Winter Storm Provides Rare Glimpse of Snowy Athens

The Winter storm “Medea” left Athens, including the city’s ancient sites, blanketed in snow on Tuesday.

Featuring a thick layer of white, fluffy snow, the Greek capital’s famed monuments and neighborhoods have taken on a new beauty which only adds to their allure.

Although heavy snowfall is not uncommon in Greece’s northern and mountainous regions, it is very unusual in Athens, making its snowy monuments a rare sight.

Frigid temperatures and thick layers of snow lefts Athens’ streets, normally teeming with life and activity, sleepy and tranquil.

The city had already been operating at a slower pace due to strict lockdown measures and curfews put in place to prevent spread of Covid-19.

Tuesday’s snow storm, coupled with the already draconian anti-virus restrictions, left Athens the most quiet it’s been in years.

Only a few pedestrians, including children frolicking in the winter wonderland and dedicated joggers bracing the icy temperatures to get in their daily cardio, can be seen exploring the ancient city in all its pristine glory.

As driving conditions are extremely dangerous, with reduced visibility and icy roads, many roads are now closed, and there are very few vehicles on the streets.

Public transportation in the city has also ground to a halt due to the weather conditions.

Due to the heavy snow, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged citizens to remain at home and avoid all unnecessary movement.

“We are facing a very severe weather phenomenon and it seems that it will last until tomorrow morning. It will impact Attica, Evia, and Crete, especially tomorrow,” he cautioned.

Many of Attica’s residents, as well as those living on the island of Evia, have been without power for hours due to the snow storm, as strong winds and snow brought down large trees and damaged power grids.

Health officials have unfortunately put a hold on coronavirus vaccinations in Attica, where Athens is located, due to the heavy snow and dangerous driving conditions.

All the appointments originally scheduled for Tuesday will be moved to another day, so all those who had initially been in line for the shot will still receive it.