See Also
- Top Hotels in Santorini
- Top Eating places in Santorini
- Best Hotels for Families in Orlando
- Travel guide covering Santorini
Website: https://tapiocwraps.com/
Symposion by La Ponta
In ancient Greece, a symposion (to drink together) was part of a banquet occurring after meals, where drinking accompanied music, dancing, recitations, and conversations. Symposion finds inspiration from the 9 muses – Clio, Euterpe, Thalia, Melpomeni, Terpsichore, Erato, Polymnia, Ourania, and Calliope, and is committed to preserving Greece`s cultural heritage. The center immerses guests in mythology, music, and ancient instruments through a range of performances, presentations, and activities.
Since 2018, Symposion has been situated in the traditional village of Megalochori, within a late 18th to early 19th-century winery constructed by Zorzis Ioannis Saliveros. Prior to this, from 2012 to 2017, Symposion was located at the Venetian castle at the peak of Akrotiri. La Ponta means “peak” in Latin, hence the name Symposion by La Ponta. Despite relocating, the center retained its original name.
Argy Kakissis co-founded Symposion with her husband Yannis Pantazis, who also acts as the center`s musician, instrument craftsman, and musical director. The outgoing and welcoming Argy handles “behind the scenes” operations with her communications background, while the passionate and creative Yannis serves as the “face” of the cultural center. Yannis takes keen interest in mythology and music`s role in shaping Greece. He has composed and performed across Greece and internationally for over twenty years, renowned as an instrument craftsman. Inside the building, Yannis maintains a workshop crafting various traditional instruments featured in musical presentations and evening performances.
Instruments are exhibited inside the center and available for purchase at Symposion or online; Yannis offers a complimentary introductory Skype music lesson with every instrument bought. Symposion’s permanent collection features Greek bagpipes (tsabouna) from around the Aegean and traditional Santorinian instruments like the lyre (small U-shaped harp), tsabouna, doubaki (Cycladic drum), and the lute (plucked string instrument resembling a mandolin). Another primary exhibit on display provides a visual narrative of the renovations to the historic site.
The center`s interactive events, hands-on classes, wine tasting, and musical shows offer a uniquely educational and entertaining experience. The Mythical Music Presentation & Historical Tour explores the history and architecture of the former winery. Clio`s Tales (the muse of history and guitar) performance takes place in the courtyard and is an original composition on string and wind instruments. Odysseus Returns is Yannis’s signature show and occurs in the Saliveros chamber where the workshop and exhibits are found. It consists of 10 original pieces each featuring a different instrument. Odysseus is a hero in Greek mythology, the king of Ithaca island, and the main motivation for Homer’s epic “Odysseus”. This performance retells the hero`s journey as he returns home to reclaim his kingdom and free his people from their oppressors. The performance has a theatrical spirit and is occasionally narrated in ancient Greek. Yannis translates in English.
The gorgeous courtyard, featuring a botanical garden with a mythological theme, contains a bar and abundant outdoor seating areas protected under the trees and umbrellas. The wine cafe located within the courtyard additionally offers a suitable selection of Greek wines along with Greek coffee, tea, fresh juices, and small shared dishes of local cuisine.
Wine sampling is accessible upon request. Four Greek wines are provided, decanted in conventional manners, and served in earthenware cups with traditional appetizer plates. Costs vary depending on the wines. Private reservations accessible for groupings.
Symposion by La Ponta Hours and Information
- Season: Open from March to October.
- Hours: The period of time each day that the location is open to the public fluctuates relying on the time of the year: March, April, and October are open from 10am-7pm. May to September hours are from 10am-8pm. Open on performance evenings until 11pm. Open Tuesday to Sunday, shut on Mondays.
- Website: symposionsantorini.com
- Telephone: +30 228 608 5374
- Email: [email protected]
- Admission Fee: Free access to the grounds but not the presentations, performances, or workshops.
• Workshops – Tuesday through Sunday from 1:30pm to 2:30pm. Price: €20 for adults, children (ages 6-13) €15. Reservation required.
• The Mythical Music Presentation & Historical Tour – Explores the history and architecture of the former winery. Performed daily Tuesday through Sunday from 12pm to 12:45pm. Adult – €12 and children (age 8-13) – €10. Not recommended for children under 8. Reservations required.
• Clio’s Tales – Performance about the muse of history and guitar. Friday nights 9pm to 10:30pm. Adults – €15 and children (age 10-13) – €10. Not recommended for children under 10. Complimentary drink included. Reservations advised.
• Odysseus Returns – Yannis’ signature performance. Every Wednesday from May 8:30pm to 9:30pm, June to September from 9pm to 10pm, and October from 8pm to 9pm. Adults – €15 and children (ages 10-13) – €10. Not recommended for children under 10. - Bus: The bus stop for Megalochori is on the main Fira-Perissa road, outside The Family Bakery. Symposion is about a 6-minute walk (500m) away.
- Auto parking: There are 2 complimentary community parking lots within walking distance to Megalochori, both by the entrances to the hamlet. One entry is situated by The Family Bakery and the other is by Earth and Water Pottery Studio, both on the main Fira-Perissa road. Coming from Perissa, turn right just after the pottery studio. Coming from Fira, turn left just before the bakery. The 2 entrances are about a kilometer apart.
- Nearby Wineries: Gavalas Winery (350m) • Venetsanos Winery (1 km) • Boutari Winery (1.5 km) • Santo Winery (2 km)
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Symposion by La Ponta
