Two-Day Celebrations on Battleship “Averof” – 6 & 7 December
As part of the official programme of the Hellenic Navy for the celebration of Saint Nicholas, Patron of the Navy, and the anniversary of the Victorious Naval Battles of the Balkan Wars 1912–13, the Floating Naval Museum Battleship “G. Averof” announces the schedule of events taking place at the Maritime Heritage Park – “Odysseus: The Greeks and the Sea”
SATURDAY, 6 DECEMBER
10:00 – 17:00
Free public visiting hours on board the battleship. During the visiting period, the ship’s amateur radio station will be operating, broadcasting commemorative messages.
17:05 – Ceremonial Flag Lowering
Following the Ceremony – Festive Vespers (On Board)
After the conclusion of visiting hours, visitors remain and embark on the ship exclusively to attend the Festive Vespers at the Chapel of Saint Nicholas.
With the participation and support of the Scouts of Saronikos, assisting with visitor flow.
Note:
Visiting hours end strictly at 17:00. No further touring of the ship is permitted beyond participation in the religious service.
SUNDAY, 7 DECEMBER
10:00 – 17:00
Free public visiting hours on board the battleship. The ship’s amateur radio station will be operating throughout the visiting period.
16:00 – “Musical Walk” by the Hellenic Navy Band
Along the Flisvos promenade, concluding at the Maritime Heritage Park – “Odysseus: The Greeks and the Sea” and Battleship “G. Averof”.
17:05 – Ceremonial Flag Lowering (On Board)
Following the Ceremony – Small Concert by the Navy Band
Open to the public at the Maritime Heritage Park – “Odysseus: The Greeks and the Sea”
18:00 – Drone Show
To be held in the area of the Maritime Heritage Park – “Odysseus: The Greeks and the Sea”
Note: After 17:00, access to the interior of the ship is not permitted.
Visitors may remain in the Park area for the concert and the Drone Show until the conclusion of the events.
Visitor Information
- Guided visits take place in small groups to ensure safe boarding and movement on the ship. Museum staff will direct visitor flow.
- Battleship “G. Averof” is a preserved historic monument; visitors are kindly requested to respect all areas and facilities.
- Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited anywhere on the ship, indoors and outdoors.
- In the outdoor areas of the Park of Maritime Tradition, visitors are asked to refrain from smoking in gathering areas and during events for the comfort and safety of all.
- The Submarine “Protefs” will not be open to visitors, as the required handover procedures and interior restoration works have not yet been completed.
- Visitors are requested to follow all instructions from museum staff and security personnel to ensure the smooth conduct of the events.
- After the end of visiting hours, the public may remain only in designated areas (Vespers on board on Saturday – Park of Maritime Tradition on Sunday).
Weather Information
The events over the two-day period will take place primarily in open-air areas of the Park of Maritime Tradition.
Due to the forecast of rainy weather, visitors are advised to bring appropriate rain protection (umbrellas, raincoats), as there are no covered structures available in the surrounding area for shelter.
For safety reasons, visitors may not remain below decks or in interior spaces of the ship outside the designated areas for each event.
All events will proceed as scheduled unless modified by official instructions from the Hellenic Navy.
Battleship “G. Averof”, a symbol of Greece’s naval heritage, invites the public to participate in these events of honour, remembrance, and historical continuity that illuminate the legacy of the Hellenic Navy.
