The event is taking place in Milos, a unique, beautifull, full of history Island in Greece.
Milos is a mill of colours and shapes
Milos is a volcanic island full of colourful landscapes , located in the southwest of the Aegean sea. The island was formed millions of years ago when lava erupted from the Earth. The cooled volcanic layers created unique shapes and colours along the coasts , resulting in a diverse and breathtaking scenery. Sarakiniko and Kleftiko , which were once hideouts of Aegean pirates, feature distinctive white rocks, when Kastanas and Paliochori vibrant red, yellow and green volcanic layers.
There is also , the Cape of Vani where black and purple volcanic rocks stand out, as you enter the bay.
The valuable minerals of Milos
Milos is known for its valuable minerals, mined since ancient times. First, they extracted obsidian (a volcanic glass), many years later sulfur, betonite, perlite, pozzolan, kaolin and more. The Aggeria mine in Pollonia is one of the biggest bentonite mines in the world, extracting around one million tons each year.
Milos is the birthplace of the Cycladic culture
The initial settlement Phylakopi, situated on the north side of the island, dates back to the Bronze Age. Its growth was mainly based on the mining and trade of obsidian. An important archaeological discovery in this area is the "Lady of Phylakopi", a ceramic statuette typical of that era. After the destruction of Phylakopi, the settlement of Klima was established on the east side of the island’s bay, thriving during the archaic and classical periods. Near Klima , there is the monumental ancient theater from the Roman era, which has been partially restored and offers a captivating journey back in time to ancient Milos. The theater is strategically placed for a breathtaking view of the bay.
Aphrodite of Milos
The marble statue of Aphrodite, dating back to the Hellenistic era, is 2.02 metres tall and weighs 900 kilograms. Aphrodite was the goddess of beauty and love in Ancient Greece. The statue is renowned for its beauty and artistic harmony and was found in the area of the ancient city near Klima in 1820 by a farmer. French officers bought the statue, transporting it to France. Today, this famous statue of Aphrodite is showcased as one of the most significant exhibits at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Milos is a holy island
Milos holds spiritual significance as a holy island because of the Catacombs that are situated in the area of the ancient city. These Catacombs are among the most important early Christian monuments, extending for a length of 184 meters. Functioning as a place of worship and a communal burial ground, approximately 8,000 Christians were interred here from the 1st to the 7th century AD. These underground arcades, carved into the volcanic rock ,serve as a testament to the island’s rich religious history . Unfortunately, only a limited section of them is accessible to the public today.