Kapnikareas Square

Kapnikareas Square

Going down Ermou Street we meet Kapnikareas Square with its same-named church, which causes a halt in the pedestrian road. It hosts one of the oldest churches in Athens, circa 1050.

As it was common with the early Christian churches, Kapnikarea Church was built over an ancient Greek pagan temple dedicated to the worship of a goddess, possibly Athena or Demeter.
 

On this square, many traveling salespersons peddle their goods, artists display their works and comics and showmen perform during holiday seasons. On the lower side of the square, definitely check out the H&M building with its high, neoclassical structure - but note, no photographs are allowed. The Stoa of Agia Irinis is just a step away and provides the junction between the two Squares.