European Cultural Centre of Delphi

[1][2] The first thoughts and discussions started in the 1930s when, in the aftermath of the Delphic Festivals (1927 & 1930), the Parliament and the Senate passed a law providing for the establishment and organization of an International Intellectual Cooperation Centre of Peoples similar to the "treasures" of the ancient Greek city of Delphi.

The Conference Centre and the Guesthouse were built in the mid-1960s, designed by Kostas Kitsikis and Anthony Lampakis, and are a typical architectural example of the Modern Movement.

The facilities are an elegant architectural ensemble of autonomous discrete buildings that follow the natural slope of the mountain, with large windows and patios.

[5] The annual central event of the European Cultural Centre of Delphi is usually organized during the first ten days of July and includes an international scientific symposium and artistic program (theater, music, visual arts, dance performances, documentaries etc.).

The fourteen International Meetings on Ancient Greek Drama, from 1985[2] until today, constitute some of the most prestigious events of the European Cultural Centre of Delphi were.

The International Meetings on Ancient Greek Drama are a multi-dimensional programme combining the theoretical approach to theatre with selected theater productions and theatrical education.

[6] The first group of art works was obtained during the International Meeting of Sculpture (August 1994) when 11 famous European artists created their respective artworks in situ.

[7][8] The collection includes creations by famous Greek and foreign artists (paintings, engravings, constructions) that were either acquired by the ECCD or were obtained through international Fine Arts Meetings and exhibitions.

The educational programme with duration of two weeks includes teaching of ancient Greek language through computers for the study and research of philosophical texts and analysis of arguments.

[8] The National Student Debate Contests are organised jointly with the Ministry of Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs and aim at the promotion of critical thought among young people and the development of their skills in public speaking and arguments.

For the construction of the pipes, archaeologist and Professor at the University of Thessaloniki Dimitris Pantermalis and his associates followed closely the archaeological findings of the Hydraulis of Dion.

In the following 15 years the Hydraulis was presented in many places both in Greece and abroad (Tokyo and Shizuoka, for the events of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Greece and Japan – Athens Concert Hall – Hannover, EXPO 2000 – Madrid, 2nd International Exhibition "Madrid por la Ciencia" – London, Queen Elizabeth Hall – Italy, Croton – Stockholm, Medelhavsmuseet – Washington D.C., The Corcoran Gallery, Archaeological Museum of Delphi etc.