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.

Gastronomy

JAMES JOYCE IRISH PUB
Original Irish pub with traditional dishes and an impressive range of whisky and spirits.... more
HYTRA
Cuisine from the Bask chef Martin Berasategui with dishes such as re mullet with mashed cauliflower, oyster with distaff jello... more
PURE BLISS
Alternative multiplace, with unique drinks and dishes and events that foster the body and soul.... more
ZENDO
Smoothies and juice bar with tens of fruit juice mixtures for the necessary dosage of vitamins and energy.... more
BOOZE COOPERATIVA
A neoclassical building that functions as events multi-space. Café, bar, club, exhibitions, live music, theater and seminars... more
AVALON
A short journey to the time of knights, decoration with the distinct presence of wood and a Mediterranean menu, but... more
EDEN
A must-stop for vegetarians and vegans, with products exclusively of biological farming and biological Nemea wine.... more

Shopping

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
NOTOS GALLERIES LAMPROPOULOS
The oldest and highly respected Greek-owned department store.... more
ZOLOTAS
Boasting two fine boutiques in Athens and one on the Place Saint-Germain dès Prés in Paris, Zolotas has won the... 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
ATHENS GALLERY
Located in the ancient heart of the city, in Plaka, the Athens Gallery offers guests the chance to experience the... 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
APOSTOLART
Apostol’s bronze and glass sculptures have gained popularity for their extraordinary design and craftsmanship. He has had exhibits in many... more