HERE - Olympia Summer Academy

TOUR OF ATHENS, stage 4
HISTORIC CENTRE (1)
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43.
Traditional
taverna in the
Plaka. There are
a multitude
of tavernas
in the district.
Tour of Athens,
Stage 4:
H ISTORIC
C ENTRE (1)
1 PLAKA
Plaka, also known as the
“neighbourhood of the
gods,” is the oldest neighbourhood
of Athens. Walking on its
paved narrow streets you get
the feeling that you are travelling
back in time. The origin of
the name of the neighbourhood
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. The beautiful neoclassical
style colour of the
houses, the architecture, the
well-kept gardens, and the
beauty and atmosphere of the
neighbourhood 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.
In Adrianou Street,
the central street of the
neighbourhood, as in other
streets in the area, you will find
shops selling traditional products,
souvenirs, Greek folk art
and handicrafts, etc.
☞
THE SIGHTS:
1.1 ➣FILOMOUSOU
ETAIREIAS SQUARE
the central square of the neighbourhood,
was named after the
Filomousos Etairia (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
Kydathinaion Str, Farmaki Str,
Olympiou Dios Str and Angelou
Geronda Str, are a multitude of
cafes, restaurants, clubs with
live music and souvenir shops.
1.2 ➣ THE CHILDREN’S
MUSEUM
located at Kidathinaion 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.
Its, also, worth seeing the
neighbouring Museum of Greek
Children’s Art (9, Kodrou str.),
which, among other things, exhibits
in its premises paintings
and three dimentional artworks
by children up to 14 years old
from all over Greece, which are
renewed on a regular basis.
1.3 ➣LYSIKRATES
MONUMENT
In ancient Athens, theatrical
performances held at the the-
44. Handmade
wooden toy
representing
a bridegroom
on horseback.
The design
is derived from
an embroidery
of the 18th
century. (Benaki
Museum).
45. Lysikrates
Monument.
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