In a rare intersection of faith and diplomacy, the Governor of Mount Athos has formally invited US President Donald Trump to visit the Holy Mountain. The gesture highlights the enduring spiritual, cultural, and geopolitical influence of one of Orthodox Christianity’s most sacred sites.
Tag: UNESCO World Heritage
Greece and Egypt have settled a dispute over St Catherine’s Monastery, a historic Christian site at Mount Sinai, ensuring its preservation. The agreement, announced by Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis, follows tensions over Egypt’s tourism plans and a court order to evict monks. The deal prohibits conversion of the monastery, safeguarding its 6th-century heritage and vast manuscript collection.
For the first time in decades, Athens’ Parthenon is free of scaffolding, offering visitors an unobstructed view of the iconic 5th-century B.C. temple. Conservation work continues, with new scaffolding planned for 2026.
The Parthenon in Athens stands fully visible for the first time in 15 years as scaffolding is removed, revealing the iconic temple’s restored marble columns and friezes. The Greek Ministry of Culture’s restoration project ensures the 2,500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to inspire awe.
On 17 September, Greece honours Saint Sophia and her daughters — Faith, Hope and Love — at Thessaloniki’s historic Church of Saint Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Byzantine mosaics and centuries of cultural and religious history.
The Port of Corfu has been recognized as Greece’s top cruise destination and ranked 19th…
Egypt’s plan to transform Mount Sinai into a luxury tourist resort sparks international backlash, with concerns over cultural heritage, the displacement of Bedouins, and Greece’s defense of the historic Monastery of Saint Catherine.
The historic Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, Egypt, is at the heart of a growing ecclesiastical dispute that could strain Greece-Egypt relations. Greece’s General Secretary of Religious Affairs, Giorgos Kalantzis, arrived in Cairo yesterday to mediate between Abbot Archbishop Damian and dissenting monks. Following an emergency meeting at Athens’ Maximos Mansion, fears mount that the monastery could face a schism similar to Mount Athos’ Esfigmenou Monastery. With the monastery closed to pilgrims and Egyptian authorities pressing for a resolution, the next 24 hours are critical for finding a compromise to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site and bilateral ties.
During a recent visit to Samos to commemorate the 201st anniversary of the Battle of…
The Greek Culture Ministry is fast-tracking the restoration of Corfu’s Old Fortress Bridge, Rolina building, and Villa Kokotou under the 2021–2027 NSRF, with over €10 million allocated to preserve these historic landmarks and enhance their cultural and community value.
Six Minoan palace centers in Crete—Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, Zakros, Zominthos, and Kydonia—have been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, recognizing their historical and architectural significance as key hubs of the Bronze Age Minoan civilization (2800–1100 BCE).
The Greek Ministry of Culture is restoring the Basilica I Complex at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Philippi, northern Greece, with a €1.8 million project funded by the Eastern Macedonia-Thrace Regional Operational Program. The effort focuses on preserving the 6,800-square-meter complex, including its ancient baptistery, while enhancing safety and accessibility. A €2.5 million fire protection system is also being implemented to safeguard the site.
The historic Armenian Cathedral of Ani is undergoing restoration in Turkey, but it will not reopen as a place of Christian worship.
Greek President Constantine Tassoulas met with Archbishop Damianos of Sinai to discuss recent developments at the historic Monastery of St. Catherine at Mount Sinai. The Archbishop expressed gratitude for Greece’s continued support and invited the president to the monastery’s annual feast day later this year.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the 4th Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Odessa on June 11, reaffirming Greece’s support for Ukraine and highlighting the city’s deep historical ties to the Greek diaspora. Mitsotakis pledged Greece’s involvement in Odessa’s reconstruction and will continue his regional tour with visits to Moldova and Sweden to strengthen bilateral and European partnerships.
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis touched down in Cairo today, leading a delegation from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Culture to tackle the future of St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai. With the goal of securing an out-of-court deal, Greece seeks to lock in Egypt’s promise to preserve the monastery’s historic ownership. Back home, opposition voices, including Syriza’s Sokratis Famellos, demand a broader parliamentary mission, while PASOK’s Nikos Androulakis gears up for his own visit to Egypt this Friday. The talks signal a crucial step for the revered UNESCO site.
Ancient Monastery’s Autonomy and Property Rights Hang in Balance
A violent incident at Mount Athos has reignited tensions between the Esfigmenos Monastery and individuals occupying part of its premises. A monk was injured in an alleged attack, prompting the monastery to accuse the Greek government of neglecting its duty to uphold law and order on the sacred peninsula.
A section of the iconic dolphin fresco at Knossos Palace collapsed on May 16, 2025, sparking outrage over the site’s neglect. The incident, attributed to poor maintenance rather than weather, raises concerns about preserving Crete’s Minoan heritage as Knossos seeks UNESCO World Heritage status.
Greece and Saudi Arabia took a significant step in strengthening cultural ties with the first meeting of the Joint Cultural Committee in Jeddah. Culture Ministers Lina Mendoni and Prince Badr bin Abdullah focused on upcoming projects, including a major 2026 exhibition and collaboration on heritage sites and museums, deepening their bilateral partnership under the Saudi-Hellenic Strategic Council.
English archaeologist Alice Roberts has called for the permanent return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece, likening their removal to cutting the Mona Lisa in half and comparing their significance to Stonehenge’s for England. Speaking on Times Radio, Roberts noted a shifting British sentiment following her meeting with Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.
Athens and Cairo have agreed to preserve the status of the historic St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, the world’s oldest continuously operating Christian monastery. This decision follows negotiations to address recent media claims challenging the monastery’s ownership, resulting in a joint declaration to protect its Greek Orthodox identity and heritage. Both nations are committed to enhancing cooperation in cultural preservation and tourism, with plans to develop the surrounding region as a tourist destination under President El-Sisi’s Sinai Transformation Plan.
Wounded Ukrainian soldiers, scarred by years of conflict, found solace on a pilgrimage to Mount Athos, Greece, a spiritual haven of Orthodox Christianity. Over four days, the soldiers visited ancient monasteries, participated in sacred rituals, and sought emotional healing amidst the serene beauty of the Aegean Sea. For many, the journey provided a powerful respite from the battlefield, replacing months of rehabilitation with moments of peace and grace.
A hotel fire in Kalambaka, near the famed Meteora rock formations, prompted the swift evacuation of families with children early this morning. Firefighters, supported by eight fire engines and a ladder truck, have successfully contained the blaze with no reported injuries. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
Ranked #2 by CEOWORLD Magazine’s “World’s Best Countries to Visit in Your Lifetime,” Greece offers a captivating blend of ancient wonders and modern delights. From idyllic islands perfect for families, surfers, and art enthusiasts to mainland adventures exploring historical sites and breathtaking landscapes, Greece promises an unforgettable journey for every traveler. Discover the magic of the Aegean Sea, savor delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this captivating country.
Delve into the rich cultural tapestry of Greece as we explore its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the iconic Acropolis in Athens to the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora. Each site offers a unique glimpse into Greece’s storied past and cultural significance. Discover the ancient tales and architectural marvels that make Greece an unmissable destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
The Monreale Cathedral in Sicily has unveiled its stunningly restored mosaics, bringing new life to the 12th-century masterpieces. The ambitious project saw the cleaning and repair of the vast mosaic collection, as well as the implementation of a new lighting system designed to highlight the artwork’s vibrant colors and intricate details.
The Formal Opening of Constantinople's Church of St. Saviour in Chora as a Mosque Sparks Controversy
Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Monday night that the move was a “provocation”, claiming that it “changed the character” of the old church and “damaged this UNESCO world heritage site that belongs to humanity”.
Istanbul’s magnificent Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of centuries-long religious and…
DO YOU KNOW THE LONG HISTORY OF THE SECOND MOST IMPORTANT CITY OF GREECE, THESSALONIKI?…
