Exploring Greece’s wartime tunnels: A new tourist attraction

·

Near Greece’s northern border, hidden beneath vegetation, lies a rich military history waiting to be discovered.

According to a Kathimerini article written by Alexia Kalaitzi, Panagiotis Savvidis, a journalist and founder of the social enterprise Angistro Drasi, is bringing this history to light through thematic tours of the Metaxas Line forts, built before WWII to protect Greece from a potential Bulgarian invasion.

Inspired by the military tourism success of Verdun in France, Savvidis realized that similar tours could boost his region’s economy by attracting visitors to the historic military sites around Serres. In 2017, he and his team began tracing and cleaning paths to these forts, turning them into tourist destinations.

During a tour, visitors explore outposts, anti-tank lines, and machine gun bunkers scattered across the area. One notable stop is the arcade of Fort Paliouriones, where Savvidis and his team have unearthed artifacts like soldiers’ letters, helmets, and newspapers from the WWII era.

metaxas line 1914
The Metaxas Line forts were built before WWII to protect Greece from a potential Bulgarian invasion.

The tours offer a hands-on historical experience, with guides dressed as WWII soldiers and sound effects adding to the atmosphere.

The biggest challenge facing their project is that the forts and the area surrounding them belong to the Ministry of Defense. The question of their use by the local communities has been raised by local government representatives.

Savvidis and Polychrous felt more optimistic about the future when they heard Defense Minister Nikos Dendias state recently that the ministry and the government absolutely agree on handing over the forts to the local community, and society as a whole.

These tours not only keep historical memory alive but also provide an economic boost to the area, attracting tourists who visit nearby attractions.

Source: ekathmerini.com

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘I will never forget you’: Emotional farewell for Greek Consul General in Sydney

An emotional Greek Consul General Yannis Mallikourtis delivered his farewell speech on Monday evening at Business Sydney’s Event Centre.

Adelaide’s St Sophrony Parish raises funds for hall construction

The newly established St Sophrony of Essex parish in Hectorville, Adelaide, held its first official fundraising dinner on Sunday, June 29.

From homelessness to homeowner: Kostas Papadimitropoulos shares his inspirational story

Melbourne man Kostas Papadimitropoulos has turned his life around after being scammed out of his life savings and forced to live in his car.

Sydney Dance Company shines at Athens Epidaurus Festival with ‘Impermanence’

The Sydney Dance Company captivated a crowd of 5,000 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus last week, performing 'Impermanence.'

Former ATO worker Paraskevi Vula Danassis convicted in $2 billion GST scam

Former Australian Taxation Office employee Paraskevi Vula Danassis has been convicted over her role in a $2 billion GST fraud scheme.

You May Also Like

‘Accidental’ author Helena Kidd wins at Cyprus Diaspora Awards 2024

First generation Australian of Greek Cypriot heritage Helena Kidd has won in the ‘Literature’ category at this year’s Cyprus Diaspora Awards.

Chef David Tsirekas shares his Christmas Day menu with a Greek twist

The Greek Herald asked chef David Tsirekas to put together a Greek feast like no other for your Christmas Day lunch.

‘Differences remain’: Mitsotakis, Erdogan meet at NATO to discuss Greece-Turkey relations

The meeting between Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Erogan in Brussels on the sidelines of the NATO Summit “broke the ice” between the two countries.