Psyri or Psiri is a colorful neoclassical neighborhood known for its artisans, specialty stores, restaurants, bars, tavernas with or without live music, theaters, art and antique shops, and a small number of hotels.
Following the liberation of Greece from the Turkish occupation in 1833, several veteran freedom fighters and immigrants from the provinces settled here. They opened cottage industries and workshops, which have given the area a distinctive character. The central square of Psyri is called "Heroes Square" because the streets leading to it carry names of heroes of the Independence War.
Another distinguished resident of Psyri was important Greek novelist Alexandros Papadiamantis who settled in the area for more than two decades. In the early 1990s, following a series of renovation and construction works, the Psyri neighborhood became a popular nightlife and residential area and it has now become a fair choice in the center of Athens. In Psyri you may visit the church of Agioi Anargyroi.
If you happen to be in the neighborhood at lunch time, we recommend that you try Nikitas, an unassuming, yet excellent, small restaurant with traditional Greek cuisine and grill, at 19 Ag. Anargyron Street, by the church.
Worth visiting is "O Passialis tis Pallados", at 5 Pallados St., a store loaded with merchandise, carrying an extensive selection of all sorts of wicker and bamboo baskets and bags, decorative and household novelties, crystal and glass utensils and other curiosities at very very affordable prices!
