Odysseus' island is getting its Hollywood moment

The Italian lawyer Giorgia Ongarato is eager to discuss her dream of visiting the Greek island of Ithaca, a location believed to correspond with the island of Odysseus in Homer's epic poem. Wearing a T-shirt sporting the ancient Greek phrase "Odyssey" with a relevant line from the poem, she revealed that she had once studied Greek and the Odyssey. Although the film wasn't her initial introduction to the epic tale, she admitted to being a fan of Christopher Nolan's blockbuster.

Situated in the Ionian Sea off Greece's west coast, Ithaca is not among the country's primary tourist destinations, despite its picturesque bays and waters. However, the island's businesses and officials anticipate an influx of tourists following the film's release. Despite the film's popularity, its production team did not utilize any Greek locations for filming, leaving some locals in Ithaca disappointed, as they had hoped to feature the island in the movie.

Currently, Ithaca lacks significant archaeological sites that could validate the existence of the Homeric hero. Yet, village squares and the town hall are adorned with statues of Odysseus and Homer, while trinket shops offer items bearing names and images from the epic. Archaeologist Spyros Couvaras expects a surge in visitors who seek more than just beaches and sea, desiring historical and mythological experiences instead.