Lost in time? Perhaps. Plaka is a neighborhood that can make you feel that way. Plaka sits at the foothills of the Acropolis in Athens. It is one of the city’s oldest and most charming districts.
Plaka is often called the “Neighborhood of the Gods.” It sits close to many historic sites. Plaka was built on top of the ancient city. This part of Athens has been inhabited for almost three thousand years.
Plaka extends from the Acropolis Museum to the Roman Agora. It also stretches to Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, and the Adrian Gate.
Wander through Plaka’s streets and alleys. Let the road take you where it may. Plaka boasts having the oldest street in Europe. Tripodon street has kept the same name for almost twenty-five centuries. The street is narrower now. It was six meters wide in classical times. You can walk in the footsteps of the ancients.
Tripodon sounds like the word “tripod.” The street got its name from copper tripods. They lined its sides. Sponsors of theatre plays gifted them. They often dedicated them to the god Apollo. Even in ancient times, events had sponsors.
While the Parthenon and Acropolis Museum are not in Plaka, they are right next door. You can combine them with a Plaka stroll. Plaka has some lesser-known museums worth a visit.
Check out the Museum of Greek Folk Art. Visit the Museum of Folk Instruments. Both give a great introduction to modern Greek folk culture. It is not all togas and sandals.
Visit the Jewish Museum of Greece. The Museum has been in Athens for over 40 years. It has a great collection of daily life objects. It also shows other evidence of Jewish communities’ history in Greece.
Have you been to the Greek islands of the Aegean Sea? Then you have a good idea of what Anafiotika looks like. People from the island of Anafi settled here. They built their new homes in that style.
Imagine white houses, colorful shutters and doors, and narrow alleys. Think of potted geraniums and cats perched everywhere. Anafiotika is a hidden gem.
Find the church of Agios Georgios Tou Vrahou. It is also known as St George Of The Rock. From the Acropolis metro station, take the Makrigianni Street exit. Turn left on the pedestrian street and left again. Walk as if you are going to the Acropolis. Turn on the first right. That should be Thrassylou street. Follow it until you see St George of the Rock on your left. That’s the start of Anafiotika. Thrassylou street is renamed Stratonos street at some point.
Plaka has numerous Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches. Saint Nikolaos Ragkavas is the most famous. It was built in the 11th century. Find it on Pritaneiou street in the Anafiotika district. The area around the church was the most aristocratic neighborhood of Byzantine-era Athens. The grandson of Byzantine emperor Michael Ragkavas I built the church. It sits on the site of a former Roman temple.
The church of Sotira Lykodimou is another historic building. Locals call it the “Russian church.” It was first built around 1031 C.E. It was restored in the 19th century. It is now the biggest remaining medieval building in Athens. Find it on Fillelinon street near Syntagma. It is opposite Zappeion park.
The Lycicrates Monument is a gift. It is the best-preserved sponsor gift. Lycicrates built it in 335 B.C.E. It has a freeze. The freeze depicts moments from the life of Dionysos. Dionysos is the semi-god protector of wine and good times.
The Lycicrates monument is also known as “Diogenes’ lantern.” In the 17th century, it was part of a monastery. It belonged to the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. They used it as a reading room and library. The monastery was destroyed during the Greek War of Independence.
The Mpenizelos Mansion is the oldest house in Athens. It is a beautifully-restored mansion of the 18th century. This is the only surviving “konaki” in Athens. “Konaki” comes from the Turkish “konak.” It is a type of urban noble house. It was common in the Ottoman empire. It first became popular in the mid-17th century. It lasted until the early 19th century.
The Athens University History Museum is on Tholou street. Plaka was the birthplace of the first university of modern Greece. It is the “Kapodistrian University of Athens.” It bears the name of Greece’s first governor. Ioannis Kapodistrias is that governor. The historic building hosts the Athens University History Museum. The university’s history started in 1837. The building itself is much older. The Museum has rare books, manuscripts, and more. It also hosts events.
Plaka is more than just ancient monuments. It’s a vibrant neighborhood. Here, history comes alive. You can find it around every corner.