The document summarizes the natural heritage of Greece and the region of Attica. It describes Greece's diverse ecosystems and high levels of endemic plant and animal species. It notes that Attica contains 8 important protected ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and mountain areas. The Acropolis of Athens is highlighted for its unique flora and fauna, including owl, lizard, butterfly and plant species found nowhere else.

1. 1st Gymnasio of Neo Psychiko
Comenius project “ Be globally aware’’ 2010 –2012
2nd partners meeting N. Psychiko 10 - 15 December 2010
“Our Cultural and Natural heritage”
Our school is located in the region of Neo Psychiko. Neo Psychiko is a suburb in the northeastern part
of Athens in the peninsula of Attica. With a land area of 1.000 km², it is the third-smallest municipality in
Greece. Neo Psychiko was recognized as a separate community in 1946, and as a municipality in July
1982 . Our city is linked with the city of Athens by bus and the metro line no 3 (Egaleo - Airport). Near
our school is the metro station Holargos.
The first junior high school of New Psychiko was founded in 1963-64. It is sheltered in a new building which is
near an athletic centre. Students are from 12 to 15 years old, boys and girls.
The Lower Secondary Education, Gymnasio, lasts three years and each grade is divided in 3 classes. Its goal is to
promote the all-round development of the pupils’ abilities according to their age and to the demands of life.
Our school is a day school, courses start at 8:15 and finish at14:00.
During the academic year, the subjects taught are: Education, Ancient Greek Language, Ancient Greek Literature,
Modern Greek Language, Modern Greek Literature, History, Civics and Social Studies, English, French or German,
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Physical Education, Music, Arts, Home Economics, Com-
puter Science, Technology.

2. EPIDAURUS
by Vagionis Thanos and Kapantais Nikos C3
Epidaurus was a small city in ancient Greece, at the Saronic Gulf. The modern town of Epidau-
rus, part of the prefecture of Argolis, was built near the ancient site.
History
Epidaurus was independent of Argos and not included in Argolis until the time of the Romans.
With its supporting territory, it formed the small territory called Epidauria. Reputed to be the
birthplace of Apollo's son Asclepius, the healer, Epidaurus was known for his sanctuary situated
about five miles (8 km) from the town, as well as its theater, which is once again in use today.
The asclepieion at Epidaurus was the most celebrated healing center of the Classical world, the
place where ill people went in the hope of being cured. Even
after the introduction of Christianity and the silencing of the
oracles, the sanctuary at Epidaurus was still known as late as
the mid 5th century, as a Christian healing center.

3. The theater of Epidaurus
The main archaeological
site at Epidaurus is its
ancient theatre, one of
the many Greek achieve-
ments in terms of ancient
construction. Apart from
the symmetry and per-
fect proportions of this
Hellenistic structure, the
theatre is unique because
of its excellent state of
conservation, which al-
lows it to be still used for
performances. Another
distinctive feature of this construction its perfect acoustics. It is said that you could drop a pin
on the stage and it can be heard even if your are sitting in the top rows of the theater. This fea-
ture guarantees that all 14.000 spectators the theatre can hold enforcement hear every single
word from their seats
with no need of using
sound equipment.
Why you should visit Epidaurus
Epidaurus is one of the most beautiful places in Greece. During your visit in our country you
should go to Epidaurus because there you can admire both the modern life of a European town
and the Ancient Greek culture. The sanctuary of Asclepius was included in the world heritage
list in 1988. There you will have the opportunity to see one of the oldest and finest open-air
theatres of the world.

4. In the heart of Argolikos Gulf, there is a closely
guarded fabulous scenery with venetian elegance and
nobility, the city of Nafplio.
It is close to Athens (148 km SW.).
It's the main port of eastern Peloponnese

5. History of Nafplio
In ancient times Nafplio was known as
Nafplia. The city was named after the
son of Poseidon Nafplios.
During the Mycenaean period, the city
was a powerful marine state with a wall
on top of Acronauplia, which was later
declined and was abandoned.
During the Middle Age, Nafplion met
the domination of the Byzantines, the
Venetians and the Franks. The first built
the newer walls of Acronauplia on the
trails of “The Cyclopean" fortifications,
while the Venetians and Franks completed the walls and built the castles in Palamidi and Bourtzi.
 Nafplio is one of the most historical cities in Greece with buildings and
monuments that declare its rich past.
 It is characterized by its neoclassical buildings, old churches, historic, al
green squares and, of course, the castle of Palamidi and Bourtzi, the is-
land-fortress situated right in front of the city Nafplio.
 Some of the buildings of historical importance are the first Greek
school, next to St. George, the first chamber of the Greek Parliament,
the courts, the buildings around Syntagma Square and the Venetian
Arsenal, that now houses the archaeological museum.
Nafplio today
 The narrow streets of Nafplion, with the stone houses, the hill, the
narrow streets, with of stairs that lead to more neighburhoods with
fragrance from the flowering pots will charm you.
 You can enjoy the beautiful beach of Arvanitias during magnificent
sunsets.
 A ride on a carriage will guide you to dreamy places.
 Nafplio today provides everything as it is one of the most touristic
cities.
 You can be accommodated in luxurious hotels, where many celeb-
rities have stayed.

6. The Natural Heritage of our region.
The nature in Greece is of great diversity and variety.
The Hellenic flora comprises approximately 6,000 species and subspecies, of which 1,100 are endemics, i.e. they
don't grow anywhere else. The flora of Greece is unique in Europe for its richness and its large analogy of endemic
species in relation to its size. .
Equally rich is the variety of fauna species living, nesting, propagating or migrating in the Greek regions. The fauna
consists of a rich mixture of European, Asian and African species, including a considerable number, which are ex-
tensive.
The freshwater fish fauna is one of the richest in Europe: 107 species, of which 37 are endemic, in the standing and
running water systems of the country. Moreover, 40 endemic subspecies have been recorded.
There are also at least 18 species of amphibians and 59 species of reptiles, approximately 60% of which inhabit the
broader areas of the Greek wetlands.
About 407 bird species have been recorded, of which 240 nest in Greece. The mammals of Greece include 116 spe-
cies, of which 57 belong to IUCN endangered species categories.
Even though it's a relatively small land area, Greece contains an astonishing variety of ecosystems. Wetlands, old-
growth forests, fertile shallows, and thousands of islands contribute to Greece's biodiversity. Three quarters of the
country is mountainous. The mountains, yet unexplored, are very beautiful and full of life. They are covered with
thick gorgeous forests and give rise to some of the most spectacular views.
The combination of Greece's geographical location among three continents (Europe, Asia, Africa), its ideal Mediter-
ranean climate, intense relief, lacy beaches, thousands of islands and rich palaeogeographical history, has created
vital and unique habitats for Europe and the planet.
Nowadays intensive human activity threatens nature around the world. Many societies and non government or-
ganizations are working hard for the protection, conservation and sustainable development, collaborating with au-
thorities for a better future of the Greek nature.
In Attica there are 8 important ecosystems under protection.
 Vravrona’s Wetlands
 National Park of Sxinias-Marathon
 Oropos-Asopos estuaries
 Parnitha’s National Forest
 Sounio National Forest
 Acropolis area
 Aesthetic Forest of Kessariani-Ymittos
 Pendeli mountain

7. The Acropolis of Athens. Fauna and flora
by Miskala Loretta, Liousis Andonis, Vellopoulou Konstandina C2
The greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens,
dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess Athena,
dominates the centre of the modern city from the rocky
crag known as the Acropolis. The most celebrated myths
of ancient Athens, its greatest religious festivals, earliest
cults and several decisive events in the city's history are
all connected to this sacred location. The monuments of
the Acropolis stand in harmony with their natural set-
ting. These unique masterpieces of ancient architecture
combine the different orders and styles of Classical art
in a most innovative manner and have influenced art
and culture for many centuries. The Acropolis of the fifth century BC is the most accurate reflection of the splendor,
power and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak, the golden age of Pericles. In subsequent centuries the monu-
ments of the Acropolis suffered from both natural causes and human intervention. After the establishment of
Christianity and especially in the sixth century AD the temples were converted into Christian churches. Today the
Acropolis is a world heritage monument included in the UNESCO list.
In the area called Acropolis there are 5 locations important for their fauna & flora :
 The temple of Olympian Zeus
 The theatre of Herodes Atticus
 The Theatre of Dionysous
 Pnika
 The Ancient Agora
The area of Acropolis has a wide variety of species of fauna and flora ( about 500sp). Among them
are some very important habitats that make this ecosystem unique.
- The owl has been living since ancient times on the Acropolis. It is the symbol of the goddess
Athena and synonymous with wisdom science and wealth.
- The “crocodile” of the Acropolis is a small lizard.
We can observe a lot of different species of butterflies, reptiles such
as turtles, and many birds, depending on the season.

8. Flora
During a walk around in the Acropolis area , we can find daisies, mallow, poppies, chamomile,
capers and stink bombs, and two unique species Micromeria acropolitana and Akanthos.
- Micromeria acropolitana (Lamiaceae): a small pink flower, only 5 to 20 cm tall, It
was first collected in 1906 from the Acropolis, Athens and considered extinct until
its rediscovery in 2006, a hundred years later. It is threatened mostly by human ac-
tivities.
- Akanthos (Acanthus spinosus ) This is an endemic plant that inspired the ancient
Greeks to create the design of Corinthian order columns. The leaves, roots and
flowers of the plant are still used today in various ways to the prepare homemade
drugs.
- Olive tree : According to ancient Greek tradition, home of the olive is Athens
and the first olive tree was planted by goddess Athena on the Acropolis. This
tree is the symbol of the Greek ancient goddess named Athena. The Greeks
were the first people who cultivated the olive tree in the European Mediterra-
nean area.
Olive tree gives the olive oil, which is
essential for the Mediterranean
diet.