What if a garden could teach you how to live?
In the Euthymia region, “Ataraxia – Tranquil Gardens” offers more than just scenic views—it offers a journey into the heart of human contentment.
The experience begins with a question of balance: Can we find peace while still enjoying the pleasures of life? A surprising artifact provides an answer: a 15th-century cookbook titled On Honorable Pleasure and Good Health. This wasn’t just a collection of recipes; it was arguing that pleasure, when pursued with honor, is the key to well-being. This idea dates back to ancient Greece. And so the region’s inspiration comes from historical artifacts, art and literature and a tiny bit of philosophy and science, which you will find when visiting the region.
As you navigate the lush landscapes, you are walking in the footsteps of giants. You will encounter the ideas of Epicurus, who defined happiness as ataraxia (freedom from fear), and Lucretius, the poet who saw the divine in the movement of atoms. Their philosophy didn’t just stay in books; it blossomed in the art of Botticelli and fueled the curiosity of early scientists who looked at the stars and dreamt of the moon.
What to explore in the region:
- The Museum of Art and Thought: Trace the evolution of “ataraxia” from the Renaissance art to science.
- The Lunar Path: Discover Cyrano de Bergerac’s whimsical 17th-century methods for reaching the moon.
- The Epicurean Villas: Visit uniquely designed homes that demonstrate how tranquility can be built into our daily surroundings.
- and many more
In “Tranquil Gardens,” the past and present merge, inviting you to slow down, breathe, and discover your own recipe for a peaceful life.
