Greece Returns Two Stolen Frescoes to Italy in ‘Symbolic Move’

(www.minpress.gr / Bloomberg.com, 23.03.09) ) Greece handed over to Italy two pieces of art, in the spirit of cooperation on the battle against smuggling antiquities. They were two thirteenth century frescoes, which had been found in 2006 on Schinoussa Island by Greek authorities conducting an anti-smuggling operation.   Initially, these fragments, depicting two saints, were part of wall paintings from a chapel at Grotta delle Fornelle, in Italy’s southern Caserta region near Naples. They were removed in 1982.  Greek Minister of Culture, Mr. Samaras pointed out that through this symbolic gesture, Greece intends to continue the process of retrieving artifacts illegally transported to other countries, thus strengthening collaboration with Italy on the fight against art theft.  Italy and Greece launched a joint battle some years ago to crack down on trafficking and reclaim smuggled works from museums around the world. Read more…

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Visit Greece: Naxos Island

 (GREEK NEWS AGENDA)  The island of Naxos is the largest and the most fertile in the Cyclades group of islands. Its numerous sandy beaches make it an ideal holiday place for people who seek a quiet and beautiful are for their vacation. More than 64 villages, most of which are mountainous, cover its slopes. They are well known for their cool climate and their delicious local cuisine. Sport and nature lovers should not miss the walking tour in the fertile Tragea plains, where one sees Byzantine chapels, Venetian residence towers and picturesque villages. The Naxos Festival at the Bazeos Tower, (19 July to 4 September) guarantees a rich cultural life during vacation. Don’t miss this year’s exhibition on the theme: “Art and Madness.” At nights, as one may relax by the sea, and one must definitely try the excellent citron liqueur, produced at Khalki village. It must be noted that the Archaelogical Museum of Naxos has a unique collection of Cycladic statues and artifacts, dating back to 2800 B.C.