Acharnes a name echoing through time. Its story unfolds before you.
Picture this bustling suburb of Athens. Acharnes boasts a rich history stretching back to ancient Greece. Then it was known as Acharnae a deme or subdivision of Athens. Aristophanes the famous playwright even wrote a comedy The Acharnians. He portrayed the Acharnians somewhat mockingly as charcoal burners. Pindar however a renowned poet described them as exceptionally brave. Quite a contrast isnt it?
Acharnes sits about 10 kilometers north of Athens. To the north loom the forested Parnitha mountains a beautiful backdrop. The municipality of Acharnes is quite large. It actually includes two other settlements Thrakomakedones and Varympompi. These are nestled further north in the foothills of Parnitha. Acharnes experienced significant destruction in the devastating 1999 Athens earthquake. It was very close to the epicenter.
Today Acharnes is a thriving community. It has schools from kindergartens to high schools. There are banks and a post office providing essential services. Acharnes also has cultural treasures. It houses both an Archaeological Museum and a Folk Art Museum. Both are located in a beautiful neoclassical building in the main square. They provide a window into the past a glimpse into the life and times of the Acharnians.
A lesser-known fact about Acharnes is the dramatic population fluctuation in one of its smaller towns Parnis. In 1991 Parnis had 300 residents. By 2001 that number plummeted to a mere 12. A fascinating story of its own I’m sure.
Acharnes is also home to Acharnaikos a football club. It plays in the third division. They represent the spirit and energy of this vibrant community.
So as you stand here in Acharnes you feel its vibrant pulse. You are connected to its long history. You are present in its busy life. You have experienced a piece of Athens a piece of Greece that is often overlooked. But its story deserves to be told. And you have heard it. Remember Acharnes the suburb with a story to tell.