Semele was the daughter of Cadmus (the brother of Europa) and Harmony (the daughter of Ares and Aphrodite). One day, the father of the gods, Zeus, disguised as an eagle, observed Semele bathing in the River Asopus, and fell in love with her. He became her lover, but always visited her in disguise. Soon Semele became pregnant. Tricked by Hera, Zeus’ wife, Semele eventually made Zeus promise to reveal himself, and promptly perished in a thunderbolt, since mortals are doomed to die as soon as they lay eyes on Zeus. Zeus rescued the foetus, sewed him into his thigh, and a few months later Dionysus (the god of wine) was born.

 

Villa Semele is a traditionally-built stone cottage on the unspoilt Greek island of Evia. It is set in an acre of land, features a spacious living area and kitchen with exposed chestnut beams and ceiling, two bedrooms (one double, one twin), both with en-suite bathrooms, a pool and a spacious terrace offering idyllic views. It is some 700m from the nearest (secluded) beach and is only 90 minutes’ drive from Athens airport.