CULTURE

Athens takes center stage in honor of literary greats

Athens takes center stage in honor of literary greats

Athens on Monday started its one-year tenure as the World Book Capital, during which time it will host more than 250 book-related events across the city.

The World Book Capital title is awarded to a different city each year as part of UNESCO’s initiative to pay tribute to two giants of world literature, William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, who died on the same day – April 23, 1616.

Athens was officially inaugurated on Monday by Mayor Giorgos Kaminis in a special ceremony at the Acropolis Museum in the presence of President Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

Cultural events also took place in the evening on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, a pedestrian walkway just south of the Acropolis, and the Herod Atticus Theater. 

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights, opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox.

By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.