“The District of the Gods”
This prehistoric area has developed around the ruins of the ancient Agora of Athens and was continuously inhabited. Plaka is the most ancient and famous district of the city and the most visited out of all areas of the capital, thus designated and traditional. After the war, the buildings were preserved in their entirety and so this area is reminiscent of the image that it had some 100 years ago. It is said that the district was named after a stone tablet which was found in the area of Aghios Georgios Church Alexandria, next to the Ancient Theater of Dionysus.
At a glance…
The truly unique atmosphere created by the neoclassical houses, the architecture, the shielded gardens, the classiness and the magical aura from the Acropolis make its visitors and residents feel they live in an area similar to the ambiance of the Greek Islands, just like an endless holiday. Adrianou and Kydathinaion streets are very characteristic of this quarter and offer the opportunity for long, beautiful walks.
A maze of streets, sidewalks and pedestrian walks holds many pleasant surprises. Byzantine churches, beautiful old houses and small interesting shops. Traditional Greek food and classic charming cafes provide their spectators intimacy and a taste of the famous Greek hospitality. Due to the street planning of the area, you will not see a lot of cars, which gives one the opportunity to enjoy long and peaceful walks and carefully explore the streets of the area.
Anafiotika
The region Anafiotika is situated on the northern side of Plaka. You will see small idyllic whitewashed houses, evocative of those of the Greek Cycladic Islands. This neighborhood was built in the 19th century by workers who migrated there from Anafi, a Greek island in the Cyclades, from which it took its name. The workers built their homes influenced by the Cycladic architecture of their island, feeling nostalgic about their place of origin. Walking towards the Rock of Aris, you will find the mark where the Supreme Court of ancient Athens was once situated, the Arios Pagos.
Particularity: The atmosphere that makes you feel like you are living in another era, the history which appears in every corner of the region, the familiar feeling of knowing your neighbor and mainly, the feeling of not being alone since you will always encounter visitors and residents wandering around the streets of Plaka.
Nature: The Acropolis Hill, the Mouson Mount, the Hill of the Nymphs, the National Garden, Zappeion.
Average property purchase and rental rates: In Plaka we see a big variety of property prices. It is an area with great demand but limited offers. The factors affecting the prices are the location of the property, the view, the condition of the building and its rarity. The entire area is subject to strict planning regulations. The aged buildings have many restrictions as far as renovation and/or restoration is concerned. You see prices ranging from EUROS 2,500 to 12,000 per square meter for purchase and EUROS 11.00 to 25.00 per square meters for rent.
Transport: Nearby Metro stations are Acropolis, Syntagma and Monastiraki, close tram stops are at Syntagma Square and Zappeion. Numerous bus lines and trolley buses enable easy access to this part of the city.
Market: Plaka offers several shopping opportunities and has many small, unique and alternative shops. It is also very close to the main commercial market of the city, Ermou Street, the big Department stores on Stadiou Avenue, Panepistimiou Avenue and Monastiraki.
Culture/Entertainment: An outdoor cinema, 2 theaters, many coffee shops and café-restaurants, bars, clubs, lots of traditional tavernas, restaurants and conventional eateries, galleries, small music halls and museums.
Spots: The Acropolis, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Roman Market, “The oldest House of Athens, the Mansion of Benizelos, the Museum of Greek Folk Art, the Lysikrates Monument, and the traditional Hamam-Turkish bath.
