On 2 July, E.E.N.A.L. accompanied by 39 beneficiaries, traveled from Larissa (Greece) to the Regional Unit of Magnesia to visit three museums. The purpose of the excursion was to promote cognitive engagement through cultural heritage, encourage social interaction, and strengthen interpersonal relationships. The first stop was at the Theophilos Museum in Anakasia, Pelion. The participants were guided by Giannis Fountas, who introduced them to the history of the area and the remarkable work of the self-taught folk painter Theophilos. Theophilos is an internationally acclaimed artist whose works have been exhibited at the Louvre Museum and have received prestigious recognition. His murals depicting heroes of the Greek War of Independence of 1821, scenes from everyday life, traditional costumes, and religious iconography, captivated the participants and inspired an engaging discussion. Through this dialogue, art emerged as a powerful means of expression and cultural education.
The second visit was at the Entomological Museum in the city of Volos, the capital of Magnesia. This museum is the only one of its kind in Greece and the Balkans, housing a collection of approximately 25,000 insects. Guided by George Koutroumpas, participants learned about insect biology, collection methods, classification, preservation techniques, and the vital role insects play in maintaining ecosystem balance and the food chain. The visit stimulated cognitive functions through experiential learning and increased participants' interest in environmental awareness and conservation. The third and final visit took place at the Ano Lechonia Railway Station in Pelion, home to the historic steam train known as "Moutzouris".
Members of E.E.N.A.L. were guided by local historian and private collector Nikos Mastroyiannis, who has assembled an archive of approximately 700 historical photographs dating from 1893 to 1970. Through the visual exploration of this iconic cultural landmark and its rich photographic collection, participants discovered the region's commercial, industrial, touristic, and architectural development, as well as the contribution of local benefactors. The participants were fascinated by the storytelling power of historical photography, which prompted meaningful discussions on topics such as silk production, child labour, local benefactors, and the Italian engineer Evaristo de Chirico, the designer of the legendary Moutzouris railway.
This experience evoked emotions, brought silent historical spaces back to life, enriched participants' knowledge, and reinforced their appreciation for preserving local cultural memory. The cultural journey concluded with lunch and relaxation at Akti Kallifteri Beach in Afissos. Overall, this one-day cultural excursion proved to be a multifaceted experience that fostered cognitive stimulation, social interaction, emotional well-being, and a deeper appreciation of the region's cultural heritage.
