The Secretary General of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (Foundation) at the Philhellenism Museum

 

The Philhellenism Museum had the pleasure and honour of recently welcoming Dr. Mark Speich, Secretary General of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and guiding him through its collections.

Dr. Speich, has a keen interest in modern European history, was briefed by representatives of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) on the significant contribution of German Philhellenism since the 18th century. The discussion highlighted how these efforts helped shape the Helleno-centric character of European culture and supported the liberation of Greece.

The mission of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is summarized in its official motto: “Shape. Democracy. Together.” As a German political foundation ideologically aligned with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), KAS focuses on promoting peace, freedom, and justice both within Germany and worldwide. The core pillars of KAS action include Civic Education, the consolidation of democracy, the promotion of a social market economy, European integration, and international cooperation. KAS operates more than 100 offices globally, including a joint representation in Greece and Cyprus, with the purpose of providing scholarships and developing cooperation networks.

During his visit, Dr. Mark Speich was accompanied by Marianne Wendt, Director of the KAS Greece and Cyprus Office; Norbert Beckmann-Dierkes, Director of the Bulgaria Office and interim Director of the KAS Greece and Cyprus Office; Eleftherios Petropoulos, Senior Research Associate and Project Manager of the Adenauer Foundation’ s Greece and Cyprus Office; and Zarife Gagicaj, Assistant to the Secretary General.

 

For information: info@phmus.org

 

The siege of the Castle of Morea by Menouvrier de Fresne (1783-1848)

 

The Philhellenism Museum proudly exhibits from its permanent collections the portrait of the French Philhellene Admiral Félicité Louis Urbain Menouvrier de Fresne (1783–1848).

This prominent French officer served in the French expeditionary force of the Moreas (Peloponnese), that arrived in Greece in August 1828. His actions are linked to numerous military operations, most notably the Battle of Rio (also known as the Siege of the Morea Castle), which was the last Ottoman stronghold in the Peloponnese. The battles lasted for four days and resulted in a victory for the French forces.

The then captain, Menouvrier de Fresne, led the unit that first invaded the castle and raised the French flag himself, sealing the complete success of the French expedition. For the bravery and peerless courage he demonstrated during the battle, he was decorated by France and subsequently by Greece with the Order of the Redeemer, which he is depicted wearing on his chest in the portrait preserved at the Philhellenism Museum.

During his presence in Greece, Menouvrier de Fresne rendered invaluable services in combating the piracy that was plaguing the Aegean and the Mediterranean at the time.

Serving as a commander on principal warships of the era, his interventions to rescue civilians from the atrocities of the Ottoman fleet are documented as well.

He passed away in Lorient at the age of 64.

 

Also depicted:

– The battle plan for the capture of the Rio fortress (Castle of the Morea).

– The surrender of the Castle of the Morea to the French General Nicolas Joseph Maison (1771-1840), head of the French expeditionary force.

 

For information: info@phmus.org

 

The President of the “Le Souvenir Français” at the Philhellenism Museum

 

The President of the French association “Le Souvenir Français”, General Mr. Serge Barcellini, visited the Philhellenism Museum and had a guided tour of its collections with an emphasis on those relating to French Philhellenism and the contribution of French Philhellenes to the liberation of Greece.

The Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) and the “Le Souvenir Français” are soon to sign a memorandum of cooperation for the undertaking of joint actions in Greece and France centered on Philhellenism.

For information: info@eefshp.org

 

Dora d’ Istria, the pioneering Romanian Philhellene and her only known painting

 

The SHP and the Philhellenism Museum, in collaboration with the Embassy of Romania in the Hellenic Republic, organized on June 11th, 2026 a cultural event dedicated to the prominent personality of Dora d’ Istria (Elena Ghica), one of the most distinguished Romanian and European personalities who left their mark on the intellectual life of the 19th century.

Dora d’Istria, the literary pseudonym of Elena Ghica (1828-1888), was a great author, a pioneer of women’s emancipation, and a constant supporter of cultural dialogue between nations in promoting the right to freedom and equality.

The event took place at the Philhellenism Museum in Athens and brought together Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Greece, representatives of the Greek cultural, religious and academic community and of the local authorities, members of the Romanian community, and numerous guests interested in the shared cultural heritage of Romania and Greece.

The programme opened with introductory speech about the distinguished Philhellene Elena Ghica by Mr. Constantinos Velentzas, Founder and President of the Philhellenism Museum and of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism. A special moment of the evening was the presentation by Mr. Velentzas, for the first time in Greece, of a unique landscape, the only known painting created by Dora d’ Istria, acquired by the Philhellenism Museum last year, highlighting a lesser-known dimension of her artistic personality.

In her address, H.E. Mrs. Carmen-Ileana Mihălcescu, Ambassador of Romania to the Hellenic Republic, emphasized Dora d’ Istria’s exceptional contribution to European culture, her advocacy for education and women’s rights, and her role in fostering intercultural dialogue throughout Europe and the region. The Ambassador underlined the enduring relevance of the legacy of Dora d’ Istria, founded on the values of freedom, knowledge, human dignity, and mutual understanding among nations.

This was followed by the presentation by professor of the University of Athens, Mr. Yiannis Deligiannis, which focused on the close connection of Dora d’ Istria with Greece, her philhellenic activity and the influence of Greek culture on European culture.

The event further featured the inauguration of an exhibition of paintings by Romanian artist Ana Iulia Miheșan, inspired by themes of identity, heritage, and cultural connection. The exhibition created a meaningful dialogue between contemporary artistic expression and the humanist values promoted by Dora d’Istria throughout her life. The exhibition by Iulia Miheșan can be visited at the Philhellenism Museum until 22 June 2026.

 

Information: info@phmus.org

The Philhellenes at the Battle of the Mills, June 13th, 1825

 

The Battle of the Mills was crucial for the survival of the Greek War of Independence. It halted Ibrahim Pasha’s forces for the first time, saved Nafplιο, which relied on the Mills for its water supply, and boosted both Greek morale and international public opinion, providing a significant impetus to the Philhellenic movement.

The Greek forces, numbering approximately 400 fighters, were commanded by Yiannis Makrygiannis and Dimitrios Ypsilantis. Opposing them was Ibrahim’s 6,000-strong Ottoman-Egyptian regular army, which included 600 cavalrymen.

What remains lesser-known, however, is the vital role that the Philhellenes played in this battle.

A portion of Ypsilantis’ fighters belonged to the first Greek regular army, established by the French General Charles Fabvier. This 60-man unit was led by Fabvier’s captain, Karpos Papadopoulos, a prominent Thracian fighter, member of the Filiki Etaireia, scholar, and ardent supporter of the Regular Corps and Fabvier.

The fortifications were devised and designed by Italian Philhellene Giovanni Montanelli, a soldier and graduate of the École Polytechnique in Paris. While Ypsilantis initially arrived at the Mills with 17 Philhellene volunteers, other sources indicate that dozens more participated as the battle unfolded. During the most critical phase of the Ottoman-Egyptian assault, the Philhellenes fought at the center of the defensive line alongside Makrygiannis.

The enemy launched their assault around noon on June 13th, intensifying their focus on the defense’s two weakest points: the center, held by Makrygiannis, and the right wing, defended by Ypsilantis, numerous regulars, and dozens of Philhellenes. A breach in the center would have exposed Makrygiannis’ irregulars and the right-wing defenders to a total massacre. Conversely, a defeat on Ypsilantis’ flank would have cut off the Greeks’ only escape route via the beach. After repelling three infantry attacks and one cavalry charge, the enemy artillery demolished part of Makrygiannis’ forward positions. A unit of Egyptian soldiers charged through the ruins. At this critical juncture, Makrygiannis, alongside five Philhellenes and a handful of brave fighters, launched a counteroffensive with swords, neutralizing the first infiltrators and routing the rest.

Present in the area were the British fleet under Philhellene Admiral Han Hamilton (at Nafplio) and the French fleet under Philhellene Admiral Henri de Rigny, whose flagship was stationed off the coast of the Mills. During the fighting, the French military band played the Marseillaise to encourage the Greeks. At a decisive moment, De Rigny’s flagship sounded the battle alarm and trained its guns on the Ottoman-Egyptian forces. This move greatly boosted Greek morale, signaling that foreign fleets were prepared to actively intervene.

The engagement was exceptionally fierce, costing the Ottoman-Egyptian forces about 200 dead and wounded. Among the few casualties on the Greek side (around seven men), one Philhellene lost his life. Notable participants included Montanelli, the Frenchman François Graillard (who was wounded and subsequently promoted to Colonel-in-Chief upon Ypsilantis’ recommendation), the American Jonathan Peckham Miller (who was also seriously wounded), and the Belgian Augustin (Guillaume) De Lannoy.
The Battle of the Mills had immense geopolitical consequences. It shattered the myth of Ibrahim’s invincibility, who until then had swept through the Peloponnese unchallenged (at Sphacteria, Maniaki, and Trambala). This marked the first time Ibrahim’s regular army was defeated by the Greeks in open combat. The victory saved Nafplio; as the city’s primary source of food and water, the fall of the Mills would have allowed Ibrahim to besiege the revolutionary capital, likely forcing its surrender and extinguishing the revolution. Admiral De Rigny’s subsequent report to the French government detailing the heroism of the Greeks and Philhellenes circulated widely across Europe, reigniting international Philhellenism and leading to increased financial and diplomatic aid in the months that followed.

Messolonghi and Philhellenism: two-day events

 

The Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism and the Philhellenism Museum, in collaboration with the Municipality of the Sacred City of Messolonghi, continue their collaboration with the aim of promoting the city as a constant beacon of Philhellenism.

In the context of the bicentenary of the Exodus of Messolonghi, 1826-2026, a memorial ceremony and tribute was organised dedicated to the fallen British officer Frank Abney Hastings, the admiral and commander of the emblematic corvette “Karteria”, the first steam-powered warship in world history designed in London and firstly used during the Greek War of Independence.

The event took place on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, at the historic site of the Frank Abney Hastings Monument in Aitoliko, in the city where in May 1828 the great Philhellene officer of our naval struggle was fatally wounded, in the context of the operations for the liberation of Messolonghi.

The event was welcomed by the Mayor of the Sacred City of Messolonghi, Mr. Spyridon Diamantopoulos. Speeches were conducted first by the President of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism and the Philhellenism Museum, Mr. Constantinos Velentzas, on the topic “Frank Abney Hastings and Philhellenism”, highlighting the deep, self-sacrificing contribution of the Admiral, as well as the overall impact of the philhellenic movement and international alliances on the outcome of the Revolution, and followed by the architect and engineer and Head of the Restoration of Ancient Monuments of the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Michalis Lefantzis, on the topic “The “Karteria” and the action of the emblematic ship”, which focused on the technological pioneering and military action of the historic corvette that changed the course of naval battles forever.

The inauguration of the exhibition “Messolonghi, City of Liberty and Ecumene” at the Trikoupion Cultural Center of the Sacred City of Messolonghi followed on Sunday, May 24th, 2026.

The first exhibition presented at the Trikoupion Cultural Center is an extensive tribute to Philhellenism with the collaboration of the Municipality of the Sacred City of Messolonghi and the Philhellenism Museum, and the support of the Hellenic Parliament.

The inauguration ceremony was held by the Mayor of the Sacred City of Messolonghi, Mr. Spyridon Diamantopoulos, the President of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism and the Philhellenism Museum, Mr. Constantinos Velentzas and the collector Mr. Nikitas Stavrinakis.

The exhibition presents, through more than a hundred original rare exhibits, the historical dimension of the events of the Exodus, which determined the development of international Philhellenism during the 19th century.

The curator of the exhibition, Mr. Thodoris Koutsogiannis, Dr. of Art History and Curator of the Art Collection of the Hellenic Parliament, guided visitors through the important historical documents and works of art, analysing the iconography of the era and highlighting the impact that the Exodus of Messolonghi had on an international level.

The exhibition will last until July 2026, constituting a central point of reference for visitors to the city. Masterpieces of philhellenic art by internationally acclaimed artists and rare original documents of the Revolution are exhibited for the very first time in the Sacred City of Messolonghi in the context of the 200th anniversary of the Exodus, 1826-2026.
The exhibits come from the Collection of the Philhellenism Museum, while special honorary participation is given to the collectors Evangelos Angelakos, Konstantinos Arniakos, Nikitas Stavrinakis and Nikos Lyros, whom we warmly thank for their kind response.

The exhibition is held with the support of the Hellenic Parliament and the kind sponsorship of AEGEAS AMKE, Lilian Voudouri Foundation, George and Victoria Karelia Foundation, Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation, John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism.

 

Information: info@phmus.org

Invitation to the opening of an exhibition in Messolonghi

 

The Mayor of the Sacred City of Messolonghi Spyridon V. Diamantopoulos and the President of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism Constantinos Velentzas cordially invite you to the opening of the exhibition “Messolonghi City of Liberty and Ecumene” at the Trikoupio Cultural Center of the Sacred City of Messolonghi on Sunday, May 24th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

The periodical exhibition, organised in collaboration with the Municipality of the Sacred City of Messolonghi and the Philhellenism Museum, presents the international impact of the Exodus of Messolonghi in 1826 and the enormous wave of support for the struggling Greeks, as it broke out in Europe and America.

Unique works of Philhellenic art and rare documents of the Struggle of Greeks and Philhellenes are exhibited for the first time in the Sacred City of Messolonghi in the context of the historical 200th anniversary of the Exodus, 1826-2026.

The exhibition is conducted with the kind support of the Hellenic Parliament and the kind sponsorship of the AEGEAS AMKE, the Lilian Voudouri Foundation, the George and Victoria Karelia Foundation, the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation, the Ioannis S. Latsis Public Welfare Foundation, the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism.

Information: info@phmus.org

 

The Philhellenism Museum at This Is Athens City Festival 2026

The Philhellenism Museum collaborates with the City of Athens for another year and participates in the This Is Athens City Festival 2026.

Sundays 10 and 17 May 2026 are dedicated to the people who loved Greece and sacrificed for its freedom. The action “In the Footsteps of the Philhellenes” offers a live guided tour of the heart of Athens, connecting emblematic landmarks with the personalities that sealed the Greek War of Independence.

Participants will, among other things, follow a route that includes:

– The Russian Church and the Anglican Church (where the remains of Frank Abney Hastings are kept).
– The historic district of Plaka, the Church residence, the Finley residence and the Hill School.
– Spots and stops at the emblematic sculpture of Lord Byron, the bust of Eynard and the Monument of Lysicrates.
– References to the sieges of the Acropolis.

 

Dates: 10 & 17 May 2026

Hours: 11:00 – 13:00

Meeting point: Rallou Manou Square at the Russian Church of Athens (Syntagma)

Free admission with reservation required.

Reservations: send your name, title/capacity, mobile number and email to info@phmus.org

The guided tour will be conducted in Greek language.

 

Sponsors:

    

9 May 2026 at 11.00 a.m., Wreath-laying at the Philhellenes’ Monument

 

Philhellenism Day is commemorated annually on 19 April, marking the anniversary of Lord Byron’s passing in Messolonghi in 1824. Established in 2008 by Presidential Decree, this day honours the international volunteers and activists who supported the Greek War of Independence, inspired by the enduring values of Philhellenism.

In collaboration with the War Museum, the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) has erected a monument on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue dedicated to these individuals. This initiative fulfills a unanimous resolution passed by the 4th National Assembly in 1829. The monument pays tribute to approximately 2.000 emblematic Philhellenes who dedicated, and often sacrificed, their lives for Greece’s liberation.

Starting by this year, we cordially invite you on Saturday, 9 May 2026, at 11:00, for a floral tribute at the Philhellenes’ Monument, to pay tribute to the heroes and heroines who fought for our shared ideals and the fundamental rights of our civilisation. The ceremony will last approximately 30 minutes. A presentation of the monument will follow.

Please, confirm your attendance or the presence of a representative, by contacting us at info@eefshp.org

 

Minister of Education Sofia Zacharaki visits the Philhellenism Museum

 

The Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, visited the Philhellenism Museum and had a guided tour of its collections.

The Minister was informed about the classical education received by most Philhellenes who supported the Greek War of Independence in their countries, or arrived in Greece as volunteers to fight for its freedom, and the pivotal role it had in promoting the Philhellenic movement.

The visit took place in the context of the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of Messolonghi, which was the pinnacle moment of the Greek War of Independence.

Ms. Zacharaki expressed her admiration for the large-scale oil painting of the “School of Athens”, the most famous work of the Italian painter and architect of the early Renaissance, Raphael, a rare reproduction of which is exhibited at the Philhellenism Museum. The figures of Plato, Aristotle, Pythagoras, Euclid, Thucydides, as well as Apollo and Athena, embody the classical spirit of antiquity and underline the timeless value of classical education.

Contact: info@phmus.org