Photos: Athens and Istanbul under snow - striking images of unusual cold front

January 2022 has offered the world a beautiful image: the Parthenon in Athens covered in snow. Beautiful - yet extremely uncommon. The cold front that has hit Greece and Turkey has been a surprise to many.

The name of the storm causing this snowy landscape is Elpis. And the authorities warned that it would affect everyday life. Yet many Athenians have had a smile on their faces. The spectacle of snow almost always cheers people up.

Obviously, the snow has meant that trams, trains and other means of transport have been disrupted. The taverns in the Plaka district of Athens have had to cease operations for a few hours.

The classical architecture and historical ruins that can be found all over the city of Athens have been given an unusual, yet stunning embellishment.

Although there have been other occasions when cold and snow have hit Greece, experts say that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent - and this is due to climate change.

And when snow falls in great amounts in a Mediterranean country - specifically one that is not used to this kind of phenomenon - there are usually a number of problems. Daily life is almost certainly disrupted for many.

Despite disruptions, there is something hypnotic and peaceful about snowy images of cities as beautiful as Athens.

Istanbul has also suffered the rigours of winter and had its streets painted white.

Flights have had to be suspended and Turkey has reported that up to 4,600 people were trapped by the snow.

It has been discouraged to go out on the road in Turkey. The snow has fallen heavily and it is not easy to drive.

As is often the case, the street is a playground when it snows, as we see with this merry night scene in Istanbul.

Everyone can relate to that time when the snow is falling and we are not yet aware of whether it will cause serious problems or not. So the only thing to do? Enjoy the weather and play!

It has been a cold winter in Europe. In Greece, Turkey and, of course, in countries like Germany. This dreamy picture shows the landscape of Schierke in Germany.

It has also snowed at the iconic site of Stonehenge in England. This historical place, with its megalithic monument full of enigmas, looks spectacular under the snow.

Here we see the snowy horizon in Germany. Snow presents a serene natural beauty that makes winter a marvel to behold.

Another German scene - giving us a glimpse of the beautiful combination of rainbows and snow. Stunning, serene nature in January 2022, while the world holds its breath on the brink of a possible war waiting to break out.