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Marathon: A Walk Through History
There are some places that leave their imprint behind. No matter how many years go by, they continue to radiate a certain brilliance. Marathon is such a place. Chosen by the ancient Greeks to become a permanent part Athens Greece history, it is a place of civilisation, courage and daring that tells of the course followed by the Greek people across the ages and through eternity.
Certainly a visit to Marathon calls for an early start, when Nature is just coming alive and the sun begins to warm the paving stones. Marathon is a flashback in time, a journey to the past and present of Athens, as the monuments and natural beauty tell the whole story of the capital of the city-state. Marathon got its name from the son of Epopeus who was banished by his father and came to this area - 42 km northeast of Athens - a suppliant.
A fertile, half-moon-shaped valley, it is protected by the hills of Vrilissos and the mountains of Diakria and touches the sea at Marathon Bay. It is one of the most fertile valleys, where fruit trees and grape vines are cultivated. The route from Athens to the village passes through planted fields, vineyards, olive groves and lush hillsides on Attica's east side. The wondrous peaceful beaches rest the eye while the body enjoys the sun and clear waters. The most popular beach is at Schinias, which served as the venue for rowing and canoeing competition during the 2004 Olympic Games.
Back to the future
The Marathon area is of great historical significance, as it was the site of the famous battle of the same name that took place in 490 BC. Ten thousand Athenians and a thousand Plataeans pushed the Persians to the sea, where they boarded their ships and retreated. The Greeks owed their victory over the Persian army to military genius Miltiades. Immediately after the battle was won, a soldier named Pheidippides was sent to Athens with the news. He ran all the way to Athens and managed to say, "We have won," before he collapsed and died. That was the first marathon, and it is this same route that today's marathon runners follow. The 9m-high tomb was erected at the site of the battle in memory of the 192 Athenians who had lost their lives fighting; there were originally 10 columns on top of the burial mound to represent the 10 tribes of Attica. The tomb was discovered in early 1884 by Heinrich Schliemann.
The Rhamnus mystery
The archaeological site of Rhamnus lies near Marathon and findings at the site indicate the area was inhabited during the Neolithic age. Its name derives from the word "rhamnus," a shrub variety (buckthorn) found throughout the area. In ancient times, Rhamnus was known for its port and its castle. There are remains of two temples at the site: the Great Temple dedicated to Nemesis, the goddess of divine retribution, which is considered the most important sanctuary of this specific goddess in all of ancient Greece; and the Small Temple dedicated to Themis, the goddess of justice. Both temples were built in the 5th century BC. There are also remains of the ancient theatre, the fortress and several grave sites. Besides the archeological sights, visitors are rewarded with the marvelous views toward Evoikos Bay and the surrounding lush green landscape.
Marathonas Archaeological Museum
Though well-known to visitors, it is a rather small museum featuring important findings from various historical periods. It is located next to the Middle Helladic cemetery of Vrana and houses artefacts from the prehistoric age through the Roman period. The artefacts from the Neolithic period discovered in the Cave of Pan at Oinoi, the funerary stelae and the votive inscriptions from the sanctuaries of Marathon are especially noteworthy. The most notable finding is the "Marathon Youth (Ephebe)," an impressively intact statue found by fishermen in 1925. It is bronze, 1.24 m tall, and thought to be of the Praxiteles school. The museum is open daily, except Mondays, 8:30 am - 3 pm.
The Marathon Run Museum
This is the second spot that makes a visit to Marathon a true history lesson. It was opened in 2004 and presents the complete history of the Olympic Marathon Race from 1896 in Athens through 2004, when it was again held in Athens and in which 220 athletes from 55 countries participated. Most of the photographs, posters and drawings have been provided to the museum by the International Olympic Committee from the Olympic Museum Lausanne. The Marathon Run Museum is open daily, except Monday, 9 am - 9 pm.
Marathon Lake
A dam was constructed at the point where the torrents of Charadros and Varnavas meet to shore up the lake and collect rain water. This is how the artificial lake of Marathon was formed; following necessary treatment, its waters flow to the Athens reservoirs through underground aqueducts. It is the largest permanent source of potable water for Athens and Piraeus. The Marathon Dam is particularly impressive as the artful construction and Pendelikon marble cladding make it the only one of its kind in the world. Marathon Lake is a place of incomparable beauty, enriched by the pine forest and picturesque lanes; there is also a quaint café near the dam.
Schinias-Marathon National Park
This is one of the 25 fully charted protected areas of Greece. The Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Centre was located here and the tomb of the fallen warriors from the Battle of Marathon was included in its designation. The national park is divided into eight zones, one marine zone and seven landbased zones. Each one warrants special protective measures so that the ecosystem is not disturbed. Specifically, the Schinias wetlands (430 hectares) and hilly areas around the Kynosoura peninsula and Drakonera are fully protected. The wetlands constitute a habitat for species of wild birds, such as egrets and hawks, as well as many other species of birds. It is possible to take part in a variety of activities here, such as bicycling, bird watching and short excursions to nearby areas.
How to get to Marathon
From the centre of Athens, follow Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, which branches into Messogion Avenue. Marathon Avenue begins at Stavros Aghias Paraskevis and continues to Marathon. At the Marathon intersection, Lake Marathon Avenue leads to the lake.
To read more, please visit thisisathens.org
What To Do In Athens With 5 Euro
Athens is a multi-faceted city which gives visitors, regardless of age, mindset, style or budget, the chance to enjoy a unique experience. Since the best things in life are free, let’s find out what someone can do in Athens with only 5 euros.
Visit The Acropolis Museum
One of the finest architectural diamonds and best museums worldwide. You will be impressed, no matter how many times you visit. Over and over again, the feeling one gets is overwhelming – admiration and awe take over. With the exhibition area occupying 14,000 m2 and the exhibits numbering 4,000, it is understandable that one visit cannot cover all this beauty. There are always details waiting to be discovered. The light coming through the glass engages in a playful motion with the surfaces and the night casts a magical veil on the past and the dynamics of the space. You can only be taken aback by its everlasting splendor. Visit the museum during the winter months when the ticket price is just 5 euros.
Ride Along The Athenian Riviera
Athens Riviera: Faliro, Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, it doesn’t matter where to – just climb on the tram or the bus line that takes you there and rush to the calling of the sea. Leave the madness of the city behind and relax by viewing the amazing Saronic Gulf. If the weather is appropriate, take a swim and lay on the beach with company, or with the company of a book. If the water is not yet warm enough, get lost in the endless horizon listening to your favorite music. Whatever the case, the ideal time to begin your ride is just before sunset.
Eat ‘Vromiko’ Downtown
As the daylight evaporates, the canteens start getting their fast food ingredients ready. The smell of grilled meat takes over the surrounding streets and neighborhoods, capturing the people that move among them. The sandwich is called ‘vromiko’, which in Greek means ‘dirty’, because it is generously stuffed with full-fat ingredients that create delightful bites. The canteens are scattered in various downtown spots, but the most popular is in Mavili Square, where, after all-night partying, the night walkers gather to claim a tasteful epilogue to their fun.
Visit A Book Bazaar
A journey to the parallel world of books, not only for those capable of reading between the lines! From time to time, the area of Zappeio, Klafthmonos square, Dionisiou Areopagitou Street, host the most famous utdoor book bazaars where you can lose yourself in the pages. With free entrance and special low prices you can buy a rare edition and a book you wouldn’t want your library to miss. These bazaars are not permanent, so you’d better watch out for their opening dates.
Article source: VisitGreece.com
What To See In Athens
Daily events (including music, bars, museums, galleries, markets etc.)
Summer daily 8am-7pm; winter daily 8.30am-3pm and floodlit by night
The Acropolis is a rocky mound rising above Plaka. It is the birthplace of Athens, and crowned by three ancient temples, the best known being the Parthenon.
Agorá
Daily
In ancient times Athens' political, administrative and cultural heart, today the Ancient Agora in Monastiraki is a green landscape dotted with crumbling ruins.
Balthazar
Daily
Balthazar is an exclusive bar-restaurant set in a romantic walled garden decorated with fairy lights.
Battleship Averoff Museum
Daily
The Battleship Averoff is the most important and impressive surviving naval vessel in the history of the Hellenic Navy. Commissioned in 1911, it served for 44 years.
Benaki Museum
Daily; not Tue
Occupying a neo-classical house in Kolonaki, the Benaki Museum offers a walk through the history of Greek art from 3000 BC up to the 20th century. Exhibits are laid out in chronological order.
Benaki Museum of Islamic Art
Daily; not Mon
The Islamic Museum in Athens, part of the Benaki Museum, has relocated to a bigger building for a better viewing experience. The neoclassical complex houses works from India, Persia, and Asia.
Byzantine & Christian Museum
Daily; not Mon
In its underground exhibition space in Kolonaki, the Byzantine and Christian Museum traces the Byzantine Empire from the birth of Christianity to the 1453 fall of Constantinople.
Centre of Hellenic Tradition
Daily
For orignal souvenirs and gifts, call at the Centre of Hellenic Tradition, which stock authentic Greek folk art.
Dimitris Pierides Museum of Contemporary Art
Daily
The Dimitris Pierides Museum of Contemporary Art houses over a thousand paintings, sculptures, engravings and ceramics and includes works by artists from Greece and Cyprus.
Frissiras Museum
Daily; not Mon or Tue
In Plaka, the Frissaras Museum is Greece's only museum to contemporary European painting. There's a permanent collection, dedicated to the human figure, as well as pieces by Hockney.
Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art
Daily; not Tue or Sun
In Kolonaki, the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art is revered for its collection of elegant marble figurines. Surprisingly contemporary in style, these enigmatic pieces were placed in burial sites.
Kerameikos Archaeological Site
Daily
The Kerameikos was the potters' quarter of classical Athens and also the official cemetery of the city. Today it is a tranquil and fascinating archaeological site, away from the bustle of the city.
Lykavittos
Daily
Athens' highest point, 295 metres high, Mount Lykavittos is served by cable car from Kolonaki. Paths zigzag up through pinewoods to the summit, capped by a whitewashed church and cafe.
Monastiraki Flea Market
Daily
Like an Eastern bazaar, the open-fronted stores of Monastiraki Market stock copperware, backgammon sets, army surplus gear, leather goods and cheap jewellery. On busy Sunday mornings, everyone meets here.
Museum of the City of Athens
Daily; not Tue
The Museum of the City of Athens is housed in a neoclassical building constructed in 1833 which was used as King Otto's temporary palace from 1836-1842.
Museum of Greek Folk Art
Daily; not Mon
The Museum of Greek Folk Art in Plaka displays costumes, embroidery, jewellery, ceramics, arms and folk theatre artefacts from around Greece. Don't miss the Theofilis Room.
Museum of Greek Traditional Instruments
Daily; not Mon or Sun
Hidden away in pretty Plaka, the Museum of Greek Traditional Instruments displays 1,200 musical instruments, ranging from gypsy flutes to shepherds' goatskin bagpipes.
National Archaeological Museum
Daily
National Archaeological Museum
Home to the world's finest collection of ancient Greek art, the marble-floored National Archaeological Museum, near Omonia, displays larger-than-life sculptures of heroes from Greek mythology.
National Gallery of Art
Daily; not Tue
Tired of ruins? Make sure you visit the biggest picture and portrait gallery in Greece, the National Gallery, or Ethniki Pinakotheki.
National Gardens
Daily
Designed as the grounds of the 19th-century royal palace, now the Parliament, the National Gardens in Syntagma display lush planting, duck ponds, strutting peacocks and a small zoo.
Numismatic Museum
Daily; not Mon
With a history going back to 1829, Athens' Numismatic Museum is one of the few of its kind in the world and the only such museum in the Balkans. The strength of its collection lies in some of the world's oldest coins.
Plaka
Daily
The Plaka sits in the shadow of the Acropolis in the oldest part of Athens and with most of the streets closed to automobile traffic, it is one of the most pleasant neighbourhoods in the city.
Roman Forum
Daily
From 1BC to 4AD, traders met in the Roman Forum - a rectangular courtyard lined with shops. Also on the site in Plaka stands the octangular Tower of the Winds, built in 1BC by Macedonian workers.
Spyros Vassiliou Museum
Daily
The home and studio of Greek artist Spyros Vassiliou (1902/3-1985) is now open to the public as a museum and archive, becoming the principal authority on the artist.
Stavros Melissinos
Daily; not Sun
Stavros Melissinos began crafting handmade leather sandals in 1954. When poet Stavros retired in 2004, the shop moved to Psirri and is now run by his son, Pantelis.
Technopolis
Daily
The once run-down industrial area of Gazi began its transformation into Athens' most happening nightlife district with the opening of Technopolis in 1999. Occupying the former city gasworks.
Vorres Museum
Daily
The Vorres Museum consists of a complex of ten acres of buildings, courtyards and gardens. Its collection of over 6000 items covers 4000 years of Greek history.
War Museum
Daily; not Mon
The War Museum of Athens explores the history of warfare from stone axes to heavy artillery. Other exhibits cover the classical and medieval period, the Greek War of Independence and conflicts.
One Of Athens’ Most Enchanting Temples
If you have yet to explore the grounds of this incredible temple, this should be a definite stop during your next afternoon stroll in the city center. The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion or Columns of the Olympian Zeus, is a colossal ruined temple that was dedicated to Zeus, king of the Olympian gods.
Construction began in the 6th century BC during the rule of the Athenian tyrants, who envisaged building the greatest temple in the ancient world, but it was not completed until the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD some 638 years after the project had begun.
During the Roman periods it was renowned as the largest temple in Greece and housed one of the largest cult statues in the ancient world. Yet, the temple's glory was short-lived, as it fell into disuse after being pillaged in a barbarian invasion in the 3rd century AD. It was probably never repaired and was reduced to ruins thereafter. In the centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire, the temple was extensively quarried for building materials to supply building projects elsewhere in the city. Despite this, substantial remains remain visible today and it continues to be a major tourist attraction.
The temple is located about 500 m south-east of the Acropolis, and about 700 m south of Syntagma Square. Its foundations were laid on the site of an ancient outdoor sanctuary dedicated to Zeus. An earlier temple had stood there, constructed by the tyrant Pisistratus around 550 BC. The building was demolished after the death of Peisistratos and the construction of a colossal new Temple of Olympian Zeus was begun around 520 BC by his sons, Hippias and Hipparchos. Designed by the architects Antistates, Callaeschrus, Antimachides and Porinus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was intended to be built of local limestone in the Doric style on a colossal platform measuring 41 m (134.5 feet) by 108 m (353.5 feet). It was to be flanked by a double colonnade of eight columns across the front and back and twenty-one on the flanks, surrounding the cella.
The work was abandoned when the tyranny was overthrown and Hippias was expelled in 510 BC. Only the platform and some elements of the columns had been completed by this point, and the temple remained in this state for 336 years. The temple was left unfinished during the years of Athenian democracy, apparently because the Greeks thought it hubristic to build on such a scale.
Fifteen columns remain standing today and a sixteenth column lies on the ground where it fell during a storm in 1852. Nothing remains of the cella or the great statue that it once housed.
The temple was excavated in 1889-1896 by Francis Penrose of the British School in Athens (who also played a leading role in the restoration of the Parthenon), in 1922 by the German archaeologist Gabriel Welter and in the 1960s by Greek archaeologists led by Ioannes Travlos. The temple, along with the surrounding ruins of other ancient structures, is a historical precinct administered by Ephorate of Antiquites of the Greek Interior Ministry.
Source: Wikipedia
Biking In Athens
The capital of Greece, with the joys of the mountain and the pleasures of the sea equally available, can really thrill the bikers. Mount the bicycle of your imagination and follow us on an enchanting trip around the beauties of Athens. Kids of all ages, set the wheels in motion… Take your family along and follow safe ways through parks and cycle lanes. Treat your spare time of nonchalance with fitness in the following suggested places...
- Park of Environmental Information and Sensitisation “Antonis Tritsis”.
- “Syggrou” grove in Kifissia
- The ex royal estate in Tatoi
- The Technical University’s park in Zografou
- Intermunicipal cycle track of the northern suburbs
Let history be your guide…
The longest pedestrian walkway is Dionysiou Areopagitou str. It starts at the Hadrian’s Arch; it goes past the Acropolis Museum and keeps on through Apostolou Pavlou str. to Thissio and Monastiraki and, at Assomaton square, it meets Ermou str. Take the latter and go as far as Gazi or Plaka.
Feel the energy of the surroundings: incomparable monuments of the Greek cultural heritage will set the backdrop for an unforgettable ride pas the Ancient Agora, the Ancient Dionysus Theatre, the Roman Agora. For a time journey back to the ages of the old times of Athens as capital of the Hellenic Republic, Plaka is the best choice.
Caressed by the sea breeze…
When you have cycled around the city centre but you are eager for more, go to the Athens Riviera and enjoy some ouzo after your ride. Our suggestions:
-From “Floisvos” marina to Eden beach
-From Fáliro to Glyfáda
-From the marina in Glyfáda to Kavouri
To read this article in full, please visit: Visit Greece
10 Things To Do In Athens On A Rainy Day
Greece is a land of sunshine, but every once in a while there are a few days of rain (or snow!). It can happen anytime. No need to fret when this happens, there is plenty to do in Athens on grey days. The city is full of museums, and a rainy day is the perfect excuse to actually get inside and visit them!
Near the Acropolis
1. Visit the Acropolis Museum, plant yourself on the second level in the café to enjoy a budget friendly lunch and the views.
2. From the Acropolis Museum you are just round the corner from the Atelier Spyros Vassiliou Museum. Vassiliou was one of the most acclaimed artists in Greece, and you may just recognize some of the work on display. To learn more visit: http://www.spyrosvassiliou.org/
3. Also near the Acropolis is the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum. This private collection is housed in a beautiful building at Karyatidon and Kallisperi Streets, just off the esplanade of Dionysiou Areopagitou St. on the south side of the Acropolis, below the Theatre of Dionysos. The glitter of all those jewels will certainly bring the sunshine inside! To learn more visit: http://www.lalaounis-jewelrymuseum.gr/en/
Near Syntagma Square
4. Another trio of activities includes a walk, with an umbrella, through the National Gardens. It’s peaceful, especially so in the rainy, when there’s few people out, the gardens hold many secret areas where you can escape the rain. There is a cafe at one end, but continue out of the gardens to the Zappeio, where you may wander inside the magnificent Zappeion Hall and admire the architecture inside.
5. Be an Athenian at the Aegli Cafe. Grab a seat on the covered veranda, order a coffee or light lunch and settle in for awhile, reading, people watching and enjoying the car free quietness of the gardens.
6. From the Zappeion gardens cross over Amalias to visit the Jewish Museum of Athens. This museum is an amazing collection of Judaica from all over Greece. The museum also does a fine job of telling the story of the history of the Jews of Greece, which dates back more than 23 centuries in Greece! To learn more visit: http://www.jewishmuseum.gr/en/index.html
7. Continue on to the Frissiras Museum, a private collection of European artists, housed in a most beautiful building at the corner of Monis Asteriou and Kydathineon. To learn more visit: http://www.frissirasmuseum.com/english/index.aspx
Around Thissio
8. Start your walk down to the cafes on Heraklidon street. Here you’ll find lovely old Neo-Classical buildings, renovated, cozy and friendly. Take a seat on the covered roof of Cafe Chocolat and contemplate the Parthenon from this prized Athenian vantage point.
9. The Herakleidon Museum, the Escher exhibits. This small private collection is an experience in visual arts. To learn more visit: http://herakleidon-art.gr/index.cfm?get=home
10. Continue walking down Herakleidon away from the historical center and you’ll find the Melina Mercouri Cultural Center. Located at Iraklidon 66a, Athens, 11851, the center is home to two permanent exhibitions, A Journey Through Athens, on the first floor, where one can view 19th-century Athens and elements of the 20th century via reproductions of buildings, houses, stores and people. The center is open Tues–Sat 9–1 and 5–9, Sun 9–1.
The second exhibition is the Haridimos Shadow Puppet Museum – Theatre which hosts a vast collection of items that belonged to the Haridimos family, renowned shadow puppet masters. Over 1,000 exhibits are on display including figures made with leather, cardboard, gelatine and sets drawn on fabric, cloth-bound manuscripts, folk art paintings and photographs dating from the early 20th century until today. Performances are staged for schools free of charge, while puppet figure-making lessons are held for children and adults on a weekly basis, however if you are lucky enough to find Sotiris Haridimos on site when you arrive, you could be treated to your own private shadow puppet show!
Provided by and originally posted on: True-Athens.com
11 Free Things To Do In Athens
Studying abroad in Greece and living mere blocks from the Acropolis lent me the unique opportunity to know ancient Athens on an intimate level. On a student’s budget, I dedicated my free time to uncovering the secrets of the city, and unearthed some amazing experiences along the way. For those of you on a strict budget, here is the best list of FREE things to do Athens, in no particular order...
1. Monastiraki Flea Market
Handcrafted goods, fresh fruits and stacks of soccer jerseys and jewelry dominate the stalls of Monastiraki’s bustling flea market. Literally meaning “little monastery” Monastiraki is named for the Pantánassa church monastery located in the center of the neighborhood’s square. Here more than bargain goods are to be found; Monastiraki is also home to the ancient ruins of the Roman Agora and Hadrian’s library.
2. Mars Hill At Night
Mars Hill, known as Areopagus by the Greeks, has been the site of many speeches, trials and meetings over history. St. Paul the Apostle preached here, and The Council of Nobles and the Judicial Court met on this hill. After thousands of years of weather damage and earthquakes, it’s now a low, rocky hill located just below the Acropolis and the perfect spot to go on a warm summer night to listen to acoustic guitar, split a bottle of store-bought wine and revel in the splendor of the Parthenon lit up at night.
3. Witness the Changing of the Guards
Dressed in kilts, donned in pom-poms and kicking impressively high are the stoic Evzone Guards at The Greek Parliament building in Syntagma Square. Every Sunday at 11 a.m., the changing of the guard takes place in an elaborate parade starting from the Evzone camp at Irodou Attikou Street, marching down to Vasilissis Sofias to the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Syntagma Square.
The Evzones are the cream of the military crop. Every Greek man is required to serve two years in the Greek military, and the Evzones are chosen based on their height, fitness level and are trained to stand motionless for hours on end. They’re also known as the Presidential Guard, after all, that is their duty.
4. Stroll Through Plaka
Nestled in the heart of Athens, in the shadow of the Acropolis, is it’s oldest district, Plaka. Reminiscent of the bygone era of Turkish-rule, Plaka’s antique charm, pedestrian-only streets, and al fresco dining make for a most pleasant stroll.
To read more, please visit pausethemoment.com
10 Great Spots to Sleep, Drink & Eat In Athens
As Greece gears up for a bumper tourist season, with over 21 million visitors expected this year, Athens is surfacing from austerity. Its cultural and night-life scene is blossoming as locals start up creative cooperatives or become city guides.
1. City Circus
Two friends ditched corporate careers to set up this hip hostel in Psirri, a central neighbourhood of lively meze joints and gift shops. With mid-century antiques, frescoed ceilings, and graffiti art, it's way cooler and cheaper than the average boutique hotel. Nine rooms in an annex open this summer, along with a bar/restaurant that will screen films and serve cheap cocktails. The roof terrace has dazzling Parthenon views.
• +30 213 0237 244, citycircus.gr, dorm beds from €15 a night
2. Alice Inn
Decent lodgings are surprisingly scarce in Plaka, the touristy old town. This stylish "three-and-a-half-room" guesthouse is the exception. Greek-Irish architect John Consolas has converted a crummy hostel into a cosy, art-filled bolthole. Consolas, who lives on site, is a laid-back host who makes guests (everyone from top DJs to IMF inspectors) feel like old friends.
• +30 210 323 7139, aliceinnathens.com, doubles from €50
3. Black Duck Garden
Modern Athens' first public park was the gardens at the City of Athens Museum, with palm trees and fountains. One palm tree survives in the secret garden behind the museum, which now hosts a sweet, summer-only bistro. An oasis of shady calm, it's a relaxing spot for brunch or coffee.
• +30 210 3252396, blackduckgarden.gr
To read more, please visit theguardian.com
Curry At The Port
After the snow (what?!) and cold temperatures of last week, it’s almost impossible to recall the sunny, balmy 18-degree days of last weekend. I had planned a fun-filled afternoon with a friend who promised to show me around Piraeus – a part of the city, I must admit, I do not frequent. Not for any particular reason, apart from not really knowing much more about Piraeus than the passenger port for trips to the islands…
We met at Piraeus station, and made our way on foot around the port area, on a long walk around the ‘peninsula’ that is Piraeus proper. The seaside walk was beautiful, and we stopped along the way at the endless strip of taverans and cafés of Akti Themistokleous for a coffee and maybe even a tsipouro or two… The seaside views and beachside walk was wonderful – and totally doable on foot over a couple of hours. We made it as far around as Marina Zeas, but called it a day since we were by then starving…
We decided to go nuts and go for Indian food. My friend has been trying to get me to her ‘local Indian’ for ages – so we went. The place is called Kebab & Curry – and it lived up to its praise. It’s an unassuming space, simple, run by an Indian family. ‘Taki’ the owner had saved us a table, and my friend had phoned ahead to arrange a fixed-price feast. This was wonderful – no need to look at the menu, no need to deliberate, just eat and enjoy! The food here is great – authentic, spiced according to your preference, and evidently quite popular. There was even a delivery bike outside for lucky Piraeus locals.
All in all a nice afternoon in an under-rated part of the city. Next time we will walk the opposite way around and stop in Mikrolimano and the endless fish tavernas – a popular city highlight for locals and visitors alike!
Kebab & Curry
Skouze 14, Piraeus
210 428 5937
Until next week,
Jack
In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…
Culture + Cool
Those of you who know the Thiseio neighbourhood may have wondered lately what happened to the old Stavlos bar at the top end of Iraklidon street. It had been a neighborhood staple for years, but lately lost some of its popularity – and over the past months was closed down completely. The space has since been completely gutted and transformed into a wide-open, airy, multi-function space called Root Artspace.
I went by accident on Sunday afternoon – the open door and warm noise coming out of the small door made me wonder what was going on inside… There was plenty going on!
The original building dates from 1845 when it housed the horse stables of King Otto. It later became a prison, and then a school, until the late 1980’s when it as transformed into the well-loved Stavlos bar. (This seems to be a not-so-unusual story for some of Greece’s historic properties – don’t they all become a bar at some point??)
On my unplanned Sunday visit, the place was buzzing with activity. A few questions to the barista got me some interesting answers about the Root Artspace concept.
This place has a grand vision. The venue will host performances, exhibitions and festivals. The restaurant offers up an urban street food menu based around organic and ‘paleo’ principals. The bar – called a ‘wellness bar’ – offers a range of healthy cocktails, some even sugar-free and gluten-free. And there is an actual record store (of the vinyl type) inside the space. The day I went they had a live band playing jazzy/blues music. And the service was very friendly (warm smiles and thank-yous all around).
This is seriously forward-looking stuff for Athens.
I have to say that this may be my new favourite place. The multi-room space itself is more than cool – it’s incredible. The menu and drink list is unique in the city. The music is eclectic. Good service, great vibe. With enough creativity to make it seriously interesting. And enough ‘urban attitude’ to make it very Athenian indeed.
Root Artspace
Iraklidon 10, Thiseio
+30 210 345 0003
www.rootartspace.gr
Until next week,
Jack
In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…