Free Sunday Walking Tour of Ancient Stagira: Rediscovering Olympiada’s Past and Reinventing its Future

As discussions about the creation of the International Aristotelian Centre in Olympiada are underway, architect Ioannis Yannakis, who specialises in ancient monument restoration and participated actively in the restoration of Ancient Stagira during the 1990s, offered us a remarkably enlightening free walking tour of Aristotle’s birthplace.

Mr. Yannakis’s speech centred on the restoration of Ancient Stagira and the decisions that had to be made during this process, on the blurry line that separates history from fiction, on the importance of archaeological findings in interpreting historical texts of the past, and, finally, on representations of Ancient Stagira in Aristotle’s book Politics. 

Right after the end of the tour, the follow-up discussion focused on the urgency of the creation of the International Aristotelian Centre. The Centre will be designed to house a library devoted to Aristotle’s writings and ancient Greek philosophy in general, as well as a multi-purpose amphitheatre, an exhibition hall, and classrooms, and it is expected to act as a point of reference for philosophy aficionados from all over the world.

Until the International Aristotelian Centre is ready, though, travelers can quench their thirst for history (combined with breathtaking views) exploring the archaeological site of Ancient Stagira, which is open daily, all year round. Admission is free for everyone. Free guided tours are organised occasionally throughout spring and summer. Not to be missed.

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