“Camping in Kifissia? Here?” you might ask. Well, let me tell you about Nea Kifissia.
Nea Kifissia is part of Kifissia. Kifissia is a municipality and one of Athens’ most affluent northern suburbs. It’s mainly accessed via Kifissias Avenue. This avenue runs from central Athens to Theseos Avenue in Nea Erythraia. Historically, rich Greek and major political families called Kifissia home.
In 2011, local government reforms merged Ekali, Kifisia, and Nea Erythraia. These became municipal units. The municipality spans 35.100 km2. The municipal unit covers 25.937 km2.
Kifisia sits in central Attica. It’s at the western end of the forested Penteli mountain range. The Kifisos River marks the municipality’s western border. Kifisia is 12 km northeast of Athens city centre.
Nea Kifissia is one of Kifisia’s neighbourhoods. Others include Adames, Ano Kifisia, Kato Kifisia, Kefalari, and Politeia. Kifisia is a green suburb. It boasts many parks and tree-lined streets. Kifisias Avenue is the main thoroughfare. It connects Kifisia to central Athens and the A6 toll motorway.
Kifisia enjoys a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry. Winters are cool and rainy. Its higher elevation results in lower mean annual temperatures.
Historically, Cephisia was a deme of ancient Athens. The dramatist Menander was from here. During Roman Emperor Hadrian’s reign, it was a retreat for philosophers. Herodes Atticus built Villa Cephisia here. Aulus Gellius described its intellectual ambiance. Herodes also provided free philosophy instruction.
In 1667, the Turkish traveler Evliya Çelebi visited Kifisia. He described a small town in a fertile plain. Half the residents were Muslim. Half were Christian.
After Greek independence, Kifisia became a summer resort. Wealthy Athenian families built summer houses here. The railway’s arrival in 1885 spurred development. Hotels accommodated those who couldn’t afford summer houses.
During the inter-war period, political leaders frequented different hotels here.
Today, Kifissia houses the Goulandris Museum of Natural History. It features collections of Greek wildlife. Several companies have their head offices in Kifissia. These include Aegean Airlines and Eurobank Ergasias.
Kifissia boasts several sports clubs. ZAON excels in women’s volleyball. Kifissia AC plays in men’s volleyball first division. Kifissia F.C. plays in Super League Greece.
Now, as you consider camping here in Nea Kifissia, remember its rich history. From ancient philosophers to modern-day sports, Nea Kifissia and Kifissia have always been a place of significance.