 Athens center
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The heart of the capital beats in the historic center of Athens, particularly in the traditional commercial center. This is the area enclosed by Mitropoleos, Athinas, and Stadiou streets. These are the busiest and most bustling streets of the city.
In the so-called commercial triangle of Athens, more than 2,500 stores operate, offering all kinds of products. Many of these streets have been pedestrianized, forming a relatively quiet area (since no cars circulate), with small cafés and restaurants where Athenians like to relax for a while, enjoying their coffee or meal after shopping.
The streets that define this area are connected with important aspects of modern Athens¢ history. Walking along them, one can see remarkable neoclassical buildings from the past century, which today house public services, private businesses, and atmospheric cafés, bars, or restaurants.
For example, Mitropoleos Street connects Syntagma Square with Monastiraki Square. The first is the most central square of Athens, a landmark and meeting place for residents and visitors. It has undergone many renovations, the latest being for the 2004 Olympic Games. The central entrance of the METRO is also located in the square.
Crossing Mitropoleos Street, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens dominates the eponymous square. It is an imposing church built between 1842 and 1862 as the cathedral of Athens. It is a three-aisled basilica with a dome, combining Neo-Byzantine and Neoclassical elements.
Parallel to Mitropoleos is Ermou Street. It is named after the Olympian god Hermes, the protector of commerce. And it is indeed the perfect name for this street, as it is the city¢s most commercial street. Not only that, the pedestrian street of Ermou has gained international fame. Apart from the city¢s residents, tourists flock here after visiting the Acropolis to stroll along the city¢s must-visit street. Every day here is a celebration.
Crowds move in every direction, turn and disappear into the narrow streets, while others emerge from alleyways and merge with the crowd.
On the right and left sides of the street, branded stores mainly selling clothing and footwear operate, featuring all the top market brands. Prices are slightly “steep” but not prohibitive.
Ermou is full of attractions. Especially during festive periods, you can encounter everything from the charming barrel organ player to street musicians from all over the world giving recitals in their genre, aspiring magicians performing tricks, and mimes presenting their shows. All this creates a unique atmosphere.
Around the center of Ermou, we find the Church of Kapnikarea, one of the most important Byzantine monuments of Athens. It was founded in the 11th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. However, it became known by the name of its founder, Kapnikaris. In the church¢s courtyard, tourists and shoppers exhausted from “shopping therapy” rest.
Walking along Ermou, we reach Monastiraki Square. In this historic square are the electric train station and the Tzistarakis Mosque, built in 1759 by Mustafa Aga. Today, it functions as a Museum of Traditional Ceramics and is the only mosque in Athens open to visitors.
The Library of Hadrian and the Byzantine Church of Pantanassa are also of interest.
In the square itself, there is also the renovated neoclassical metro station, one of the oldest in the network.
The streets surrounding the square experience the highest commercial activity.
Monastiraki is one of the most picturesque areas of Old Athens. It is a historic neighborhood characterized by narrow streets and small buildings reminiscent of the city¢s Ottoman-influenced layout.
Its name is associated with the traditional market, the famous “giusouroum,” which for many years took place every Sunday at Avissynias Square. From early morning, small vendors would display their goods on outdoor stalls. Even the shops in the streets around the square (Hephaestou, Pandrosou, Adrianou, Agiou Filippou, Astingos, Thiseiou, and Ermou) remained open. There, one could find and buy almost anything at very reasonable prices. Old clothes, shoes, household items, furniture, books, bronze and silver objects, traditional musical instruments, and antiques. As part of efforts to upgrade the area, the traditional market has been abolished.
However, the area¢s atmosphere has not changed at all. In Monastiraki, most of Athens¢ antique shops, second-hand stores, and numerous shops with such a mixed variety of goods that it¢s hard to categorize them still operate. In these stores, many housed in renovated old residences, one can find real treasures: priceless antiques on a dusty shelf, family heirlooms sold cheaply, and seemingly useless items whose future is unpredictable. According to the shopkeepers, everything has its buyer.
Strolling through the narrow streets, you will be impressed by the contrast prevailing in these neighborhoods. They give a sense of decay and abandonment. Yet, they are among the city¢s busiest and most commercial areas.
Next to Monastiraki, on the northern side of Ermou, another historic neighborhood extends: Psyrri. A neighborhood that has experienced ups and downs and is now considered a rising “in” area. It is famous for modern hangouts and dining options, tavernas, music bars, and small bars that you will discover in the streets of this once quiet area.
Psyrri is also evolving into an artistic hub. In recent years, several theaters have been built in the area, hosting notable theatrical performances starring the most popular Greek actors.
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