MONASTIRAKI

The area was named after the monastery "Koimiseos tis Theotokou" (the Assumption of Virgin Mary) that used to be there. It is a narrow area between the streets, Ermou and Adrianou, and the Metro stations "Monastiraki" (in Monastiraki Square) and "Thisio" (the junction of Apostolou Pavlou Street with Ermou Street). Hypothetically, of course, we say that it extends to Aiolou Street to the east and the Roman Agora to the south.

Monastiraki is the pleasure of the collector. On Hephaestus Street, there are tens of small shops selling furniture, appliances, clothes and shoes, as well as, beads, used records and small items of decoration. Especially in the antique bazaar of Avissinias Square, the well known Giousouroum, when you really look thoroughly, you may find a small treasure. That may be a telescope, a rare antique, a diving suite or a shiny saxophone, all in debatable prices, as it was done in Athens in bygone years. What one sees wandering in Monastiraki on Sunday morning, it is rare to see elsewhere. Crowds of people roam the pedestrian precincts, sometimes with the sole purpose of a stroll, in itself, with no particular destination.

Of course, it's not that Monastiraki is without destinations: the cafιs and the restaurants of the surrounding streets, underneath the magnificence of Acropolis and next to Thisio, the Roman Agora or the Aerides, are the attracting poles for the enchanted tourists and for those who wish to read their newspapers in the shade, under the sounds of the electric train, the cheerful people passing by and sometimes the sound of a laterna (hand organ). The most recent addition to the image of Monastiraki is the square that completed construction on December 2008. It consists of a multicolored mosaic which refers to the multiculturalism of the area. Here, visitors can see the ancient view of the Eridanos River from the new 6 meter deep opening of the square.

HOW TO GET THERE

BY ATHENS METRO: 1 (Green Line), 3 (Blue Line), Station "Monastiraki"

BY BUS: 025, 026, 027, 035, 200, 227, 500

BY FOOT: From Syntagma Square, follow Ermou street all the way down until you meet up with Monastiraki Square. This will take approximately 10 minutes.

Shopping

SHOPPING CENTER PLAKA
A terrific one-stop shop for all your souvenir needs.... more
EL HABANERO
Tobacco, cigarettes and cigars for all tastes. Point of reference for smokers with an opinion.... more
ATHENS GALLERY
Located in the ancient heart of the city, in Plaka, the Athens Gallery offers guests the chance to experience the... more
TO KOMBOLOI TOU PSIRI
Worry beads of every kind and size with value of 5 Euro to 5,000 Euros in an exceptional store.... more
BENAKI MUSEUM SHOP III
A beautiful space filled with unique souvenirs from the Benaki Museum – such as ceramics, silver vessels, reliefs and sculptures,... more
NOTOS GALLERIES LAMPROPOULOS
The oldest and highly respected Greek-owned department store.... more
LESVOS SHOP
Authentic traditional products from Lesvos and Limnos from pasta and wines to cosmetics made by the hands of Island’s Association... more

Gastronomy

ARISTON
Has a variety of pies, such as the all-time classic, cheese pie. ... more
GELATOMANIA
The best ice cream in Athens with a number of different and unusual flavors. Open from 9 in the morning... more
KRINOS
Old patisserie with traditional doughnuts and cream pies for customers of every age.... more
ΤΟ FILEMA
Snack bar on the pedestrian walkway of Romvis with fantastic tastes and a very friendly atmosphere.... more
HELL'S KITCHEN
Exactly behind the Town Hall, cozy atmosphere around the lovely bars, light during the day and genuine at night, with... more
BOOZE COOPERATIVA
A neoclassical building that functions as events multi-space. Café, bar, club, exhibitions, live music, theater and seminars... more
HYTRA
Cuisine from the Basque chef Martin Berasategui with dishes such as re mullet with mashed cauliflower, oyster with distaff jello... more