Plaza life.
explore, enjoy, cherish Athens
Spring
2016 FREE PRESS | ISSUE 7
Welcome A luxury hotel, ideally located at Syntagma Square, in the heart of the business and shopping districts and within walking distance from the Acropolis and the Old City of Plaka. Modern style and elegance in a most relaxing atmosphere of casual chic. Just as atmospheric and comfortable are the rooms and suites tastefully decorated in earthy tones with a number of suites benefitting from a breathtaking and scintillating view of the Acropolis and Stadiou Street. Its prominent location gives one the chance to hop on any bus, metro, trolley, tram, or hire a taxi and within minutes get to one of the major Museums, such as the Acropolis Museum, archaeological sites and tourist attractions that this great city has to offer. Discover the charming boutiques, patisseries, art galleries and cafés in the area, return for a delicious lunch or dinner at “The Parliament” restaurant and enjoy amazing cocktails at the most unique Explorer's Bar.
Deluxe rooms The Deluxe guestrooms will bedazzle visitors with their incredible view, since they are all facing Syntagma Square, the Acropolis, Stadiou Street and Voukourestiou luxury shopping Street.
Renovated Junior Suites Bringing Luxury to your life.
Discover greek gastronomy in our hotel’s breakfast The aim of the “Greek Breakfast” program is to offer our Guests the opportunity to discover the gastronomic wealth of our country, while tasting at breakfast, the innumerable Greek delicious products and dishes, which are at the heart of the Mediterranean Diet.
Newly renovated! Its classy appearance, featuring elegant furniture and sophisticated décor creates an inviting and most tranquil setting for unforgettable dining experiences.
Relax
& enjoy
a glass of Greek wine The perfect city centre spot for drinks, cocktails and special events
days i r F o t ys Tuesda – 21.00 18.00
Located in the lobby area, it offers an excellent variety of coffees, homemade desserts, selection of Greek delicious wines, finger food and more.
March 25th March 25th has a special meaning to the Greeks. It is a double celebration. As Orthodox Christians we celebrate the Annunciation, and also our Independence Day. There is a school flag parade in every town / village and the military parade in Athens, on Vas. Amalias street, a spectacular view from our verandas. Delicious Buffet with a variety of fresh salads, traditional cod fish and exquisite pastries at the Parliament Restaurant, €28 / person. (A glass of house wine per person, included)
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Tsiknopempti March 3rd
Tsiknopempti is the Thursday during Carnival or the "Greek Mardi Gras" period which marks the beginning of the last weekend that observant Greek Orthodox Church members can "legally" eat meat.
Dinner Menu (meats, salads, desserts) and a glass of house wine, at the Parliament Restaurant, €28 / person. Platter of assorted meats for 2 and a glass of house wine per person at the Plaza Café, €30 / couple.
Easter in Athens
1st of May - Greek Orthodox Easter is a wonderful time to visit Athens.
One of the greatest celebrations of Christianity is Easter. Christians all over Greece follow the Holy Week ritual devoutly. Easter brioche (“tsoureki”) is traditionally prepared and eggs are dyed with special red dyes, a custom that symbolises the rebirth of life and nature. On Good Friday, the Epitaph is decorated with flowers and, in the evening, it is carried out from the church in a procession. Athenians join it on its way through the streets, carrying candles in a mystic atmosphere of devout concentration. On Easter Saturday morning, “maghiritsa” (a rich, thick lamb and herbs soup) is cooked at homes and restaurants. Before midnight, people gather in church holding white candles, which they light with the “Holy Light”. When “Christos Anesti” is proclaimed at 12.00 sharp, an impressive display of fireworks light up the night sky. After the Resurrection ceremony, they all gather around the festively laid table, they crack red eggs and feast on the traditional “maghiritsa”. On Easter Sunday morning, lamb is prepared on the spit or roasted in the oven. The Easter tables are set and people merrily rejoice, eat and drink until late at night. Holy Saturday Dinner at 39€ per person drinks included | Easter lunch Buffet at 49€ per person drinks included
Ash Monday March 14th
Ash Monday begins the season of Great Lent in Eastern Orthodox Church. Greek Traditional delicacies of the day include olives, octopus & shellfish, salads etc. Traditional celebration requires flying a kite & having fun with friends while enjoying music & Greek dances! Lenten Buffet Menu Accompanied with a glass of house wine or a small bottle of ouzo at the Parliament Restaurant, €28 / person Seafood Platter Accompanied with a glass of house wine / person or a small bottle of ouzo, at the Plaza Café, €30 / couple.
The Athenian Agora The Agora of Athens was the center of the ancient city: a large, open square where the citizens could assemble for a wide variety of purposes. On any given day the space might be used as a market, or for an election, a dramatic performance, a religious procession, military drill, or athletic competition. Here administrative, political, judicial, commercial, social, cultural, and religious activities all found a place together in the heart of Athens, and the square was surrounded by the public buildings necessary to run the Athenian government. These buildings, along with monuments and small objects, illustrate the important role it played in all aspects of public life. The council chamber, magistrates’ offices, mint, and archives have all been uncovered, while the lawcourts are represented by the recovery of bronze ballots and a water-clock used to time speeches. The use of the area as a marketplace is indicated by the numerous shops where potters, cobblers, bronzeworkers, and sculptors made and sold their wares.
ANCIENT AGORA AND MUSEUM 24 Adrianou Str. • Tel. (+30) 210.321.0185 Opening hours: Daily 08.00 – 15.00 Last Admission: 14.45 | Admission fee: € 4 www.agathe.gr
Benaki Museum Fotis Kontoglou. From “LOGOS” to “EKPHRASIS” With drawings and decorative designs by the author’s hand The exhibition is devoted to distinguished artist Fotis Kontoglou (1895-1965), to mark 120 years since his birth and 50 years since his death and to feature representative works from the artist’s career in writing and illustration. The exhibition aims to highlight Kontoglou’s activity as a writer and to present his illustration work for books authored or translated by himself as well as by other authors. The featured manuscripts, models and sketches –some of which remain unpublished to date— will acquaint visitors with yet another aspect of this multi-talented artist’s work.
National Archaeological Museum The National Archaeological Museum (NAM) is a “must-see” destination for any visitor arriving in Athens. One of the world’s truly great museums, NAM has been around for more than 120 years and has stable, permanent exhibits that do not change much. Nevertheless, something new and fresh always seems to be happening these days behind NAM’s venerable walls or within the digital space of its impressively updated website. Located several city blocks from Omonia Square metro station, NAM can easily be reached by a short walk from there, or from the Victoria ISAP electric railway station just beyond the museum.
NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM 44 Patission Str. • Tel. (+30) 213.214.4800 Opening hours: Monday 13.00– 20.00, Tuesday -Sunday 09.00 – 16.00 Admission fee: € 7 / Special ticket package – Full: € 12 (Valid for National Archaeological Museum, Byzantine & Christian Museum, Numismatic Museum and Epigraphic Museum) www.namuseum.gr
Logos was a monthly journal published in Istanbul (Péra-Constantinople), in the first volume of which (1922) was discovered a translation of Edgar Allan Poe by Kontoglou. Ekphrasis was the culminating chapter in Kontoglou’s writing and publishing career, a monumental work for which he received an award by the Academy of Athens. Accompanying the exhibition will be the comprehensive anniversary volume Fotis Kontoglou. From “LOGOS” to “EKPHRASIS”. With drawings and decorative designs by the author’s hand, edited by Christos Ph. Margaritis and including academic papers by a number of distinguished scholars.
09/12/2015 - 20/02/2016 BENAKI MUSEUM / N. HADJIKYRIAKOS-GHIKA GALLERY 3 Kriezotou Str. • Tel: (+30) 210. 361 5702, 210.3630818 Opening hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10.00 – 18.00 Admission fee: € 7
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center – Visitors Center In view of the upcoming construction completion of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), the SNFCC Visitors Center (VC) will operate from February 5 onwards, in the building that will permanently house the information point for the visitors, in the northeastern part of the Stavros Niarchos Park. Designed by Renzo Piano, like the rest of the SNFCC, the new Visitors Center will offer the public the opportunity to view the construction site from an exciting new angle, just a few steps away from some of the project’s unique features, such as the Park, the Canal, the Library’s green roof, and the energy canopy. The new Visitors Center will continue to offer the opportunity to learn about the technical details of construction, as well as about the SNFCC’s mission. Up until the SNFCC’s completion and delivery to the Greek State, the new VC will also host a variety of programs and activities for all ages, introducing the project’s future operation to the public.
SNFCC Visitors Center Evripidou str. and Syggrou Av., Stavros Niarchos Park, Kallithea Free admission to all events Free shuttle bus service; check out the calendar at http://www.snfcc.org/visitors-center/events/ www.snfcc.org Photos: SNF/Yiorgis Yerolymbos All events at SNFCC Visitors Center are supported by an exclusive grant of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
Anafiotika Anafiotika is a scenic tiny neighborhood of Athens, part of old historical neighborhood called Plaka. It lies in northerneast side of the Acropolis hill. First houses were built in the era of Otto of Greece when workers from the island of Anafi came to Athens in order to work as constructor workers in the refurbishment of King Othon’s Palace.
St. Demetrius the Bombardier Dedicated to St. Demetrius the Bombardier, this small church lies on the Dionysiou Areopagiti pedestrian area at the foot of Philopappos Hill. Though it is generally believed to have been built during the Turkish occupation, others date it to the 9th century. The church derives its name from a truly tantalising tale. Tradition has it that on 25 October, 1658, an Ottoman official in Athens was angry at the faithful who had gathered at the church to celebrate Saint Demetrius’ Day. The Turk decided to destroy the church and all of its occupants by bombarding it with cannon fire from the Acropolis. But moments before a cannon could be fired, a violent thunder- storm broke out, destroying the entire cannon battery, and saving the small church. The church is a single-aisle, domed basilica with a round roof, covered by paving stones. Many ancient architectural aspects have been incorporated into the church, such as the small column supporting the altar, and two small columns at the entrance yard. When the church was renovated in 1955 by architect Dimitrios Pikionis, the work uncovered some faded frescoes from the postByzantine era. Today, the church is accessible via a paved path designed by Pikionis, and crosses a landscape covered with Mediterranean flora.
Dionysiou Areopagitou Str. & Apostolou Pavlou Str., Athens
ZONAR’S: THE COMEBACK Athens had been full of literary cafés at one time, places that attracted major writers from many countries, including Henry Miller, Lawrence Durrell and Evelyn Waugh. And not just writers: the famous Zonar’s Café was also the haunt of artists, actors and theatre directors, as well as other influential figures. Apparently it was not unknown for army generals and resistance fighters to be in the café at the same time! Zonar’s was one of the most famous cafes in Athens since 1960s. The place is well designed and this cafe bar used to be a legend. Zonar’s is connected to Athens and was always a great place to be. Voukourestiou 9 & Panepistimiou Str., Athens, Greece (Syntagma Sq.) • Tel: (+30) 210 3251430
Stadiou & Voukourestiou Streets quality shopping Two lavish Streets that cover the entire elite shopping experience. Both streets are very close to Syntagma square in the posh Kolonaki area, where one can find the high-end boutiques of Athens. Since the 1950’s Voukourestiou Street was famous for the trendy American and European goods as well as gold, and jewelry shops. Here are some of the brands that can be found on this elaborate street: Baccarat, Bally, Bulgari, Burberry, Cartier, Chopard, Ermenegildo Zegna, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Frey Wille, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Mont Blanc, Prada, Chanel. A sophisticated area of the city that also offers a variety of cafés and bars where, after a day of shopping, visitors can relax and enjoy a drink or snack.
City Link-attica SHOPPING IN THE HEART OF ATHENS attica is the largest and most fashionable department store in Greece, housed in a historically preserved, neo classical building. Since the beginning of its operation in 2005, attica has become synonymous to a unique shopping experience. Situated in the center of Athens, it showcases a wide array of high-end designer brands and excellent, personalized services. attica offers a complete sections of womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, sportswear, accessories, jewelry, traveler’s items and homeware. The unique window displays, the immaculate interior architecture and a café-restaurant with a breathtaking view on the top floor make attica equivalent to some of Europe’s most famous department stores, such as Harvey Nichols, Harrods and Gallery Lafayette. attica is located at City Link, which occupies a whole building block surrounded by Panepistimiou- Voukourestiou-Stadiou-Amerikis streets. It is very close to Syntagma Square, Ermou and Omonia Square. City Link 9 Panepistimiou Str., Syntagma Square, Athens Tel: (+30) 211.180.2600 Opening hours: Monday - Friday 10.00 - 21.00, Saturday 10.00 - 19.00
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1. Chios Mastic Tree [Mastiha Chiou]
4. Ouzo
Exclusively produced on the Aegean island of Chios. The harvest is done the traditional way in the 24 villages known as the Mastihohoria of Chios, which have been declared as traditionally preserved settlements according to the Greek Ministry of Culture. Mastiha or mastic has been a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) since 1997. The even more interesting part is that mastic can be used and consumed as food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical product. Hippocrates himself had noted mastic’s healing properties, especially for stomach burns and skin diseases. Not to mention its unique aroma! Don’t forget the mastic liqueur...
A worldwide famous Greek drink, with the most popular being the ouzo of Lesvos (ouzo Plomariou and not only). Ouzo is produced on the Aegean island of Mytilini from the distillation of alcohol, water and perfume materials with aniseed predominate. But there is also ouzo without anise. Served in small or thin and tall glasses, you can drink it with or without ice. If you are not used to it or alcohol in general, prefer ouzo with ice. Greek ouzo is usually accompanied by Greek mezedes, offered on small plates and come in quite a great variety!
2. Βottarga [Avgotaraho] Celebrity chefs use it for gourmet recipes and luxury shops such as Petrossian, Fauchon and Caviar Exclusives host this Greek product with pride on their shelves. Avgotaraho is a traditional fish roe and gourmet delicacy, among the same category as caviar, truffle and foie gras. It is produced from the eggs of the female fish ‘kefalos’ or ‘bafa’ (that’s how Greek people call this fish). It is treated with salt and then immersed in wax to keep it intact. Avgotaraho is considered to be the caviar of Greece and is mainly produced in Messolongi.
3. Feta cheese (feta) Greek cheese is gaining ever more ground in exports. Ladotyri of Mytilini, Formaela of Parnassos, Katiki Domokou and the “star” of Greek cheese… feta! Greece is second in cheese suppliers in Cyprus with 21, 2% rate and fifth in Sweden with 9, 5%. Feta, the most famous and expensive traditional Greek cheese, is a kind of cheese stored in brine. Feta is mainly being produced in Macedonia, Thrace, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Greece, Peloponnese and Mytilini.
5. Olive oil [Eleolado] Olive oil doesn’t need recommendations. It is probably the most popular Greek product, with many exports abroad. Also, the basis of traditional Greek cuisine or recipes and certainly necessary for someone who wants to follow the Mediterranean diet. It stands for purity, excellent taste and high nutritional value. The most famous are those of Kalamata and Amfissa, but there are actually many places in the Greek countryside where olive oil is produced.
6. Honey [Meli] Another traditional Greek product, worldwide known for its high quality, nutritional benefits and beauty properties. Indeed, many shampoos, beauty masks etc. use honey as a basic ingredient. Greek honey has a special aroma and flavor. Many people also support that a spoonful of honey every morning may bring longevity. Greek honey has a large variety of flavors, fragrances and methods of production. Mostly known is flower honey produced mainly from citrus trees’ nectar, thyme with its exceptional aroma and pine honey, produced in the mountainous regions of Greece from coniferous trees.
7. Greek red saffron / Kozani Crocus [Krokos Kozanis] In recent years many scientists and nutrition experts discuss saffron’s benefits. Kozani Crocus, also known to locals as “zafora” and “safrani”, is considered to be the best quality of crocus. Today approximately 30% of its production is exported to European countries- such as Italy, France and Spain- Russia, Australia, America and the United Arab Emirates, while efforts are made for exporting to China. Cleopatra was the first who loved Kozani Crocus for its beauty properties. Nowadays saffron is used for gourmet recipes by famous chefs.
Available at the lobby of the hotel www.eclecticfoods.com For your orders please contact info@eclecticfoods.gr
The Greek cuisine and the traditional local products of Greece are globally famous for their taste and nutritional benefits. They support a balanced diet model, which ensures better quality of life, wellbeing and physical health in general. Not to mention their unique taste... It is no coincidence that the last three years 37,000 foreign users, from 145 countries all over the world, looked for Greek products and Greek export businesses through the official Panhellenic Exporters’ Association website. Most visitors came from the U.S.A., Britain, China, Germany, Cyprus, Bulgaria, India, Italy, Turkey and France. There are actually many traditional Greek products of high quality, good taste and nutritional value! Plaza Life presents the 7 most popular.
National Archaeological Museum Psirri Monastiraki - Giusurum Ancient Agora St. Demetrius the Bombardier
6. Anafiotika 7. Acropolis Museum 8. Giouzenis Jewelry 9. Benaki Museum 10. City Link Attica, Zonar's
HOTEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY D. POUPALOS - ARTWORK BY MMK DESIGN TEAM
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Jewelry made with Passion In Giouzenis Jewelry you will discover the world of high end jewelry design, using top quality gemstones. A wide range of watches and gifts are also offered by brands such as Longines, Corum, Montblanc, Perrelet, Titoni and Montegrappa. Giouzenis Jewelry, designing and handcrafting jewelry since 1955!
2, Voukourestiou str. Athens 10564 T. +302103228688 www.giouzenis.com