South Melbourne FC kept pace at the top of the OFC Pro League with an entertaining victory over Trans-Tasman rivals South Island United.
Due to midweek postponements, both sides had enjoyed an extended break and it showed in the early stages, with a high-octane start at both ends of the pitch.
VAR was again pivotal, as South Island United were awarded a belated penalty after Jack Painter-Andrews brought down Haris Zeb.
Ryan Feutz took the spot kick but his effort lacked conviction and it was saved well by Javier Diaz Lopez in the South Melbourne goal.
It proved to only be a brief reprieve however, as the New Zealanders took the lead shortly after. A cross from the left by Ollie van Rijssel was headed back across goal by David Yoo and Marco Jankovic’s intervention only saw the defender turn the ball into his own net.
South Melbourne responded outstandingly however and were level within a few minutes when Japanese forward Yuki Uchida latched onto a cutback from Max Mikkola to fire past Steven van Dijk.
Less than ten minutes later and the Australian side had completed the turnaround, with Jankovic atoning for his earlier effort with a terrific header, launching himself to meet a cross from Mikkola and nod home from a few yards out.
Both sides went close to adding to their total before the break. Ryan Feutz had an effort whistle just wide after an excellent turn and shot from inside the area, before Mikkola forced an reflex low save from Van Dijk as the half came to a close.
Backed by a noisy and passionate home crowd, South Melbourne built on their good first-half, showing an increased confidence in the second period.
Despite their dominance it took until almost the final quarter of an hour to score a third and all but put the game to bed.
Yuki Uchida looped a hopeful cross from the left-hand side and young substitute James Lackay was on hand to bring the ball down well and lash an effort past van Dijk.
Uchida almost grabbed his second with a low effort that had van Dijk scrambling across to keep out at his near post, as South Island United struggled to find a way back into the game.
A fourth would arrive just before full-time. Jordan Swibel confirming his place at the top of the OFC Pro League scoring charts with a free header from a corner to grab his sixth of the campaign.
The win means South Melbourne FC keep on the heels of Auckland FC at the top, whilst South Island United will be looking nervously over their shoulder at the chasing pack.
Tens of thousands of people gathered in Athens and other cities on Saturday to mark the third anniversary of the 2023 Tempi train crash, Greece’s deadliest rail disaster, demanding justice ahead of a criminal trial set to begin on March 23.
Trains, ferries and urban transport were disrupted as workers joined the demonstrations.
Protesters laid flowers and held banners reading “Justice” outside Parliament, where the names of the 57 victims – mostly students – were spray-painted in red.
The victims died when a passenger train and a freight train collided head-on in central Greece.
The disaster has become a symbol of state failings, including safety lapses and years of rail neglect.
A crane, firefighters and rescuers operate after the collision in 2023. Photo: Vaggelis Kousioras / AP.
“We seek one thing: Justice,” said Pavlos Aslanidis, head of the victims’ relatives association. Another banner read: “It wasn’t an accident, it was murder.”
A judicial investigation concluded this year, with dozens of non-politicians to face charges ranging from traffic disruption leading to deaths to negligent manslaughter and bodily harm.
Probes found an EU co-funded safety systems project launched in 2014 was years behind schedule in 2023, while relatives have accused authorities of attempting a cover-up.
The government denies wrongdoing, saying justice will clarify the case and pledging full railway reform by 2027.
Greek athletics star Emmanouil Karalis has moved to second on the all-time indoor pole vault list after clearing 6.17 metres at the Greek Indoor Championships on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist improved on his previous personal best of 6.08m, clearing 6.07m on his first attempt before going over 6.17m on his second try “with daylight to spare.”
MANOOLLOOOOOOO🔥@FlyManoloFly becomes the 2nd best pole vaulter of all time after soaring to 6.17m at the Greek Indoor Championships 💥
The mark lifts him above Renaud Lavillenie, who cleared 6.16m in 2014, and leaves him behind only two-time Olympic champion Mondo Duplantis, whose indoor world record stands at 6.30m, set at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Karalis won silver at that event with a 6.00m jump.
Buoyed by his breakthrough, Karalis asked for 6.31m in an attempt to claim the world record outright but was unsuccessful in two efforts.
He is next set to face Duplantis on 12 March in Uppsala, Sweden, ahead of the World Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece is “monitoring the developments in Iran and in the wider Middle East region, which directly affect international and regional stability, closely and with concern,” following the outbreak of war involving Iran, the US and Israel.
He said Greece’s “absolute priority is the safety of Greek citizens who are in the region,” with Foreign Ministry mechanisms activated and coordination ongoing with allies and partners.
Greece also seeks to safeguard freedom of navigation and regional stability, which “presupposes effective control of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic program in order to prevent the acquisition of a nuclear weapon.”
Mitsotakis stressed: “Greece stands with composure, as a force of stability and responsibility in the region. Further escalation must be avoided. It is important to protect civilians and ensure respect for International Law.”
His remarks came as the US confirmed three American service members were killed and five injured in the Middle East following Iranian strikes, marking the first US combat deaths since President Donald Trump’s return to office.
Trump said 48 Iranian leaders had been killed in US-Israeli strikes and described the operation as “ahead of schedule,” adding: “we expect that to happen, unfortunately. Could happen continuous – it could happen again.”
He also said Iran’s leaders “want to talk, and I have agreed to talk.”
Iran has launched missiles at US bases and targets across the region, declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and claimed strikes on US naval assets – claims denied by Washington.
Casualties have also been reported in Israel and the United Arab Emirates, while the European Union has called for “maximum restraint.”
Cypriot officials have denied reports that two missiles were launched by Iran toward the island and intercepted.
Defence Minister Vassilis Palmas told the Cyprus News Agency he categorically rejected claims that missiles were fired in Cyprus’s direction.
At the same time, government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on X there was no indication the country had been under threat, adding that “authorities are closely monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis.”
Earlier, British Defence Secretary John Healey told Sky News that two missiles launched by Iran toward Cyprus had been successfully intercepted, adding: “we do not believe that they were targeting Cyprus, but nevertheless, this incident is an example showing how real and increasing the threat from a regime that attacks widely across the region is, and this means that it requires us to take action.”
Eugène Delacroix’s celebrated 1826 oil painting “Greece on the Ruins of Missolonghi” will travel to Greece this April for the first time since it was created. The landmark loan coincides with the 200th anniversary of the heroic Exodus of Messolonghi, when the town’s besieged defenders made their historic stand, according to an article by Maro Vasiliadou in ekathimerini.com.
Widely regarded as the crown jewel of the Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts collection—often compared to the Mona Lisa in importance—the painting rarely leaves France. Its most recent loan was in 2018 for a major retrospective at the Louvre and later at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Museum director Sophie Barthelemy explained that the exceptional decision followed a 2021 visit to Greece, where she encountered numerous reproductions of the artwork on display. “I said to myself that for this anniversary year, we will make an exception,” she said.
The masterpiece will be exhibited at the Xenokrateion Archaeological Museum in Messolonghi, bringing the powerful Philhellenic symbol to the very place that inspired it two centuries ago.
Femicide is referred to as the intentional killing of a female because she is female, with Wikipedia specifying “… murder that disproportionately targets women or girls.” This crime, enacted more often by a partner, ex-partner, or family member, is usually preceded by domestic violence. It is an ongoing problem in Greece and around the world.
The Wife beater by A. Bosse, France. 1600’s, (Public Domain)
Many cases of femicide go unreported. The European Observatory of Femicide records the following figures for Greece:
2020: 19 deaths
2021: 31 deaths
2022: 26 deaths
2023: 15 deaths
2024: 15 deaths
2025/26: not yet recorded.
There were 105 femicides in Australia in 2024. Italy’s statistics are similar – 106 in 2024. As of last year though, Italy joined thirty countries worldwide who have accorded femicide as a separate crime within their national legal systems. Greece and Australia have not.
In Greece (and not just), the already existing “homicide” or “manslaughter” laws, regardless of victim gender, are considered sufficient by many who claim femicide is hard to categorise. In 2012, for example, the Vienna Declaration on Femicide recognised 11 different forms of femicide:
intimate partner killings
killings within the family (so-called honour killings, sex selection before or after birth, dowry-related killings, widow burning)
killings in connection with the commission of gender-based crimes such as sex offences, assault and battery, and stalking
killings in connection with organised crimes such as sex trafficking; and
killings as an expression of hate and other gender-related killings such as those committed by so-called incels and those committed in the context of intersectional discrimination.
Others – individuals and organisations in Greece, such as the Diotima Centre, the Bodossaki Foundation, Action for Women, etc – state that the motives of femicide are uniquely gender-based. They consequently advocate for femicide to be treated as a separate crime to murder or manslaughter.
Perhaps the reason that femicide has not yet been acknowledged as a separate issue/term in law (apart from in the aforementioned “thirty countries”) goes deeper. A writer for an Australian memorial organisation that pays homage to women and children killed violently says: “… those in power would have to recognise the full extent of our femicide epidemic – and that would mean having very uncomfortable conversations with the men who keep them in power.” (S. Moodey, 27/11/2025, The Red Heart Movement)
These “uncomfortable conversations” would involve opening a can of worms by acknowledging the vested interests inherent in maintaining current power structures and, in turn, unjust social hierarchies. This may include a fear of women’s true potential (for more nurturing and peaceful forms of societal administration perhaps) being kept oppressed.
The above quote and interpretation is not about ‘radicalism’, ‘Marxism’ or even feminism. It is about humanitarianism. Christianity, embodied in the Greek Orthodox tradition of my culture, specifically states that men should respect women (and vice versa). A Greek Orthodox local priest here in Athens, where I live, stressed murder as an abomination, and specifically that of women: “We do not see the husband as authoritarian, but as sacrificial. He has a Christ-like responsibility as the first servant of Christ to treat his wife and all females with equality, honour and dignity.”
Unfortunately, there are aspects of common culture that oppose this priest’s civilising views. They encourage males to view violence towards women as natural or even honourable. Some popular Greek songs are among the culprits. “Crimes of passion” and “honour killings” are often themes in many of these older Greek “murder ballads”. For example, a song by Tsitsanis, Ximeroni kai vradiazi, includes lyrics like: “… You under the ground and me in prison”.
In Ta Nea Tis Alexandras, told by Alexandra’s uncle – her murderer and sexual abuser – and then written by Kostas Yiannidis, lyrics included are: “I will take revenge on her, I will burn her / kill her”. It’s a true story.
There’s also the song, with its joyous, playful music, called Thelo Ta Opa Mou (I Want My Fun), sung by various big-name female singers throughout the years, written by Aleko Sakellariou, with lyrics: “I want/need my slap from the man I love.” And there are some pretty bad lyrics in more ‘modern’ Greek songs.
Culture shapes behaviours, and unfortunately there also seems to be a backlash to the #MeToo movement with false and/or exaggerated stereotypes of macho identity, encouraged by online forum indoctrination:
“… the feminist paradox means that the more equal women become, the more hatred and violence they face. Today we can see misogyny… everywhere, including new forms of violence such as cyberbullying. It is a proven fact that misogynist violence is constantly on the rise – that is, violence specifically directed at women, such as domestic violence, femicide, sexual assault, stalking, hate speech, and pathological attempts to control their lives.” (Dr R. Sancho, On the Necessary Transgressions of #MeToo, 2026, Max Planck Institute)
The Greek government is taking many proactive measures to reinforce that domestic violence and femicide will not be tolerated. The European Institute for Gender Equality 2025 shows, in terms of commitment to the promotion of gender equality, that “Greece scored 10.2 out of 15 points, which is above the EU average of 9.4 and shows progress compared with its 2021 score of 9.5”.
Last year, the Greek government wisely banned the use of “crime of passion” as a mitigating factor in courts of law. Furthermore, it has also developed a specialised preliminary investigations police structure of 73 Domestic Violence Services working in conjunction with 63 specifically established Domestic Violence Offices comprised of trained personnel.
There’s also a phone “Panic Button” application for immediate, discreet intervention by the police for victims in danger. Other support structures include 40 Counselling Centres, administered by the General Secretariat for Family Policy and Gender Equality or local councils; and an SOS 15900 Helpline available 24/7, as well as over 20 shelters for women and children.
Sentencing for perpetrators of domestic violence and, of course, femicide is now much more severe, codified by a 2025 law for stricter enforcement and faster judicial procedures. In terms of education, the Greek government specifies that schools must focus on gender equity. Unfortunately, underfunding for such relevant programmes is an issue, as is serious implementation and teacher training.
As for the Greek public’s views of femicide, a focus group study (FocusBari, Femicides in Greece, 2024) of 1,000 males/females aged 18+ equated domestic violence as the number one cause leading to femicide. Mental illness was classed as second. Next mentioned were stereotypes against women, lack of education, substance abuse/addiction, and poverty.
With over 90% of perpetrators being intimate partners and/or spouses, the study group rated jealousy as their main motive, then “the need for control”, followed by mental illness, revenge, misogyny and financial disputes.
Greece saw a horrific increase in femicide during the COVID pandemic: “The consequences of lockdown – financial insecurity, restriction, fear of disease and death, increased alcohol consumption and drug use – created the conditions in which abuse of women was enhanced. Many houses were turned into places of torture.” (N. Vrantsis, 2021, Missing Perspectives)
Though cases of femicide in Greece have dropped since 2021, there was an upward spiral again from 2024. This includes recent acknowledgment of more ‘silent’ cases of women over 60 killed by family members such as spouses and sons.
Testimonies of domestic violence I have come across in Greece include mothers being verbally and even physically abused by frustrated, often unemployed sons; also, women being bashed by their male partners for decades, threatened with murder if they told anyone; and young women sexually assaulted by a relative over years, being hit and threatened that their other immediate family members would be killed if they confessed.
I have also accompanied a son and wife caught up in repeated domestic violence to a local police station at their request. Here, their verbally threatening and emotionally abusive alcoholic husband/father was reported. The police in this case were very helpful and attentive, driving us to one of their domestic violence specialist centres where an official report was lodged. The abusive man was held overnight and appeared in court the next day, sentenced to nine months’ jail, with three years’ probation or in-house attendance of a rehab programme for alcoholics for at least a year.
Alexandra Frosterus-Såltin, Finland 1858 (public domain)
This was in 2022, and ironically and unfortunately, this initial police station in Athens was the same one where a police officer failed to assist a young woman – 28-year-old Kyriaki Grivas – in 2024. She was subsequently murdered by her ex-boyfriend in front of this very police station; stabbed to death while seeking help there.
Femicide stems from deeply rooted social perceptions and gender stereotypes, devaluing and marginalising females; a punishment used by men for centuries to intimidate, oppress and control women. Most people are decent and wish to live in peace, and so we must fight against domestic violence and femicide. We need to utilise our humanity, our spiritual faith and the ever-improving resources available in this war against femicide.
Sifnos, a tranquil jewel of the Cyclades, has been crowned the leading 2026 destination for Australian travelers. Celebrated for its authenticity and unspoiled charm, the island offers a refreshing alternative to Greece’s busier hotspots, according to travelandtourworld.com.
What makes Sifnos stand out is its deep connection to tradition, land, and community. Visitors are drawn to its vibrant whitewashed villages, cobbled alleys, and warm local hospitality. Life here unfolds at a natural pace, allowing travelers to experience genuine Greek culture rather than staged tourism.
The island is especially renowned for its culinary heritage. Local tavernas serve seasonal dishes crafted from fresh, homegrown ingredients, turning every meal into a memorable sensory experience. Food in Sifnos is more than dining-it’s a reflection of history and community.
Nature lovers are equally captivated. An extensive network of hiking trails winds through rolling hills, past centuries-old monasteries, and along dramatic coastlines overlooking the Aegean Sea. These paths reveal breathtaking panoramas while connecting walkers to the island’s rich past.
Sifnos also preserves a proud tradition of ceramic craftsmanship, with local artisans continuing techniques passed down through generations.
By focusing on sustainable and experiential travel, Sifnos has successfully balanced rising international interest with the preservation of its identity. For Australians seeking an authentic Mediterranean escape in 2026-defined by culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty-Sifnos promises an unforgettable journey.
The enduring bond between Australia and Cyprus – forged through migration, resilience and shared democratic values – was celebrated in a moving evening of gratitude and recognition at the Australia–Cyprus Achievement Awards and Thanksgiving Gathering, held at the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney on Thursday, February 26.
Hosted by the Cyprus Community of New South Wales, the inaugural awards brought together political leaders, diplomats, academics, clergy, community representatives and families to honour individuals and institutions whose contributions have strengthened both Australian society and Cypriot Australian civic life.
Dignitaries included the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis; Federal Member for Kingsford Smith, Matt Thistlethwaite; and President of the Cyprus Community of NSW Michael Peters Kyriacou.
The inaugural awards brought together politicians and community leaders. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
A gathering rooted in gratitude and history
Opening the evening, Master of Ceremonies Ellise Voulgarakis welcomed guests in a spirit of thanksgiving – acknowledging the opportunities Australia has provided to generations of Cypriot migrants and affirming the values of inclusiveness, respect and fairness that have enabled the community to flourish.
A formal Acknowledgement of Country paid respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, recognising the enduring custodianship of culture and land, before honouring the pioneers who established the Cyprus Community of NSW in 1929 and preserved language, faith and identity through decades of change.
Archimandrite Father Irenaeus Triantis, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, conducted a small prayer service and offered greetings and congratulations by the Archbishop.
The reflective tone of the evening was further deepened through a student contribution by nine-year-old Andreas Prodromou of the Cyprus Community Greek School, who delivered a heartfelt “Note to Australia” expressing gratitude, belonging and responsibility – a moment that underscored the intergenerational spirit of the gathering.
Master of Ceremonies Ellise Voulgarakis.Andreas Prodromou.
Youth reflection on legacy and responsibility
Following the student reflection, Vasili Panayi, Honorary President of the Cyprus Community of NSW Youth Committee, delivered a thoughtful address framing the evening as both a celebration and a call to responsibility.
He described Australia and Cyprus as “two nations, two islands”, shaped by challenge, resilience and shared values, and reflected on his late grandfather’s migration from Cyprus to Australia in 1959 – arriving with little more than faith, hard work and hope, yet building a life through quiet contribution to family, community and country.
Vasili Panayi, Honorary President of the Cyprus Community of NSW Youth Committee (left) advocates for the youth.
Mr Panayi highlighted the growing engagement of young Cypriot Australians across community leadership, volunteering and cultural preservation, while also excelling in professional life across Australia.
Speaking among the Cypriot and Indigenous artefacts of the Chau Chak Wing Museum, he noted the shared themes of endurance, storytelling and continuity, describing the gathering as a moment of gratitude – and a reminder of the responsibility younger generations carry in preserving and strengthening the legacy entrusted to them.
Vasili Panayi.
Diplomatic reflections and a call for unity
Addressing the audience next, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, conveyed congratulations on behalf of the President of Cyprus and reflected on the long presence of Cypriots in Australia, noting their contributions not only to the economy and culture, but also to Australia’s defence during both World Wars.
He emphasised that moments of challenge within community life can become turning points for renewal, provided they are met with honesty, inclusiveness, professional governance and meaningful youth participation – principles he identified as essential for the Cyprus Community of NSW as it approaches its centenary.
High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, conveyed congratulations on behalf of the President of Cyprus
Honouring lifetime contribution and humanitarian leadership
The centrepiece of the evening was the presentation of the Australia–Cyprus Achievement Awards, recognising individuals and families whose service has often been rendered quietly and without expectation of reward.
Among the major honourees was Neophytos Stavrou, recognised for a lifetime of service to commerce, culture, faith and philanthropy. Over more than seven decades, Mr Stavrou has combined professional excellence with deep commitment to cultural stewardship, philanthropy and the preservation of Byzantine music, embodying integrity, humility and civic responsibility.
Among the major honourees was Neophytos Stavrou (second from left).
The Theocharides Family was honoured for exceptional humanitarian leadership through A Touch of Kindness, one of Australia’s largest charitable support missions. Sustained entirely through voluntary effort, their work provides weekly nourishment, care and dignity to more than 800 people in need, reflecting compassion in action and moral leadership Citations all three.
The Theocharides Family.
Hall of Fame honour accompanied by a targeted scholarly donation
The 2026 Australia–Cyprus Achievement Hall of Fame Award was presented to Professor Emeritus Richard Green, recognising his outstanding contribution to classical and Cypriot archaeology and his pivotal role in advancing Australia–Cyprus scholarly relations.
Over a distinguished career spanning more than sixty years, Professor Green led landmark archaeological excavations, shaped international scholarship and educated generations of students at the University of Sydney. His research into Cyprus — a historic centre of Hellenistic civilisation — has significantly deepened global understanding of the island’s cultural heritage while strengthening enduring academic and cultural ties between Australia and Cyprus.
Unable to attend the ceremony in person, the award was accepted on his behalf by Craig Barker, Director of the Chau Chak Wing Museum and Director of the University of Sydney’s archaeological excavations in Cyprus.
The award was accepted on Richard Green’s behalf by Craig Barker, Director of the Chau Chak Wing Museum.
In accepting the honour, Dr Barker conveyed Professor Green’s gratitude and confirmed that the charitable component of the Hall of Fame Award — made in the recipient’s name — will be directed to support the University of Sydney’s Cyprus archaeology program, including ongoing research, student training and excavation work in Paphos.
The decision reflects Professor Green’s lifelong commitment to academic mentorship and to ensuring that future generations of Australian scholars continue to engage directly with Cypriot history and heritage.
Dr Barker noted that Professor Green has long viewed archaeology not only as research, but as a bridge between nations — one that brings students, institutions and communities into sustained dialogue. The donation, he said, transforms recognition into practical investment, reinforcing the scholarly partnership between Australia and Cyprus that Professor Green has spent decades building.
The honourees.
Investing in youth and cultural continuity
A defining feature of the evening was the strong emphasis on youth, reflecting the Cyprus Community of NSW’s commitment to structured leadership development and cultural continuity.
The Young Australian–Cyprus Achievement Awards, supported through the Community’s Bequest Programme, recognised students from the Dance School and Greek School for excellence in education, cultural participation and civic responsibility.
A defining feature of the evening was the strong emphasis on youth.
Recipients included:
Mikey Ganis, Valani Kalavitis and George Keremea for educational excellence and cultural engagement in dance;
Kyriacos Kyriakides and George Gregory for community service and civic responsibility;
Leo Papadopoulos, Andreas Prodromou and Nicholas Kanellakis for excellence in Greek language learning, cultural identity and multicultural service Citations all three.
The awards honoured the legacy of Chrysanthi Peters Kyriacou and Jack Passaris OAM, whose lifelong service continues to inspire new generations through dedicated educational bequests.
Youth Achievement Award recognises emerging leadership
The Australia–Cyprus Achievement Award (Youth) was presented to Jacquelene Tsovolos, recognised for her exceptional commitment to civic responsibility, professional excellence and community leadership.
Professionally, Ms Tsovolos has excelled in Australia’s financial sector, while her community service includes her role as Vice President of the Cyprus Community of NSW Youth Group and Executive Member of NEPOMAK Australia & New Zealand. Her work has focused on strengthening youth engagement, safeguarding cultural continuity and encouraging civic participation among young Cypriot Australians.
In accepting the award, Ms Tsovolos reflected on the sacrifices of previous generations, acknowledging that today’s opportunities rest on the resilience, labour and vision of parents and grandparents who migrated in search of a better future — a legacy, she said, that carries with it responsibility as well as pride.
A shared future
Delivering the commemorative address, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite MP, spoke of the thousands of Cypriots who arrived in Australia after the Second World War with little more than a suitcase and hope.
He praised their courage, resilience and contribution, noting that the strength of Australia–Cyprus relations lies in the successful transmission of culture, language and values to future generations.
Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite MP.
The evening concluded with a powerful affirmation from the Cyprus Community of NSW’s emerging leadership programme:
“We honour the past. We serve the present. And together — we build the future.”
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos
The Herodion will shut its doors at the end of July for a three-year restoration program aimed at preserving and modernizing the historic monument, according to en.protothema.gr. When it reopens, the ancient theater will feature a new entrance directly linking it with the Acropolis, a roof over the stage, upgraded lighting, improved acoustics without speaker towers, and an expanded forecourt.
The plans were approved by the Central Archaeological Council (KAS) following studies conducted by the National Technical University of Athens. The project falls under the program “Dynamic Method for the Promotion and Protection of Archaeological Sites through Documentation and Analysis of Monumental Complexes. Preparation of proposals for the development of necessary operational infrastructures for archaeological sites to integrate them into the natural landscape and connect them with the wider built environment – Application at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the south slope of the Acropolis.”
Works will focus on both conservation and infrastructure improvements. Structural repairs will address significant wear, especially along the curved wall of the cavea and unstable stone elements on the façades. A side doorway at the third tier will be restored to allow visitor access between the Acropolis and the theater, also serving as an emergency exit.
The stage will gain a metal roof designed to provide protection and natural light, while the mosaic floor beneath will be revealed and preserved. Lighting systems will be redesigned, speaker towers removed, and modern acoustic controls installed.
Additional upgrades include expanded public spaces, new water and sewage networks, and year-round facilities for visitors.
