VENUES

The AKSS Foundation’s main purpose is to host conferences, educational seminars and cultural events in its premises in Spetses. It is governed by an Executive Committee, operating with complete independence and according to the rules governing Private Legal Entities.

History

The “Anargyrios and Korgialenios School of Spetses” (AKSS) is a historical and cultural heritage site on the island of Spetses.

It was established as an autonomous institution and operated as a college with an innovative educational system, according to the standards of Eton College with students coming from Greece and, to a large extent, from the Greek diaspora.

In 1983, the School of Spetses ceased its operation as a boarding school due to social reasons. After a three – year hiatus, it reopened its doors as an educational, cultural and athletic center for summer schools and conferences, attracting once again people from all over the world to Spetses. The School is just 2- 2,5 hours away from Athens, easily accessible by all sorts of transportation at any time, from land and sea.

Facilities

The main gate of AKSS facilities is located about 1.5 km northwest of the main port of Spetses and is located directly opposite the private dock of the school.

A unique space, spread over 120 acres, with excellent facilities, olive groves, a private pine forest, a beach front of about 600 meters and much more.

The campus consists of the main complex, with the central buildings and sports facilities, and the open – air theater. This is nested in the AKSS private pine forest up the hill, along a road that is lined with fragrant thyme, oregano, and throubi – a local and rare herb.

a) Training and conference facilities

Each year the equipped facilities of the School host a range of international scientific and professional conferences and other events, all organized to the highest standards, attracting important figures from the Greek and the international cultural, intellectual, artistic, and scientific communities.

The main buildings of the AKSS are five three- story buildings, characterized by the first five letters of the Greek, alphabet (Alpha – Beta -Gamma -Delta – Epsilon). ALPHA is the central building with the educational and common facilities and the four others are mainly dormitories. ΑΛΦΑ είναι το κεντρικό κτίριο με τις εκπαιδευτικές και λοιπές υποστηρικτικές υποδομές και τα τέσσερα άλλα αποτελούν κυρίως ξενοδοχειακά καταλύματα.

Two old buildings and non-functional buildings, the Machine Shop and Olive Press, complete the campus.

Building ALPHA has an area of approximately 1140 square meters and is suitably equipped to meet the demands of modern conferences, seminars, and summer schools. The interior of the Auditorium and its audio-visual technical facilities and staff services define it as one of the most remarkable centers that organize scientific and training activities in Greece.

On the first and second floor of Building ALPHA, there are classrooms with different capacities, designed with quality and character and capable of an internal connection to the Amphitheater (teleconference).

In addition, special offices are provided to facilitate the work of the managers and staff of each seminar.

The decorated cement tiles evoke memories of another era, while the marble step bear signs of long use and echo the joyous sounds of generations of students shuffling up and down the imposing staircase.

On the ground floor of Building GAMMA, one finds the “Museum”, an exhibition hall with a collection of the founder’s personal items, as well as many items, photos, scientific experiments, a large exhibit of minerals, maps and other things that were part of the school’s life.

The founder’s personal grand piano is available in the “Europe” room, which, having a capacity of more than 70 persons, is used for hosting special events.

Last, on the same level, one can meditate in the campus chapel.

b) external facilities

Theater

On the southern side of the AKSS campus visitors can admire the forest that surrounds the complex and discover the outdoor amphitheater, which has a capacity of about 800.

The view of the sea, together with all the shades of green, surround the theater that has all the architectural features of an ancient Greek theater.

The amphitheater is ideal for all kinds of performances, cultural and educational.

Concerts and theatrical performances take place throughout the year.

Among those, a place of honor is held by the Music Academy of the Anargyrios and Korgialenios School of Spetses (MAAKSS) which every year, in July, provides an educational platform for musical encounters where young adults are able to attend master classes of established international artists, as well as regular sessions to build their musical skills.

It also serves as a favorite venue for weddings or vow renewals.

A wonderful café under the trees             

“The Magus” café (in Building ALFA) is named after the famous book of well – known author John Robert Fowles, who was a teacher at AKSS some 70 years ago. It offers refreshments, snacks, and dining opportunities.

The silence of the area under the tall pine trees, the beautiful view of the Spetses Strait, the high – class service, as well as the culinary items offered, secure a unique place for relaxing parties, receptions, gatherings, in addition to studying.

In the same building, you can find a second large restaurant, which offers flavors of local Greek cuisine to guests and a wonderful view of the sea.

⮚ Extended sports facilities

The AKSS campus has great sports facilities, such as: ● soccer field, ● basketball field ● volleyball field ● tennis court ● sailing experience and lessons on Rhodes 19, Laser, Bug and Optimist boats ● open – air chess field ● table tennis tables

• γήπεδο ποδοσφαίρου,
• γήπεδο μπάσκετ
• γήπεδο βόλεϊ
• γήπεδο τένις
• ιστιοπλοϊκή εμπειρία και μαθήματα με σκάφη Rhodes 19, Laser, Bug και Optimist.
• υπαίθριο Σκάκι
• τραπέζια πινγκ πονγκ

Organization of fine events and gatherings in the “Anargyros Mansion”

The “Anargyros mansion” situated at the heart of the town of Spetses, is the residence of the founder.

It is an architectural jewel, a unique monument of an ecletic style.

The mansion includes a remarkable garden.

The Mansion and the mansion grounds are undergoing complete renovation today and will be open to visitors and patrons in 2-3 years’ time.

Surrounding area

“Pitiousa” is the ancient name of Spetses, meaning “The pine- tree island”. More than 80% of it is a lush forest, mainly of pine trees, but also olive trees, walnut trees, etc.

The biggest part of the land in the estate nowadays is the pine – tree forest. This was originally treeless but Anargyros had it planted to encourage tourism, and especially hunting tourism, which was very famous back in his time.

The sea surrounding the island provides clear and totally transparent water, with a large range of colors from deep blue to green.

Remarkable beaches combined with water sports make swimming in these waters a real pleasure at any time of the day.

Cars are not allowed on Spetses, except to serve the small number of residents outside of the main town. Local transportation is conducted with bicycles, motorbikes, quads, traditional carriages and boats, as well as by two buses and some land and water taxis.

Collaborations

The following Universities and Institutions have trusted AKSS: