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Shelley Street in Plaka and the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates. Author George E. Koronaios.

Top 10 Facts about Plaka

Plaka is the old historical neighbourhood of Athens. It is on the northeast slope of Acropolis, between Syntagma and Monastiraki square.

Plaka is known as the Neighborhood of the Gods. This is due to its proximity to the Acropolis and its Many archaeological sites. Its proximity to the archaeological sites in Athens makes Plaka a popular area to explore.

Plaka is also defined by the Labyrinth streets and neoclassical structural design. This is one of the attributes that attract visitors from all over the globe.

Plaka Features many cafes, tavernas, gift shops and jewellery stores among the maze of cobbled stone stones streets and alleys. Moreover, there is a good selection of luxury and budget apartments where visitors stay.

1. It was where the Turkish Governor and Other Ottomans Lived

Plaka was home to the Turkish Governor and other Ottomans during the Ottoman era. The small neighbourhood was referred to as the Turkish quarter of Athens.

However, after the Greek Independence War, it was inhabited by a mix of Greeks, Jewish people and Arvanites and a bilingual Orthodox group.

2. It is the Oldest District in Athens

 Due to its proximity to the Ancient Agora of Athens, it has been pretty much continuously inhabited since the times of the Ancient Greeks.

However, during the Greek War of Independence, Plaka was temporarily abandoned by its inhabitants like the rest of Athens. This was because of the severe battles that to in1826.

It was repopulated during the fish years of King Otto鈥檚 rule. It had a sizable Arvanite community till the late 19th century, which led some to refer to it as the Arvanite quarter of Athens.

One of the ancient ruins you can see in Plaka is the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, on Tripodon street, dating from 335-334 BC. A French Capuchin monastery was built by its side in 1658.

3. Athenians Referred to the Area by Various Names

The historical residence of the first Prime Minister of Greece, Ioannis Kolettis on 13 Polygnotou Street in Plaka. Author George E. Koronaios.

After the Greek War of Independence, the name Plaka came into use. Instead, the Athenians of that time referred to the area by various names. These include Alikokou, Kontito, Kandili, or the names of the local churches.

However, the name Plaka was commonly known during the first years of the rule of King Otto. The origin of the name Plaka is uncertain. Some theories state that the name comes from Arvanite Pliak Athena鈥�, meaning 鈥淥ld Athens鈥�, from Albanian plak 鈥榦ld鈥�. Another theory state that the name is from the presence of a plaque which once marked its central intersection.

4. A Fire Burned Down a Large Part of the Neighborhood in 18th century

The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates. Author George E. Koronaios.

In 1884, Plaka鈥檚 large part was burnt down. This led to an opportunity for the archaeologists to conduct excavations in the Roman Market and Hadrian鈥檚 Library. Thus, excavations have been taking place continuously since the 19th century.

5. Plaka is a Special Place in the Memories of the Older Generation of Athens

Plaka used to be a special place where the working class spent their time. Moreover, Greek films of the early 鈥�50s and 鈥�60s were filmed in Plaka. They were filmed when the houses were not renovated as they are today.

Stella was one of the most famous films to be filmed at Plaka. It was filmed at the house opposite the bath of the winds witch. Today, the house hosts a branch of an American University.

6. The Neighborhood was Built According to Cycladic Architecture

Old houses in Plaka.Author George E. Koronaios.

Plaka was built according to Cycladic architecture. It has white walls and small spaces, often with Bougainvillaeas. The houses are small and cubic. The streets are also small and often end up with ladders or even dead-ends at terraces.

The whole Plaka quarter was designated as a landmark and some listed buildings after World War II. Amazingly, Plaka is the only neighbourhood that resembles old Athens. It has not changed much in the last 100-150 years.

7. Plaka Features Various Museums and Archeological Sites

The ancient history of the Plaka can be found at the Various Museums and Archeological sites in this place. In some museums, you will find artefacts and old photos of the place.

Additionally, in some different museums, visitors can encounter the traditional heritage and the Folk art of the place. Interestingly, there are kid鈥檚 museums for the younger ones at Plaka. At the museum, the young ones will be able to engage in creative things and enjoy fun games.

Some of these museums with a rich history in Plaka are the Jewish Museum of Greece, the Museum of Greek Folk Art, the Athens University Museum, the Museum of Pavlos and the Museum of Popular Music Instruments. Moreover, the fine private art and antiquities collections at the Frissiras and Kanellopoulos Museums also highlight less familiar aspects of Greek culture.

8. Plaka Athens is the Best Place for Food Lovers

Traditional cuisine is one of the best ways of uniting people around the globe. Thus, Plaka provides different cuisine in the great Greek traditional style. Traditional Greek-style food is not easily available around the world but Plaka is one of the best places to taste delicious traditional dishes of Greek.

The most recommended place is Daphne鈥檚, Mono, mazi, vegetarian Avocado and many more to experience the delicious taste. Moreover, visitors can enjoy coffee with perfect choices of assorted cakes and biscuits in the pleasant atmosphere of Plaka.

9. It’s Home to Several Byzantine Churches

The Byzantine Church of Saint John the Theologian (Agios Ioannis Theologos) on the North Slope of the Acropolis. 12th cent. Athens, Greece.Author George E. Koronaios.

Plaka has Various Byzantine Churches, some dating from the 10th to 12ty century AD. Most of these churches were reconstructed and restored in later centuries.

Example of these Byzantine-era churches that also have picturesque exterior and interior design includes Saint Catherine鈥檚 temple, a previous Artemis temple. This church was initially built between 1024 to 1050.

Saint Dimitris of Diakos in Plaka. Interestingly, an epigraph outside the temple writes that in 1821 mature Athanasios Diakos had serviced in the temple. Other churches in Plaka are Agia Irini, Saint Nikolas Ragavas, the Russian church and many more.

10. Plaka has Numerous Souvenir Shops

Dido, Agia Filothe, Street, Plaka. Author George E. Koronaios.

When you visit Plaka, especially Adrianou street you will get all types of souvenir shops. Moreover, Greek local products such as olive oil, jewellery stores, t-shirt shops and many more.

In these shops, you will also find olive tree-based products, like soaps, kitchenware and other nice items. You will also find many jewellery shops, some of them being artist-owned with stunning handmade pieces, like Byzantino, where they make their gold jewellery.

  Thus, Plaka is an amazing neighbourhood to visit during your visit to Athena. No matter how you decide to spend your day, whether it is museums and archaeological sites, shopping, eating and drinking, Plaka is the perfect place to do so.