In a vibrant exchange rooted in the Erasmus+ program, the General High School of Monemvasia welcomed 13 students and their accompanying teachers, Mr. Massimo Cazzulo and Ms. Elena Strengacci, from the Tito Livio Classical Lyceum in Milan between April 20 and April 24, 2026. This five-day experience was packed with educational, cultural, and experiential activities, showcasing the dynamic role of Erasmus+ as a tool for education and connection.
The arrival of the Italian guests coincided with the celebration of Monemvasia’s patron saint, the Virgin Mary Chrysofitis. Their participation in this significant religious and cultural event allowed them to engage with local traditions and sentiments, fostering respect for diversity and enhancing their understanding of cultural identity.
On the second day, the Milanese students immersed themselves in the school’s daily routines, attending classes, interacting with peers, and sharing experiences. A highlight was a hands-on workshop in the Chemistry laboratory, where they collaboratively produced soap from olive oil. This activity bridged theoretical knowledge with practical application, emphasizing the importance of sustainable resource management. Their day concluded with a traditional treat offered by the Parents and Guardians Association, demonstrating ongoing support for school initiatives.
The afternoon included a visit to the historic Kinsterna Hotel, an architectural gem with roots extending from Byzantine to Venetian and Ottoman eras. Participants experienced a place where history, nature, and human activity coexist harmoniously. Discussions centered on water, which had sustained the community for centuries, seamlessly connecting past practices with contemporary environmental management concepts.
Day three focused on history and cultural heritage with visits to Mystras, a key Byzantine monument in Greece, and the Olive and Greek Oil Museum in Sparta. Walking through the cobbled pathways of the medieval town, students explored a site that had served as a vital political, spiritual, and cultural center, reinforcing the continuity of Greek history and its contributions to European cultural identity.
At the Olive Museum, the students engaged deeply with the exhibits and interactive presentations about the history of the olive tree, discovering both traditional and modern oil production methods, while gaining a better understanding of the relationship between people and nature.
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the trip to Tsimbidis Winery highlighted the significance of viticulture in the local economy, while discussions on Malvasia wine underscored the historical and cultural connections linking Mediterranean peoples. The afternoon featured sports activities and group discussions back at school, where students from mixed teams exchanged opinions on environmental issues, culture, and contemporary youth life.
The final day dedicated to literature and culture celebrated World Book Day with a guest appearance by poet and prose writer Anna Griva, connecting students to contemporary literary creation and the power of language.
Furthermore, students took on the role of guides during a visit to the Castle, showcasing significant landmarks and participating in a literary walk dedicated to poet Yiannis Ritsos. The school director spoke about Ritsos’ life and work, culminating in a poignant moment as students recited poems in both Greek and Italian, fostering deep cultural connections.
The visit concluded with a tour of the Yiannis Ritsos Museum and the presentation of certificates and commemorative gifts, encapsulating a week full of meaningful experiences and lasting memories.
In a joint statement, the Principal of the high school, Maria Kountouri, and Erasmus Coordinator, Matina Jerefu, asserted: «This hospitality was not merely a series of activities, but a profound human experience. Through coexistence, collaboration, and shared memories, participants developed language, social, and intercultural skills, enhancing their European consciousness and cultivating values of respect, acceptance, and solidarity.»
The collaboration with the Milanese school remains vibrant and evolving, with a shared goal of creating new opportunities for learning, exchange, and creativity.
