Caryatid Porch undergoing Restoration by Lasers and Ultrasound
Friday November 14, 2008
If you've visited the Parthenon lately, you may have noticed what appears to be a glassed-in area behind the reproduction Caryatid statues. It turns out that this isn't a newly-created office space, but instead is a temporary chamber allowing high-tech analysis and cleaning of the interior walls and ceiling of the area. The tools include combining different types of laser beams after analyzing the walls using ultrasound. The results on part of the Parthenon itself are extraordinary, revealing long-lost traces of color and even some inscriptions which were invisible under decades of dirt, soot, and pollution.
The technology is a home-grown one developed by Crete's Foundation for Research and Technology. The initial process is expected to be complete in about a year, but continued treatments will remove additional pollutants as they are deposited on the marble.
The Atlantida villas Villas is a charming and lovely hotel. It has a fabulous location, with wonderful views and a simply gorgeous pool area. As is typical in Oia, the rooms are cave houses built into the side of the island. The rooms could use some updating, especially the mattresses, but they are still clean and pretty. They each have their own
private terrace overlooking the Caldera. Waking up to that view is a fabulous way to greet the morning. The bathrooms, like those in most of the Oia hotels, are tiny.
Santorini & Hotel Oia & Oia Santorini hotel &
Atlantida villas & Oia hotel
check the link for to seek more information about this hotel
But if you are looking for a grand bathroom, Santorini is really the wrong place for you. The hotel has the perfect location – walking distance to town but not in the middle of the tourist crush. The staff is warm and wonderful. They are extremely accomodating and dealt well with our big, noisy and demanding group. They assisted us in chartering a boat for a wonderful private tour around the Caldera. One great amenity is the computer with internet access set up in the lobby, it is perfect for travelers who must check their email. One member of our party had been concerned that the hotel would not be nice, since it was so much less expensive than Katikes or Perivola, but it was lovely, if not as fancy. It is simply an amazing value. We were sorry to leave and look forward to returning.