PARKS AND GREEN ZONES

Since the 5th century BC it was evident that few were the parks and the green zones in general, inside the city, which explains the droughts that always tormented Athens.

Of course, there is a big difference between a drought and the inexcusable absence of green belts. What was the reason that caused Athens to be built so cooped up, with adjoined buildings?

Was it its speedy development done in haste because the waves of immigrants needed to be housed? Why is the analogy of square areas of green belts per inhabitant (according to a 1994 survey) 9 for the Eternal City of Rome, 27 for Amsterdam, 50 for Washington, but just 2,55 for Athens?

Setting aside the rhetorical questions and looking on the map, the large green areas could be counted on two hands. The National Garden, Pedion tou Areos and other large green zones are far off what is internationally called "park". Practically, Athens has no green belt corresponding to its size and we regard as "lungs of the city" the planted with cypress trees cemeteries, for example the First Cemetery of Athens.

The Ministry of Environment Physical Planning and Public Works announced some years ago the plans to unify the green belts, similar to the unification of the archaeological sites. For the time being, residents and visitors must be content with the continuous remodeling of the existing green zones.

Shopping

DIESEL
Diesel is an innovative international design company, producing a wide-ranging collection of jeans, clothing and accessories. ... more
OLYMPICO
This jewelry store is known for offering a great selection of contemporary pieces made from precious metals, as well as... more
GOULANDRIS MUSEUM SHOP
After viewing this outstanding collection of ancient Cycladic the museum shop offers certified copies of many of the pieces it... more
VLASTARIS ANTIQUES
Established in 1975, Vlastaris Antiques is a member of the Hellenic Association of Antiquarians and Art Dealers. Its inventory consists... more
BENAKI MUSEUM SHOP
The Benaki Museum is noted for the plethora of tasteful items it has for sale such as, ceramics, reliefs &... more
MOHNBLUMCHEN
Imports and trades fine Italian and French Men\'s & Women\'s wear, Shoes and Garment Accessories. This store is highly exclusive... more
LOUIS VUITTON
The world renowned luxury brand name speaks for itself. In this store you will find Leather Goods & Accessories, Women’s... more
CELESTINO
Fashionable French & Italian Women’s wear (Greek-owned).... more
OLYMPIA
Family business with original paintings. Oils, watercolors, prints, posters and photographs by renowned artists. Price ranges the gamut from 3... more
COMPENDIUM BOOKSHOP
The shop sells anything from new and used, fiction and nonfiction books in English, mainly to ex-patriots – who seem... more
TZAKIS GALLERY COMPANY
This high quality art company opened in 1960 and now has three outlets in operation in Athens and Paris. Tzakis... more
BYZANTINE MUSEUM SHOP
The museum has for sale at the entrance, a limited selection of publications regarding the history and/or artwork of the... more