In Spring 2017, Classical Civilisation students – a study of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds – enjoyed a 4 day study tour to Athens and Delphi.

There were many highlights to the trip.  These included watching the changing of the guard by the Greek Evzones outside the Greek Parliament, exploring the ancient Acropolis; the heart of classical Athens with its sanctuary to the goddess of war and wisdom Athene, and visiting the National Archaeological Museum which houses many of the stunning statues that students study in Greek art and sculpture classes, including the work of Polykleitos and the magnificent bronze statue of Zeus of Cape Artemision.

Whilst in Athens students enjoyed a sunny climate, tasty Greek food and live Greek dancing with some students joining the dancing amongst the rembetika musicians.

Particularly successful was the day trip to the ancient site of Delphi, the sanctuary of Apollo, a 3 hour drive from Athens in to the hills of Mount Parnassus where it was T-shirt weather and so warm regular rests were needed amongst the tall pine trees as we headed up the hillside.  Delphi was the site of the oracle of Apollo, which gave advice to delegations from all over the Greek world.  It was also believed to be the centre of the world and, in myth, was visited by no less than Herakles, Oedipus and Odysseus …. and now students of Loreto College.

We all had fun and wished it had been longer.  See you next year Hellas.