Lysicratous Square

Lysicratous Square

Lysicratous Square is one of the oldest squares in Athens. Named after a much-admired sponsor of the arts in Ancient times, it is most well known as being the land upon which the famous Choragic Monument of Lysicrates.

Also known as the Lantern of Diogenes, it was erected on the west side of the Street of the Tripods (also the oldest street of Athens), by Lysicrates, in 335/34 B.C. - according to an engraving preserved on the architrave. Choragic monuments in ancient Greece were built by the "choregos", the "sponsor" who funded and oversaw the training of the dramatic dance and chorus in theatrical performances.
 

Excavations conducted in 1982-85 at Lysicratous Square, completed the investigations made by Al. Philadelpheus and revealed the foundations of adjacent choragic monuments. However, the Lysicrates monument is the only one of its kind to be almost completely preserved, making it the most interesting feature of the modern Lysicratous Square.

Lysicratous Square is a peaceful intersection in Plaka that is not only worth visiting just for the above reasons. But also because it is full of life as it has restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops to enjoy in and around its surrounding streets.