News & Events 2005-2006

Art History Students Tour Greece

Over Spring Break, art history teacher Julianne Schloat took a group of 26 students to Greece. Helping her to lead the trip were fellow teachers Michael Schloat, Charles Danhof and Panos Voulgaris ’00, who speaks Greek. The group arrived in Athens and began their tour with a two-hour bus ride to the small fishing village of Tolo. While on the coast, the group visited the ancient ruins at Corinth and Mycenae where they were able to view the Lion’s Gate and the Treasury of Atreus. One afternoon and evening were spent exploring the beautiful coastal town of Napflio with its narrow streets and charming cafes.

The group then headed inland to the Taygetos Mountains and the majestic ruins of the castle of Mystras located above the modern city of Sparta. The group also enjoyed a stop at the best-preserved of all the ancient Greek theaters, the Theater of Epidaurus, which boasts perfect acoustics and a seating capacity of up to 14,000 spectators.

Next on the program was a scenic drive north along winding mountain roads to ancient Delphi, which to the Greeks was one of the most sacred spots in their world. The city is situated in a dramatic natural amphitheater that faces the sea and lies under the shadow of Mt. Parnassus. There they were able to explore the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Delphi Museum. After a brief stop at the well-preserved monastery of Osios Loukas, filled with impressive mosaics, the group headed back to Athens for the final three days of the trip. While in Athens the group stayed only one block from Syntagma Square, which houses the Parliament building, and the famous pedestrian shopping area along Ermou Street. There was plenty of time to shop, visit the National Gallery of Art, and wander around the Plaka Area, the historic heart of Athens.

On the seventh day of the trip the group left from the port of Athens for a day-long cruise to three nearby islands of Aegina, Pyros and Hydra. The only means of transportation on Hydra was mules or donkeys, as no cars are allowed. Mr. Danhof and a few students braved the cold waters of the Aegean Sea for a quick dip! On the last day, the group made their way up to the Acropolis and toured the Parthenon, Erectheion and the Acropolis museum. This is the third year in a row that Mrs. Schloat has taken students to Europe. Previous art history groups have visited Italy, England and France.

Posted 3/29/06

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