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Plaka

Plaka starts
The district of Plaka is a gloriously exotic labyrinth of alleys, winding streets and stairs lined with C19th neo-classical houses and mansions, with beautifully decorated tiled roofs depicting the head of Medusa, goddesses or foliage. This is the old working-class district of Athens but is now one of the most rewarding areas of the city for exploring.
The district has been carefully and sensitively renovated and is now one of the more expensive areas to live. Plaka district is almost completely pedestrianised and contains the famous flea market around Monastiraki Square, ancient sites and small museums of traditional and popular culture. Plaka, also known as the "neighborhood of the gods," is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Athens. Plaka - Athens
Walking on its paved narrow streets you get the feeling that you are traveling back in time. The origin of the name of the neighborhood is unknown, although theories abound. According to popular belief, Plaka was named after a slab of stone that was found near the church of Ayios Georgios Alexandrias, in the vicinity of the theatre of Dionysos. 
Plaka - Athens The beautiful neoclassical style color of the houses, the architecture, the well-kept gardens, and the beauty and atmosphere of the neighborhood are enchanting. In Plaka the air you breathe is different; it is lighter, cleaner, and fragrant, like a gift of the gods. When you visit Plaka you should bring a map, because you might get lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys.
SITES:

The central square of Plaka, was named after the Philomousos Etaireia (The Society of the Friends of the Muses, in other words, the nine gods of the Arts), which was founded in 1813. The purpose of the Society was the promotion of Greek studies and the preservation of the archaeological treasures of Athens. At the square, located at the crossroads of Kydathenaeon Str, Farmaki Str, Olympiou Dios Str. and Angelou Geronda Str. are a multitude of cafes, restaurants, clubs with live music and souvenir shops.

The children's museum located at Kidathenaeon Str. is a wonderful place for children. In the attic is a reconstructed room with old furniture, a radio, and theatre in the style of old Athenian homes, named "granddad and grandmother's room," where children may dress with period dresses. The Museum houses among others, an exhibition of paintings by children, old toys, a fairground and a library. If you have children, be sure to visit the Children's Museum. Plaka - Athens

The Lysikrates Monument

In ancient Athens, theatrical performances held at the theatre of Dionysos were funded by wealthy citizens, the donors (choregoi). The city gave a prize to the donor of the winning performance. When the wealthy Lysikrates won the prize in 334 BC, he constructed a monument to house it.

Plaka - Athens The monument is preserved (ancient Tripodon Str. - pavement of the road is preserved in a special space in a renovated building at number 28). The monument has had a long and varied history. In 1658, a Capuchin monastery was founded here. In 1669, Capuchins bought the monument. Lord Byron stayed at the monastery in his second visit to Greece. In the gardens the cultivation of the tomato, hitherto unknown in Greece, was introduced.

Anafiotika

On the foothills of the Acropolis, has the charm of a beautiful island village. It was built by the renowned builders of the Aegean island of Anafi, who were invited to construct the palace of the first king of the Hellenes, Otto.

Feeling nostalgic for their birthplace in their long stay in Athens they recreated it in the upper area of Plaka. They built small, whitewashed houses, reproducing the architectural style of their village. We recommend that you visit Anafiotika, the neighborhood of the Anafiotes, a unique, charming area. Plaka - Athens
Plaka - Athens

The Museum of the University of Athens

The building housing the Museum of Athens, located at Tholou Str, was formerly the residence of the architect Kleanthes (1832-1833). Subsequently it housed the first University of Athens (1837-1842).

HOW TO GET THERE

From Syndagma Square follow Odos Kidhathineon, a pedestrianised street which begins close to the Russian and English churches on Odhos Filellinon. This road will take you gently downhill, past the Popular Arts museum located on a leafy square and on through the Platia Plaka with its many cafes to Hadrian's Street (Odhos Adhrianou).

Plaka - Athens
This street runs nearly the whole length of Plaka from the Arch of Hadrian to the Thiseion and Monastiraki.

 

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