Named after the late Matti Egon, a lifelong friend and benefactor of Hellenic Studies, and generously sponsored by her descendants, the trip took participants to the Greek capital for five days. The students stayed in apartments managed by The Athens Centre and thus benefitted from being integrated into the trendy Mets neighbourhood.
Koraes Professor Gonda Van Steen
12 May 2025
Students experience Greece on Matti Egon field-trip to Athens
19 Classics students visited the Greek capital for five days of sightseeing sites from their studies and experiencing the language and culture.
Students from the Department of Classics participated in another successful annual Matti Egon Fieldtrip, visiting Athens, Greece from 30 March to 3 April 2025. Students prepared for their trip, studying the 'Engaging Greece’ module with Koraes Professor Gonda Van Steen, who also led the trip.
The group took several walks including the Kallimarmaro Stadio, the Ilyssus riverbed, and the epicentre of the city around Syntagma Square. Students enjoyed a hike up the Acropolis by way of the Theatre of Dionysus, which, 'on the clear morning offered amazing views over the city and the Bay of Faliro'. They also explored the new National Gallery in its brand-new building, where historical and more modern paintings illustrated what they had studied in the classroom.
The group visited other museums such as the National Archaeological Museum, the Benaki Museum, and the newly opened museum dedicated to Maria Callas in the lively Plaka neighbourhood. A guided tour of the so-called 'First Cemetery of Athens', was offered to the group by the King’s alumni association in Greece, whose members came out to meet them. Students were also able to spend extra time exploring the city.
Athens combines ancient and modern, and the older and younger generations of King’s students! It was a truly memorable trip. On the evening of the day of departure, I experienced another unforgettable moment as I was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Patras. The pictures speak volumes. We are already planning the next Matti Egon Fieldtrip and are very grateful to the donors for making this trip possible.
Koraes Professor Gonda Van Steen
We'd like to congratulate Gonda for her achievement after the Philology Department at The University of Patras had unanimously put her name forward for this very special distinction.
Dr Will Wootton, Reader in Classical Art and Archaeology, Head of the Department of Classics
Reflections from Classics students
The trip was wonderful, and having spent 3 years studying these places, it was a great opportunity to see them without worrying about funding. The whole experience was great and am so thankful for the opportunity!
Sam
I am very honoured that I was able to be part of this experience and that something like this exists for students in the Classics department. Especially for those students who might not otherwise be able to go on these sorts of fully paid for trips due to financial situations. I enjoyed being in the centre of Athens and surrounded by the culture and people, who I found to all be extremely helpful and welcoming. Getting to see the Acropolis and Parthenon was an incredible experience, one that I wish can be something future generations of Classics students can enjoy. The sponsors play a vital role in making this all a possibility, so thank you so much for making this happen!
Aarzoo
This trip was an incredible opportunity to enhance my university studies by visiting a place we've learned so much about - and to share that experience with my friends who love it just as much was truly wonderful!
Emily
I really enjoyed the Gallery yesterday and the Acropolis Museum! Also, for my last extra day I decided to take a pottery class nearby the apartments!
Juliana
[Gonda,] congratulations on the Doctorate from the University of Patras! I have thoroughly enjoyed the trip; it was a wonderful experience with the perfect balance of guided aspects and free exploration. It has truly been a pleasure and privilege to have been able to see Athens, especially with the kind funding of the donors as well as Μάχη for the lunch on Tuesday and the kindness of the taverna owner on Wednesday.
Haralambos
It was an incredible opportunity to visit the Acropolis and Athens for the first time! Doing so alongside my Classics peers as well was a true delight, as we could share out enthusiasm about art and history together as we travelled around the city.
Sarah