155 Years & Counting: Athens' Oldest Operating Train Stations

The railway system in Greece, including the metro, remains a pivotal mode of transportation despite the challenges faced in recent years. Serving tens of thousands of commuters daily, it stands as a cornerstone of both passenger and freight transit.

Diving into its rich history, one can't help but wonder: What marks the genesis of Greece's railway network? The answer lies in the Piraeus-Thissio electric line, a testament to the nation's pioneering spirit in transportation. Stretching over 8.8 kilometers, this line was inaugurated in 1869, heralding a new era of connectivity between the capital and its bustling port.

The journey to its fruition commenced in 1857, with a laborious 12-year construction period. Initially propelled by steam engines, it wasn't until 1904 that the line was electrified, earning it the affectionate moniker "Electrikos" from the Athenians.

Established by British entrepreneurs in 1869, the Athens-Piraeus Railway (SAP) became a cornerstone of Greek infrastructure. Over the years, it transitioned to local ownership and underwent expansions, including the extension to Omonia in 1895. This expansion, however, introduced a lesser-known underground station, shrouded in mystery to this day.

In its infancy, the railway offered a vital alternative to arduous journeys between Piraeus and Athens, replacing laborious foot travel or horse-drawn carriages. Today, this historic route has seamlessly integrated into the modern metro network, forming Line 1, also known as the "Green" Line.

As we traverse through time, it's noteworthy that the oldest railway line in Greece boasts the two oldest metro stations still in operation: "Thissio" and "Piraeus". Continuously serving passengers for an impressive 155 years, these stations stand as enduring symbols of Greece's railway heritage, tracing their roots back to February 27, 1869, when the inaugural journey embarked upon its historic route.

Originally published in Greek on: reader.gr