Plaka, known as the “neighborhood of the gods,”is the old historic neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, incorporating maze-like streets and neoclassical architecture. Excavations have proven that Adrianou Street, running North to South, is the oldest street in Athens, still in continuous use and with exactly the same layout and use since antiquity. Adrianou is the central street of the neighborhood, and as in the other main streets in the area, you will find shops selling traditional products, souvenirs, folk art and handicrafts, but also design stores, fashion outlets, etc.
Adrianou Street divides Plaka into two areas: the upper level, -Ano Plaka- located right under the rock of the Acropolis and the lower level -Kato Plaka-between Syntagma and Monastiraki.Plaka was developed mostly around the ruins of Ancient Agora of Athens. During the Greek War of Independence, Plaka, like the rest of Athens, was temporarily abandoned by its inhabitants because of the severe battles that took place in 1826. The area was repopulated during the first years of King Othon's rule.
In 1884 a fire burned down a large part of the neighborhood but gave the opportunity for the archaeologists to conduct excavations in the area of the Roman Marketand Hadrian’s Library. Excavations and research have been taking place continuously ever since.
Plaka is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists around the year, and is under strict zoning and conservation regulations. This is the only neighborhood in Athens where all utilities (water, power, cable television, telephone, internet, and sewage) lie underground in fully accessible, custom-made tunneling. Take a Walk around Plaka and visit the Acropolis, with KeyTours, the leading Greek tour operator.
On Epimenidou Street, one of the side streets around the Lysicrates Choragic Monument, the visitor will find Amygdalo, a wonderful little store with fine coffee, tea, chocolate, but also nuts, hand-made health bars, etc. Safe standing service only. We do suggest you try it!
