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

KOUKOUTSI
A shop that sells graphic t-shirts by designers from all over the world, in addition to handmade articles. ... more
LESHI TOU DISKOU
Small record store in the arcade next to the Opera-House with classical and a little jazz music.... more
BENAKI MUSEUM SHOP II
A beautiful space filled with unique souvenirs from the Benaki Museum – such as ceramics, silver vessels, reliefs and sculptures,... more
BIBLIOPHILIA
A paradise for booklovers. Here you may find antique and rare books, engravings and manuscripts from the 15th - 20th... more

Entertainment

REX
This movie theater is in the heart of Pireaus and provides discount tickets for children, people with special needs and... more
ALEXANDRA
A cinema hall in the city center that provides discount tickets for senior citizens and students. Early bookings can be... more
RIVIERA
The Riviera movie house is practically legendary in the area of Exarchia. Visit it during the summer months and enjoy... more
ODEON OPERA
Hosts two cinema halls that include digital sound and air conditioning. They offer more economic tickets for club members and... 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
BUTCHER SHOP
Tavern in Gazi with emphasis on meat and traditional tastes. Perfect for large groups.... more
KORKOFILAS
Open daily from 5 p.m. this house offers delicious meze to its customers. Live rebetika on Sundays from 2 p.m.... more
KORKOFILAS
Open daily from 5 p.m. this house offers delicious meze to its customers. Live rebetika on Sundays from 2 p.m.... more

Nightlife

SIX D.O.G.S
Cosy multiplace with live and DJ shows as well a gallery exhibitions and festivals.... more
IPPOPOTAMOS
A pretty bar on a side-street of Skoufa, ideal for an evening out in the city center. Let loose to... more
FUZZ LIVE MUSIC CLUB
Fuzz club has consistently provided powerful dance and live performances from all over the world, record release parties, movie avant... more
GAZARTE
High ceiling hall of 400 square meters in ground level, with the possibility of multiple uses, such as musical and... more