Photo by Petros Giannakouris/AP

At least 120 125 archaeological sites and museums will be open Friday, August 31* for the 2012 full moon celebration in Greece, but the Acropolis will again not be one of them.

More than 15,000 visitors descended on Athens’ iconic rock in 2010, causing both damage to the site and frustration for visitors due to long waits and injuries from slipping in the darkness and overcrowding. It has since been excluded, though the Acropolis is open until 20:00 every day except Sundays and holidays.

The full moon festival in August is the only night of the year when everyone can enjoy monuments and free events after sundown, a tradition since 1996.**

* The date changes each year according to the lunar calendar and is announced by the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, Culture and Sports
** Kathimerini says 1999; Eleftherotypia says 1996.

Article last updated August 31, 2012

125 locations

Sites and museums operate normal hours, then reopen at 20:00 or 21:00 and welcome visitors until 1:00 with free admission, unless otherwise noted. Locations already open extended hours, explained in “Opening hours and free admission days for sites and museums in Greece,” may open continuously without a break.

The ministry announced on August 23 that 120 tourist sites will participate and 85 locations will feature music or theatrical performances in cooperation with local municipalities, then added more events and sites on August 31.

Moon rise begins at 19:43 local time.

Pick your favorite, and have a nice evening!

Mainland

The Greek government organizes lists by region, which is unhelpful to tourists and residents unfamiliar with what they are. My list is translated to English from the official list and divided into Mainland and Greek Islands, giving top billing to Athens and Thessaloniki, then alphabetized.

Athens
Acropolis Museum: Open 8:00 to midnight, with music performances by the Music School of Volos at 21:30. Admission is free from 21:00-midnight. — To Vima (in Greek)
Amphiaraeion archaeological site of Oropos: Music event.
Ancient Theater of Zea in Piraeus
Archaeological museum of Megara: Open to the public.
Archaeological site in Elefsina: Musical performance by Martha Fritzila and Takis Farazis.
Epigraphical Museum: Screening of ‘Unsmiling Stone” at 20:30.
Iliou Melathron/Numismatic Museum/Heinrich Schliemann: Museum will be open to the public from 18:30 to 20:30, with guided tours for groups of 20 people; live music at 21:30 in the garden, “Take a walk on the moon,” with singer Anastasia Moutsatsou and pianist Marios Strofalis.
National Archaeological Museum: Tours of the Antikythera exhibit and music.
Roman Agora: Athens Philharmonic Orchestra to perform program, “Memories and aromas of ancient Athens.”
Sounio, Temple of Poseidon: Outside the fenced area. Concert performance of “An August Moon” with Tania Tsanaklidou and Eleni Tsaligopoulou.

In Plaka, participating shopkeepers on pedestrian street Pandrossou will be serving wine, refreshments and food (not free), plus there will be music and entertainment from 19:00 to 23:00.

Thessaloniki
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki: Music event.
Fortress Eptapyrgiou: Open 21:00-midnight.
Museum of Byzantine Culture: Concert by Andrea Karakotas and Plaza Ensemble, performing music by Greek composers.
Roman Agora: Urban picnic starts at 19:00, with two bands playing jazz, funk and world music; and two short/full-length films. More info: Urban Picnic website

Aiani
Archaeological site of Aiani: Rock & Roll music from band “POCO A POCO” from Thessaloniki.

Amfipoli
Archaeological site of Amfipoli: Traditional music.

Amfissa
Archaeological museum of Amfissa: Music in the courtyard on Saturday, September 1.

Arta
Archaeological site of Arta: Open from 21:00 to midnight on August 31. Music performance in courtyard on September 1.
Historic Bridge of Arta: Music event.

Atalanti
Archaeological museum of Atalanti: Tours and laiko music performance.

Corinthos
Akrocorinth Castle: Open to the public.

Delphi
Archaeological museum of Delphi: Concert in the courtyard.

Dion
Archaeological site of Dion: Open to the public.

Drama
Archaeological site of Kali Vrysi: Music performed by local bands.

Edessa
Archaeological site of Edessa: Shadow theater, event and presentation by friends of astronomy.
Old Cathedral of Edessa: Byzantine music concert.

Evros
Archaeological site of Zoni: Concert by Maria Farantouri.

Florina
Hellenistic City of Florina: Open to the public.

Fthiotida
Acropolis of Proerna: Tours and theatrical performance of Electra on Friday, August 31; tours and music by band Pulsar on Saturday, September 1.
Byzantine Museum of Fthiotida in Ipati: Open to the public, with tours and music. Dance performance.

Haironeias
Archaeological Museum Haironeias: Music event in the square.

Halkidiki
Archaeological site of Olynthos
Center of Byzantine Culture in N. Flogita: Jazz and Blues concert.
Petralona Cave and Museum: Guided tours and music for visitors.

Igoumenitsa
Archaeological museum of Igoumenitsa: Concert by Dala Conservatory. Exhibition open from 20:00 to midnight.
Tower Ragiou archaeological site, near Igoumenitsa: Open 20:00 to midnight.

Ioaninna
Acropolis Megalo Gardiki archaeological site: Night of laiko music.
Archaeological site of Dodoni: Theatrical performance “Mandrake” by Niccolo Machiavelli.
Its Kale of Castle Ioannina: Music performance by Anema e Core; and at 23:00 music by Yannis Ritsos.
Kopani, near Hellenistic and Roman cemetery: Tour and presentation on September 1.

Kalamata
Castle/Fortress: Open to the public.

Karditsa
Ancient Temple of Apollo: 21:00 to 22:30: Greek music performed by Karditsa – Efthimiadis orchestra, accompanied by video-wall photos and videos of Greek music composers; and flute-piano recital by Angela Bratic and Dragana Giorgevio as moon approaches Earth, around 22:45.

Kastoria
Church of the Panagia Koumbelidiki: Byzantine music concert.

Kozani
Vourkas Mansion: Open to the public.

Kyllini
Chlemoutsi Castle: ‘Medieval Days of Summer’ event.

Lamia
Archaeological museum of Lamia: Tours and music from the band Pulsar.

Larissa
Fortress of Larissa: Music performance.

Magnesia
Archaeological site of Nea Agchialos: Music performance by ensemble Iambos on Thursday, August 30.

Maroneia
Ancient Theater of Maroneia: Concert by Korina Vougiouka and Thodoris Tzovanakis.

Messinia
Archaeological museum of Messinia: Open to the public from 20:00 to 23:00. Storytelling by Theodora Psevtea at 20:00 in the Benaki building at Benaki/Papazoglou 6. Musical performance by the band Moraitis at 21:00.

Ancient Mieza
Aristotle School: Music by jazz/ethnic quartet, accompanied by visual art.

Mystras
Archaeological site of Mystras: Music concert.

Nafplio
Palamidi Fortress: ‘Under the moonlight’ music concert in Ag. Andrea square.

Nea Plevrona
Archaeological site of Nea Plevrona: Open to the public.

Olympia
Archaeological site of Olympia: Open to the public.
Museum of Ancient Olympia: Music performance.

Ouranopoli
Zigou Monastery: Concert by Aristotelis string quartet, plus screening of short film called “The Byzantine belfry of Vatopedi monastery.”

Paramythia (Epirus)
Archaeological site of Elea

Parga/Preveza
Archaeological site of Kassopi: Concert by Monica in collaboration with the Preveza Cinema Club.*

Patra
Archaeological museum of Patra: Open from 20:00 to midnight.
Fortress of Rio: Open to the public.
Patra Castle: Open to the public.

Pella
Archaeological site of Pella: Music and songs of the Eastern Mediterranean by Ex Oriente Lux.

Philippi
Archaeological site of Philippi: “Songs with a full moon,” folk music performance with piano.

Pydna
Archdiocese of Byzantine Pydna: Open from 21:00 to midnight.

Pylos
Acropoli of Fortress Pylos: Theatrical performance of the “Birds of Aristophanes.”

Sami (in Peloponnese)
Archaeological site of Sami: Music performance.

Stratos
Archaeological site of Stratos: Orchestra music.

Trikala
Byzantine Castle: Concert by “Vasilis Tsitsanis” orchestra, performing program inspired by Manos Hadjidakis.

Vergina
Royal Tombs of Aigai/Vergina: Traditional music in museum courtyard.

Veria
Archaeological museum of Veria: Music concert.
Byzantine Museum: Classical music concert in the courtyard.

Viotia
Courtyard near the Archaeological remains of Thespia (Aliartos): Music performance.

Volos
Athanasakeio Archaeological Museum of Volos: Open all day until 1:00 in the morning on August 31. Educational tours in the morning; musical journey called “Sempre Viva” and “Ionia” under the light of the full moon in the courtyard on September 1.

Xanthi
Archaeological site of Abdera: Presentation of historical events and how to view the stars and night sky.

Greek Islands

Amorgos
Archaeological Collection of Amorgos: Open 21:00 to midnight. Music program entitled “The moon and love,” plus music by Yannis Ritsos at 23:00.

Andros
Archaeological museum of Andros: Open 21:00 to midnight, with music by Yannis Ritsos at 22:00 and 23:00.

Chios
Archaeological site of Eboria: Presentation by archaeologists Despina Tsardaki and Stamatis Krimigis, plus visitors will be invited to view the moon with telescopes, in cooperation with Astronomy Association.
Archaeological site of Archontiki, Psara Island: Open until midnight.
Byzantine Museum/Metzitie Mosque: Open to the public.
Castle/Fortress of Chios: Building ‘Dark Prison’, Justinian Palace and Ottoman Baths will be open to the public.

Corfu/Kerkyra
Ancient Fortress: Evening of poetry in cooperation with the municipal theater.

Crete
Archaeological site of Aptera: Music performance, “Notes of Muses and Sirens.”
Archaeological site of Malia: Music performance.
Knossos archaeological site: Open from 21:30 to 1:00.

Evia
Archaeological museum of Eretria: Exhibition with paintings by Spyros Vasileios and other artists; music event in the courtyard, with young artists of Eretria in collaboration the local conservatory.
Fort Karababa: Site and exhibition space open from 19:00 to midnight, with music from 20:00 to 23:00 in collaboration with the Marsyas Conservatory of Halkida.

Ikaria
Archaeological Collection of Kambo: Open 21:00 to midnight. Music by Yannis Ritsos at 22:00 and 23:00.
Archaeological museum of Ag. Kirikos: Open 21:00 to midnight. Music by Yannis Ritsos at 22:00 and 23:00.

Ios
Archaeological museum of Ios: Music by Yannis Ritsos at 22:00 and 23:00.

Kea (Tzia)
Archaeological museum of Kea: Open 21:00 to midnight. “The moon and love” performed by Kea Music School, plus music by Yannis Ritsos at 23:00.

Kimolos
Archaeological museum of Kimolos: Music by Yannis Ritsos at 22:00 and 23:00.

Kos
Hamman Baths: Open to the public.
Roman Odeon of Kos: Kali Vrysi archaeological site to feature local bands, plus guitar/violin performance by Duo Duente.

Kythera
Castle/Fortress: Open to the public until midnight.

Lemnos
Archaeological site of Poliochni: Open until midnight.
Temple of Kaveirio archaeological site: Open until midnight.

Lesvos
Archaeological site of Messa: Open until midnight.
Mithymna Castle: Open until midnight.
Mytilini Castle: Open until midnight.
Prehistoric settlement of Thermi: Open until midnight.

Milos
Archaeological museum of Milos: “The moon and love” performed by Milos Music School, with Vangelis Mandylas on piano. Music by Yannis Ritsos at 23:00.

Mykonos
Archaeological museum of Mykonos: “The moon and love” performed by Notis Maroudis and Dimitris Finnis Music school students. Music by Yannis Ritsos at 23:00.

Naxos
Archaeological site of Yria: Music performance by Maria Anamaterou. Music by Yannis Ritsos at 23:00.

Paros
Archaeological museum of Paros: Performance of “The moon and love,” plus music and songs by Greek/foreign composers performed by Stella Skordaleli and David Kalisi on piano. Music by Yannis Ritsos at 23:00.

Patmos
Nicolaides Mansion: Open to the public.

Poros
Sanctuary of Poseidon archaeological site: Piano recital.

Rhodes
Archaeological museum of Rodos: Music performance featuring 100 erotic sonnets by Pablo Neruda.
Medieval Moat Theater: Open to the public.
Palace of the Grand Masters of Knights: Open to the public.

Samos
Archaeological site of Heraion: Performance of “The moon and love.” Music by Yannis Ritsos at 23:00.
Archaeological museum of Pythagora: Performance of “The moon and love.” Music by Yannis Ritsos at 23:00.
Archaeological museum in Vathi: Performance of “The moon and love.” Music by Yannis Ritsos at 23:00.

Samothrace
Sanctuary of Great Gods: Savina Yannatou will perform.

Santorini
Akrotiri archaeological site: Music performed by Mariza Koch, plus songs of Sappho and traditional music of the Cyclades and Crete. Music by Yannis Ritsos at 23:00.

Sifnos
Archaeological museum of Sifnos: Music performance by Maria Farantouri at 22:00 and at 23:00. Readings featuring work of Yannis Ritsos and Melina Merkouri.
Kastro, near ancient walls: Theatrical performance.

Syros
Archaeological museum of Syros: Music at 22:00 and 23:00.

Thassos
Ancient Agora: Open to the public.

Tinos
Archaeological site of Kionia: Music at 22:00 and 23:00.

Plagiarism Note

This post was plagiarized by the EOT on August 13, 2011 and appeared on the official tourism website visitgreece.gr with no attribution or link. After filing a formal complaint with indisputable evidence under the DMCA, it was not removed but changed slightly with no admission of responsibility or apology.

Sources

“Κλειστή η Ακρόπολη στην Αυγουστιάτικη πανσέληνο” — Eleftherotypia
“Greece by moonlight”
“Acropolis closed for full moon night” — Kathimerini
“Κλειστή η Ακρόπολη την Πανσέληνο του Αυγούστου” — SKAI
“Πανσέληνος με μελωδίες στο Μουσείο Ακρόπολης” — To Vima
“Πρόγραμμα εκδηλώσεων για την Πανσέληνο” — YPPO Press Release
“«Στο φως του φεγγαριού» 120 μνημεία σε όλη την Ελλάδα” — Naftemporiki
“Πανσέληνος με ανοιχτά μουσεία και αρχαιολογικούς χώρους” — To Vima
“Αυγουστιάτικη πανσέληνος στον πεζόδρομο της Πανδρόσου” — To Vima
“Πικ -νικ με μουσική και σινεμά” — To Vima
“Ανοιχτά απόψε μουσεία και αρχαιολογικοί χώροι για την αυγουστιάτικη πανσέληνο” — Ta Nea
Sources linked above

Related posts

“Pros and cons of Athens in August”
“Roasting season has begun”
“O klimatismos dude no cometh”

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