A metaphorical description: Spata is a phoenix risen from ancient ashes. It stands as a testament to time’s relentless march. This town resides 20 kilometers east of Athens. Since 2011, Spata is part of the municipality Spata-Artemida. It serves as the seat and a municipal unit of it.
Spata sits in the middle of the Mesogeia plain. It is located east of Mount Hymettus. The town is also west of the Aegean Sea coast. Athens International Airport covers the eastern part of Spata. You might even hear locals refer to the airport as Spata Airport. The airport is southeast of Pallini. It is southwest of Rafina and west of Artemida.
Let’s delve into Spata’s past. The area was home to the ancient Athenian demes of Erkhia. This was the birthplace of Xenophon. He was a historian and general. Another deme was Kydtheros. A Mycenaean cemetery was found here in the 1870s. Panagiotis Stamatakis excavated it. The exhibits now reside in Athens’ National Archaeological Museum. Small ancient settlements existed here. The Neolithic fortified settlement on Zagani hill is most notable. Many items were found during the airport’s construction. They are displayed in the airport building.
During the Middle Ages, Arvanites mainly inhabited Spata. The Tosk Albanian clan of Spata repopulated the village around the 15th century. They came from Epirus. The town got its name from John Spata. He was the despot of Arta in the 14th century. His name comes from the Albanian word “shpatë”. It means sword.
The patron saints of Spata are Peter and Paul. Their feast is celebrated on July 29. It takes place at the Byzantine chapel of the same name. This chapel is near the town’s eastern edge. The feast includes a medieval custom. Stifado is distributed. This beef-and-onions stew cooks overnight. Cauldrons full of it are given to the faithful after Mass.
Spata has modern aspects too. It is home to five kindergartens and three elementary schools. There are also two secondary schools. A police station and post office serve the community. Several bank offices are also located here. A junior football team called Aittitos represents Spata. AEK FC’s training facilities are also here.
Retsina wine was Spata’s traditional cash crop. Olives, olive oil, figs, almonds, pistachios, and wheat complemented it. Today, viticulture is less common. Modern wineries specialize in the local Savatiano grape. The local co-operative handles most of the grape and wine business.
In 1995, the southern part of Spata was allocated for Athens International Airport. The airport finished construction in March 2001. Also in 2001, the Attica Zoological Park opened. It is Greece’s largest zoo.
Notably, several company headquarters are in Spata. Olympic Air has its head office at Athens International Airport. Goody’s S.A., a Greek fast food company, is also headquartered at the airport. The Air Accident Investigation and Aviation Safety Board has an office here too.
Spata is more than just a town. It is a blend of ancient history and modern life. It is a place where tradition meets progress. As you leave Spata, remember its layered past and present dynamism.