1 Aug. 2018
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Foundation of the social cooperative enterprise Vamvakou Revival
The organization Vamvakou Revival was established by a group of young people with origins from Vamvakou and with strong bonds with the village, with the guidance and financial support of Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). This long journey, though, had started earlier on, as the first contact with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) had taken place in 2017, while the dreams and first attempts of the young people to...
12 Dec. 2018
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Announcement of the initiative by SNF
Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) made an official announcement of the initiation of the Vamvakou Revival initiative. Before that, a meeting with the permanent and temporary residents of Vamvakou had taken place in the coffee shop of the village. The attendants were informed about what would be happening in the village during the period to follow and were introduced to the Vamvakou Revival team, responsible for the revival of...
13 Mar. 2019
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Something is starting to change…
The team of Vamvakou Revival settles in the village, at the Community Office of Vamvakou. At the same time, the first buildings of the school and the building of – the future – café-restaurant Voureiko started being renovated.
19 May. 2019
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1st Voluntary Cleanup
Vamvakou Revival, in collaboration with the Cultural Association Nea Zoi and the Municipal Community of Vamvakou, organized a voluntary cleanup which eventually became an institution. We planted flowers, cleaned streets, fountains and alleys, before ending up in the village to have a bite all together. A big thank you to all the volunteers!
31 May. 2019
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Vamvakou Revival gets its visual identity
The project of Vamvakou Revival gets its own visual identity and Vamvakou Revival its own logo: a hand holding a cotton flower. The hand symbolizes unity and the cotton flower the village as such, a reference to the root of its name which probably derives from the word cotton [vamvaki in Greek].
1 Jul. 2019
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Reopening of the school
After 11 years of silence, the school of Vamvakou opened its doors again, but in a different way. For three weeks (1-19/07), 90 students from the wider area of Lakonia visited Vamvakou and participated in Sports Paths, a program promoting sports culture. Vamvakou Revival and the NGO Regeneration & Progress joined forces and realized the program for the first time in Vamvakou, with the exclusive support of Stavros...
1 Jul. 2019
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New basketball court in the school yard
A new basketball court was created in the school of Vamvakou by Vamvakou Revival, equipped with sports gear, as part of the initiative to revive the village with the exclusive support of Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).
1 Jul. 2019
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The Paths of Vamvakou open to the public!
Two hiking trails, making up a network of paths of almost 13 miles, and three cycling routes of a total of 16 miles, crossing the West side of Mount Parnonas around the village, were created and signaled according international standards by Vavmakou Revival, as part of the initiative to revive the village with the exclusive support of Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).
1 Jul. 2019
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New playground, off the square
The space off the square of Vamvakou was shaped in such a way to host a new modern playground for toddlers. At the same time, a wooden table football, an outdoor chess set and gym equipment were installed for older children by Vamvakou Revival, as part of the initiative to revive the village with the exclusive support of Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The space belongs to the municipality...
11 Jul. 2019
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Opening of Voureiko café-restaurant
In just a few months, an old abandoned building in the square, at the heart of Vamvakou, was revamped. Many believed that the building would be demolished, but instead it was renovated and is now a real jewel for the village. Its ground floor now serves as a restaurant – just like in the past – and the first floor and veranda host a café. Its name? Voureiko!...
13 Jul. 2019
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Why are roots important? How easy is it to go back to them? On Saturday July, 13, in response to the Vamvakou Revival Project, the Dialogues of Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) traveled to Vamvakou and brought forward the theme of revival of places through technology, innovation and extroversion, while respecting each place and its traditions. It was a day of celebration with several activities for everyone, which signaled...
13 Jul. 2019
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The mountain race Vamvakou Mountain Run was realized for the first time on the Parnonas mountain range, with the village of Vamvakou serving as the starting point and finish line. The sports event was incorporated into the Vamvakou Revival initiative, realized with the guidance and financial support of Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It attracted about 500 runners to the village of Vamvakou. The Run was organized by the...
13 Jul. 2019
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Revival of the open-air cinema
The art of cinema came to Greece the same time with the rest of Europe; in 1896. In the summer of 1900, screenings started taking place in the coffee shops of Syntagma square in Athens. Three decades later, in 1930, the first open-air cinema started operating in the yard of the school of Vamvakou. Today, Vamvakou Revival revives the mobile open-air cinema on new and contemporary grounds, as...
19 Okt. 2019
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V.Lab (Vamvakou Technology Lab fully powered by SNF) is here!
V.Lab (Vamvakou Technology Lab fully powered by SNF) is by now a reality: an ultra-modern STEAM center at the village of Vamvakou, ran by Vamvakou Revival and designed as an initiative with the exclusive support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Starting from Saturday October, 19, a modern and innovative technological center is operating in the village of Vamvakou at Lakonia, fully equipped with top-notch 3D printers, interactive...
10 Okt. 2019
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V.Lab opened its doors and welcomed young and older prospective scientists on a day dedicated to technology and innovation. Visitors had the chance to get informed about the sessions available and their content, choose the ones that suit them best and talk with professors about their interests and skills. Also, CTY (Center for Talented Youth) Greece of Anatolia Greece – founded with the support of Stavros Niarchos Foundation...
27 Jan. 2020
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Oros ensemble – residency program for musicians in Vamvakou
A new hub of culture and art was born in Vamvakou, with the contribution of the Greek National Opera (GNO) and the support of Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). A group of young musicians, living and working in Greece and abroad, created the music group Oros ensemble. The musicians live for a specific period of time in the village, hosted by the residency program realized by Vamvakou Revival, as...
12 Jan. 2020
close ![Commencement of works on the agri-food sector]()
Commencement of works on the agri-food sector
The process of research on prospects for the development and enhancement of the agri-food sector in Parnonas started with new collaborations and the support of Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). On Sunday January, 12, Vamvakou Revival, in collaboration with the program New Agriculture for a New Generation, organized the first series of meetings with local producers of aromatic and medicinal plants and stock breeders. The program involved on-the-spot visits,...
17 May. 2020
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Invitation for voluntary cleanup
Vamvakou Revival, in collaboration with all the local bodies – the Municipal Community of Vamvakou, the Cultural Association “Nea Zoi” and the Athens Association of the People of Vamvakou – invites you to meet up on Sunday 17/05 and Sunday 24/05 in order to clean up municipal roads, cobbled streets, fountains, church yards, our square, Kato Vrisi, Stathmos Sygkiniseos, as well as our own yards!
13 Apr. 2020
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Online programs for everyone: From Vamvakou… to your home
During the COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, Vamvakou Revival offered online programs and shared engaging content to stay connected with its audience. Through the screen, the team shared online DIY workshops, coding classes, astronomy, folklore, local traditions, and much more. We invited the public on new journeys of the mind and shared experiences that brought them closer to the place and its people, filling them with anticipation for their...
14 May. 2020
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Restoration Works at the Library Completed
The conservation and restoration of the school and Vamvakou Local Community’s archival materials and books have been completed with the support of our partner, Babis Leggas, as part of the Vamvakou Revival initiative, made possible through the exclusive donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The school library is now also part of the Greek Libraries Network. Open to the public, it invites you to explore its collection...
13 Jul. 2020
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Holistic Development Plan in Collaboration with TOPOSOPHY
Vamvakou Revival, in collaboration with TOPOSOPHY, a place-making and destination marketing agency, developed a holistic plan for the development, management, and promotion of Vamvakou as a destination. As part of this process, we gathered and studied international best practices, along with research and feedback from local residents and stakeholders. At the same time, the area’s infrastructure and available resources were assessed, while a strategic development framework and key...
19 Jul. 2020
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Vamvakou Gets Its Own Outdoor Works of Art in Collaboration with ARTWORKS
Three talented young visual artists have created contemporary murals, bringing new life and an artistic perspective to public spaces throughout the village. Iason Megoulas (aka Cacao Rocks), Alexandros Simopoulos, and Pavlos Tsakonas, all Fellows of the 1st ARTWORKS Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Artist Support Program, explored Vamvakou and learned about its history before transforming a range of surfaces—from an old storage building to overlooked and otherwise unremarkable walls—into vibrant...
1 Okt. 2020
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Supporting Agricultural Development in Vamvakou, Laconia and Mount Parnon with New Agriculture for a New Generation
A new initiative to support agri-food activities has been launched in the wider Vamvakou and Laconian Parnon area, through a collaboration between Vamvakou Revival and New Agriculture for a New Generation, as part of the Vamvakou Revival initiative and our broader commitment to strengthening the local area. The first cycle of meetings began in January 2020 with on-site meetings with local farmers, producers, and livestock breeders from the surrounding...
15 May. 2021
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Inauguration of “Ruga of Vamvakou Homes”
A new guesthouse has opened its doors, adding a new dimension to the Vamvakou visitor experience. Another part of the village is being brought back to life through the restoration of three traditional houses, transformed into a stylish guesthouse thanks to the exclusive donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), as part of the Vamvakou Revival initiative. Each room bears the name of a woman from Vamvakou’s past:...
10 Jul. 2021
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Vamvakou Welcomes NYU
Seven students from New York University (NYU), accompanied by their professor and poet, Major Jackson, visited Vamvakou as part of a residency programme organized by Vamvakou Revival in collaboration with NYU, within the framework of the Vamvakou Revival initiative and with the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The group found a peaceful and inspiring environment for study and writing. During their stay, they met local residents,...
3 Sep. 2021
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1st Vamvakou Experience Festival
That summer brought with it hope: hope for a return to normality, a return to nature, a return to ourselves, a return to life. For three days, visitors and friends of Vamvakou came together for a vibrant celebration filled with authentic Vamvakou experiences, as part of the village’s Revival initiative, made possible through the exclusive donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The 2021 Vamvakou Experience Festival had...
4 Dec. 2021
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Mariza Rizou Concert & Christmas Tree Lighting
On a winter evening filled with festive spirit, we gathered once again in the village’s central square to light the Christmas tree, at an event organized by Vamvakou Revival as part of the Vamvakou Revival initiative, made possible through the exclusive donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). Soap bubbles, face painting, sweet treats, hot chocolate, glühwein, smiles, and Christmas melodies set the scene before Mariza Rizou and...
1 Feb. 2022
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Opening of the Traditional Vamvakou Guesthouse
Another guesthouse is here to enrich the Vamvakou experience! The historic guesthouse, which had ceased operations in 2017, has been brought back to life as part of the Vamvakou Revival initiative, made possible through the exclusive donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The building, originally a traditional village mansion, was transformed into a guesthouse and belongs to the Association of Vamvakou Residents Worldwide, “I Vamvakou.” It was...
6 Jun. 2022
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1st Vamvakou Sport Summer Camp
The carefree summers of childhood in the village came back to life at the Vamvakou Sport Summer Camp, organized in collaboration with the non-profit organization “Regeneration & Progress,” as part of the Vamvakou Revival initiative, made possible through the exclusive donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). For two weeks, children from Sparta and the surrounding area enjoyed a four-hour daily programme filled with authentic Vamvakou experiences in nature,...
14 Jan. 2023
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V.Lab Launches Its Virtual Reality and PC Gaming Zone
V.Lab (Vamvakou Technology Lab, fully powered by SNF) is taking the digital experience to the next level, offering visitors the chance to explore virtual reality every weekend. With Oculus Quest 2 headsets, Virtual Reality becomes Vamvakou’s Reality, opening up endless possibilities for exploring immersive three-dimensional worlds. At the same time, the new PC Gaming Zone is ready for those who simply can’t leave their favorite video games behind—not...
21 Feb. 2023
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Weather Station Installed in Vamvakou
At the next tone, the temperature in Vamvakou will be 13°C… Vamvakou Revival is pleased to announce the installation of a weather station at the village school, in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters (IMBRIW) of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR). The weather station and the systematic recording of local weather conditions will provide valuable information to the local community, particularly...
3 Mar. 2023
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Kick-off Meeting of the 1st Vamvakou Incubator Support & Hosting Cycle
On Friday, March 3, 2023, the kick-off meeting of the Vamvakou Incubator took place, marking both the launch of the incubator’s operations and the beginning of a new entrepreneurial community bringing together creative forces with the Peloponnese at its heart. The meeting was held at Vamvakou’s school and brought together the programme participants—including aspiring entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs, and business teams—along with Impact Hub Athens and Vamvakou Revival partners. Participants...
20 Mar. 2023
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Installation of a State-of-the-Art Platform Lift in Vamvakou’s Central Square
Until recently, the village square was accessible only by stairs. Today, a state-of-the-art platform lift makes the square accessible to everyone, further enhancing accessibility and strengthening the village’s facilities and infrastructure. As part of its five-year initiative for the Revival of Vamvakou, and with the exclusive support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), Vamvakou Revival continues its efforts to make Vamvakou a destination accessible to all. All village...
3 Okt. 2023
close ![Vamvakou Welcomes Its First SNF Interns]()
Vamvakou Welcomes Its First SNF Interns
As part of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Internship Program, Vamvakou Revival welcomed two young women, Maria and Dora, who spent four months experiencing the village’s revival journey firsthand. Dora, from Athens, worked on the organization’s communications and marketing, while Maria, who came from California, supported the organization’s events and programmes. The two interns became part of everyday life in the village, taking part in the organization’s events...
30 Nov. 2024
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Vamvakou Santa School
In November 2024, the village was transformed into a magical holiday destination with the launch of the first-ever Vamvakou Santa School. The ice rink and spectacular inflatables took center stage, attracting 5,800 visitors who enjoyed the ultimate Christmas experience.
25 Aug. 2025
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Next Gen Vamvakou Camp
Following five successful summer camps, with hundreds of children creating and exploring in nature, Vamvakou Revival opens its arms and the village this year to 40 young people aged 12–18. For the first time, we are inviting them to a unique, five-day teen day camp filled with art, expression, nature, and authentic experiences. The camp will take place from August 25 to 29 in Vamvakou, Laconia, as part...
9 Apr. 2026
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Voureiko Café-Restaurant Renovation
Voureiko is open again—more beautiful, warmer, and more "yours and ours" than ever. We’ve kept everything you loved and added new touches to make every moment we share together truly special.