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Conferences MOUNT ATHOS AREA HALKIDIKI ΕΝ

MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION

Conferences MOUNT ATHOS AREA HALKIDIKI

Contents

Foreword

Our Locations

Our Conference Centres

Aristoteles Holidays Resort & Spa

Alexandros Palace Hotel & Suites

Eagles Palace Hotel & Spa

Theoxenia

Conference and Cultural Centre of Arnea

Olympiada Conference Centre

The Conference Centre of the Cultural Centre of Ierissos

Dining and Reception Organisation Rooms

Suggestions for Parallel Cultural Visits

Suggestions for Parallel Activities

MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION

Welcome to the region of Athos and Aristotle in Halkidiki! We are located in Central Macedonia and more specifically in eastern Halkidiki, a mere 100 km from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Macedoniaâ&#x20AC;? airport of Thessaloniki. To reach the peninsula before Mount Athos, you need 1 to 1 Â˝ hours, depending on the destination you choose for your stay. The Peninsula before Mount Athos, a true value tourist destination, is also the best alternative destination for conferences, thanks to the abundance of conference centres and all the possibilities offered to organise parallel activitiesvisits. No second thoughts needed to make this choice! This guide will lead you step by step into the best professional, tourism and conference trip of a lifetime. Enjoy!

MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION

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FROM SCOPJE E75

TALY

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ATHENS MACEDONIA - IPIROS

LAKE KORONIA

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LAGADIKIA

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PERISTERONA

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PILEA MELISOURGOS

PANORAMA

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GULF OF THERMAIKOS A D

AGIA TRIADA

MARATHOUSA

N. REDESTOS B

DOUMBIA GEROPLATANOS

N. RYSIO

KARDIA

N. MICHANIONA

GALATISTA

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HOLOMONTAS

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PALEOKASTRO

EPANOMI

GALATISTA TOWER

LAKKOMA

POTAMOS

ARNE

PALEOCHORA AG. ANASTASIA

VASILIKA

TAXIARCHI

PETRALONA CAVE

POLYGYROS

VRASTAM

NEA GONIA MARIANON CASTLE

N. IRAKLEIA

N. KALLIKRATEIA

NEA TRIGLIA KALYVES

OLYNTHOS N. PLAGIA

ORMYLIA GERAKINI PSAKOUDIA

VATO

N. FLOGITA

AGIOS MAMAS

N MOUDANIA

N. POTIDEA

GULF OF THERMAIKOS

GULF OF TORO N. FOKEA

SANI KALITHEA

KASSANDRA SIVIRI

KRIOPIGI

FOURKA

POLY

POSIDI

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MAP OF MOUNT ATHOS AREA 6

outes to ount Athos Area

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EGNATIA ODOS E90

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ASPROVALTA

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OLYMPIADA ANCIENT STAGEIRA

VARVARA STANOS

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GULF OF STRYMONIKOS

STRATONIKI

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STRATONI C. ELEFTHEROU

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GULF OF IERISSOS C. ARAPIS

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IERISSOS

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N. RODA A D

DEVELIKI

C. AG. THEODORI

ESFIGMENOU M.

PIRGADIKIA AMMOULIANI

METAGITSI

C. ARKOUDAS

HELANDARIOU M.

OURANOUPOLI

SALONIKIOU

VATOPEDION

ΜΕΤΟHΙ CHROMITSA ZOGRAFOU M.

AGIOU DIMITRIOU M.

KASTAMONITOU M.

PANTOKRATOROS M. PR. ILIA M.

DOCHEARIOU M.

OPEDIO

XENOFONTOS M.

AGIOS NIKOLAOS METAMORFOSI NIKITI D

STRAVONIKITA M.

KOUTLOUMOUSIOU M. IVIRON M.

AG. PANTELEIMONOS M.

ORMOS PANAGIAS

XIROPOTAMOU M.

FILOTHEOU M.

DIAPOROS ISLAND

KARAKALOU M.

C. XIFARAS

VOURVOUROU

SIMONOS PETRAS M.

ONEOS

GULF OF SIGITIKOS (MOUNT ATHOS)

MEG. LAVRAS M.

OSIOU GRIGORIOU M. DIONYSSIOU M. AGIOU PAVLOU M. AG. ANNIS M.

SARTI N. MARMARAS

TIM. PRODROMOU M. MEG. LAVRAS M.

AG. TRIADOS M. CA. AKRATHOS

SITHONIA

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YCHRONO HANIOTI PEFKOCHORI PORTO KOUFO

MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION

Protected Areas Νatura European Network

Our Conference Centres The Peninsula before Mount Athos has seven (7) conference centres and many facilities for organising large and small conferences, meetings, presentations. • Aristoteles Holidays Resort & Spa: 1,500 persons • Alexandros Palace Resort & Suites: 300 persons • Eagles Palace Resort & Spa: 300 persons • Theoxenia: 150 persons • Cultural Centre of Ierissos: 150 persons • Cultural & Conference Centre of Arnea: 400 persons • Olympiada Cultural Centre: 40 persons

Our Conference Centres

MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION

Aristoteles Holidays Resort & Spa The hotel’s conference centre has 15 room arrangements with a seating capacity of 20 to 1100. It has excellent soundproofing and the necessary audio-visual equipment. Standard Equippment: Wireless InternetData Projector Microphone System Sound Equipment Wireless Microphones Desktop Microphones Podium

Laptop Transparencies Slide Projectors Presentation of the conference in www.aristoteles.gr

On Request: Additional technical equipment Τechnical – Secreteriat support Design and print brochures Promotional gifts

Interpretations Transfer with shuttle bus from-to Makedonia Airport (SKG, Thessaloniki)

All conferences can be combined with customised Banquets, Coffee Breaks, Events, Gala Dinners, excursions and activities. Conference & Event Facilities HALLS Aristoteles & Socrates Aristoteles 1 Aristoteles 2 Aristoteles 3 Socrates 1 Socrates 2 Socrates 3 Platon Aristoteles 1&2 Aristoteles 1&2&3 Aristoteles 2&3 Aristoteles 3 & Socrates 1 Aristoteles 1&2&3 & Socrates 1 Aristoteles 1&2&3 & Socrates 1&2 Apollon

THEATRE CLASSROOM U-SHAPE COCKTAIL BANQUET

780

1100

650

160

1100

600

110 150 200 60 170 90 110 260 460 350 260

160 220 290 60 240 130 160 380 670 510 350

190 120 160 40 130 170 90 210 370 280 200

30 40 50 15 40 20 30 -

160 220 290 60 260 140 200 380 670 510 350

80 100 140 20 110 50 70 180 320 240 160

520

730

410

730

340

690

970

540

990

450

800

1000

640

Our Conference Centres

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Alexandros Palace Hotel and Suites For the most successful business meetings and conferences in Halkidiki, Alexandros Palace is the hotel you can count on! All types of business events can be hosted at the Alexandros Palace Hotel, including professional meetings, yoga and meditation retreats, workshops, conventions, conferences and galas, as well as social events. The Alexandros Palace Hotel is known as one of the most professional and efficient Halkidiki conference hotels that can adapt according to the needs of your event. There are 2 conference and business meeting rooms, which can host up to 350 delegates in a theatre- style layout. They are fully- equipped with state-ofthe-art audiovisual systems and have wireless internet access. The hotel staff is always at your service, ready to meet even the most demanding, specialized conference requirements. Adjacent to the conference rooms is the Pool Bar I area, that is ideal for a coffee break or a welcoming drink before the event. A wide variety of catering options are available for your conference in Halkidiki, including coffee or cocktails, as well as buffet menus, set menus or gala dinners. Cocktails and drinks can be offered open- bar style or according to consumption. Music can be provided by a DJ or a 2-piece band, while photographer and videographer services are available upon request. If you would like the conference or social event area to be decorated, we can provide flowers, floral arrangements, candles, ribbons, and lanterns. At Alexandros Palace Hotel, every event is sealed with success and carried out according to your wishes, surpassing even your grandest expectations! Meeting & Function Equipment: Podium Head table 2 large screens Flip chart Video projectors Overhead projectors DVD Microphone console Microphone and speakers Amplifier

Laser pointers Stage lighting Special seating PCs Printer Fax machine Scanner Photocopy machine Wi-Fi internet access Secretarial services

Our Conference Centres

Conference Room Capacities & Specifications Room 1 Room 2

Theater 350 60

Classroom 180 40

U-Shape 110 20

Floor 0 -1

Natural Light no no

Carpet yes no

Banqueting & Social Events Room Capacities & Specifications Cocktail Seated Buffet Formal Reception Reception Dinner Party – – –

Classic Bar Breakfast 200 Room

120

Party/ Floor Natural Carpet Gala Light – 0 yes no 120

yes

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Eagles Palace Resort and Spa Exuding an air of refined elegance and subtle grandeur the lavish Eagle’s Palace resort in Halkidiki features one of the most luxurious Conference Hotels in all of Greece. The hotel’s fully equipped conference center is an outstanding venue for large conventions, congresses, gala dinners, exhibitions, business meetings and seminars and any other kind of events. All conference rooms are fitted with up-to-date air conditioned facilities and avant-garde equipment in order to ensure a successful conference event. This outstanding conference center can handle small meetings or large functions and may accommodate up to 500 guests. Any corporate event can be organized with style, luxury and elegance in this state of the art Conference hotel in Greece with the help of the hotel’s experts. The Eagles Palace is rightfully considered amongst the best Business Hotels and Conference Centers in Halkidiki. Embraced by the natural splendor and the aura of eternal mysticism the Eagles Palace is a luxurious haven of corporate gatherings and extravagant events. With a wide range of exceptional conference facilities this sublime hotel in Halkidiki can arrange for its guests the most outstanding corporate events in Northern Greece. The harmonious ambiance of luxurious elegance, the quality hotel facilities and unrivalled services are brilliantly combined to create a successful corporate event. Halkidiki is a dream destination for a corporate retreat ideal for discerning business travelers seeking for a prestigious hideaway in Greece. Conference Facilities Theodora Theodora Alfa Theodora Beta Theodora Gama

M2 260 62 30 80

Theater 220 40 20 80

Classroom 150 24 12 60

U-shape 100 20 10 24

Banquet 110 10

Banqueting Facilities Melathron Restaurant Indoors Melathron Restaurant Open-air Lobby Bar Indoors Lobby Bar Open-air Pool Restaurant & Bar Open-air

Cocktails 500 200 100 150 300

Sitting 300 150 70 100 200

Cocktail 260 25 80

Our Conference Centres

Audio-visual equipment and services include: • Video projectors • Slide projectors • Computers for flip charts • ISDN phones Internet access • Wireless microphones Overhead projectors • Portable screens Large Video Screens • Tape recorders Secretarial services • Interpreting and translation services

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Theoxenia This is the alternative for organising small conferences and meetings. With a capacity of 150 people, it can accommodate parallel events of a major conference hosted in the peninsula before Mount Athos. It features the following equipment: • Wireless Internet Access • Projector • Microphone installation • Sound Systems • Wireless Microphones • Table Microphones • Film slide equipment • Laptop for screenings • Projection screen • Podium

Our Conference Centres

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Cultural Centre of Ierissos This is the alternative for organising small conferences and meetings. With a capacity of 150 people, it can accommodate parallel events of a major conference hosted in the peninsula before Mount Athos. It features the following equipment: Wireless Internet Access Projector Microphone installation Sound Systems Wireless Microphones Table Microphones

Film slide equipment Laptop for screenings Projection screen Podium

Conference and Cultural Centre of Arnea The Conference and Cultural Centre of Arnea, with its outstanding architecture, is built in the centre of the traditional village in the local style of the Macedonian region and the colours of Arnea. It has 400 seats, distributed over two levels and all the necessary equipment to host meetings and small conferences.

Olympiada Cultural Centre The Conference and Cultural Centre of Arnea, with its outstanding architecture, is built in the centre of the traditional village in the local style of the Macedonian region and the colours of Arnea. It has 400 seats, distributed over two levels and all the necessary equipment to host meetings and small conferences.

Our Conference Centres

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Dining and Reception Organisation Rooms Dozens suggestions for delicious and high quality lunches, dinners, receptions, galas compose a “tasty puzzle” even for the most demanding conference. At Ouranoupolis Athos Bar Restaurant At the hills of Ouranoupolis, where the eye seems to be lost between the harbor, Mount Athos Gulf, Ammouliani island and top of the blessed Athos, Nick and Miranda leaned passion, experience, love and effort of a lifetime, so that to create a wonderful restaurant. This is “Athos Bar Restaurant”, which «plays» not only with the architecture, style and colors of Mount Athos monasteries but also with the Mediterranean landscape, creating at the same time a special kitchen mosaic: the Mount Athos cuisine, the sea cuisine and the Mediterranean cuisine. The secret of their success is the use of excellent raw material for cooking, exemplary cleanliness («defect» of Miranda, as she says), excellent service, unique hospitality, love for good food, the constant updating of the gastronomy, the development of each technique and skill. 63075 Ouranoupolis Τ: +30 2377071636 & +30 6974 077 004 E-mail: athos.taverna2013@gmail.com www.athosrestaurant.gr Restaurant Lemoniadis In 1960, Iosif Lemoniadis from Ouranoupoli had a brilliant idea! To create a restaurant in front of the Mount Athos Bay, overlooking the port of Ouranoupoli, in order to welcome visitors to Mount Athos and offer wonderful seafood delicacies to the then few residents. The principle he adhered to was to always use fresh, premium quality fish, caught early in the morning by the famous local fishermen and fresh vegetables, which he obtained from local orchards, gardens and estates. Since then, all things, life and the economy included, have changed. Nevertheless, at the Lemoniadis restaurant, grandfather Iosif’s principles are still intact, applied until today in practice by his son Michael and his grandsons, Iosif and Elias. Pure flavours that combine seafood with Athonite cuisine, Mediterranean dishes with emphasis on local organic products and fresh seafood, traditional cooking methods, exemplary cleanliness, order, incredible service, polite people...: these are the magical ingredients and quality features of the Lemoniadis restaurant - grandfather Iosif’s legacy that transcends space and time!

Dining and Reception

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Tellingly, half a century later, this Restaurant continues to attract Greek and foreign visitors with its cuisine, always maintaining the principles and tradition of an erstwhile, unique era. 63075 Ouranoupolis Τ: +30 23770 71355, M: +30 6976 816 331 E-mail: info@xenonasdioni.com www.lemoniadis.gr At Arnea Traditional Restaurant Bakatsianos The restaurant, which is built by stone and wood is located in the magical forest of very tall oaks. Here the visitor from around the area completes in the most delicious way his/her tour by admiring the beauties offered by the nature. In the Bakatsianos restaurant someone can enjoy authentic homemade cuisine with traditional recipes, local meat of high quality, variety of exceptional appetizers and special ouzo appetizers, local tsipouro or some wine from our wide wine cellar.Every time of the year to our cozy inner and outer space, the restaurant Bakatsianos offers to its visitors wonderful flavors, hospitable environment and perfect service. 63074 Arnea Τ: +30 2372022750, Μ: +30 694 4923335 E-mail: info@bakatsianos.gr www.bakatsianos.gr At Olympiada Restaurant Akroyiali A restaurant where guests can enjoy, next to the sea, Greek traditional homemade cuisine.Every day a big selection of delicious homemade specialties (variety of fresh fish and seafood, special meat dishes and original specialties of the Greek traditional cuisine). 57014 Olympiada Τ: +30 2376051255, +30 23760 51362, F: +30 23760 51255 E-mail: hotel_liotopi@hal.forthnet.gr www.hotel-liotopi.gr

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Dining and Reception

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Thalassa In front of the sea of Olympiada, on the white sand, THALASSA is the freshest choice for coffee breaks, meal, sweets, or drinks. The beautiful installations, the exceptional decoration combined with the surroundings, and the kind service will make you love this place and visit it all the time. 57014 Olympiada Τ: +30 6936902387 E-mail address: anastasiadousou@yahoo.gr

At Ammouliani Fish Restaurant Anemotrara The “Anemotrata fish restaurant” in Ammouliani, is directly opposite the main harbour of the island, with a view and access to the Mount Athos bay. You can enjoy the freshest seafood on the island (caught early in the morning) and the most mouth-watering delicacies to accompany ouzo. Pure, unaffected flavours, with due respect to the premium-quality fresh raw materials, fresh produce from the island, excellent service, friendly people and, above all, the personal care of chef Vangelis Tousios, who sees that every dish comes complete with authentic Mediterranean flavours and the aura of the Aegean sea. 63075 Ammouliani Τ: +30 2377051340 E-mail: taverna.anemotrata@gmail.com Restaurant Metochi Fresh fish, fresh- caught seafood, fragrant cooked dishes with the grandmother’s recipe, tasteful grilled and aromatic ouzo mezedes are some of the selections offered by restaurant Metochi, in which you also find authentic Athonite kitchen as well. Enjoy your swimming to beach Alikes- the most famous of the region- drink your cocktail or your coffee to the homonymous beach bar and then enjoy your lunch to restaurant Metochi, ending your day with the most tasteful way! 63075 Ammouliani T: +30 23770 51379, M +30 694 8510595 E-mail: info@alikescamping.gr www.alikescamping.gr

MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION

Dining and Reception

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Suggestions for Parallel Cultural Visits A Numerous of parallel activities turn your conference into a quality cultural experience that your clients acquire visiting Mount Athos Area (Eastern Halkidiki). What they can visit: The Hellenistic city of Stageira It is for sure the most beautiful place that you have ever seen! Built on the verdant peninsula “Liotopi”, 500meters southeast of Olympiada, and occupies the two hills of the small peninsula. The location of the city, which is the birthland of Aristoteles, the view is majestic: overlooks the endless, the pristine beaches of Olympiada, being one of the most historically important archaeological sites of Greece. The city was founded around 655 BC by Iones colonists of Andros island, and little later arrived also settlers from Halkida. After the Persian wars, Stagira was a member of the Athenian Alliance, contributing this way to the common fund. During the Peloponnesian War, and concreter in 424 BC, the city was deserted by the Athenians and allied with the Spartans. The event angered the Athenians who rushed to siege the city, but without managing. Later Stagira joined the Public of Halkida. In 349 BC the city was besieged and later yielded to Macedonia’s king Philip II, who devastated it, to found it again from the beginning some years later, in order to honor Aristotle. It seems though that this destruction marked the start of the city’s decline. For this reason geographer Stravon, who lived at the time of Jesus Christ, noted that Stageira was deserted. Zigou Monastery It is about the excavation of the former Mount Athos, Zigou Monastery, located 40m away from the nowadays borderline of Mount Athos- known as the unique monastery which can be visited by women as well.The first mention of “Zigou” on the Athos peninsula comes from a document of 1942. In 958, St Athanasios, the later founder of Megistis Lavras Monastery, was initially invited to Zigou, where he started his ascetic life, under the loyalty and the obedience of his Elder. In 991 seems that Zigou Monastery had been already founded, whose first testimony comes only in 996. The monastery was dedicated to Prophet Elias. Although during 11th century the monastery was one of the most important Athos monasteries, in 1199 was already deserted and given as a metochi from Emperor Alexios III Aggelos, to the re-founded then Hilandariou Monastery. Around 1206, appears to settle in the castle a Frankish ruler with his soldiers, who dashed from there and looting Mount Athos. That was until 1211, when the intervention of Pope of Rome expelled him

Parallel Cultural Visits

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from the region. For this reason, the ruins of the monastery are also known as “Fragkokastro”. It is a unique example of big Athos monastery, whose structure can be studied without the barriers of later building phases and devotional use. It is noted that the walled area stretches to 5.5 acres and the walls are fortified with 11 towers. The castle consists of 5 at least building phases, all older to 1211. From the booklet of 10th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities, this will be given to us during your visit to the Monastery.It abstains 1000m from Ouranoupoli and is the end of the mapped archaeological walk, starting from Prosforiou Tower, but the end of the mapped walk and cycling route. Women (who cannot visit Mount Athos monasteries) will understand the operation of a Holy Monastery and men will feel the need to carry out a pilgrimage visit to the unique monastic state of the world. A few meters away from the Monastery are the land borders of Mount Athos. The wall, the Arsanas of Chromitsa monastery, the lush vegetation along the calm waters of the Gulf, will convey you the devoutness of Mount Athos. Ancient Akanthos Ancient Acanthus is located on the northeast side of the Coast, the eastern peninsula of Halkidiki, at today’s location of Ierissos. Thucydides refers to it as Acanthus, and Plutarch as a mixed colony of Andrians and Chalkideans, founded “on the coast of the Dragon”, on the location of a pre-existing culture. According to Eusebius and archaeological data, the possible date of its foundation is 655BC. Its financial resources were coming from the mineral and the forest wealth, but also from the agricultural and livestock, which were transported from its remarkable port. The early history is not known. Its development during the Archaic period is reflected from the wide circulation of its currency, starting around in 530 BC, having as an emblem a lion killing a bull. At least 92 types are known. The first historical evidence, from the late of 6th century, relates the city to the Persian wars. As a free city, Acanthus was originally member of the Athenian League and later of the Spartan. In the early of the 4th century BC, a period of great prosperity, the city resisted and never joined the Alliance of Halkidiki. In 348 BC was conquered by the Macedonians, without being destroyed. Later incorporated at the area of Ouranoupoli, a new city founded on the isthmus, between the Gulfs of Strymoniko and Siggitiko, by Alexarchos, brother of Cassander. According to Livius, around in 200 BC the city was besieged by the Romans, who used the natural sources of wealth and its port. The life of Acanthus continued throughout until the later Byzantine years. The ancient city extends on a picturesque hillside, 600 meters southeast of the village of Ierissos, where are kept remains of the walls, an impressive part of the citadel, scattered architectural and building remnants of the Hellenistic Period. In the same archaeological site are also preserved ruins of a Byzantine church and two post- Byzantine. The entrance is free and the surrounding is amazing. The view to the fishing port, the traditional shipyards and the gulf of Ierissos will offer you spectacular icons. 28

Parallel Cultural Visits

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The Sanctuary of Ancient Ouranoupoli Between the port of Tripiti and the golden beaches of Develiki and Xeropotami are located the findings of the Temple of Ancient Ouranoupoli, which had life from the archaic to the Hellenistic era, a history associated with cities: • Sani, and • Ouranoupoli, which was founded in 315 BC from Alexarchos, brother of Cassandros, king of Macedonia At the late of the 6th century, the residents of Sani built the sanctuary outside the city walls. But when Alexarchos founded Ouranoupoli, placed it inside. The excavations brought to light important findings:a pile of stones, with traces of burning rituals

• • • •

marble heads of the Sun a marble head of a girl a built desk along the Temple etc

Sidirokafsia At the north of Athos area, in the 9th AD century, was developed Sidirokafsia, which took its name by the mineral deposits existed at the area, and from the trading as well, which was intensified since the early years of the Ottoman Rule. Concreter, the fortress complex of “Sidirokafsia” was built at all heights of today’s settlement of Stageira, which includes parts of the fortificationmostly towers, ruins of houses and workshops, where the mine trading was taking place. The mines of Sidirokafsia were under the control of the Sultan and were (along with villages) the “League of Mademia”, controlled by the Assembly (Sabor). It is about the 20 famous Mademohoria, headed by the Madem-Aga, who collected annually the contribution of the Great Gate. Over the years the mines declined, until the revolution of 1821, when Mademohoria participated in the War of Indepedence, suffering though from heavy disasters from the Ottomans. Then the League of Mademia broke down. Nowadays you will see all these findings into the Park of Aristotle and the hill right across. The local history will pass in front of your eyes, when the proud Mademians were buying their freedom by paying it with the mineral wealth of their land!

Parallel Cultural Visits Neposi Castle On the top of a fort hill, south of Paleohori, it is built a castle, the “Castelli”, the largest of Halkidiki. The only connection to the hill with the mountain is a narrow path. Circled by three sides of a pit, the main tributary of Havrias River, brings plangent sounds of the canyon, coming from a depth of 30-40 meters. Surrounded by a landscape of an outstanding natural beauty and lush vegetation, is “protected” by a wall of length from 800-1000 meters and height of 4 to 5 meters. The castle occupies an area of 15 acres.The wall seems to have 3 building phases, which are distinguished at its height, and show how many times it had been rebuilt after disasters. Built in the 5th AD century on a location that it was inhabited at least since 1500 BC. The castle was seriously damaged, probably during the 6th century, when it was finally abandoned.

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Suggestions for Parallel Activities Mount Athos Area offers you dozens of opportunities for parallel day activities, as its changing landscape (300 km of coastline between three mountains protected by the European Convention Natura 2000) has allowed the development of natural phenomena and human activities that are rarely found in a single holiday destination! Here are some of our suggestions, while we are sure that you will find dozens of others! 1. Trip to the village of Arnea What you can see: •

The Cathedral of Saint Stephanos, the only functioning religious monument in Greece, where pilgrims and visitors can attend the Service while admiring the archaeological finds beneath the glass floor! An excellent site of our religious and cultural heritage, definitely worth a visit.

• The Weaving Museum, where the entire tradition of local weaving unravels as in a tangle of history… • The Folklore Museum with dozens of traditional finds from years past! • The historic city fabric, with its old mansions and cobbled alleys, which seems to emerge out of another era… What you can do: •

You can try organic honey varieties at the store I PIGI TOY MELIOU, near the central stone-built square with the centuries-old sycamore tree. If you want, you can visit the hives in the mountain, accompanied by Dimitris and Dimitris Georgakas, who will introduce you to the secrets of bee-keeping.

• You can visit the famous mushroom fields of Cholomontas and try delicious mushroom pies at the traditional pension “Rodamos”, in the heart of the mountain. • You can visit the Domaine Claudia Papayianni and try excellent varieties of award-winning local organic wines, in an environment that will take you on a journey to the wine cellars of famous wineries around the world. • You can try delicious local organic cheeses and Arnea feta at the creamery of Theofilos Karagiannis and buy various delicious varieties. 32

Parallel Activities

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2. In the footsteps of Aristotle and Alexander the Great What you can do: • You can visit the famous mussel farms on the coastal zone from Olympiada to Marmari and participate in collecting mussels. The experience of a lifetime! •

You can walk in the paths of the Hellenistic city of Stagira, where Aristotle was born and taught Alexander the Great on science and life, and feel the sea breeze flirting with the lush vegetation of the Aristotelian Mountain. You can admire the ancient agora, the stately wall, the remains of houses, the Byzantine findings and look out to the Aegean Sea, while the Mediterranean light showers this magical scenery…

•

You can walk to the Varvara waterfall, which is the end of a fascinating hiking itinerary through the mountain, protected by the European convention Natura 2000 and will feel that paradise is no longer in the heavens.

3. A trip to the religious and culinary Ouranoupoli What you can do: • You should definitely take a cruise around Mount Athos and see all the Monasteries of the west shore of Mount Athos. •

You can take a tour of the Zygos Monastery, the only monastery of Mount Athos that can be visited by women, situated exactly 40 metres from the land borders of Mount Athos. You will see there the border separating the Mount Athos State from the rest of the world, the spot where the journey back in time begins.

• You can visit the Byzantine Posphorios Tower, an ancient Mount Athos dependency, that is now open as a museum and you can admire the room where Mrs Loch’s office is. • You can enjoy a unique culinary tour in the shops with the organic products from Mount Athos and you can taste all of them, made with love by the blessed hands of the monks of Mount Athos. • Load More

Parallel Activities

4. A day on the sandy island (Ammouliani) What you can see: • The Church of Agios Nikolaos with rare artefacts and the holy relics of local saints. • The exceptional Popular Art Museum with Asia Minor artefacts and religious objects, which the refugees from Marmara Island (Prikonnisos) carried on their shoulders during their persecution instead of their belongings. What you can do: • You can of course swim at the sandy beaches, while you cruise around the island. You will be charmed! • You can visit the Prikonnisos store and taste the Mount Athos wines as well as many other products from the Monastic State. • You can follow traditional confectionery courses at the Popular Art Museum. • You can enjoy your coffee at the Café Pasalimani, with a view on the quaint fish port.

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MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANIZATION 63075 OURANOUPOLI, HALKIDIKI E-mail: info@mountathosarea.org www.mountathosarea.org Material - Text - Editing: Maria I. Pappa Design: Cat Advertising

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MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 63075 Ouranoupoli, Halkidiki e-mail: info@mountathosarea.org www.mountathosarea.org

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