Chloe Laskaridis President of the Board of Lampsa Hellenic Hotels S.A.
Dear Guests,
THE MOST ENJOYABLE and creative part of our role as hosts is designing new products and services that meet your expectations and make your stay with us even more delightful. This season, we’re excited to share a wealth of new experiences with you: seasonal dishes at the beautifully renovated GB Roof Garden and at Tudor Hall at King George, which proudly retains its Michelin star for a second consecutive year; a refreshed take on Italian gastronomy at the Atrium of Alexander’s Lounge; the innovative Glass Skin treatment by 111SKIN at the GB Spa; unforgettable evenings with fresh twists at Pool your Cinema and Bar8; and many more surprises to discover in the pages of our magazine.
At the same time, and following last year’s celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Hotel Grande Bretagne, LAMPSA Hellenic Hotels S.A. continues its strategic course of growth. In Athens, we’re proud to introduce Athens Capital Suites – a boutique property that enhances the offering of the successful Athens Capital Hotel – MGallery Collection, delivering exceptional hospitality. In Parnassos, Greece’s most popular winter destination, we are completing the full upgrade of Elatos Resort, soon to be operated by the prestigious Emblems Collection of the Accor Group. This €30 million investment aims to establish a year-round, high-end mountain retreat and position it as a benchmark for Wellness and Leisure, both in the Greek and international markets. We look forward to welcoming you there as well.
At the heart of every decision we make – from longterm planning to everyday practice – is our integrated strategy on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues. Having already achieved important milestones in our transition toward sustainable development, we are moving ever closer to our goals: producing 80% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2026, eliminating food waste by 2030, achieving 100% recyclable products by 2029, and continuously investing in the training and well-being of our employees. The driving force behind these efforts is your trust and continued support.
I sincerely wish you a wonderful stay with us – and look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Panaidis Eyewear Boutique
• 37, Matthaiou Andronikou, Mykonos
• 21, Matthaiou Andronikou, Mykonos
• Nikolaou Nomikou Oia, Santorini
• M. Danezi Fira, Santorini
• Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos
• 2, Kolokotroni & Levidou, Kifissia
• 11, Voukourestiou, Athens
• 5 Filikis Etairias Square, Kolonaki, Athens
• 22,Dimar. Aggelou Metaxa, Glyfada
• 55, Ermou & Kapnikareas, Athens
• Golden Hall, 37A Kifisias Avenue, Marousi
• 7, A. Papandreou, Chalandri
• 1, Dim. Vassiliou & Psichari, Neo Psichiko
• 105, Adrianou Plaka, Athens
• 48 Ethnikis Antistaseos, Peristeri, Athens
• Mediterranean Cosmos, Thessaloniki
• 46-48 Mitropoleos, Thessaloniki
• 25 Leoforos Kalokairinou, Heraclion
30. GUESTS’ BRIEF
The season’s exciting new offerings.
52. MY SPECIAL PLACE
The Stoa of Attalos, the Dora Stratou Theater and the Church of Aghia Kyriaki.
58. ATHENIAN STROLLS
Traces of the Ottoman era in Athens.
60. INTERVIEW
As the Athens Epidaurus Festival marks its 70th anniversary, artistic director Katerina Evangelatos reflects on her tenure.
70. WHAT’S ON
The most interesting experiences, cultural and otherwise, in Athens this season.
90. NEOCLASSICAL ATHENS
The leading architects of the 19th century served the vision of a small town aspiring to become a European capital.
98. ΤΗΕ TYPHOON PROJECT
Τhe mission for cleaner shores continues.
ON THE COVER
Photographed by Panos Davios (10AM)
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Fashion editor: Anna Zinchenko
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Make-up: Hara Papanikolaou (10AM)
Hair: Jose Quijano (10AM)
Photographer’s assistant: Dimitris Mantzanidis
Model: Edina Polak (AGENCIA)
Pleated dress Zimmermann (ENNY MONACO).
“B.zero1 Rock” earrings, necklace and bracelet in 18K yellow gold with diamonds Bulgari (BVLGARI BOUTIQUE).
FASHION
EDITOR: ANNA ZINCHENKO
FASHION
PHOTO: PANOS DAVIOS (10AM)
102. 30 YEARS OF POSITIVE IMPACT
The Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation works in the service of education, culture and society.
To
108. FASHION Athenian Light.
126. CREAM OF THE CROP
Precious gifts for special moments.
140. GASTRONOMY
Tasting Greece Anew.
148. SUMMER, SERVED
In the leafy Atrium of Alexander’s Lounge.
Alexander’s Lounge.
EDINA: SILK/COTTON COAT, COTTON SHIRT, LEATHER BAG AND SANDALS THE ROW (ENNY MONACO). RAFAL: WOOL/SILK BOMBER BRUNELLO CUCINELLI, LINEN/SILK SHIRT CANALI, COTTON TROUSERS BARBA (INCROCIO). SUEDE LOAFERS KALOGIROU (KALOGIROU).
154. RITUALS OF CARE
Two signature face and body treatments at the GB Spa.
160. THE GB TIMELINE
Milestones in the 150-year history of the Hotel Grande Bretagne.
164. FICTION
A new episode from Beatrice’s life at the Hotel Grande Bretagne.
172. HOSPITALITY
The wider world of Lampsa Hellenic Hotels S.A.
184. MOMENTS
PROPERTY OF LAMPSA HELLENIC HOTELS S.A. ISSN: 2585-2566
SINGLE MEMBER S.A. Ethnarhou Makariou & 2 Falireos, 185 47, Athens. Tel. (+30) 210.480.8000, Fax (+30) 210.480.8202
GB Magazine is published twice a year by Nees Kathimerines Ekdoseis Single Member S.A. exclusively for the Hotel Grande Bretagne. Lampsa Hellenic Hotels S.A. does not necessarily share the opinions expressed in GB Magazine. It is illegal to reproduce any part of this publication without the written permission of the publisher. This magazine is distributed free of charge.
Guests’ Brief
Our latest news and fresh arrivals
TWO RESTAURANTS, COUNTLESS CHOICES
As part of the stunning renovation of the iconic GB Roof Garden, special attention was given to its stunning views of the Acropolis, as well as to the natural light that transforms the ambiance from midday to evening. Lunch and dinner here offer two distinct yet equally delightful experiences, both shaped by the contemporary Greek-Mediterranean cuisine of Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis, Chef Nikos Liokas and their talented team. For a memorable change of scenery and a truly special evening, opt for the Michelin-starred Tudor Hall Restaurant experience at the King George. In addition to his à la carte offerings, Chef Nikos Livadias presents a nine-course seasonal tasting menu, showcasing exceptional ingredients with imagination and finesse. (More on the chefs’ seasonal creations on p. 140)
info
GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar Reservations Tel. (+30) 210.333.0766
Tudor Hall Restaurant Reservations Tel. (+30) 210.333.0265
Breakfast: 06:30-11:00 (In-house guests only)
Coffee: 11:00-17:00 (In-house guests only)
Dinner: 18:00-02:00 (Kitchen closes at 23:15)
Tudor Bar Lounge 17:00-02:00
THE GARDEN OF DELIGHTS
Summer in Athens is rarely quiet, or cool. But there are delightful exceptions, such as the lush Atrium on the first floor of the hotel. Open from 11:00 in the morning for drinks and light bites, it truly comes alive in the early evening, inviting guests on an authentic culinary journey through Italy. Fresh pasta prepared before your eyes, perfectly blistered pizzas with pillowy cornicione, Italian classics that include vitello tonnato and burrata salad, and divine desserts await. A delicious highlight? Their signature homemade tomato sauce, crafted from three special varieties grown exclusively for the hotel’s guests. (More on page 148)
info
The Atrium of Alexander’s Lounge
Tel. (+30) 210.333.0748
Open daily 11:00-02:00
The menu Il Giardino Segreto is served daily 17:30-23:30
THE BAR BENEATH THE SKY
An ideal spot for a laid-back night out this summer, Bar 8 welcomes you with premium spirits, refreshing cocktails and fusion bar bites crafted by Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis. Live DJ sets with pop-jazz vibes help set the mood, creating the perfect soundtrack for nights when going to bed early is simply not an option.
DESSERTS
YOU CAN’T RESIST
If you’re not a dessert enthusiast, stop reading now; what follows is dangerously tempting. If you are, however, be warned; under the direction of Pastry Chef Alexandros Koufas and his team, the desserts at Hotel Grande Bretagne and King George have reached new heights. The gâteaux de voyage are in constant demand, and the macarons, available in 16 flavors, are simply irresistible. This season’s highlights include Paris Pistache; Millefeuille Caramel Vanille; the show-stopping Miel (madeleine biscuit with honey, caramel cream, yogurt mousse and passion fruit marmalade with pollen); the intensely indulgent Noir (bitter chocolate mousse with ginger, peanut praline cream, and cocoa biscuit); and a perrenial favourite, the Tarte Fraise (almond sablé, almond cream with lime, vanilla cream, strawberry marmalade and fresh strawberries). All are available at GB Corner Gifts & Flavors.
GB Corner Gifts & Flavors
Tel. (+30) 210.333.0750
Open Mon-Sat 11:00-20:00
MAXI DRESS SIMKHAI (ATTICA).
PHOTO: PANOS DAVIOS (10AM)
EDITOR:
THE MACALLAN EXPERIENCE
An invitation to explore the refined art of whisky pairing awaits at the iconic GB Roof Garden, in collaboration with The Macallan – one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries and a global benchmark for single malt excellence. Three exceptional expressions – The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow, The Macallan Classic Cut 2023 and The Macallan A Night On Earth – The Journey – are paired with Mediterranean and Greek-inspired creations by Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis. The roasted scallop with cauliflower purée, sweet spices, raisins and cashews is just one highlight in a sensory journey of rare balance and elegance.
MORE THAN A MOVIE
There are many ways to watch a film – on your phone, on the sofa, in bed with your laptop – but Pool Your Cinema is by far the most magical. Each evening, the hotel’s outdoor pool area becomes the most luxurious open-air cinema you’ve ever experienced, with the illuminated Lycabettus Hill as a backdrop. Hotel chefs and bartenders create irresistible finger food and cocktails, while the eclectic film line-up truly has something for everyone: from David Lynch and Yorgos Lanthimos to crowdpleasing blockbusters (“Barbie”) and contemporary dramas (“Conclave”).
info
Thu-Sat from 21:15
Movies start at 21:30
Reserve your seat at grandebretagnestore.com
COUPLES THERAPY
One of life’s quiet paradoxes is that the most deeply personal experiences are often the ones we choose to share. Nowhere is this more true than with the GB Spa’s Signature Half-Day Retreat, designed for two. The journey begins in the tranquil indoor pool area, with access to steam baths and a sauna that invite you to unwind. From there, you’ll retreat to the elegant couples suite for a 55-minute GB Collection Exclusive massage followed by a 25-minute head massage, a therapeutic combination that releases tension, improves circulation and leaves you and your other half with a profound sense of wellbeing. (Discover more about the GB Spa on page 154.)
YOUR GLOW BEGINS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Summer is no season for distressed hands or nails, so it’s good news that Kure Bazaar, the French brand that reinvented the natural manicure, is introducing two expert treatments at the Hair Salon of Hotel Grande Bretagne, focused on anti-ageing and repair. The AntiAgeing Treatment restores youthful radiance and deep hydration with the help of the Super Hyaluronic Balm, with a formulation inspired by global anti-ageing face care with ultra-concentrated active ingredients of natural origin. The Repair Treatment, using the Remarquable Vernis Serum – rich in keratin, silicium and calcium – offers unparalleled care and results with the most complete formula for sensitive, weakened and damaged nails.
info
GB Hair Spa
Tel. (+30) 210.333.0799
Open daily 11:00-19:00 www.gbspa.gr
YOUR NOSE KNOWS
Research shows that fragrance can stir emotional and neurological responses, evoking feelings of joy, calm or renewed energy. All the more reason to visit the elegant KG Parfumerie, home to exquisitely crafted compositions by master perfumers and niche houses specializing in limited-run and/or collectible editions. Discover, among others, Hellenist Paris, a new Mediterranean arrival with a distinctly Greek soul, alongside creations by État Libre d’Orange, Le Jardin Retrouvé, Puredistance, Marcoccia, Electimuss London, Affinessence, and Manos Gerakinis.
info
KG Perfumery
King George Ηotel, 3 Vasileos Georgiou I, Tel. (+30) 210.333.0266
Open Τue-Sat 11:00-19:00
SATIN DRESS HUGO (HONDOS CENTER).
To Athens with love
WOMEN’S AND MEN’S READY-TO-WEAR, SHOES & BAGS, SCARVES, RESORT WEAR, HOME & CHOCOLATE
BEFORE YOU DIVE IN
You don’t need to be in Saint-Tropez, where the story of Vilebrequin began back in 1971, to appreciate their bold prints, impeccable fit, unmatched fabric quality and ongoing commitment to eco-conscious innovation. Next to the King George entrance, their boutique awaits with designs from the latest collections. Spruce up your summer look before your next dip, whether that’s in the hotel pool, on the Athenian Riviera, or out on the islands.
EDITOR: ANNA ZINCHENKO
–FASHION
LINEN SHIRT AND SWIMWEAR VILEBREQUIN (VILEBREQUIN STORE).
info
Vilebrequin
King George Ηotel
3 Vasileos Georgiou I, Tel. (+30) 210.333.0231
Open Μon-Sat 11:00-20:00
PHOTO: PANOS DAVIOS (10AM)
SHOPPING AT GB CORNER
Whether you're looking for a last-minute gift or a few standout pieces to refresh your wardrobe, you're sure to find it at GB Corner Gifts & Flavors. Discover the latest collections from some of the Mediterranean’s most distinguished brands – Brunello Cucinelli, Zeus+Dione, Sun of a Beach, Castañer, Anthologist – along with the exclusive product line of the Hotel Grande Bretagne, featuring premium skincare, home fragrances, handpicked décor items and elegant accessories.
CORNER
Clockwise from left: Plexiglass Eye, ZERTEO. The Always Grand Collection Scarf, GRANDE BRETAGNE X MARY KATRANTZOU. Hotel Grande Bretagne History Book. Eau De Parfum, DANAKOS. Lobby Scent Diffuser, HOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE COLLECTION. Begleri Bookmark, ANTHOLOGIST. Arion Dolphin Object, ANTHOLOGIST.
GB Corner Gifts & Flavors Tel. (+30) 210.333.0750
Open Mon-Sat 11:00-20:00 Shop online: grandebretagnestore.com
1. Silk Scarf Akrokeramo Abstract, antonakakiMOU. Sac Voyage, HOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE COLLECTION. Leather Notebook, HOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE COLLECTION. Sunglasses, BRUNELLO CUCINELLI.
2. Bucket-Style Raffia Bag, ZEUS+DIONE. Feather Beach Towel, GRANDE BRETAGNE X SUN OF A BEACH. Sunglasses, ZEUS+DIONE. Shorts, ZEUS+DIONE.
3. The Always Grand Collection Leather Pouch, GRANDE BRETAGNE X ZEUS & DIONE. THE ALWAYS GRAND COLLECTION Candle with Leather Case, GRANDE BRETAGNE X ZEUS+DIONE. Silk Scarf, ANTONAKAKIMOU.
My Special Place
Edited by XENIA GEORGIADOU • Artwork by DIAMANTIS AIDINIS
DORA STRATOU THEATER
Ever since I was little, I’ve had a deep love for Greek tradition. While studying in London, I took Greek dance classes with the university’s Hellenic society. When I returned to Athens and settled in Plaka, I began looking for both traditional dance schools and beautiful walking routes near my new home. I found both at the “Dora Stratou Greek Dances Theater,” a society founded in 1953 by Dora Stratou, a pioneer in the preservation and promotion of folk art. Wanting to understand more about her work, I began exploring her eventful life – one closely linked to some of the most iconic figures of her time: poet Odysseas Elytis; composer Manos Hadjidakis; painters Spyros Vassiliou, Yiannis Tsarouchis and Yiannis Moralis; writer Alekos Lidorikis; and folklorist Angeliki Hatzimichali. Some were close collaborators; Tsarouchis, for instance, designed the society’s first costumes, hand-painting the embroidery himself. Every time I find myself at the society’s open-air theatre or walk the path leading there – paved with Dimitris Pikionis’ signature stonework on Philopappou Hill – I make up stories about Dora Stratou. I picture her traveling from village to village and documenting the dances, songs and garments that meant so much to her.
Maria Migadi
Art Historian & Founder of MartixArt Advisory and Residencies
Michael Kors Boutique
City Link, Athens
“BLUE SKIES AND TURQUOISE WATERS, the warmest people, beautiful cats and amazing food. I love Greece and I’m thrilled to be opening our new store in Athens!” With these words, Michael Kors celebrated the launch of his new boutique at City Link, bringing a touch of Manhattan chic to the heart of the Greek capital. Spread across three floors, the boutique is thoughtfully designed to offer a luxurious and seamless shopping experience. The space reflects the brand’s signature sophistication, showcasing both the women’s and men’s lifestyle collections that evoke a cool, New York-inspired sensibility. The store features an extensive range of handbags, readyto-wear, leather goods, footwear and accessories including watches, jewelry, sunglasses and fragrances, embracing a confident approach to dressing with a focus on modern chic. The Michael Kors Men’s collection presents a wide selection of men’s shoes, leather goods, and ready-to-wear pieces that embody the brand’s timeless elegance.
MICHAEL KORS Lifestyle Boutique, City Link Athens 4 Stadiou, Athens, Tel. (+30) 211.108.8148
KORS Lifestyle Boutique, City Link Athens
(+30) 211.108.8148
MICHAEL
My Special Place
AGHIA KYRIAKI
Years ago, I stumbled upon a small chapel I’d never noticed before, despite having passed it countless times. Tucked away on Athinas Street, the Church of Aghia Kyriaki feels almost invisible, as if hiding amid the chaos of the city. But stepping into its nave is like crossing into another world; the noise of Athens fades, replaced by a deep and calming silence. Its architecture is simple yet moving. A single-aisle, barrel-vaulted basilica of the Syrian type, with blind arches running along its north and south walls, it is believed to have been built during the Ottoman period using materials from older monuments. Some sources suggest it once served as a cemetery chapel – perhaps that explains its powerful atmosphere of absence. Inside, the space feels carved by time. The new iconostasis is crowded with votive offerings, and several portable icons from the original one remain. The walls, worn and blackened as if once scorched, carry the marks of age. And yet, the surviving frescoes – especially those adorned with gold – still illuminate the space. One wall depicts scenes inspired by the Nicene Creed and the Lord’s Prayer; the other, the 24 oikoi (or verses) of the Akathist Hymn. The figure of Saint Stylianos remains almost perfectly intact – I felt a true connection, as though he were still alive, a silent presence through time.
Stylianos Tsatsos
Dance artist, member of Sasha Waltz & Guests
My Special Place
THE STOA OF ATTALOS
I recently found myself in the Stoa of Attalos, inside the Museum of the Ancient Agora, on a photo assignment for an international publication. Looking for a particular exhibit I headed upstairs, where, quite unexpectedly, I came across a camera obscura – the forerunner of the modern camera. The wooden box was positioned to face the archaeological site and the Temple of Hephaestus, casting an almost painterly projection of the landscape. A few steps away, I noticed that three such “dark chambers” had been placed around the space as part of an exhibition showcasing high-precision replicas of drawings and watercolors by the traveler Edward Dodwell and the landscape artist Simone Pomardi. These devices pay tribute to the optical tool that enabled the two explorers to capture pre-revolutionary Athens in intricate detail. The museum itself houses finds from the excavations of the American School of Classical Studies that span the time period from the Neolithic to the late Byzantine era. Its highlights are objects associated with the workings of Athenian democracy – ostraka used in voting; a replica of the allotment machine that selected magistrates and jurors; bronze ballots; a clay water clock – as well as busts and everyday objects from the city’s daily life. However, more than the artifacts, what fascinates me is the enduring relevance of this place: this is where democracy was born.
Maria Mavropoulou
Visual artist, contributing photographer for the New York Times
The Benaki Museum of Islamic Art will remain closed until the middle of summer 2025.
The Ottoman Monuments of Athens
By VASSILIS MASSELOS
JUST A FEW YEARS BEFORE the Greek War of Independence in 1821, two distinguished Englishwomen – Lady Craven and Lady Elgin, wife of the infamous Lord Elgin who removed and sold the Parthenon Marbles to the British Museum – visited a hammam in Athens. They were struck by the self-assured curvaceous women, both Christian and Muslim, lounging in the steam. These women nibbled on syrupy pastries, sipped herbal infusions, and sang carefree songs. On their feet, they wore special wooden clogs – which also came in handy when tempers flared.
The only surviving public bathhouse from the Ottoman era in Athens – once one of three – is the Bathhouse of the Winds (Loutró ton Aéridon), located on Kyrristou Street, just a 15-minute walk from the Hotel Grande Bretagne. Built in the late 15th century, it remained in operation until 1965. Today, this remarkably well-preserved structure forms part of the Museum of Modern Greek Culture.
A few steps away, almost directly across from the ancient Horologion of Andronikos Kyrrhestes – better known as the Tower of the Winds – observant visitors can make out the remains of the once-imposing Old Madrasa Gate, the entrance to a 17th-century Islamic seminary that was demolished in 1898 due to archaeological excavations. During the reign of Otto and into the reign of George I, the site was used as a prison and place of execution. Convicts were reportedly hanged from the centuries-old plane tree in the courtyard.
Beside the Roman Agora stands the Fethiye Mosque (“Mosque of the Conqueror”), built in 1670 over the ruins of an older Byzantine church. Previously known as the Wheatmarket Mosque, it now serves – albeit infrequently – as a venue for temporary exhibitions.
In nearby Monastiraki Square stands another Ottoman-era mosque that has survived: the Tzistarakis Mosque. built in 1759 by Mustafa Agha Tzistarakis, the Ottoman governor of the city. Today, it houses an annex of the Museum of Modern Greek Culture showcasing a modest yet significant collection of garments, embroideries, and religious icons from the 17th to the 20th century.
The ideal conclusion to this walk through Ottoman Athens is a visit to the Museum of Islamic Art, one of the city’s most charming cultural institutions. Its exceptional collection is built around works acquired by Antonis Benakis, who began his career as a collector in Alexandria, Egypt. The museum’s rooftop café is a hidden gem, offering weary walkers a tranquil spot to unwind while taking in sweeping views of the Acropolis and the archaeological site of Kerameikos.
katerina evangelatos
As the Athens Epidaurus Festival marks its 70th anniversary with the boldest and most expansive program to date, its outgoing director looks back on the changes that shaped her tenure.
Reflecting on a vision
By XENIA GEORGIADOU Portraits: DIMITRIS VLAIKOS
“FOR ME, THE FESTIVAL has been a source of knowledge, a tremendous experience, a grand act of directing,” says Katerina Evangelatos, Artistic Director of the Athens Epidaurus Festival. The acclaimed Greek theater director – the first woman and youngest person to hold this position – concludes her tenure with the most ambitious and wide-ranging program in the Festival’s 70-year history, a program that spans every art form, stirs and entertains, evokes the past and offers fuel for imagining the future.
“Our Festival opens a window to the world. It’s both a breath of fresh air and a provocation – food for thought,” Evangelatos notes. “It aims to challenge and to reassure. It’s not meant to reflect Greek reality as a whole, only a part of contemporary Greek creativity in music, theater and dance. It doesn’t claim to define what Greece is, or what Europe is. It’s an exploration of where performance and music stand today.”
Our meeting took place shortly after the announcement that Evangelatos would not be continuing as Artistic Director following the Festival’s landmark 70th edition. “It was a difficult decision,” she reflects, “but the theater is my life. “As the years went by and the demands of the Festival grew – because what I took on in 2019 was a very different organization from the one I now hand over, in terms of scale, scope, artistic range, even the fact that it now operates year-round, which wasn’t the case before – I came to realize how hard it is for an active artist to carry this kind of weight.”
Evangelatos believes it’s still too soon to take full stock of her tenure – that only distance allows one to see things in their proper perspective. There were undeniably difficult moments, especially during the pandemic, but what she holds onto most are the encounters: with artists, with the Festival’s collaborators, with the community that steadily formed as each summer approached. And, of course, the audience – the excitement, the post-show conversations, the warmth of their words.
Equally important, Evangelatos adds, was the inspiration she received over the course of those six years. “When you’re engaged in programming, you travel, you see what other institutions are doing, and you’re exposed to an extraordinary wealth of ideas. That process nourished me, and that’s why the Festival kept introducing new thematic strands, such as Contemporary Ancients, Cycle Roots, Books on Stage, and Formidable Women. New initiatives, new audiences, and a constant effort to broaden the conversation.”
We’re sitting at the Winter Garden of the Hotel Grande Bretagne – one of Athens’ iconic landmarks, a “symbol of classical, radiant hospitality,” as Evangelatos herself notes – discussing the extraordinary artists set to grace this year’s edition, the most expansive the Festival has ever presented in its seventy-year history.
Clockwise from top left:
Αt the premiere of Hippolytus directed by Katerina Evangelatos, Ancient Theater of Epidaurus (2023).
With Glenn Close, writer Maja Zade, and Thomas Ostermeier after the premiere of Oedipus, directed by the latter, Ancient Theater of Epidaurus (2021).
Αt the premiere of the opera Rigoletto directed by Katerina Evangelatos, with lead performer Dimitris Tiliakos, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (2022).
With Marina Abramoviç and Anohni after their performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (2024)
Anohni
“The Festival is no longer just a receiver, but also a transmitter of cultural initiatives.”
“It’s not just the number of events,” she says, “but the range and significance of the figures featured in this year’s program. We invited artists from across different disciplines, we honored the past, but above all we looked toward the future – which is why we’re hosting more newcomers than ever before. It doesn’t matter if they’re young in age – what matters is that it’s their first time at the Festival, and that was a deliberate choice on my part. The challenge was to weave together past and future. Because we’re not just celebrating the seventy years that have passed – we’re also celebrating the Festival as a vital, evolving part of life in Athens and Epidaurus. And it’s crucial that it stays that way for generations to come.”
The Festival now spans the city, from the Municipal Theater of Lycabettus and the Athens Concert Hall to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, and from Hadrian’s Aqueduct to the Athens Conservatoire, Peiraios 260 and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. But for Katerina Evangelatos, it’s not just about geography. She believes that the Festival’s evolving identity has also been shaped by new initiatives aimed at engaging a younger audience –such as Layers of Street, centered on street dance, or Live at the Platea, the free nightly concerts in the courtyard of Peiraios 260 that bring each evening’s performances to a close.
“Most importantly, though,” Evangelatos adds, “Epidaurus itself has changed, thanks to dramaturgical choices that would once have been seen as unsuitable. We’ve invited international directors with bold, idiosyncratic approaches to Greek tragedy. We’ve presented new works inspired by ancient drama. This was a very deliberate direction. I didn’t want Epidaurus to become another ‘Herodion’ – with a little opera, a little classical music, a touch of the contemporary. For me, Epidaurus is about ancient drama, and we owe it to ourselves to explore how ancient drama is staged today.”
Some may wish to stage a play in its original form, she explains, while others propose radically new interpretations, like Yannis Houvardas this year, with Oedipus: The Story of a Transformation – From Darkness to Light, which features two Oedipus figures, or Tiago Rodrigues’s Hecuba, Not Hecuba last season, or Frank Castorf’s Medea, which wove together texts by Heiner Müller, Arthur Rimbaud and other poets.
Understandably, Evangelatos says, such ventures
sometimes meet resistance from more traditional audiences. “There are those who want to hear all 1,621 lines exactly as they were written, and they might be startled by contemporary costumes. But I believe that over these six years we’ve managed to shift the audience’s taste, to spark their curiosity, to encourage them to approach the classics with fresh eyes and to rekindle their interest in ancient drama.”
Evangelatos also considers the Festival’s international reach a vital part of her legacy. “The Festival is no longer just a receiver, but also a transmitter of cultural initiatives,” she says. She highlights the launch of grape (Greek A gora of Performance) and the growing presence of Greek productions abroad as key developments in that direction.
Equally central was the commitment to inclusion. Evangelatos speaks warmly about Australia’s Back to Back Theatre – a company of professional actors with intellectual disabilities, recipients of the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale – whose powerful performance, The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes, is part of this year’s program.
Reflecting on the Formidable Women cycle, which gave special prominence to female creators, Evangelatos brings up Carolina Bianchi’s provocative piece The Bride and the Goodnight Cinderella, set to be presented at Peiraios this summer. “I had mixed feelings about this work when I first saw it at the Avignon Festival. It’s deeply shocking – some people may find it unbearable and walk out. But Carolina Bianchi is a singular voice in today’s theater and performance scene, and a festival like ours couldn’t overlook her.” Bianchi is an award-winning artist with a strong presence in major European festivals, despite coming from Brazil. “She addresses urgent issues that concern us all,” such as gender-based violence. And when I looked at how many women we’d already brought together, I thought, ‘There’s no way we’re leaving this woman out.’”
I steer the conversation toward this year’s highlights, although Evangelatos tries to sidestep the question. She points to a page in the program listing the events in the Classical Music Cycle. “This entire section is unmissable,” she says with a smile. “I’d recommend the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by the charismatic Colombian maestro Andrés Orozco-Estrada, with violin soloist Hilary Hahn; conductor Constantinos Carydis leading the Chamber Orchestra of Europe; the phenomenal Chinese-American pianist Yuja Wang with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra; and Daniil Trifonov in a piano recital featuring works by Tchaikovsky, Chopin and Barber.”
She pauses, then adds: “Of course, on that same date – July 19 – you could also head to Epidaurus and
experience a live performance of Teodor Currentzis. The choice is yours.”
In the realm of performing arts, Evangelatos singles out several standout productions, beginning with Ariane Mnouchkine, a legendary figure of European theater and a longtime favorite of Greek audiences, who presents the first part of her new trilogy, Here Dwell the Dragons (Hic Sunt Dracones). She also highlights The Vegetarian by Daria Deflorian, The Years (Les Années) by Annie Ernaux, presented by the ITA Ensemble, and the Sydney Dance Company – whose participation, she notes, was far from easy to secure.
Somewhat hesitantly, she also recommends Hippolytus by Euripides, a production she directed last summer for the National Theater of Greece at Epidaurus, which returns this season for two encore performances at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Recently presented at the Hong Kong Arts Festival to great acclaim, Hippolytus offers a glimpse into her directorial approach to the classics – a treatment that remains faithful to the essence and meaning of Euripides, while offering a contemporary perspective.
Her next opportunity to revisit a classical text will be a new adaptation of Lysistrata, which she’s been invited to direct with a cast of Chinese actors, in a co-production by the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center and the Hong Kong Arts Festival.
I ask whether Evangelatos has missed being in direct contact with the theater – whether she felt that, over the past years, the demands of administration pulled her away from the core creative work she loves. “What I’ve missed most is personal time,” she says. “Time to study, which is so precious for directing. Time to read, to search for material, to look at the world with fresh eyes. I’ve missed that terribly. And I envy my fellow directors the freedom they’ve had all these years,” she adds with a laugh. •
Yuja Wang με
Mahler Chamber Orchestra,
What’s On
By XENIA GEORGIADOU and NENA DIMITRIOU
THE ESSENTIALS
Even after 2,500 years, the Parthenon still has the power to astonish. An architectural masterpiece, it is composed of 13,400 marble blocks, each hauled from Mt Penteli – 16 kilometers away – without cranes or other mechanical aids. For millions of visitors from every corner of the world, standing before it is a dream fulfilled, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not even the recent rise in the general admission fee to €30 has diminished its allure. To ensure a smooth and meaningful visit, consult the hotel’s concierge service; a summer ascent, especially in peak hours, can easily turn into an endurance test. After descending, head straight to Plaka. Although it bears the marks of mass tourism and patchy heritage management, this historic district still holds the charm of another era. Make sure to see Anafiotika, a pocket of whitewashed houses built by stonemasons from the island of Anafi, who came here to construct the city’s 19th-century mansions. Their modest homes beneath the Acropolis remain one of the city's most irresistible secrets.
2.500
ANCIENT ART, PRESENT DANGERS
A destination in its own right for travelers from around the globe, the Acropolis Museum presents temporary exhibitions with the weight and resonance to stand alongside the universal treasures of its permanent collection. One such exhibition, particularly timely in an era marked by geopolitical shifts, conflict, and mass displacement, is dedicated to the deeply political and internationally acclaimed Iraqi-American artist Michael Rakowitz. Known for reconstructing looted or destroyed antiquities from regions of the Middle East and the southeastern Mediterranean using everyday disposable materials, Rakowitz offers a poignant reflection on loss, memory and cultural heritage. This exhibition marks the first chapter in the ambitious trilogy Michael Rakowitz & Ancient Cultures | Presenting Ancient Civilizations through Contemporary Art, a collaboration between the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, the Acropolis Museum and NEON.
* Allspice|Michael Rakowitz & Ancient Culture
Until 31/10
The Acropolis Museum, 15 Dionysiou Areopagitou theacropolismuseum.gr, neon.org.gr
*Open daily from 09:00 until sunset
OUR NEARBY OASIS
In a letter to her father sometime around 1840, Queen Amalia described how it took forty days for the towering Washingtonia palms to travel from the port of Piraeus to the garden she envisioned, transported on sleds built especially for the occasion. Today, from the Roof Garden of the Hotel Grande Bretagne, you can admire this impressive row of palms, now part of the National Gardens’ living tapestry: more than 450 historic trees, many over 180 years old, that make this leafy oasis perhaps the most soothing urban escape you can offer yourself and your family. For little ones in particular, it’s a miniature kingdom: ancient ruins and marble columns, lively ponds, and peacocks and other birds, all conjuring a setting ripe for imagination and adventure. Among its highlights, a newly expanded playground promises hours of safe, carefree play. Like any proper kingdom, however, it does come with a few rules – the most important being not to feed the animals.
70 YEARS OF THE ATHENS EPIDAURUS FESTIVAL
Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the Athens Epidaurus Festival presents a wide-ranging, internationally attuned program that spans the full spectrum of the performing arts. Among standout July events is the return of celebrated minimalist composer Max Richter to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (July 1), following his acclaimed 2022 appearance.
Equally notable is Carolina Bianchi’s provocative production “The Bride and the Goodnight Cinderella” (July 5-6, Peiraios 260). Addressing gendered violence, the performance deals with female trauma and resistance.
Violence and the unraveling of familial order are explored in the stage adaptation of Han Kang’s “The Vegetarian” (July 13-15, Peiraios 260), directed by Daria Deflorian. Eline Arbo, artistic director of the Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, stages “The Years” (July 13-14, Peiraios 260), based on Nobel laureate Annie Ernaux’s acclaimed novel. Ιn “Hystory” (July 21-24, Peiraios 260), Patricia Apergi presents a striking new piece focused on contemporary womanhood and resistance to social repression.
Drawing a conceptual line from the ancient Greek word “hystera” (womb) to the psychiatric term “hysteria”, the work deconstructs long-standing stereotypes around femininity.
*aefestival.gr
MARLENE DUMAS AND THE CYCLADES
The first solo museum exhibition in Greece by radical South African artist Marlene Dumas presents a dialogue between the distant past and the present, with her works placed in direct conversation with ancient artifacts from the collections of the Museum of Cycladic Art. Curated by Douglas Fogle, the exhibition explores the history of figuration, bringing Dumas’ provocative and uncanny bodies – with their expressive vulnerability – face to face with the austere human forms of Cycladic figurines.
The Museum of Cycladic Art –Stathatos Mansion, 1 Irodotou & Vasilissis Sofias, cycladic.gr
Serpenti two-coil 18 kt rose gold ring set with pavé diamonds on the head and tail, and black onyx eyes
Bulgari
An exclusive Athens boutique
THE INEXHAUSTIBLE CREATIVITY, traditional know-how, and unparalleled elegance of the House of Bulgari are linked to Rome, but its roots are Greek. The founder of the Maison, Sotirios Voulgaris, a son of silversmiths, was born in a small mountain village in Epirus. Ιn 1879, he decided to seek his fortune in Italy and, in 1884, opened his first jewelry store in Rome. In 1905, he inaugurated the historic store at 10 Via dei Condotti, where the iconic flagship Bulgari boutique is housed to this day. Now, a modern temple of luxury has been opened in the heart of Athens by the Kessaris family of jewelers, showcasing the watches and jewelry collections of the Roman Maison. Located on Voukourestiou Street, the new Bulgari flagship store extends over 120 square meters and is divided into two levels. In line with the architectural identity developed by Peter Marino exclusively for Bulgari, spectacular marble is combined with refined walnut wood floors and elegant brass details. The famous signature Serpenti necklaces – deeply rooted in Bulgari’s Greek heritage – are on display, along with the brand’s most iconic jewelry and watches, in luxurious display cases lined in saffron-colored silk. For 140 years, the Greek soul of the Maison has influenced Bulgari’s creativity, and its modern collections continue to celebrate the Mediterranean roots of the House.
To mark the centennial of his birth, a major retrospective celebrates the visionary work of Takis (Panayiotis Vassilakis), focusing on his fascination with magnetism. Starting in 1959, the pioneering Greek artist used invisible magnetic fields to influence kinetic sculptures that hovered and moved without human touch. The exhibition at the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, a repository already filled with masterpieces such as Degas’ “Little Dancer of Fourteen Years,” brings together iconic works that include the Télésculptures, the Télépeintures, and the Sphères électro-magnétiques – pieces that left a lasting imprint on 20th-century art. Among other highlights are a video of the 1960 performance “The Impossible – A Man in Space,” first staged at Galerie Iris Clert in Paris, and rare screenings of ephemeral works that offer compelling glimpses into Takis’ radical vision.
* Takis 1∞
From 22/06 to 2/11
The Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, 13 Eratosthenous, Pangrati goulandris.gr
TWO GENERATIONS, TWO VISIONS
“He captures motion, absorbs it with power, subdues it without weakening it,” wrote Eugène Ionesco about Dico Byzantios. A passenger aboard the legendary vessel Mataroa in 1945, the young Greek artist left the turmoil of the Civil War behind and immersed himself in Paris’ postwar art scene, carrying with him the legacy of his father, Pericles Byzantios – himself a Paris-trained painter and a voice of early 20th-century modernism. Curated by Takis Mavrotas, this thoughtful exhibition brings father and son together in dialogue through a selection of important works. Though shaped by different generations and movements, the two artists connect through their shared sensitivity and intellectual refinement.
* Pericles and Dico Byzantios|Painting Affinities and Contrasts Until 21/09
The B. & M. Theocharakis Foundation for the Fine Ar ts & Music
9 Vasilissis Sofias & 1 Merlin
thf.gr
THE RAW, UNTAMED GAZE OF BASQUIAT
Uninhibited, bold, agile and instinctive, Jean-Michel Basquiat captured the spirit of his time, elevating street art into the realm of high art. Self-taught and restlessly creative, he relied on everything for inspiration: ancient Greek art, the streets of New York, jazz musicians, politics and the history of his own community. In the first exhibition of his work ever presented in Greece – a collaboration between The Intermission and Enrico Navarra Gallery – viewers are taken back to the early years of his explosive creativity, when his imagination poured onto paper. There, we encounter the icons of his personal mythology: crowned figures as emblems of resistance and pride, and words, either crossed out or scribbled over, that assume central roles in the compositions.
* Jean-Michel Basquiat, Untitled Until 2/08 The Intermission, 37A Polydefkous, Piraeus theintermission.art
THE GREECE OF TETSIS
“I didn’t go out to play much during the summer holidays. I’d find leftover paints in small tins – used for windows and doors back then – and I’d paint.” That’s how Panayiotis Tetsis, one of the most influential figures of postwar Greek painting, described his first steps into art. To mark the centennial of his birth, the National Gallery presents a major retrospective of 160 works, including oil paintings, prints, watercolors, and pastels, that showcase Tetsis’ extraordinary command of color, his sensitive treatment of light, and his compositional clarity. Curated by Efi Agathonikou, the exhibition highlights key themes in his oeuvre, inviting visitors into his vibrant world of island and cityscapes, open-air markets and luminous natural settings.
* Panayiotis Tetsis| The Obsession of the Gaze Until 31/10 The National Gallery – Alexandros Soutsos Museum, 50 Vasileos Konstantinou nationalgallery.gr
THE SNFCC EXPERIENCE
A model of how a cultural park can become part of everyday urban life, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is one of Athens’ newest landmarks, and well worth exploring. This summer, it offers an additional attraction: the first exhibition in Greece by American sculptor Simone Leigh, winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale, presented in the open-air Agora space.
The exhibition features three monumental bronze sculptures that spotlight the Black female experience through architectural and ethnographic references.
“For me, it’s absolutely natural to create works that reflect my own community,” says the artist, who draws on the cultural legacy of the African diaspora to turn representation into a gesture of pride and resilience.
* Simone Leigh|Anatomy of Architecture Until 31/10
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center snfcc.org
DELOS ON THE HORIZON
“A photograph is supposed to reveal things,” writes architect Dimitris Filippidis, “unless they belong to that realm where the supernatural lurks. The island of Delos belongs to this category. It is as elusive as an imaginary place. That may explain its flickering presence from afar, which, as one approaches, dissolves into an image that vanishes – as if the magic has gone.” For the past two and a half years, internationally acclaimed photographer Erietta Attali has been capturing the atmosphere of this sacred space, the “navel of the world.” Her lens traces the island’s terrain, its archaeological remains, its elemental nature and the sea that both unites it with and separates it from the rest of the Cyclades. The exhibition features 25 large-scale color and black-and-white prints, along with a seven-minute video, and includes views of Delos as seen from the horizon lines of neighboring islands.
* Delos|A Floating Land
From 25/06 to 21/09 Museum of Hellenic Culture, 1 Koumbari & Vasilissis Sofias benaki.org
BEAUTIFUL OBJECTS
Seasoned traveller and collector Andria Mitsakos lives by the motto: “We don’t need many things, just special ones.” That philosophy infuses every corner of her curated gallery-store, where refined taste and a passion for storytelling come together. Housed in a neoclassical building from 1912, Anthologist Athens specializes in oldworld treasures: antiques, vintage textiles, and collectible pieces such as traditional tagari bags and rare Art Deco-era kimonos. The deeper you dig into its eclectic collection, the more you’ll discover: ceramics, handmade jewellery, and found objects from around the world. If you’re in search of a one-of-a-kind souvenir from Athens, this is the place to find it.
*anthologist.com
SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS
Once again this summer, the garden at the Athens Concert Hall becomes the city’s coolest open-air stage, offering something for everyone, from silent films accompanied by live music to concerts and shadow puppetry performances. Highlights from this year’s program include the screening of the 1920 silent classic “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” accompanied by a live score performed by pianist Nikolas Anadolis (June 13), as well as a concert by Petros Klampanis (July 4) titled “Remembering Miles,” a tribute to one of the most influential figures in jazz history.
* From 11/06 to 11/07
Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall
Vasilissis Sofias & Kokkali
megaron.gr
Just a stone’s throw from the Hotel Grande Bretagne you can find a trove of architectural gems endowing the city center with historical urban charm. Slip on your most comfortable shoes and start exploring!
Neoclassical Athens
By JOHN LEONARD
Photos: PERIKLES MERAKOS
The elaborate facade of the National Theater echoes the scaenae frons of an ancient Roman theater.
THE CITY OF ATHENS became a center of neoclassical architecture over the course of the 19th century. A multinational array of architects – including the Danish brothers Christian and Theophilus Hansen and numerous Germans, the prolific Ernst Ziller in particular – were drawn to the city from as early as the 1830s. Many of their buildings are neoclassical monuments that can still be seen today.
Visitors exploring central Athens around Syntagma Square, Omonoia Square and the greater Acropolis area will find amazing neoclassical buildings at almost every turn. A good starting point for an architectural walking tour might be the “Old Palace” (1833-1834), now the City of Athens Museum, where King Otto and Queen Amalia resided from 1836 to 1843. Located on Klafthmonos Square (5-7 Ioannou Paparrigopoulou), it’s only an eight-minute walk from Syntagma Square, where the Parliament building stands. It was into that imposing building with its Doric porches that the royal couple moved in the early 1840s, as what is today the seat of elected government was originally constructed (18361842) as their royal palace. Opposite the Parliament, across Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, stands the neoclassical
The ceiling inside the National Observatory, where gazing upward is rewarding.
Syngrou Mansion (circa 1872), now the Foreign Ministry, while the nearby Harokopos/Benaki residence (1860s, first expanded in 1911), now the Benaki Museum, and the Stathatos Mansion (1895), now part of the Museum of Cycladic Art, can be seen further along the same avenue. Other neoclassical structures, equally reflective of the affluence of Athenian society in the era of King George I, who reigned from 1863 to 1913, include the Presidential Mansion (1897) and the Zappeion (constructed 1874-1888), located east and south respectively of Queen Amalia’s tree-shaded royal retreat beside the Palace, today the National Gardens. On Panepistimiou Street, only a five-minute walk from Syntagma, Heinrich Schliemann established his private residence, the Iliou Melathron (1880), now the Numismatic Museum. This must-see monument allows you to walk in the footsteps of the “father of Greek archaeology,” marvel at the home’s luxurious interiors, and trace Greek
A good starting point for an architectural walking tour might be the “Old Palace” (1833-1834), now the City of Athens Museum.
Once a private residence, the HarokoposBenakis Mansion became a museum in 1929.
history through a fascinating collection of gold, silver and bronze coins. Greatest among the city’s neoclassical treasures is undoubtedly the “Athens Trilogy,” also on Panepistimiou Street, which consists of the National University (1839), the Academy of Athens (1859), and the original National Library (1888). Here, ancient Greek images are on full display, with the Academy’s temple-like pediment showcasing a sculptural scene depicting the birth of the goddess Athena (echoing the Parthenon’s East pediment). Seated beside the entrance are the philosophers Plato and Socrates, while standing majestically above on tall Ionic columns are Athena, the warrior goddess and Athens’ patroness, and Apollo, protector of the arts and leader of the Muses.
Near Omonoia Square is the National Theater (18951901) on Aghiou Konstantinou Street, a three-minute walk from the Omonoia metro station. Designed by Ziller, it was inspired in part by the National Theater of Vienna. Adjacent to the Acropolis, the National Observatory (1846) looks skyward beside the Pnyx Hill, where the ancient astronomer Meton (5th cent. BC) reportedly determined the dates of equinoxes and solstices for his eponymous lunisolar calendar by observing sunrise every day.
These are only the most prominent of Athens’ neoclassical gems, but many more structures great and small can be sleuthed out, not only in the capital city but across Greece. Ziller himself contributed to over 500 public and private neoclassical buildings from 1870 to
Above: A statue of philhellene William Ewart Gladstone stands in front of the National University.
Eπάνω:
Right: The warrior goddess Athena.
Δεξιά:
1914. Sometimes his elegant designs lie hidden in plain sight, as is the case, for example, with the diminutive train station at Ancient Olympia.
Caryatids evoking the Athenian ladies of the Erechtheion’s South Porch have long been popular neoclassical elements, and eagle-eyed explorers might spot the “House of the Caryatids,” a fine example of early 20th-century folk architecture, at 45-47 Aghion Asomaton Street in Psyrri. Now the headquarters for the Association of Greek Olympic Winners, this structure once belonged to the sculptor Ioannis Karakatsanis (1857-1906), who is said to have used his wife and her sister as models for his decorative creations.
One of the most recent restorations of Athenian neoclassical monuments involved the Athinogenis Mansion at 50 Stadiou Street (1875-1880). Its opulent, sophisticated façade reveals both neoclassical and then-up-and-coming French Baroque Revival styles. Left in a state of ruin and severely damaged by fire in 2004, the Athinogenis Mansion is now part of a newly-constructed, multi-use complex expected to open in 2026. Athens’ neoclassical buildings are truly cultural treasures that deserve to be explored, preserved and cherished. For the curious, let the hunt begin. •
Left:
The impressive dome of the now-restored Athinogenis Mansion. Αριστερά:
Below:
The City of Athens Museum, first residence of King Otto.
Κάτω:
The Typhoon Project Wins the War on Waste
Eighty percent less waste on Greek coastlines after the second round of cleanups by the Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation’s specialized vessel
GREECE BOASTS the longest coastline in Europe – a natural asset that’s not only an integral part of the country’s cultural identity but also a vital pillar of its tourism economy. However, marine pollution – particularly from plastic debris, styrofoam, and abandoned fishing gear – remains a persistent threat.
For the past six years, the Typhoon Project has been tackling this environmental challenge head-on. Spearheaded by the Athanasios
TYPHOON PROJECT
C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation, this flagship initiative is centered around the Typhoon, a custom-built, 72-meter vessel equipped with a permanent crew of 35 and five high-speed support boats. Since 2019, the Typhoon has been operating year-round, cleaning remote and inaccessible beaches across the country.
The results of the program are remarkable: more than 3,748 beaches have been cleaned, and more than 17,862,000 pieces of waste – amounting to 768 tons in weight and over 35,670 cubic meters in volume – have been removed. To put that into perspective, the total volume of waste collected as of 2024 exceeded the combined size of iconic European landmarks such as Big Ben and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
During the second round of cleanups, launched in February 2023, the same beaches were revisited, recording an average improvement rate of 80%. Region-specific data reflects this progress: in Crete, beaches cleaned again after their 2019 restoration showed a 78% reduction in waste. In Paros and Thassos, the figure reached 100%, while over in the Ionian Sea, Kefalonia waste levels were reduced by 80%. On the shores of Mount Athos, the second round of operations has raised the figure to 88% so far.
The vessel is continuing its mission around
Sorting through the trash on board the Typhoon. Each haul holds valuable information.
Lemnos, a key site for the program, where the crew had remained for 122 days during its initial deployment. The Typhoon also remained for seven months off the coast of Magnesia, which was severely impacted by Storm Daniel; the vessel contributed to long-term recovery efforts on the flood-damaged coastline.
Beyond its operational impact, the Typhoon Project is also helping compile comprehensive environmental indicators for Greece. Every piece of waste is recorded, weighed, categorized and fed into a database maintained by the Foundation – one of the most extensive of its kind worldwide. This data is already supporting collaborative research with the University of Patras, the University of the Aegean, and the Technical University of Crete.
The project also places a strong emphasis on public engagement, running awareness campaigns and educational initiatives that promote environmental awareness across communities and at all levels of education.
Protecting the marine environment takes long-term planning, commitment and direct action. With measurable outcomes and growing impact, the Typhoon Project is proof that systematic intervention can lead to meaningful restoration. •
Alogoporos Beach in southern Pelion, before and after the Typhoon clean-up effort.
H
Rooted in a vision, driven by knowledge, and reaching across generations.
THE AIKATERINI LASKARIDIS FOUNDATION
30 Years of Positive Impact
FOR THIRTY YEARS, the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation has been a steadfast force for education, culture and social connection – a vibrant institution that inspires, educates and paves the way forward. What began as the vision of Panagiotis and the late Marilena Laskaridis continues today through the devoted stewardship of the Laskaridis family, who remain committed to the transformative power of knowledge and shared engagement.
Knowledge
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
It’s amazing to think that primary and secondary students who once took part in the Foundation’s very first educational programs may now have children of their own. Designed to spark curiosity and nurture a love of learning, these programs span the fields of literature, the visual arts and the sciences – and the numbers speak for themselves; since 2007, over 270,000 students have participated in 5,000 programs held at the Foundation’s premises. From 2008 to 2013, another 400 programs reached more than 19,000 students in fire-affected areas of the Peloponnese and remote regions across Greece. In 2021, 82 schools in northern Evia and the Ancient Olympia area were equipped with educational materials and infrastructure in service of 3,286 students. Educational initiatives have also taken place in correctional facilities as well as in Roma communities.
THE MARILENA LASKARIDIS
CHAIR IN MODERN GREEK STUDIES
The Department of Modern Greek Language and Culture at the University of Amsterdam – the only one of its kind in the Benelux countries – has earned international recognition for both its research and its teaching. In 2020, it ranked third among all university departments in the Netherlands. The establishment in 2018 of the Marilena Laskaridis Chair, held by Professor Maria Boletsi, breathed new life into the department. The unwavering support of the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation has helped cultivate a dynamic academic community, comprising permanent faculty members, 10 PhD candidates, and 13 visiting researchers funded through annual fellowships.
A SEA OF KNOWLEDGE
The innovative project “From the Aegean to the Ionian: A Sea of Knowledge” marks a new legacy for the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation. It reinforces the Foundation’s core values: universal and equitable access to top-tier cultural and educational resources, meaningful dialogue between tradition and innovation, and active participation in cultural and civic life. Funded through the EU’s NSRF (ESPA) program, the project involved the digitisation and online presentation – for the first time – of a significant part of the Foundation’s collection dedicated to Greece’s maritime and island culture. Alongside this, a series of interactive digital applications were developed, employing cutting-edge technologies and immersive design, to bring the material to life for a wide public.
THE HISTORICAL LIBRARY
Since 2012, a neoclassical landmark in the heart of Piraeus has been home to a true repository of knowledge.
Clockwise from top left: View of the Historic Library.
A rare early edition from the Library’s treasure trove.
The ToposText digital app maps 1,200 years of Greek literature.
Thousands of students take part in the Foundation’s educational programs each year.
The Historical Library of the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation is one of the largest and most significant libraries in Greece. In just thirteen years of operation, it has acquired 103 private collections of books belonging to major figures in the fields of literature, the visual arts and the sciences, as well as 59 archival collections, for a total of over 600,000 items. All materials are digitally processed, catalogued in a unified electronic database, and made available for on-site study by researchers and the public. Digital platforms and tools – including Travelogues (travelogues.gr), Traveltrails (traveltrails.gr), ToposText (topostext.org) and map-inc (map-inc.gr) – extend this treasure trove to a global audience. The collections span a wide thematic range, with particular emphasis on the humanities: ancient and modern Greek literature, Greek history, archaeology and travel literature. They also cover maritime studies, social and legal sciences, and include rare works in the fields of natural and medical sciences. Of special importance is the Library’s rare older material: 94 manuscripts, 167 incunabula, and 26,830 early printed books – first and early editions of works that shaped the course of letters and science; illustrated volumes; and landmarks of early modern Greek typography and publishing. A vital role is played by the Book and Archival Conservation Laboratory, established in 2015, which ensures the preservation, restoration and safe display of the Foundation’s collections.
THE LENDING LIBRARY
This vital space devoted to education and culture was founded in 1993 by Konstantinos Laskaridis in memory of his wife Kaiti, to provide access to knowledge, nurture a love of reading, and support learning for all. Under the inspired leadership of its late president, Marilena Laskaridis, the Library evolved into a hub of knowledge and creativity – a welcoming environment for programs that celebrate books and reading across all ages. Beyond the ongoing expansion of its collection, the Lending Library offers hands-on activities, thematic workshops and interactive programs for children, teens and adults alike. It is a resource full of inspiration and possibility – a place truly open to all.
MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
The Foundation’s mental health initiatives focus on teacher training and social awareness. Programs include best practices for autism, strategies for addressing behavioural challenges in the classroom, and educational campaigns against bullying and child abuse. Workshops also address promoting inclusion and preventing gender-based violence in schools. To date, these programs have been attended by 5,560 educators and mental health professionals, 160 mentors and 460 middle school students.•
(travelogues.gr),
30 years in numbers
Educational Programs
263,918 students 5,757 programs 513 programs 21,575 students in fire-stricken & inaccessible areas
Competitions
25 Kaiti Laskaridis competitions for original short stories
6 Marilena Laskaridis competitions for original short stories 12 violin competitions; Ismini Karter scholarship Greek-speaking schools abroad
Lending Library
100,000 books 60,000 visitors 24,600 book donations
18K gold earrings with diamonds Etho Maria (KESSARIS).
Photographed by PANOS DAVIOS (10AM) Fashion Editor: ANNA ZINCHENKO
Edina: Viscose dress Feel
Cute (HONDOS CENTER),
“Snake Lace” necklace and bracelet (left hand) in 18K yellow gold with diamonds, “Byzance” bracelet (right hand) with rubies (ZOLOTAS).
Sunglasses Celine (PANAIDIS EYEWEAR).
Leather pumps Kalogirou (KALOGIROU).
Esther: Cotton shirtdress and straw/leather clutch (CALLISTA). Earrings, choker and bracelet in 18K rose gold with coral, diamonds and emerald (VENETIA VILDIRIDIS).
Leather slingbacks
Guiseppe Zanotti (KALOGIROU).
Edina: Poplin dress and leather bag Jacquemus (ATTICA). “Wish” blackened gold earrings with diamonds, “Oui” necklace in 18K white gold with diamonds and enamel, “Me” bracelet in blackened white gold with diamonds (NIKOS KOULIS). Sunglasses Miu Miu (PANAIDIS EYEWEAR). Leather high-heeled sandals Tod’s (TOD’S).
Edina: Pleated dress Zimmermann, bucket bag and mules Aquazzura (ENNY MONACO). “B.zero1 Rock” earrings, necklace and bracelet in 18K yellow gold with diamonds Bulgari (BVLGARI).
Left page Edina: Cotton polo shirt Paul Smith and silk skirt Fabiana Filippi (ATTICA). Yellow and white 18K gold jewelry set with diamonds (PONIROS JEWELLERY). Rafal: Cashmere-silk suit, cotton shirt, silk tie and silk pochette, all Kiton (MAH JONG).
Esther: Silk dress, leather bag and sandals Salvatore Ferragamo (SALVATORE FERRAGAMO).
18K gold necklace with diamonds Etho Maria; long necklaces and “Endless Devotion” bracelets with emeralds and diamonds Kessaris (KESSARIS).
Right page Rafal: Silk/linen blazer and jersey t-shirt Brunello Cucinelli, linen trousers Eleventy (INCROCIO). Suede loafers Tod’s (TOD’S).
Rafal: Silk/linen/cotton blazer, cotton shirt and trousers, silk tie, silk pochette and belt, all Kiton (MAH JONG). Watch GLASHÜTTE Original, Panoramic Calendar in red gold (KASSIS).
Left page Edina: Knitted mesh dress and heart-shaped leather mules Alaia (ENNY MONACO).
Esther: Embroidered cape, cotton shirt and pleated skirt Zeus+Dione (AESTHET GREEK DESIGNERS). “Heritage” earrings and bracelets in 18K yellow gold (ZOLOTAS). Leather bag Tod’s (TOD’S).
Rafal: Jacket by Zegna, silk t-shirt Brioni, wool/linen trousers Zegna (INCROCIO). Handmade flyback chronograph in titanium with glacier blue dial from the Alpine Eagle collection Chopard (CHOPARD).
Right page Esther: Satin dress Victoria Beckham and leather sandals Aquazzura (ENNY MONACO). “Sunlight ‘Decor Palace’” earrings and ring in 18K rose gold with diamonds Piaget (KASSIS).
Left page Esther: Linen dress Ancient Kallos (AESTHET GREEK DESIGNERS). Leather sandals Nine West (HARALAS).
Rafal: Linen jacket Armani, jersey t-shirt and cotton trousers Boss (ATTICA). Suede sneakers Kalogirou (KALOGIROU).
Edina: Poplin dress Evi Grintella (AESTHET GREEK DESIGNERS). Jacquard and leather bag Ames by Lia Manjorou (LIA MANJOROU).
Esther: Cotton/linen blazer, polo shirt and linen trousers Tommy Hilfiger, silk scarf Lauren Ralph Lauren (HONDOS CENTER). Jacquard and leather clutch bag Ames by Lia Manjorou (LIA MANJOROU).
Right page Edina: Chiffon blouse Equipment and cotton skirt Staud (ATTICA). Woven leather bag (CALLISTA). Carnelian and diamond earrings and sautoir from the “Imperial” collection and “Rainbow Happy Sport” watch with rubies, sapphires and 300 diamonds Chopard (CHOPARD).
MAKE-UP: HARA PAPANIKOLAOU (10AM). HAIR: JOSE QUIJANO (10AM).
MODELS: ESTHER MASTROYIANNI, EDINA POLAK (AGENCIA), RAFAL WOJTYSIAK (ACE MODELS).
IN ONE OF HER MOST ICONIC PORTRAITS, Paloma Picasso poses for Helmut Newton wearing the pieces she designed for Zolotas in the 1970s. She wasn’t alone. Catherine Deneuve, Romy Schneider, Elizabeth Taylor, Maria Callas, Melina Mercouri and Jackie Kennedy were among the many captivated by the understated power and elegance of the Greek maison. They were seduced not only by the beauty of the designs, but also by a deeper essence: each jewelry creation masterfully reflected the timeless spirit of Greek heritage.
The story begins in 1895, when Efthymios Zolotas established one of Greece’s first fine jewelry houses on Aiolou Street in Athens, applying techniques he had studied in Parisian ateliers. Over the following decades, Zolotas created jewelry for the royal family, embraced global artistic movements such as art deco, and turned to the symbols of Greek identity and tradition during the war.
In the 1950s, his son, Xenophon Zolotas, an academic and statesman, established the Zolotas Goldsmithery “Chrysotechnie”, reviving ancient jewelry-making techniques and focusing on designs inspired by Greek mythology and history. The lions of Mycenae, the serpents of Asclepius and the bulls of Minos were reimagined as
dazzling jewels that conquered the international jet set, leading to the opening of the house’s first store in Paris. In the 1970s, the House collaborated with artists who embraced its techniques. Paloma Picasso created her first jewelry, followed by creative partnerships with visionaries like Claude Lalanne and Takis.
Since 2007, Georges Papalexis has led the House into a new era, reintroducing Zolotas to a contemporary audience with collections inspired by the natural Mediterranean world and Greece’s cultural legacy. Marking 130 years of history, the House is honoring its timeless collections — including Classics, Snake Lace and Helios — while revisiting and reviving emblematic jewelry from its archives to celebrate this year’s anniversary, reaffirming the timeless elegance of its designs.
“The story of Zolotas lives beyond its archives,” says Georges Papalexis, now CEO of the house. “It is brought to life daily in our workshops, where skilled artisans collaborate as one, blending heritage with innovation to continuously shape the contemporary identity of the House.”
Paloma Picasso, Romy Schneider, Melina Mercouri, were among the many captivated by the understated power and elegance of the Greek jewelry House Zolotas.
THE GOLDEN LION, 130 year anniversary necklace in 18KT gold with mother of pearl
SNAKE LACE, 18 kt yellow gold ring with diamonds
Zolotas
Paloma Picasso
Catherine Deneuve, Romy Schneider, Elizabeth Taylor, Maria Callas,
Jackie Kennedy,
Since 2007, Georges Papalexis has led the House into a new era.
Top: Ring in 18K white gold with diamonds and sapphires (GIOUZENIS).
Bottom: Ring in 18K white gold with diamonds and turquoise (VENETIA VILDIRIDIS).
Necklace in 18K white gold with diamonds and sapphires (GIOUZENIS).
“Alpine Eagle” chronograph, 44mm, mechanical movement, titanium case Chopard (CHOPARD).
Earrings and necklace in 18K white gold with diamonds and morganite (PONIROS).
Top: Ring in 18K white gold with diamonds (KESSARIS).
Bracelet and ring in 18K gold with diamonds and sapphires (GEORGE’S).
Center: Earring in 18K gold with diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds (SERKOS).
Top: “Ice Cube” ring in 18K gold with diamonds Chopard (CHOPARD).
Bottom: Ring in 18K gold with enamel and diamonds (NIKOS KOULIS).
Top: Limited edition ring in 18K gold with diamonds (LALAOUNIS).
Bottom: Bracelet in 18K gold with emeralds, rubies and sapphires, and ring in 18K gold with diamonds and multicolored sapphires (SERKOS).
create a single seamless piece
Earrings in 18K gold with diamonds and watch in 18K gold, 41mm, automatic movement Bulgari
“Fusion” bracelet and rings in 18K gold with diamonds Nina Koppel – the rings interlock to
(GEORG JENSEN).
(BVLGARI)
“Ice Cube” necklace in 18K gold with diamonds Chopard (CHOPARD). Bracelets in 18K gold with enamel and diamonds (NIKOS KOULIS).
Ring in 18K white gold with diamonds (KESSARIS).
“Twenty~4” watch, 36mm, automatic movement, with diamonds Patek Philippe (STELLA VILDIRIDIS).
“Daytona” Cosmograph in 18K gold, 40mm, automatic movement Rolex (ROLEX BOUTIQUE).
Left: “Aenaon” necklace and earrings in 18K white gold with diamonds and opal (ZOLOTAS).
Top right: Bracelet in 18K white gold with diamonds, turquoise enamel and stones (VENETIA VILDIRIDIS).
Center: “Vivianna” watch designed by Henning Koppel, 34mm, mirror dial with diamonds, Georg Jensen (GEORG JENSEN).
Bracelet in silver with 18K gold details, “The Greek Goddess” Elena Drossou (THEA). Earrings in 18K gold with diamonds and sapphires (LALAOUNIS).
Handcrafted necklace in slate pyrite, silver and 18K gold details, designed exclusively for THEA by THE GREEK DESIGNERS.
Kassis
100 years Kassis A century of love for jewelry and watchmaking
THE HOUSE OF KASSIS, founded in 1925 by Abraham Kassis, is celebrating a century of involvement in jewelry and watches, having become a byword for luxury in Greece. Abraham opened his first jewelry store after recognizing the value of jewelry as a secure investment in challenging times. His son, George, expanded the business after WWII by creating original jewelry pieces. His grandson, Elias, with a cosmopolitan flair, opened the first store on Voukourestiou Street in 1981, which became a landmark in Athens. Important partnerships followed, notably with Cartier in 1982 and Chopard in 1985, significantly strengthening the house’s presence in Greece. The collaboration with Chopard became exclusive, establishing deep ties of trust. The fourth generation entered the business in the 1990s, further expanding operations, introducing new brands such as Franck Muller and Piaget, and strengthening their presence on cosmopolitan islands. In 2013, they became the exclusive representatives for Breguet, Blancpain, Glashütte Original and Jaquet Droz. By 2016, the new generation officially took over management, combining tradition with innovation and digital channels. Today, a century later, the House of Kassis continues its successful journey, sustaining a vibrant legacy that traces its roots from its first modest shop to its established status as a symbol of luxury and elegance.
100 χρόνια Kassis
With new menus, an unwavering commitment to sustainability and a careful selection of premium local ingredients sourced from small-scale producers, the GB Roof Garden and Tudor Hall restaurants are this season once again presenting outstanding culinary creations and, as always, accompanying them with wines that promise to elevate every meal.
ΤastingGreece Αnew
By NENA DIMITRIOU Photos: DIMITRIS VLAIKOS
AT THE GB ROOF GARDEN, the unrivalled views of the Acropolis and the city of Athens set the stage for the cuisine of Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis and Chef de Cuisine Nikos Liokas. This season, their modern take on Greek gastronomy places a greater emphasis than ever on localism and exceptional ingredients. “We’re working with more small producers than ever before. The products they supply are rare, and of incomparable quality and flavor,” notes Liokas.
FIELD ARTICHOKE
stuffed with pickled artichoke and anchovy, served with caviar and a sauce made from its own leaves, accented with mint and cumin
The herbaceous aroma of the artichoke is perfectly balanced by the rich texture of the anchovy and caviar. A wine with crisp acidity and notes of eucalyptus, mint and pine, such as the 2303 Rezine Wild Ferment Limited Edition retsina from old Savatiano vines, is an ideal pairing.
TOMATO BAVAROIS
with olives, capers, Katiki Domokou cheese ice cream, and tomato consommé
The vibrant vegetal and acidic profile of this dish pairs exceptionally well with the high acidity and herbal tomato notes of the blend of Xinomavro, Mavroudi and Limniona in Apla Rosé by Oenops Wines.
Their dedication to sustainability is evident in many of the seasonal menu’s new dishes, such as the Athenian seafood tart, a refined interpretation of the classic salad made with the lesser-known rockfish. In place of popular yet overfished species, they highlight sustainably sourced small fish to help preserve the balance of marine ecosystems.
Lamb, a pillar of the culinary heritage of Greece, is another seasonal highlight. Sourced from breeds native to mainland Greece, this meat stars in dishes such as stuffed lamb saddle with tsalafouti cheese. Every part of the animal is used for sauces and broths, reflecting a holistic, no-waste approach to cooking.
From meticulously prepared breakfasts to inspired all-day bites, the GB Roof Garden kitchen operates
BAVAROIS
Oenops Wines.
GUINEA FOWL BREAST
with beetroot purée, blackberries, amaranth, and cedar nut praline sauce
The sweetness of the nuts is beautifully offset by the tartness of the blackberries and beetroot. A Pinot Noir from 1er Cru Les Sizies, Domaine de Montille, Beaune, with its crisp acidity and ripe red fruit notes, offers the perfect match.
Les Sizies, Domaine de Montille, Beaune, με
ATHENIAN SALAD TART
with rockfish, dill bavarois and bottarga
This refined reimagining of a classic Athenian dish layers the sharp seafood notes of steamed rockfish and bottarga with the rich creaminess of mayonnaise, creating a dish of striking depth and complexity. The ideal wine pairing must offer crisp acidity to balance the richness, along with a slightly saline profile to echo the dish’s briny intensity. An Assyrtiko from Naxos, crafted by Terra Grazia Winery, rises to the occasion beautifully.
EXOTIQUE
A delicate waffle with coconut cream, Malibu gelatin, exotic fruit marmalade, mango sorbet, and coconut chips
For this dessert, defined by bold tropical aromas and coconut sweetness, a dessert wine with notes of marmalade and warm spices is recommended, such as the Royal Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos from Hungary.
EXOTIQUE
From meticulously prepared breakfasts to inspired all-day bites, the GB Roof Garden kitchen operates with unwavering precision to deliver flawless results.
with unwavering precision to deliver flawless results. With masterful finesse, Chef Liokas crafts Greek cuisine that feels contemporary while remaining deeply rooted in tradition.
Just a few steps away, inside the elegant King George Hotel, Tudor Hall offers a Michelin-starred dining experience where artistry and refinement take center stage. Under the direction of Chef de Cuisine Nikos Livadias each dish becomes an edible sculpture – delicate, translucent, vividly colored, layered in texture, and always infused with an element of surprise.
Chef Livadias seamlessly blends Greek and international ingredients into striking compositions marked by visual brilliance and precision of flavor – hallmarks of his unique culinary identity.
Pastry Chef Alexandros Koufas continues to craft intricate, flavorsome desserts that never fail to impress. Even something as seemingly simple as a scoop of ice cream turns out to be a complex masterpiece. Each dessert is composed of various, carefully chosen elements, demanding meticulous execution and offering a perfect, unforgettable finale marked by intensity, balance, technical perfection and pleasure.
His technique remains consistently exceptional, and his desserts succeed in delivering everything one seeks from a truly memorable finale: balance, intensity of flavor, technical perfection and, above all, unmitigated pleasure.
The dining experience at both restaurants is further enhanced by the wine list curated by Wine Director Evangelos Psofidis. One of the most remarkable collections in Greece, it brings together top selections from around the world, including coveted labels and rare vintages, wines from ungrafted vines, Old World gems and standout New World offerings.
Beyond his expertise and impeccable sommelier service in the dining room, Psofidis embodies the spirit of gracious hospitality: “My aim is always to offer the very best – to meet each guest’s expectations. I want everyone to leave the hotel knowing they had exactly the wine they desired.”
CHOCOLAT
Chocolate moelleux with black cardamom, olive oil chocolate, chocolate ice cream with long pepper, buckwheat crêpe, whisky chocolate siphon, and honey ice cream. An ideal companion to this layered dessert is the Samos Nectar – a sweet wine with aromas of dark chocolate, warm spices and honey.
CHOCOLAT
Summer
served
This summer, a secret garden of culinary delights invites guests on a refined journey of the senses – complete with a new menu and a host of seasonal surprises.
By NENA DIMITRIOU
Photos: DIMITRIS VLAIKOS
FOR EXECUTIVE CHEF Asterios Koustoudis, it all starts with the ingredients. So when the idea emerged to transform this tranquil first-floor courtyard into a summer Italian restaurant, he began by sourcing the exceptional products that would form the heart of the menu. Working with precision and purpose, his team perfected recipes that celebrate the essence of Italian cuisine while reflecting the careful attention to detail that defines the gastronomic identity shared by both the Hotel Grande Bretagne and the King George.
At the heart of this culinary journey lies the tomato. That humble yet iconic hero of so many Italian
Pasta in the pan with homemape sauce and San Michali
cheese.
recipes became the main object of the chef’s quest. Koustoudis, ever in pursuit of rare and meaningful ingredients, traced a source high on the slopes of Mt Patera, near the Attica-Boeotia border. There, at an elevation of 400 metres and surrounded by olive trees, a small grower cultivates heirloom tomato varieties using traditional, low-intervention methods. Everything – from sowing to harvest – is done by hand, with minimal irrigation and limited yields. The result? Tomatoes bursting with the kind of flavor modern mass farming has all but forgotten.
Among the standout varieties are Datterini, tiny Sicilian tomatoes with a rich, naturally sweet profile; Nelly’s grape, a hybrid of Pomodorino Vesuviano and Principe Borghese, handpicked and strung together in the traditional way; Marmande from Provence; and the deeply ribbed Fiorentino Costoluto from Florence – each bringing complexity and aromatic depth.
Pizza with incredible dough, vitello tonnato with Tinos artichoke, focaccia with anchovy, and a rich panzanella with buffalo burrata.
vitello tonnato
Chef's team perfected recipes that celebrate the essence of Italian cuisine while reflecting the careful attention to detail that defines the gastronomic identity shared by both the Hotel Grande Bretagne and the King George.
These tomatoes are the foundation of the restaurant’s signature sauce, slow-cooked with fleur de sel and extra virgin olive oil, then preserved in hermetically sealed glass jars that are ceremoniously opened at the table. Fresh pasta is cooked to order and finished in the sauce just moments before serving – a sensory ritual that turns simplicity into an art form.
The rest of the menu reads like a map of flavors from Italy and Greece: focaccia with anchovy and confit peppers, a vibrant panzanella with buffalo burrata, and a curated selection of salumi e formaggi, featuring Mortadella Bologna, Prosciutto San Daniele, Pecorino di Pienza, and Caciottona al Pepe.
As for the pizzas, the dough is slow-fermented, hand-stretched and baked until the base is crisp on the outside yet still tender within, with a crunchy, lightly charred cornicione – the signature of a true Italian crust. The standout? A pizza cacio e pepe with pecorino, ricotta and freshly ground pepper.
The desserts evoke the Italy of classic cinema and family tables. The Armenonville – a classic parfait with caramelised nuts and meringue – is whipped to order by the pastry chef Alexandros Koufas and finished tableside with a warm drizzle of chocolate. Pure theater, and pure indulgence.
A fitting prologue, or epilogue, to a summer meal in the garden, signature aperitifs such as the Bella Donna (with limoncello and yuzu), the Mastic Temple (with mastiha and grapefruit), and the Chiedi Spritz (with Amaro Averna and bergamot soda) strike the perfect balance between smooth and sharp – ideal complements to any dish.
In this secluded courtyard, surrounded by olive trees, fragrant herbs and lights that twinkle like stars, dinner becomes something more than a meal. It’s a celebration of summer, thoughtfully staged with effortless elegance just for you. •
info
The Atrium of Alexander's Lounge
Operating hours: daily, 17:00-02:00
salumi e formaggi (Mortadella Bologna, Prosciutto San Daniele, Pecorino di Pienza, Caciottona al Pepe).
The Armenonville by Alexandros Koufas – a classic parfait with caramelised nuts and meringue – is whipped to order by the pastry chef and finished tableside with a warm drizzle of chocolate.
Two signature treatments at the GB Spa – a cutting-edge facial by 111SKIN and a body ritual by ESPA – offer more than visible results. They deliver a profound sense of balance and inner harmony.
Rituals of Care
By VASSILIKI PAPAGEORGIOU
ENTERING THE GB SPA feels like stepping out of time –the pace becomes slower, gentler, almost therapeutic. Even the hush of the marble atrium – with its soaring palms and natural light filtering gracefully through the glass ceiling – evokes a deep sense of calm. It’s easy to forget you’re in the heart of Athens. Here, you reclaim time for yourself, slipping into another dimension where personal care takes center stage. I left my phone in the locker, donned my white robe and headed to the pool – a contemporary homage to the Roman baths, and the perfect prologue to any treatment. Next came the thermal circuit: first, the Herbal Steam
Bath, where aromatic botanicals cleared my mind; then the Amethyst Grotto, infused with eucalyptus to ease breathing; and finally, the Laconium, where gentle dry heat invites you to linger just a little longer. I completed this mini-ritual in the sauna, letting the last threads of tension dissolve. A few minutes are enough to put you in the right headspace for a spa experience – only here, it’s more than simply pleasurable. It’s layered, immersive and deeply nourishing. Wrapped in my robe, a cup of red-berry tea in hand, I was ready for the treatments that awaited. Vassilis, my guide for the day, exuded calm. With intuitive hands and an expert’s instinct, he took me through a face-and-body ritual I won’t soon forget.
My day included two singular treatments unlike anything I’ve experienced before. First came the 111SKIN Glass Brightening Facial, designed to deliver that coveted “glass skin” effect – and it absolutely does. Vassilis began with a triple cleanse: removing makeup, applying a creamy cleanser, then smoothing the skin with the ultrasonic device by the globally acclaimed brand 111SKIN. The cleanser he used was Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser, a fine powder that transforms into a rich lather upon contact with water, blending papain enzymes, shikimic acid, and the brand’s signature NAC Y²™ complex. The result? Skin that feels soft, luminous and visibly clearer. Two hydrogel masks followed: the Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask, beloved by celebrities for its plumping, illuminating effect – thanks to 24-karat gold and Damask rose – and the Celestial Black Diamond Mask, ideal for boosting firmness and density. Applied to the face, neck and décolleté, this mask is infused with biomimetic peptides that reduce fine lines and help restore volume and tone.
Next up was the Dark Spot Correcting Serum, inspired by clinical brightening protocols. Formulated to target even the most stubborn hyperpigmentation, it works to fade existing spots while regulating melanin production to help prevent new ones from forming. This dual-action approach visibly evens out skin tone, leaving the complexion more balanced, radiant, and refined. Between treatments, Vassilis used the ultrasonic device in nutrition mode – a technique that helps active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin and enhances their absorption. What followed was a soothing massage using muscle-relaxing techniques, further deepening the sense of calm. A targeted eye treatment with cooling wands brought the ritual to a serene close.
Then came the Cryo Revitalising Moisturiser – a gel-cream with intense hydrating and energizing properties, designed to lock in moisture and amplify the
At the GB Spa, every facial treatment is tailored to your individual needs, delivering visible results from the very first session.
treatment’s effects. Just when I thought the ritual was complete, it was time for the final touch: Repair Sunscreen SPF50+, which shields against sun exposure, blue light and urban pollution. My skin already looked calmer, with no trace of redness, thanks to the Arabian Cotton extract and niacinamide in its formula. The treatment concluded with a delicate misting of the All Day Radiance Face Mist – infused with Damask rose water, peptides, and probiotics – which seemed to seal in every layer of care that came before it.
After a few minutes to rest and reset, it was time for the body treatment: the ESPA Strength & Resilience Massage – something far beyond a traditional massage. Specifically developed to support the physical and emotional changes that come with menopause, this treatment delivers deep physical relief while gently restoring emotional balance. Throughout the session, I had the distinct sense that every movement was designed to reconnect me with myself and restore my inner equilibrium. Aromatic oils, slow yoga-inspired stretches, and targeted pressure worked in harmony to awaken my body and soothe my nervous system.
The treatment began with deep stretches and mindful breathing, grounding me gently in the present moment. Following this was a blissful reflex zone foot massage that awakened energy through my feet. Then the massage focused on my back and shoulders; vigorous movements seemed to dissolve tension and tightness. The ritual ended with a calming scalp massage, a quiet closing gesture that extended the sense of well-being all the way to the final moment.
Throughout, the ESPA Signature Blends Bath & Body Oil was used, featuring the energizing Fortifying Blend – a detoxifying combination of eucalyptus and tea tree. It left my skin feeling soft, deeply nourished, and delicately wrapped in a scent that felt like a warm cocoon. Equally impressive was the ESPA Fitness Muscle Rescue Balm, designed to revitalize tired muscles with cooling peppermint and ceramide-rich eucalyptus. Its restorative action was amplified by clove, which enhanced circulation and brought a sense of deep recovery. It’s the kind of product I’d want to keep in my travel bag – especially after periods of physical strain.
As I left the GB Spa, I felt as though a weight had been lifted from both body and mind. These weren’t ordinary treatments; they were a holistic reset. I walked out feeling lighter, calmer, and more in touch with myself – exactly how I like a spa to make me feel. •
The essential oils used in our therapies help relax and rejuvenate both body and mind.
The Timeline... So Far
1874 1878 1888 1894
The Hotel Grande Bretagne, owned by Savvas Kentros from Epirus, moves from the corner of Stadiou and Mouson (today’s Karageorgi Servias) streets and opens its doors at its current location, in what was then the Demetriou Mansion, designed by architect Theophil Hansen.
Efstathios Lampsas, who first apprenticed as an assistant cook at King George I’s court and then, funded by the palace, trained in France to become a head chef, becomes Kentros’ partner. The hotel is radically renovated to meet the era’s highest standards. A key contributor to the improvement of the hotel is Lampsas’ French wife, Palmyra Palfrois, who focuses her efforts on staff training.
The hotel becomes the first nonprivate residence in Athens to be electrified.
A luxurious restaurant opens within its premises.
The Grande Bretagne innovates by introducing “dîners dansants,” meaning dinners with live orchestra music.
The hotel hosts a meeting of the International Olympic Committee prior to the first modern Olympic Games, which are held that year in Athens.
Theodoros Petrakopoulos, son-in-law of Efstathios Lampsas and a dynamic journalist with stints as a correspondent for notable newspapers such as “Acropolis” and “Estia,” as well as a period as the director of the latter, steps in as hotel manager.
Αναλαμβάνει διευθυντής ο γαμπρός του Ευστ.
1910 1919 1923 1930 1938
The Hellenic Hotels Company S.A. (later renamed Lampsa Hellenic Hotels S.A.) is established.
Ιδρύεται
Efstathios Lampsas passes away.
A new wing with 110 rooms opens on Panepistimiou Street. It is equipped with elevators, ventilation systems and central heating.
1927
1921
The hotel enhances its amenities by acquiring a mechanical refrigerator, complete with an ice maker.
The hotel expands onto Voukourestiou Street. Rooms are upgraded to include telephones and private bathrooms.
Another 42 rooms are added to the building complex. Both the rooms and the new shared spaces are equipped with the most advanced ventilation and air conditioning technology available.
Mr and Mrs Lampsas and Mr and Mrs Petrakopoulos on a family outing.
1940
The hotel’s guests are evacuated and he building becomes the headquarters for the government, the king, the General Staff, and the Allied Forces during the Greco-Italian War.
The hotel becomes the headquarters of the government of Georgios Papandreou and the British forces. On December 25th, a plan by the National Liberation Front to blow up the hotel is called off at the last minute, based on information that British Prime Minister Winston Churchill is staying there during his visit to Athens.
The hotel, requisitioned by occupying German forces, becomes Wehrmacht Headquarters.
The original building by architect Theophil Hansen is demolished to accommodate a major expansion.
In a room on the fifth floor, Konstantinos Karamanlis forms the Government of National Unity following the fall of the Junta.
The hotel hosts intergovernmental summit meetings during the first Greek EEC Presidency.
The hotel in the late 1960s.
Τhe opulent lobby of the hotel today.
Το lobby του
Members of the Doxiadis, Lampsas and Petrakopoulos families, all descendants of Efstathios Lampsas, sell their majority shares in Lampsa Hellenic Hotels S.A. to the CIGA Group.
Oι
1995 2000 1991 1999 2003 2020 2023 2024
CIGA.
The hotel group CIGA is acquired by the American multinational hotel company ITT Sheraton.
CIGA
Sheraton.
Sheraton is acquired by Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
Eξαγορά της Sheraton από τη Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
Lampsa Hellenic Hotels
S.A. and the Hotel Grande Bretagne come under the control of Regency Entertainment S.A., with Athanasios and Panagiotis Laskaridis overseeing management responsibilities.
The Hotel Grande Bretagne is inducted into the Luxury Collection by Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Ahead of Greece’s EU presidency and the 2004 Olympic Games, the hotel is extensively renovated at a cost exceeding €90 million.
Το Ξενοδοχείο Μεγάλη Βρεταννία γίνεται μέλος του Luxury Collection της Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Ενόψει της Ελληνικής
The hotel enjoys the most financially successful year in its entire history.
Regency
Entertainment S.A.,
90
ευρώ. A majority shareholding and, with it, total management control of Lampsa Hellenic Hotels S.A. pass into the hands of the family of Athanasios C. Laskaridis.
The Hotel Grande Bretagne celebrates 150 years of continuous operation.
ALL I KNEW ABOUT THEM was that they no longer spoke to each other. Father and son, both famous Italian directors, were as different as day and night. Giuseppe Gentile had made classic Italian cinema in his youth – you know the type: black-and-white films with women wandering around rocky beaches in swimsuits, the wind whistling behind them (and Italian men convinced that women are their property). His son, Mario Gentile, makes weird cinema with a pop twist. Let’s be honest: what else could a father and son who are both artists do, other than disagree? Isn’t that what parents and children have always done – especially when they work in the same field? Luckily, my own parents run a publishing house – and I have very different ambitions. This summer, I asked to return to work at the Grande Bretagne, after finishing my first semester studying management. I said goodbye to my student dorm in London, to the fog and the cold, and came back home. I dug out my swimsuits and linen dresses. I’m getting ready to live through another mythical Athenian summer. If you don’t remember me, allow me to reintroduce myself: I’m Beatrice Galli, and my grandfather was the doorman at the Grande Bretagne for many decades. I know my way around, and the job doesn’t scare me. I’m nineteen and a half. I don’t need a vacation – this grand, aristocratic house with its marble staircases and cinematic hallways is enough for me.
THIS YEAR, I’M ASSISTING IRINI SPANOU, the marketing manager of the Grande Bretagne – recently named Marketing Leader of the Year at the Marriott Elite Awards. Please don’t think I’m a show-off for mentioning that. Ever since I won an essay prize at the tender age of nine, I’ve had a bit of a thing with awards. I’m always looking for some form of recognition – even when I’m just making my bed.
Irini says I write well. That’s why the first task she gave me was to draft the advertising copy for the reopening of Pool Your Cinema. That’s our open-air rooftop cinema, right next to the outdoor pool. It’s also the main reason I’ve started lingering at the hotel on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays – supposedly to help out, but really just to watch movies. From June to September, we’re all about summer cinema. Irini asked me to write a few words about the first films our team selected this year. I lined them up:
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Barbie
It Ends With Us
Maria
The Room Next Door
Black Swan
Kinds of Kindness
La La Land
Ticket to Paradise
And just as I was putting together my copy about the history of Pool Your Cin ema, the finger food menu that evokes classic summer movie nights, and the film selections starring actors who’ve stayed at the GB, the news broke: Giuseppe and Mario Gentile were both staying at our hotel. At the same time. They’d been invited to a film festival on Syros and were spending three nights in Athens. Since we’re fully booked this time of year, we placed them in two adjacent rooms on the third floor. By the time we found out the details of their personal relationship, it was too late – they had already checked in.
IRINI WAS WORRIED about accidental encounters between them, but we quickly realized they treated each other like thin air. At breakfast, Mario turned his chair toward the wall, while Giuseppe sat at the opposite end of the dining room. We had to do something – anything – to stop the weekend from turning into a cheap soap opera. Or a full-blown drama.
“What if I take the father and you take the son?” Irini asked me. Here’s what she had in mind: we would organize a tribute the next evening, screening The Time That Remains by Giuseppe at Pool Your Cinema, along with two of Mario’s short films – Orange Tree and Touch Me. She asked me to watch them all and find what connects them, not what sets them apart.
“And how can we be sure that Giuseppe and Mario will agree to attend? They don’t even speak to each other.”
“That’s exactly why you need to give it your all, Beatrice. Find something that their work has in common. Something.”
She gave me the films on a flash drive. I spent the whole evening watching strange Italian cinema and munching on oregano potato chips. The Time That Remains is the story of a couple – a classic love story, well-crafted but built on clichés: romance, misunderstandings, a bit of family drama, and a garden at the end, in full bloom, the image of a very beautiful but not entirely convincing spring. Mario, too, was dealing with love and family. In Orange Tree, the protagonist falls in love with a tree. In Touch Me, the heroine breaks out in a terrible rash every time her parents touch her.
I started jotting down words in my notebook: blooming / confrontation / fear / negotiation / reconciliation. I circled the word reconciliation. That’s where I saw the faint outline of an idea. I drafted a short text about intergenerational dialogue and the difficulty of understanding
1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
2. Barbie
3. It ends with us
4. Maria
5. The room next door
6. Black Swan
7. Kinds of Kindness
8. La la land
9. Tickets to paradise
one another – a theme all the films shared. I wrote about the cinematic ways in which the two directors explore two of the most complex issues in both life and art: how to respect difference, and how to forgive.
THE NEXT MORNING, I rewrote the text over and over until I actually liked it. I even added a quote from Turgenev’s novel Fathers and Sons, about weary fathers and melancholic sons. Then we sent a copy of what I’d written, along with a bottle of champagne and an invitation, to each of the Gentiles and waited anxiously.
That night the rooftop filled with cinephiles, and we huddled in a corner, nervously munching on nachos, tacos and popcorn. The father appeared first – neatly trimmed mustache, tortoiseshell glasses, linen blazer. He thanked us, in an old-fashioned way, for the idea and sat down where we’d directed him. And just when we’d given up hope, the son arrived. They had something in common – in their movements, in their clothes – that unspoken air de famille.
As soon as the lights dimmed, I squeezed Irini’s hand.
“If they don’t learn something about reconciliation tonight,” she whispered, “they never will.”
At the end of the screening, Irini announced that the two directors were among us. Applause, a slight bow, awkward smiles. The clapping grew louder. The Gentiles nodded to each other from a distance and then – almost simultaneously – stepped forward and shook hands.
I have to admit, it was a truly cinematic moment, the kind that life itself knows exactly how to stage. Authentic and mysterious, with an open ending. •
Hospitality
Glimpses into the world of the Hotel Grande Bretagne.
EDINA: SWIMWEAR BY KIOHNE (AESTHET GREEK DESIGNERS). “DAHLIA” TITANIUM AND 18K GOLD EARRINGS
(KESSARIS).
GUCCI (PANAIDIS EYEWEAR).
PHOTO: PANOS DAVIOS (10AM)FASHION EDITOR: ANNA ZINCHENKO
King George
A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL
THE HOME OF DISCREET LUXURY IN ATHENS
The five-star boutique King George Hotel, operating under the Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts brand, has been prominently located in the heart of Athens, next to the Hotel Grande Bretagne, for more than 90 years. Its elegant 102 rooms and suites, furnished with authentic French antiques and featuring marble bathtubs, provide guests with a hospitality experience reminiscent of another era, while the luxurious amenities will impress even the most discerning guest. The Junior Suites offer views of the atrium and the bespoke Lasvit glass installation from their large windows; the Executive Grand Suites boast impressive views of the Acropolis from their private balconies; and the 350m2 Penthouse Suite has its own private pool with views of the Acropolis and the city of Athens. Along with its charming neoclassical decor and stunning Acropolis views, the Michelin-starred Tudor Hall Restaurant offers contemporary cuisine with artfully plated dishes courtesy of Chef de Cuisine Nikos Livadias, as well as an exquisite dessert menu from gifted Pastry Chef Alexandros Koufas. The King George Hotel also offers a gym, a 24-hour business center, the Boutique Vilebrequin, and the KG Perfumery, which stocks a collection of select fragrances from the famed houses of Etat Libre d’Orange, Le Jardin Retrouvé, Puredistance, Marcoccia, Electimuss London, Affinessence and Manos Gerakinis.
info
King George, A Luxury Collection Hotel 3 Vasileos Georgiou I, Syntagma Square, 10564, Athens, Greece Tel. (+30) 210.322.2210 kinggeorgeathens.com
Chef de Cui-
του ταλαντούχου Pastry Chef Αλέξανδρου
KG Perfumery,
Etat Libre d’Orange, Le Jardin Retrouvé, Puredistance, Marcoccia, Electimuss London, Affinessence και Manos Gerakinis.
Athens Capital Hotel
CONNECTING THE OLD AND THE NEW
A strong identity, authentic lines reflecting the past and the present, cosmopolitan elegance, unique artwork and bespoke services are what define the Athens Capital Hotel – MGallery Collection, which has found its home right next to the city’s iconic Syntagma Square, in the heart of Athens. The hotel offers a unique hospitality experience, gifting its guests a journey of discovery that will charm and thrill them throughout an unforgettable city stay. With so many accommodation options to choose from – 158 contemporary design rooms that reflect the light and elegance of the timeless city of Athens, as well as 19 charming suites inspired by famous Greeks who served art in all its forms (music, literature, the stage, the visual arts and more) – each guest is sure to feel at home in their ideal haven. The stay, however, wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the hotel’s dining and drinks venues: the MFlavours Restaurant; the Mappemonde, a rooftop restaurant, bar and lounge with amazing views and a pool; and the Galerie Café, where inspired gastronomy and creative mixology come alive in a cozy environment featuring unique art pieces that draw guests into a playfully interactive game of aesthetics. For discerning travelers who are seeking an experience unlike any other, the Athens Capital Hotel is the new ideal destination in the heart of the city!
Athens Capital Hotel – MGallery Collection 4 Eleftheriou Venizelou and 2 Kriezotou, Syntagma Square, Athens, 10671, Greece
Just a few steps from Syntagma Square and the National Garden, Athens Capital Suites – MGallery Collection offers an exclusive haven of luxury with 19 elegant rooms and suites, blending timeless neoclassical charm with modern sophistication. Guests enjoy full access to the exceptional facilities of the Athens Capital Hotel – MGallery Collection, including acclaimed restaurants, stylish bars and a breathtaking rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views. The crown jewel, the two-level Presidential Suite, boasts two bedrooms, two en-suite bathrooms and a private rooftop terrace offering complete seclusion. Every stay is enhanced by personalized services curated by the dedicated Guest Experience team, from intimate in-suite candlelit dinners to bespoke recommendations, ensuring each moment is crafted to inspire and delight.
Experience the modern and sophisticated spirit of Hyatt Regency Belgrade, one of the finest five-star hotels in the city. It features 292 modern rooms and suites and constitutes the perfect option for both leisure and business travelers, as it occupies a premier address in the heart of the main business, culture and entertainment district of New Belgrade, close to the city center. As an extra bonus, the hotel is within walking distance of Belgrade Arena and just across the bridge from both Belgrade Waterfront, the most exclusive business and residential district in the city, and Galerija, the city’s largest shopping mall.
During your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the irresistibly charming Serbian capital, known for its unique energy, friendly people, delicious traditional cuisine and many tourist attractions. Back at the hotel, you can simply seek out the comfort of your room, or indulge in a relaxing treatment at the Club Olympus Fitness & Spa. For those looking for a break from their everyday
routines, the Tea House is the perfect retreat, with its enchanting ambiance, extensive coffee and tea selections, and irresistible treats crafted from the finest ingredients. Should you desire a higher level of service and privacy, you can opt for the accommodations offered at the exclusive Regency Club, located on the 7th and 8th floors, where you can conduct your business in the fully equipped meeting room or relax in the Regency Club Lounge.
For all lovers of quality cuisine, the Metropolitan restaurant offers a range of international delicacies and local specialties, and is recommended in the Michelin Guide for 2023, 2024 and 2025. The exceptional choice of cocktails and beers at The Bar, combined with its elegant atmosphere, will help make your stay an unforgettable experience. If you require an event space, the hotel provides a selection of 10 different meeting and conference spaces, with sizes ranging from 39 m2 to 559 m2 To take advantage of group rates, meeting packages or special offers for leisure travelers, contact the Sales Department at belgr.rfp@hyatt.com
Regency
Μercure Belgrade Excelsior
CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
The Mercure Belgrade Excelsior is proud to claim more than a century of rich history and excellence in hospitality. Since opening its doors in 1924, the hotel has been a prominent fixture in the heart of Serbia's vibrant capital, offering a blend of historical charm and modern comfort.
Located directly opposite the Parliament Building and surrounded by lush parks, Mercure Belgrade Excelsior provides an ideal base for exploring both historical and contemporary Belgrade. The hotel boasts 73 well-appointed rooms (including family rooms), a restaurant and a conference room, and caters to both leisure and business travelers.
Throughout its history, the hotel has hosted numerous notable guests, including Nobel Prize-winning novelist Ivo Andri , philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre and entertainer Josephine Baker.
The property is pet-friendly, non-smoking (with smoking allowed on the summer terrace on the 2nd floor) and dedicated to green practices – the hotel achieved Green Key certification in 2024. Now in its 101st year, the hotel remains committed to offering a unique and memorable experience for all its guests, and to continuing its legacy of warm hospitality and outstanding service.
Lucknam Park Hotel
THE QUINTESSENTIAL HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Nestled in the peaceful Cotswolds countryside, just six miles from the World Heritage site of Bath, Lucknam Park offers unspoilt country-house living at its best. As you pull up through an avenue of trees and set eyes on the magnificent Palladian mansion, you know that you have arrived somewhere truly special.
This elegant hotel boasts 42 individually styled rooms and suites, along with nine charming cottages set within the estate. Experience fine dining featuring local produce in the Michelin-starred Restaurant Hywel Jones or relaxed meals in the Walled Garden Restaurant. Feel the wind in your hair while you explore the 500 acres of parkland on horseback, οr unwind with a range of spa and well-being treatments. For families, The Hideaway, which offers a variety of games and activities for children of all ages, is the perfect place to create wonderful memories. Lucknam Park is truly one of England’s finest hotels, providing five-star luxury at every turn.
Lucknam Park Hotel &
Colerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire, England, SN14 8AZ
Tel.
lucknampark.co.uk
The Art of Ingenuity
By APOSTOLOS DOXIADIS FORMER GENERAL MANAGER of the HOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE
I VIVIDLY REMEMBER the stories told to me as a child seventy-five years ago by the hotel’s head plumber, whom I will call “Vasilis.” A small, energetic man, he was the nephew of the previous chief and had joined the hotel in the late 1930s, when still a boy, to learn the trade.
During the Occupation, the Grande Bretagne had been requisitioned by the German army and served both as their headquarters and as living quarters for officers. A portion of the staff – primarily the technical crew – was retained to ensure the building continued to operate, but they weren’t given even a crust of bread. And yet, through courage and resourcefulness, in a city gripped by famine, people found ways to survive.
The basement served as both an air-raid shelter and as a kitchen and dining area. Above the corridor ceilings ran a large service grid, a steel frame carrying the hotel’s pipes and electrical cables. At one particular point where there was an opening in the frame, young Vasilis would be hoisted up so he could lie flat and unseen on that grid. As German soldiers walked beneath him, balancing trays of bread on their heads, the boy would reach down and quietly grab a loaf or two. In this way, many families were saved from starvation.
But inventiveness wasn’t only a matter of survival. The war lasted five years, and the postwar period at least as long. The Grande Bretagne continued to function – as a headquarters and then once again as a hotel – throughout those harsh years.
Wear and tear on the facilities was immense. Spare parts were impossible to find; Europe’s factories had been bombed to ruins. The ingenuity of the head of the technical crew and of Vasilis himself was boundless. For instance, I remember how, whenever they encountered a small leak in a pipe, they would temporarily plug it with a piece of loukoumi (Turkish delight) until they could build a proper replacement part. It was through creative efforts such as these that the Grande Bretagne continued to operate without interruption, always living up to its name. •
