Athens Sights – Plaka district

As mentioned in our earlier blog on shopping streets, Ermou Street was converted into a pedestrian mall in 2000 and this street is now lined with higher quality shops on both sides. From Syntagma Square if you walk one block down Ermou and then head down south at Voulis, this will take you to the Plaka District.

The Plaka is situated on the north eastern slope of the Acropolis. It is the historic old town and was centre of night life in the 19th century. Here, the cobbled walkways and narrow streets will lead you to taverns, lots of tourist shops and ancient sights like the Agios Nikolaos Ragavas which is an 11th century Byzantine chapel. Above one of its doorway is a beautiful mosaic piece depicting the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. When the low afternoon sun hits the gold mosaic, it’s really eyecatching.

It’s great to stroll around here in the evening as the place is alive with tourists and locals dining out or shopping. We stayed in the Plaka during one of our earlier visits and it was great having the hive of activity at our doorsteps.

For dinner, we like the area near the fringe of the Acropolis where you can find many tavernas and restaurants. On a warm evening, it’s magic dining al fresco, especially with the ancient Acropolis in the background.

Helen