HISTORY OF PIRAEUS

In the beginning Piraeus was a islet, hence its name, "peraio" in ancient Greek means ferry across, so "peraiefs" was the the one ferrying across.

With time this was changed, since the void between land and Piraeus was covered by siltation and became a swamp and later on stretch of muddy land, in about the same period that the keen Themistocles foresaw its strategic importance, turn the attention of the Athenians to Piraeus and provided its fortification.

In 461 BC, Kimon began building the Long Walls that connected Piraeus with Athens, constructing the Northern or Faliriko Wall. With the Southern or Middle, Pericles completed the Walls, which were destroyed later on by the Romans. The big Attica port found its peak in the modern times of Greece, when in 1835, after the liberation from the Turks; the Municipality of Piraeus was created and was included in the program of constructing public buildings.

The industrial development of the area came during the decade of 1860-1870, while the railroad connection between Piraeus and Athens and the construction of the Corinth canal in 1839 that put Piraeus in the epicenter of the economical activity and distinguished it at the end of 19th century as the most important maritime center of the area, with 50,000 inhabitants. When later on the exchange of populations happened after the destruction of Smyrna, almost 100,000 people were settled here.

Piraeus was no longer the "Porte Leone", the fishing port of medieval times.

HOW TO GET THERE

BY ATHENS METRO: 1 (Green Line), Station "Piraeus"

BY BUS: 218, 232, 300, 703, 420, 800, 814, 824, 825, 826, 832, 833, 843, 859, 871, 872, 875, 904, 906, 909, 915, E90, X96

TROLLEY: 17, 20

• Official Site of the Municipality of Piraeus

Shopping

EFTYCHIA
Original handmade ceramics in a variety of colors are found here. If you are lucky, you might see the artist... more
TRANTA
Hand made leather goods of Greek origin like, high quality / exclusive handbags and belts, are sold here. ... more
TUBE
Beautiful boutique in Exarcheia, with unique style. Bags, dresses and accessories at good prices.... more
KOUKOUTSI
A shop that sells graphic t-shirts by designers from all over the world, in addition to handmade articles. ... more

Gastronomy

EN DELPHIS CAFÉ - BAR
This café / bar is a meeting place of many young actors and musicians. After undergoing a face lift, it... more
KAVVOURAS
Very good Souvlaki, one of the best in Town. Good Prices, check it out!... more
ST' ASTRA (Hotel Park)
Under the care of Herve Pronzato and the view of the big park, a modern cuisine of a high grade... more
GIANTES
Pioneer of the cuisine with biological products served with love, a high aesthetic and products straight from the growers.... more