Monday 18 August 2014

Around Plaka



 
A very hot day, 34oC but, wanting a break from swimming, a wander around Plaka is in order. First stop, St Catherine's a Byzantine church, built in the 11th century.
 
 
 


Daphne's restaurant is just across the road, in this beautiful neo-classical building




 
Just round the corner is the Lysikrates monument, most commonly referred to as The Lantern of Diogenis, built in 335BC. The Acropolis fortifications in the background
 
 
 

 
A lot of beautiful buildings in this area
 

 
 

 
that have managed to survive demolition mainly because it's illegal to build tall buildings around the Acropolis
 
 
 

 
I love these wrought iron balconies and their intricate design
 
 
 

 
Up the shallow steps, 
 
 
 

 
and we reach Tholou Street
 
 
 


another Byzantine church, Agios Nikolaos Ragavas






one more view




 
a beautifully restored neo-classical house 
 
 
 

 
lovely door, lovely balcony 
 
 
 

 
lots of steps round here 
 
 
 

 
great terrace, vines around the windows
 
 
 

 
another great balcony, love the supports
 
 
 

 
blue and white, the most common colours in Greece
 
 
 


there is a taverna at the end of this alleyway, we used to go there a long time ago




 
popped the camera through the railings to capture this courtyard - I was intrigued by the antiquities by the wall on the right
 
 
 

 
but then saw the plaque outside the building - it's the training centre of one of the museums 
 
 
 
 


the streets are so narrow here that it's impossible to get a photograph of a whole building




 
The Old University:  the seat of the First University of  the Independent Greek State, 1837-1841
 
 


 
quaint 
 
 
 

 
another gorgeous balcony
 
 
 
 
 
Dioskouros, a café/ouzo place just below the Acropolis




 
this place is usually packed. The only explanation I can think of as to why there are so few people is because Athens empties in August - Dioskouros is frequented by Greek people, students mainly. We used to come here all the time - they do a wonderful poikilia (tapas) which they serve with ouzo
 
 
 

 
gorgeous, muted colours
 
 
 


a closer look at the wonderful wrought-iron work of the balcony







The entrance to the Roman ancient agora





a peep through the railings




 
 
 
 

 
More ruins - the Library of Pantainos this time 
 
 
 

 
Adrianou Street, full of restaurants and cafes, overlooking the Acropolis. A wonderful place to sit and people watch
 
 
  

 
and we stop for lunch at Kuzina, our favourite these days. The kitchen is not open yet, but we are happy sitting here with a glass of wine
 
 
 

 
I always have the same starter, as I can't get enough of it: doughnuts filled with feta cheese mousse with spearmint and olives, with a pomegranate sauce, sprinkled with pistachio nuts. 
 
 
 


Our view of the Acropolis as we eat




 
Finally, on our way back, the flea market in Thissio
 
 
 

 
great fun for browsing.
 
 
 
 
 

2 comments:

  1. Thank you for the tour. It is like a completely different place for me. I remember the area when it was run down and there were no crisply painted buildings and the tavernas were much more basic. Progress is great - most of the time.

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    1. I would say that about two thirds of the buildings have been restored, Olga. There are still a lot of wrecks and I was aware that I was editing them out as I was photographing. But, there is a lot of progress and walking around Plaka is a pleasure.

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