Olives, opera and climate vision: Greek mural named world's best

A towering mural in the southern Greek city of Kalamata, inspired by legendary soprano Maria Callas, has been named the "Best Mural of the World" for 2025 by Street Art Cities, placing the olive-growing coastal town firmly in the global spotlight.

Created by artist Kleomenis Kostopoulos, the artwork reimagines Callas as an allegorical figure representing Kalamata's identity, culture and agricultural heritage. The mural incorporates local elements such as olives, figs, grapes, native birds and tree branches, symbolising the region's fertile land and deep-rooted traditions.

City officials said the project was designed to make abstract ideas like sustainable development, agri-food initiatives and economic growth more tangible for residents. Kalamata, about 240 kilometers southwest of Athens, is among a small group of Greek cities aiming to become climate-neutral by 2030.

Deputy mayor Vassilis Papaefstathiou said combining the city's humble agricultural products with high art aimed to strengthen civic pride and identity. Recent heatwaves, droughts and wildfires have underscored the importance of sustainability for the olive-dependent local economy.

Although Callas was born in New York, her father hailed from a village south of Kalamata, and she remains a revered cultural symbol in Greece. The mural, titled "Kalamata," took about two weeks of work spread over a month due to bad weather, using brushes, spray paint and a cherry-picker.

Officials say the artwork has boosted tourism promotion and sparked wider interest in public art, with more building owners expressing interest in hosting murals.