C.I.R.C.E. Handbook

Table of Contents

Introduction …………4

Walking in the footsteps of the Ancient Greeks……5
The Old Parliament. ………………6
Ancient Agora…………………………7
Temple of Hephaestus……………8
Lysicrates Choragic monument………9
Theatre of Dionysus…………10

Walking in the footsteps of the Ancient Romans…….11
Arch of Janus......12
Forum Boarium…..13
The Jeweish Ghetto…..14
Forum Holitorium…..15
The Catacombs and the Hermitage..…16

Walking in the footsteps of the Saxons...…17
Werner House ...……18
Market square….…19
The Cathedral …………...20
Bernward doors and Christ’s column……21
St. Michael’s cathedral …22

Walking in the footsteps of the Norse..…23
Glimmingehus stronghold……24
The Rock curvings………25
St. Nikolai church.………26
Simris Runestone…………27
Ales Stenar…………………28

Walking in the footsteps of the Ottomans..………..29
Topkapi palace………………30
Bosporus bridge……………31
Hagia Sophia ………………32
Galata Tower………………33
Maiden's Tower…………34

C.I.R.C.E. Handbook

5 cities - 5 cultures

Introduction to the C.I.R.C.E. cultural Handbook

This is a handbook created by the students of 5 secondary education schools of 5 different European cities, which are Hildesheim (Germany), Simrishamn (Sweden), Athens (Greece), Istanbul (Turkey), Morlupo (Italy), as part of the C.I.R.C.E. Erasmus+ programme (2019-1-IT02-KA229-062148).

It contains 5 cultural itineraries, one for each of the 5 cities, emphasizing on diversity and on some of the most important monuments and sites regarding certain aspects of the life of the people living in these cities, such as politics, economy, religion, art and intangible heritage.

The aim of the handbook is not only to promote the cultural heritage of the 5 cities but also to celebrate the common European values of 5 cultures that are historically connected with these cities, namely the Saxons, the Norse, the Ancient Greeks, the Ottomans and the Ancient Romans.

5 cities - 5 cultures

In this Erasmus+ programme more than 100 students and 20 teachers from 5 European schools were the beneficiaries. Through team work and innovative educational activities they strengthened their European identity and common cultural heritage and they produced concrete educational results like the C.I.R.C.E. cultural handbook you are holding.

Are you ready to walk in the footsteps of ancient peoples?

Athens: The Old Parliament

The Old Parliament Building is located on Stadiou Street, in the square where the statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis, Commander-in-Chief of the Revolution of 1821, is also situated. The building is an architectural jewel in the centre of Athens and one of the most historic buildings of the city.

This neo-classical building was the first permanent residence of the Greek Parliament. Queen Amalia laid its foundation stone in 1858, and it was built according to the plans of Francois Boulanger, which were later modified by the Greek architect Panayotis Kalkos. Trademark of the building are the two Ionic porticos in front of the two entrances (north and south) and the pediments, both of them architectural elements that derive from ancient Greece. The Greek Parliament sat in the Old Parliament Building from 1875 to 1932.

Political sphere

Athens: Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora of Athens is the best-known example of an ancient Greek agora, located near the Acropolis. The Agora was the heart of ancient Athens, the focus of political, commercial, administrative and social activity, the religious and cultural centre, and the seat of justice.

The Agora's initial use was commercial, a market place. Soon it became synonymous with democracy because it was one of the main places in which the Athenians implemented their rights as citizens (500 member Boule, courts, public offices), alongside the Pnyx hill and the Theater of Dionysus. Ruins of many buildings of the Athenian democracy and economy can still be seen in the area. One of them has been restored: The marvelous Stoa of Attalos, a massive 2 story market place of ancient Athens, donated by the Greek king Attalos. Today it hosts a museum.

Economic sphere

Religious sphere

Athens: Temple of Hephaestus

On top of Agoraios Kolonos hill stands the temple of Hephaestus, known as Theseion. It is one of the best preserved ancient temples. Two deities were jointly worshipped in the temple: god Hephaestus, protector of all metallurgists, and goddess Athena Ergani, protector of all potters and the cottage industries. The temple was probably erected in 449 BC.

On the exterior it was surrounded by a Doric colonnade having 6 columns on the narrow sides and 13 columns on the longer sides. The entire building was made of marble produced in the quarries of Pendeli mountain (in Attica). On the interior of the cella was a two-part colonnade forming the letter Π and at the far end was a pedestal, that supported the bronze ceremonial statues of Hephaestus and Athena, created by the sculptor Alkamenis. The sculptural decoration of the temple depict the feats of Hercules and Theseus, the major Athenian hero.

Religious sphere

Athens: Lysicrates Choragic monument

It is a Choragic monument erected on the west side of the Street of the Tripods, by Lysikrates, in 335/34 B.C., according to an inscription preserved on the architrave. The circular building rests on a square podium of poros stone and consists of six Corinthian columns of Pentelic marble alternating with panels of Hymettian marble. The columns are among the earliest examples of the use of the Corinthian order in Athens.

It was created by a sponsor (“chorigos” in Greek) as a celebration for a victory in a contest of theatrical plays (tragedies) that were common in ancient Athens. Many such monuments would stand nearby during ancient times, across the road called the Street of the Tripods bearing “tripods” name. Tripods were the prizes awarded to the sponsor whose “chorus” won the contest in festivals, such as the “city’s Dionysia” festival. A bronze tripod, now missing, was placed on top of this monument.

Artistic sphere

Intangible Heritage sphere