Adrianou Street The most Ancient Commercial Street, still in Use
Adrianou Street, named after Grecophile Roman Emperor Hadrian, running North to South from historic Thesseion towards Hadrian's Arch, is the largest and most central street in Plaka and divides it into two areas: the upper - Ano Plaka - located right under the Acropolis and the lower - Kato Plaka - situated between Syntagmaand Monastiraki.
Excavations have proven that Adrianou is the oldest commercial street in Athens still in continuous use and with exactly the same layout, direction and usage since the ancient times!
As in the other main streets in Plaka, you will find shops selling traditional (or rather, best-selling tourist-quality low-aesthetics) products, souvenirs, folk art and handicrafts, etc. There are, however, some shops offering an exceptional quality of genuine products, worth discovering and possessing, according to your own taste. A good example is Kokka store, at 114 Adrianou St., with an extensive selection of footwear of their own production, but not only, at excellent prices and personal service.
Where to Stay
In Plaka, we recommend Electra Palace for your stay, a modern, centrally located, 5-star hotel offering personalized service, a beautiful rooftop pool and well-appointed rooms with a buffet breakfast included. The spacious rooms are equipped with A/C and satellite-TV. Thoughtful touches include bathrobes and slippers. Some rooms offer direct views of the Acropolis. Guests can start their day with a Greek Breakfast provided in the dining area. Electra Palace Hotel's rooftop looks directly to the Acropolis and has a lovely pool area and a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel is within a short walking distance from most of Athens' main attractions. Syntagma Square is less than 5 minutes' walk away and the Parliament and shopping districts are nearby.
At the corner of Adrianou and Flessa streets, just after the historic building of the 74th Elementary School, look for Flaneur, a very tasteful store with an entrance on 1 Flessa Street. Flaneur has an eclectic array of souvenirs and supplies of both Greek and international vendors, certainly worth your consideration.
Mrs. Rita, of "Roka", a small store on 134 Adrianou Street in Plaka.
Mrs. Rita, of Roka, a tiny little store on 134 Adrianou Street in Plaka, with handwoven tapestries and traditional paintings on wood, tableclothes, runners, etc, many of which she creates herself, also provides shelter, water and food for stray dogs and cats. I never fail to greet her, since I pass by very often from her store, and I am always rewarded by her kindness and her smile. You may reach her by telephone at +30 210 322 0027 or write her an email at ritaroka6@gmail.com or rokahandmade@gmail.com, or by snailmail at 134 Adrianou St., 105 58 Athens, Greece.
Alexander and the Damned Snake antiques
Archipelago hand-made jewelry & ceramics
Flaneur Souvenirs & Supplies
Forget Me Not Athens contemporary Greek design - fabulous memorabilia
For some well-deserved respite, especially in the late afternoon - early evening hours, you may want to sit at the Veranda, a cafe and restaurant at the point where Adrianou Street bends to allow for the archaeological area of Hadrian's Library. Magnificent night views of ancient Athens, an ever-present cool breeze, a side view of the Acropolis, and friendly people to serve you a refreshment, a drink or a light meal.
Noteworthy
The Emperor Hadrian.
Hadrian (76 AD – 138 AD) was a Roman emperor (117 - 138). He was regarded to be a humanist and was a philhellene in most of his tastes. He is regarded as one of the Five Good Emperors. An ardent admirer of Greece, he sought to make Athens the cultural capital of the Empire and ordered the construction of several public buildings, monuments and temples in the city.
