May's Recipe:
BOUGÁTSA
(Fíllo pastry with cream filling)
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The cream filling makes
this pastry rich, and so it is served mainly as a snack
rather than a dessert. Once baked, the addition of
cinnamon and sugar makes it a very tasty treat!
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Ingredients: |
- 1 1/2 c. fine
semolina
- 1 1/2 generous c.
sugar
- 3 eggs
- 6 c. milk
- Grated zest of 1
unwaxed or well-scrubbed lemon
- 1/2 c. + 2 Tbs.
butter
- 1 lb. phyllo pastry
- Confectioner's
sugar
- Ground cinnamon
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Preparation:
Beat semolina, sugar and eggs until frothy.
Transfer mixture to a pan and add milk, stirring
constantly. Bring to boil several times, then add
lemon zest. Leave to cool.
Preheat oven to 350°.
Melt butter and brush over the individual sheets of
pastry. Place half the pastry on a greased baking
sheet, spread creamy mixture out evenly on top, and
cover with the remaining pastry. Bake in preheated
oven for about 20 minutes, until the pastry is
golden brown and crispy on top and the filling has
set.
Leave to cool slightly, then sprinkle with
confectioner's sugar and cinnamon and cut into
slices. Bougátsa is best eaten while still warm.
The
next day, all you need is another sprinkling of
confectioner's sugar to make it taste almost
oven-fresh. In Ioannina, each slice is served with a
sweet roll and a glass of water.
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Special Feature: Heritage Walks in
Athens |
3rd
HERITAGE WALK: AGORA & AREOPAGOS (THE HEART
OF ANCIENT
ATHENS) |
(Continued from
April's Issue)
STARTING POINT: Thisio Station
TERMINUS:
Acropolis Station |
Click
here
to read full
article
on additional page |
|
The 3rd heritage walk begins at the administrative
and economic center of ancient Athens, ascends
towards the hill of the Areopagus, and ends with a
visit to the medieval and neoclassical monuments
just under the Acropolis.
ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS:
• ARCHAELOGICAL AREA OF THE AGORA: Temple of
Hephaistos (1) (in the past known as the Thiseio): The
highest point close to the Agora, on the site known
in antiquity as Agoraios Kolonos, is dominated by
the best preserved temple of classical antiquity,
the temple of Hephaestus.
Here the god of fire and
iron was worshipped together with the city's patron
goddess, Athena, as the divine guardians of the arts
and crafts, more particularly however of
metalworkers and potters...
(2) ANCIENT AGORA: The center of the public
life of the ancient Athenians. The word "Agora"
derives from the verb "ageiro" meaning "bring
together" that is to gather around: and by extension
"agorevo", that is to speak publicly. The
word's etymology is relevant to the multifaceted
role of the ancient Agora, where the daily life of
the ancient Athenians was played out...
• THE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER OF ANCIENT
ATHENS Tholos: A circular building which was the
social centre of administration under the democratic
constitution. Fifty of the councilors, called "Prytaneis"
were in charge of the administration, each for 1/10"
of the year, or 36 days...
"Prison of Socrates": About 100
meters from the southeast corner of the agora...
Bouleuterion or Council House: In the archaic
period the councilors met here in the open...
Metroon: A building of the Hellenistic age.
It was in the Metroon that the originals of all...
Temple of Apollo Patrons: A small temple of
the Ionic order and of the 4" century BC...
Temple of Zeus Phratrios and Athena Phratria:
These adjectives derive from the root "phrates"...
Stoa of Zeus Eleftherios: Built in the 5'h
century BC as a place for Athenians to relax...
Royal Stoa: Built in the 5`h century BC but
today buried under the rail track. It was the
seat...
On the north side of the Agora, beyond today's
railtracks, were the Poikile Stoa and the Stoa of
the Herms. The Poikile Stoa contained superb
paintings by Polygnotos, including...
Altar of the twelve gods: Built in the 6" century
BC, it was used as the starting point for the
calculation of distances.
• AGORA - CENTRAL AREA:
Temple of Ares: Probably a work of the
architect whose name is unknown but who built the...
Monument of the Eponymous Heroes: A long
podium of the 5'h century BC with railings on...
Altar of Zeus Agoraios: On the South side of
the Agora and dated to the 5'h century BC...
Stoas (Southern Stoa I - Southern Stoa II -
Middle Stoa): These were built from the 5th
to...
Odeion of Agrippa: This was built by
Augustus' general, Agrippa, in 15 BC. It had a
seating...
• AGORA - EAST SIDE
Stoa of Attalos: A two-storied stoa, with
shops, of the first half of the 2"' century BC. It
was built by Attalus II, King of Pergamon, in honor
of his teacher, the Stoic philosopher Carneades, and
of the Athenians. The stoa is 116 meters long...
Among other objects exhibited one should note:
• A resolution in support of democracy of 337/336 BC
at a time when
Macedonian victory was putting it in question. On
the relief the figure
of Democracy crowns Athens.
• A marble lot - holder to distribute official
positions of the 3' century AD.
• A water clock (clepsydra) to measure a speaker's
time at the law courts.
• Pottery sherds of the 5" century BC with names of
prominent politicians whom their opponents wished to
see ostracized. Examples are Aristidis and
Themistocles, against whom there was clearly an
organized "sherd - writing" campaign with
insufficient takers among the people, as the unused
sherds were thrown to the bottom of a well!
• A bronze head of Nike (Victory), of 425 BC.
• A chair and night - potty for an infant of the end
of the 6`h century BC.
• A pottery jar used as a thermos of the 7'h century
BC.
The Panethenaic Way: It began inside the
entrance gate to the city at the Kerameikos...
The Church of the Holy Apostoles of Solakis:
One of the most beautiful and earliest of Athens'...
Library of Pantainos - Late Roman Wall -
Eleusinion: On the Panethenaic Way towards
the...
(3) BASILICA OF ST. DIONYSIOS: An early
Christian basilica at the northeastern side of the
Areopagus that was totally destroyed in 1751 by an
earthquake. It was at various times Athens'
Cathedral, especially during the period of Ottoman
rule until its destruction by earthquake...
(4)
AREOPAGUS: The hill is 115 meters high and was
dedicated either to Ares, the god of war, or
alternatively to the Ares, that is the Erinyes or
Furies, apotropaic goddesses of revenge, of whom one
can read in Aeschylus' "Eumenides". This was
the seat of the law court of the same name...
We descend from the top of the Areopagus and walk
east keeping the Acropolis on our right.
(5) MUSEUM OF PAUL AND ALEXANDRA KANELLOPOULOS:
A private collection which was donated to the Greek
state and includes antiquities and works of art from
prehistoric times until recent years. The exhibits
are mainly of pottery, of sculptures and of icons.
In particular mention should be made of the icon
"The Falling Asleep of the Mother of God", an
excellent...
(6) CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE SAVIOUR:
A small church of the usual four columned cross - in
- square type, datable to the second half of the 11
" century AD...
(7) OLD UNIVERSITY - MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS: It was built in its
original form before 1674 and in 1831 was bought by
the two architects Stamatis Kleanthes and Edward
Schaubert. In 1835-36 it operated as the First
Gymnasion (Secondary School) of...
(8) METOHI PANAGIOU TAFOU (METOHI OF THE HOLY
SEPULCHRE): A church dedicated to the
Unmercenary Saints, doctors who healed without
receiving a fee. It was built at the beginning of
the 17" century by the Athenian priest, Demetrios
Kolokinthis. In 1760 it became the Metohi...
(9) CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE THEOLOGIAN:
Medieval church of the four - columned cross - in -
square type of the end of the 11" or beginning of
the 12" century. It is the only medieval church...
(10) CHURCH OF ST NICHOLAS RANGAVA:
Originally a four-columned cross - in - square
church with an elegant dome in the Athenian style
and beautiful decoration, that was built at the
beginning of the 11 " century by its founder Loukas
Rangava, perhaps over an earlier place of
workshop...
*TRIPODON STREET
*ELLINIKI ETAIRIA
*LYSICRATES' MONUMENT
*See Heritage Walk #1 –
February Newsletter)
Excerpt from: "Heritage Walks in Athens"
by the Municipality of Athens Cultural
Organization, and by the Elliniki Etairia Hellenic Society
for the Protection of the Environment and
the Cultural Heritage
Click
here
to read full
article
on additional page |
|
Next
Month's Article:
Heritage Walk #4 - THE CITY CENTER
FROM ANTIQUITY TO
THE OTTOMAN PERIOD |
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What's
New! |
Books, CDs, and DVDs |
Regional Greek Cooking, by Dean & Catherine Karayanis
|
Greek Vases - The Athenians and Their
Images (In English)
|
Aesop's Fables - Oi Mithoi Tou Aisopou - Children's
Stories |
Nanourismata Children's Bedtime Music |
Souxe Winter Mix 2008 by DJ Valentino 2-CD set |
Tragoudia Me Ousies Live (2CD) + Bonus DVD + Booklet |
Yiannis Parios, Pou Pame Meta (CD)
|
C:Real, Invain |
Kalomira, Secret Combination CD Single
|
Haris Alexiou, Odeio Irodou Attikou 2007 LIVE 2CD + DVD
(PAL/Zone 2)
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Hro, Allazo |
Petros Gaitanos, Odes Arhaggelon 2CD + Bonus DVD
|
Themis Adamantidis, Dodeka Feggaria CD Single |
Nikos
Karvelas, Trakter |
Dinata, Best Of 1986-2007 2CD + DVD & New Track |
Maria Farandouri, Way Home |
Fresca 2008 2CD + DVD |
Proti Fora Nonos DVD (PAL/Zone 2) |
El Greco DVD (PAL/Zone 2)
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Latest Arrivals- NEW Ancient Greek Pottery Replicas! |
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New T-Shirts
and Sweatshirts |
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Official Beijing 2008 Olympic Collectors' Itemsemstems |
|
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Now's the Time to Start
Your Beijing 2008 Collection! |
|
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Featured Destination: Carpathos |
GEOGRAPHY:
Carpathos, the second largest of the Dodecanese, lies
between Rhodes an Crete. It is 301 sq. km. in area, has
160 km. coastline, a population of 4,645 and is 2
nautical miles from Piraeus. There is a caran passenger
ferry from Piraeus throughout the year, linking it also
with other islands of the Dodecanese and Crete. The boat
on the Piraeus - Kavala route links Carpathos with
Melos, Pholegandros, Santorini, Anaphi, Crete, the rest
of the Dodecanese, the northeast Aegean islands and
Kavala. A local boat service operates between Kasos,
Chalki and Rhodes. There is an air service, via Rhodes,
to Athens and flights to Kasos and Crete. Carpathos is a
mountainous island (highest peak Kalolimni, 1,215 m.
a.s.l.) with only a few plains in the south.
At its
northernmost tip a narrow channel separates it from the
islet of Saria. The island's main town and port is
Carpathos (Pigadia) and there is a second harbor at
Diaphani on its northeast side. The island is
distinguished by its picturesque serenity. Beautiful
bays, the traditional rhythm of life and architecture,
hospitable people compose the picture of Carpathos today
and one is assured of pleasant, peaceful holidays there.
HISTORY: Information on the island's history is
somewhat scant but there were four important cities in
ancient times, as evident from their participation in
the Athenian League. From the 5th century onwards it was
included within the sphere of influence of Rhodes until,
like the other islands, it was captured by the Romans.
During the Byzantine period it was destroyed several
times. After the Fall of Constantinople to the Franks
the island was governed by Leon Gavalas until the
mid-16th century (1538) when it was captured by the
Turks. Carpathos took part in the 1821 War of
Independence and even experienced a brief phase of
autonomy until 1832 when it was retaken by the Turks.
From 1912 onwards it, like the rest of the Dodecanese
was administered by the Italians and was not
incorporated in the Greek state until 1948.
SIGHTS-MONUMENTS: The island's capital, Carpathos
(Pigadia), is located on the south-east side of the
island, probably on the site of ancient Poseidio, ruins
of the acropolis of which have been recognized on the
hill Kavos. The houses in Carpathos are mainly modern,
built by emigrants to the United States, and do not
conform to the traditional style of architecture. The
village of Menetes (8 km. southwest of Carpathos) has
been inhabited since the Middle Ages and has
interesting churches (St. Mamas, the Dormition), as well
as several houses with Neoclassical elements. 16 km.
southwest of Carpathos is the village of Arkasa,
identified with the ancient city of Arkesia. Remnants of
the city wall are preserved near the top of the hill.
The villagers speak their own local
dialect in which there are many vestiges of Doric
Greek, and proudly maintain their heritage and customs,
the women still wear traditional costume all the time.
There are several ruined windmills in prominent
positions and the entire area commands a spectacular
view of the Aegean. Olymbos is best reached from the
sea, from the harbor of Diaphani, which can be reached
by local boat from the town of Carpathos or the regular
ship from Piraeus calls there. One can take a caique
from Diaphani to the islet of Saria just off the north
tip of the island.
There are plenty of lovely beaches on Carpathos, in the
vicinity of the harbor (Pigadia) and on its north coast
Phoiniki, Afiarti, Platyyalos, which can be easily
reached by bus. Diaphani, Mesochori, Tristomo and Saria
can easily reached by caique. Apart from swimming the
sea is also fine for fishing. Visitors may stay in
hotels, pensions, rent rooms and flats both in Pigadia
and Diaphani. There are also rooms to let at Mesochori,
Olymbo Othos and Arkasa. Refuelling stations for yachts
at Carpathos (Pigadia).
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May 2008 |
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
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1
Prophet Jeremiah
New Martyr Maria of Mirabella |
2
Renewal Friday
Relics of Athanasios
Hesperos & Zoe the Righteous |
3
Martyrs Timothy & Mavra
Peter the Wonderworker |
4
Thomas Sunday
Martyr Pelagia
Hilarion the Wonderworker |
5
Great Martyr Irene
Martyrs Neophytus, Gaius and Gianus |
6
Prophet Job
Seraphim the Struggler |
7
Appearance of the Sign of the Cross
Cyril, Abp. Of Jerusalem
Akakios the Centurion of Byzantium
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8
John the Theologian
Arsenios the Great |
9
Prophet Isaiah
Martyr Christopher |
10
Apostle Simon |
11
Holy Myrrhbearers Sunday
Renewal of Constantinople
Hieromartyr Mokios
|
12
Epiphanios, Bp. Of Cyprus
Germanos, Abp. Of Constantinople |
13
Martyr Glykeria
Sergios the Confessor |
14
Martyr Isidore
Hieromartyr Therapontus |
15
Pachomios the Great
Achilles, Abp. Of Larissa |
16
Theodoros the Sanctified
Martyr Peter of Blachernae |
17
Andronikos of the 70 & Junia
Nectarius of Meteora |
18
Sunday of the Paralytic
Martyrs Peter, Dionysius & Paul
Julian the Martyr
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19
Hieromartyr Patrick of Proussa
Memnonus the Wonderworker |
20
Martyr Thalalaios
Mark the Hermit |
21
Constantine & Helen
Pachomios the Righteous New Martyr |
22
Hieromartyr Vasilikos
New Martyrs Demetrius and Paul |
23
Michael, Bp. Of Synnada
Mary the Myrrhbearer & wife of Cleopas |
24
Symeon the Stylite
Saint Vincent of Lerins |
25
Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
3rd Discovery of the Head of the Forerunner
Therapon the Hieromartyr, Bishop of Cyprus |
26
Carpos and Alphaeus of the 70
Martyr Alexander of Thessolonica |
27
Hieromartyr Alladius
John the Russian Confessor |
28
Martyr Eutyches
Nikitas, Bishop of Chalcedon |
29
Martyr Theodosia
Virgin Martyr Theodosia of Constantinople |
30
Isaakios of Dalmatian
Macrina, grandmother of St. Basil the Great |
31
Martyr Hermias
Eusebius and Haralambos the Monk-martyrs
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Icons
depicting the celebrated Saint, make great gifts for
namedays, as do our custom-made Greek name mugs.
Shop among our great collection of gift ideas at our
store. We also have a great selection of greeting cards
for birthdays, holidays, namedays and
special occasions.
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