandoned after his death. The canal was finally completed in 1893, after over a decade of construction by a French engineering company.
The Corinth Canal has seen notable historical events, including its strategic importance during World War II. In 1941, during the German invasion of Greece, retreating British forces blew up bridges over the canal to slow the German advance, though the Germans later repaired them. Despite its limitations for modern shipping, the canal is a significant tourist destination and a symbol of human engineering ambition.