OMONIA SQUARE

Theoretically the center of the city, with heavy traffic and a common meeting spot.

Omonia once housed the gigantic glass sculpture of the "Dromea" (the "Runner"), which is now found at the Megalis tou Genous Scholis Square – across for the National Art Gallery and the Hilton hotel. Omonia remained closed during the Metro works and recently had a face lift.

The square's traffic route from the 19th century until 1998 once more fully circumvented the centre with six streets, of which five also functioned as entrances and exits. From the 19th century to the 1950s, the area's layout more literally approached that of a square, framed by broad paths to the edges and centrally, and surrounded by neoclassical buildings.

The square's focus also featured a shading arc of palm trees until the 1950s, and a central fountain until 2000, while almost a century ago; ceremonial cannon were once aligned in a central circle.

The square including its trees were later and to great criticism demolished, except for the fountain, to make room for the ever-increasing traffic. The area now formed a pentagon facing northwest and greener hexagon to the northeast, with a central circle. Road areas continued to encroach on the previous design in the shape of a circle totaling four lanes, with part of the former road nevertheless transformed into a larger open pedestrian space; but to great regret half the neoclassical buildings in the western and northern areas were removed, although some neoclassical structures remain in the northern part and within Athinas Street.

Trees were later replanted within Omonia, and encircled the fountain once again. When part of the square was shut down for renovation ahead of the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics, it was decided to eliminate traffic from the west and east sides once and for all, reducing it to the westbound lanes at the southern section and the eastbound lanes at south leaving one route. The focal space here has been argued to have existed since ancient times, later abandoned but revived when Athens became a city once more.

HOW TO GET THERE

BY ATHENS METRO: 1 (Green Line), 2 (Red Line), Station "Omonia"

BY BUS: 035, 049, 057, 200, 227, 500, 790, 813, 856

TROLLEY: 1, 3, 5, 11, 12, 13, 21

BY FOOT: From the Panepistimiou Metro Station, take El. Venizelou Avenue as it goes down from Syntagma Square straight to Omonia Square. The same goes for Stadiou Avenue, which is parallel to El. Venizelou Avenue.

Shopping

ART BOOKSTORE KOAN
Art book store with many aesthetic choices from the areas of cinematography, photography, painting and a whole lot more. ... more
SWISSCORNER
Center of Swiss watches for women\'s and men\'s.... more
PATAKIS
Big book store in the center of the city with its own publications.... more
CAPPELLINI GLOBAL
Pioneering objects and sophisticated furniture on four floors in the Arabia arcade from experts of this kind.... more

Entertainment

ALEXANDRA
A cinema hall in the city center that provides discount tickets for senior citizens and students. Early bookings can be... more
ALPHA ODEON OPERA
Hosts two cinema halls that include digital sound and air conditioning. They offer more economic tickets for club members and... more
REX
This movie theater is in the heart of Pireaus and provides discount tickets for children, people with special needs and... more
REX
This movie theater is in the heart of Pireaus and provides discount tickets for children, people with special needs and... more

Gastronomy

FLORAL BOOKS + COFFEE
Located in the historic “Blue Building” of infamous Exarchia Square, Floral has been around for a long time. Having recently... more
TO PETRINO
A tavern with traditional Greek tastes, in a warm, friend environment with beautiful décor. ... more
AIOLIS
Bar-Restaurant on the pedestrian walkway of Aiolou Street with nice music choices.... more
BUTCHER SHOP
Tavern in Gazi with emphasis on meat and traditional tastes. Perfect for large groups.... more

Nightlife

KENTRO ATHINON
Performing for Winter season 2011 is legend, Dimitris Mitropanos and is a singer that is very popular with the youth... more
VILLA MERCEDES CLUB - RESTAURANT
The popular club / restaurant is found parallel to Pireos Street. Continuing his legacy of having some of the most... more
BOTANIKOS
Performing for Winter season 2011 are the major country names, Natassa Theodoridou and Marinella. Entrance: 15 Euros. Bottle service: 190... more
MICRAASIA
Predominantly a spot that attracts lesbians, this Middle Eastern inspired venue offers mainstream food and fun downstairs and an incredible... more