Romantic Eve in Athens of Feb 10, 2023

Kotzia Square is a square located in the city of Athens, Greece. It is situated opposite the Athens City Hall. The court gained historical significance because of the excavation conducted there in 1985-1988 during the construction of an underground parking area. The excavation covered an area of 7,000 square meters and revealed several ancient streets, a cemetery, a complex of pottery workshops, and houses. Part of Acharnean Street, used from the 9th century BC until the second half of the 3rd century AD, was also preserved in the square. The cemetery had 672 graves of various types, including simple rock-hewn shafts, stone or tile tombs, stone coffins, terracotta larnakes, and children's jar burials. The grave gifts associated with the burials and cremations included terracotta vases, human and animal figurines, glass and terracotta unguentaria, bronze mirrors, gold jewellery, coins, and other objects.

The intersection of Aiolou and Euripidou streets is located in the heart of Athens, Greece. It is a busy area surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and cafes. The neighbourhood is known for its lively atmosphere and popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The location is steeped in history, and the surrounding streets are home to many historical landmarks and monuments, including the central market of Athens. The area is also known for its vibrant street life and a popular spot for shopping, dining, and socialising.

Evangelistrias Street is a street in Athens, Greece. It is a commercial street known for its high-end shops, luxury boutiques, and popular restaurants. The street is located in the central part of the city and is considered one of the most prestigious shopping areas in Athens. It is surrounded by other popular shopping destinations and cultural landmarks, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The street is also known for its rich history and cultural significance, with several historic buildings and landmarks located along its length.

The Holy Church of the Virgin Mary of Rombi in Athens can be found at the intersection of Evangelistrias Street and Ktena Corner. This church is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, and its name, Rombi, is believed to have originated from either its builder or restorer, who was part of the Robius or Roubis family. This is supported by historical records which show the presence of a notary named Roubas in 1622 in Athens.

Visitors to the Holy Church of the Virgin Mary of Rombi can attend services every Sunday, and all-night vigils are also held frequently. This church provides a peaceful and spiritual haven in the bustling heart of Athens.

Ermou Street in Athens is one of the world's priciest shopping streets, according to research conducted by Cushman and Wakefield. The street has become so popular that retail stores have spilt over into Aeolou Street and Monastiraki and Asomaton squares. On average, a tenant has to pay 250 euros per square meter, and the "goodwill" can be as much as 14,000 euros per square meter. The prices vary based on the size of the space, location along the street, and other factors. The high rents are not reflected in the retail prices as the stores on Ermou Street have higher turnovers, allowing companies to pay higher rent. The street was once just a dirt track where children used to play, but after being declared the main commercial street, it became known for its expensive taste. However, the charm of the old era is gradually fading away as old stores close down. Being a sales assistant on Ermou Street can be challenging as the street attracts many customers, and sales assistants must be quick and efficient in serving them.

Metropoleus Square in Athens is located near Syntagma Square and is home to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, also known as the Metropolis. The Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Athens and all of Greece, with the official residence of the Archbishop located nearby on Agias Filotheis street. The Cathedral was built between 1842 and 1862 and is a three-aisled, domed basilica that is 130 ft long, 65 ft wide, and 80 ft high. The Cathedral was heavily damaged in the 1999 earthquake and was repaired and opened to the public in mid-2016. The area around Metropoleos Square is also home to several coffee shops and stores selling ecclesiastical clothing and items, as well as several restaurants and hotels.

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens has a new museum that opened its doors with the presence of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Prokopios Pavlopoulos, and the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Hieronymus. The establishment of the Metropolitan Cathedral in 1862 was a significant moment in modern Greek history. With the help of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the underutilised space within the cathedral has been transformed into an exhibition area to showcase the cathedral's rich collection of religious and historical artefacts. The museum features sacred icons, original manuscripts, crosses, vestments, embroidery, and more, organised in thematic sections based on the type and function of the artefacts.

The museum's creation not only provides access to the public but also guarantees the preservation and protection of the relics for future generations. The Archdiocese, along with Archpriest Father Thomas, a long-term partner of the SNF, played a crucial role in making this museum a reality.

Also, the so-called Little Metropolis church is visible in addition to the cathedral. This smaller and older church boasts a rich history and is home to ancient religious murals that are indeed a sight to behold. Visitors are encouraged to take a moment to step inside and admire the intricate artwork that adorns the walls. This church offers a unique glimpse into the past and is a testament to the enduring cultural and spiritual heritage of Athens

Mnisikleous Street in the Plaka neighbourhood is famous for its "stairs" or "skalàkia" in Greek, as referred to by the locals. This street is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, due to its unique characteristic of having stairs in the center of the street. Visitors can walk up and down the steps, taking in the historic surroundings and observing the vibrant street life of Plaka. The street is located in one of the oldest neighborhoods of Athens, offering a glimpse into the city's past and rich cultural heritage.

“Anefani” means came to light, emerge. When the Argonauts had to survive a fierce storm in their expedition, they asked god's Apollo for help. He then launched a golden arrow into the storming sea waves and made an island out of the water where the argonauts took shelter. The island which emerged (Anefani) was called Anafi, one of the Cycladic islands. In the middle of the 19th century, the residents of Anafi, who were skilled builders, came to Athens to construct king Othona's new palace. They settled on the Acropolis' foothills building the scenic district of 'Anafiotica' named after their beautiful island Anafi.

The Anafi restaurant offers live music performances in the evening, usually starting at either seven or eight o'clock. It is recommended to book a table in advance for the live music event, although it may be possible to attend if there are available seats earlier in the evening. The live music performance features traditional Greek music, and there is no additional charge to attend.

Ouzo is a traditional Greek drink that is typically made from anise, a licorice-flavored herb, along with other spices and alcohol. It is usually served as an aperitif, before a meal, and is often diluted with water to create a cloudy appearance. In Greece, ouzo is often consumed with meze, a selection of small dishes, and is a staple in Greek culture and social gatherings. The production of ouzo dates back to the 19th century and it has become a symbol of Greek hospitality and culture.

Ouzo is known for its strong, distinctive flavor, which can be quite acquired, but is enjoyed by many people, especially in Greece. It is usually served neat or on the rocks, and is best enjoyed slowly, savoring the flavor and the relaxed atmosphere that it often brings.

Up and left there is a hidden gem in Athens. The Church of Saint Spyridon and Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary in the densely populated area around Lyssiou street in Athens is a fascinating piece of history. The church dated back to the 16th-17th century and was originally a three-aisled basilica. During the opening up of Lyssiou street, the church was rebuilt, and its northern aisle was removed. The exact location of the church has a rich history, as there was once an altar of Bacchus on the same site in ancient times. Visitors are often surprised to find this historical church amidst the surrounding houses, making it a hidden gem in the city.

That's a great story about Thanasis restaurant and its famous kebab in the Dimopratiriou square. The restaurant has been a part of the city's food culture since 1964 and has served the same high-quality kebab all these years. Many Athenians' childhood memory of visiting the restaurant with their grandmother is a lovely touch.

Waiting in a long queue to taste this "exotic" treat sounds like a true testament to the popularity of the kebab, and the fact that they can enjoy a takeaway wrapped in pita or sit and enjoy a whole plate of kebabs at the restaurant is an excellent story of how the Kebab was introduced for customers.

The Church of St. Irene is not just a fascinating historical site but also a beautiful and peaceful oasis in the bustling city of Athens. The church is located in Plaka, one of the oldest and most charming neighbourhoods in the city, and is surrounded by narrow, winding streets, historic buildings, and lush greenery. This makes it a perfect destination for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city or a chance to immerse themselves in Athens's rich history and cultural heritage.

The church itself is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, with its intricate carvings and frescoes providing a window into the religious and cultural life of Athens in the early Christian era. According to tradition, the church site was once occupied by Roman baths. It is said that prominent figures such as Basil the Great, Gregorios from Nazianzos, and Julian the Apostate bathed there when they were students in Athens. This rich history adds to the significance of the church and makes it an exceptional place to visit.

St. Irene was a Christian martyr who lived in the early Christian era. She is venerated as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church, and her feast day is celebrated on August 23. The story of St. Irene is a testament to the courage and faith of early Christians and has inspired countless believers over the centuries.

According to tradition, St. Irene was born into a wealthy and influential family in the Roman Empire. Despite her privileged upbringing, she was deeply devoted to her faith and was known for her charitable works and care for the poor. When the persecution of Christians began to escalate, St. Irene refused to renounce her faith, even when threatened with death.

The story of St. Irene's martyrdom is filled with bravery and sacrifice. She is said to have been subjected to numerous tortures, including being thrown into a boiling cauldron, but remained steadfast in her faith. Eventually, she was sentenced to death and beheaded, symbolising the courage and devotion of early Christians.

Today, St. Irene is remembered as a powerful example of faith and devotion, and her story continues to inspire believers around the world. Her feast day is celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox Church with prayers and liturgical services, and her memory is revered by countless faithful who seek to follow in her footsteps.

The area at the intersection of Voreou and Skouze Streets is known for their vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, cafes, and other local businesses.

Voreou Street is known for its eclectic mix of shops and businesses, including vintage clothing stores, local speciality shops, and charming cafes. Here, you can find everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewellery and artisanal gifts. The street is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs open late into the night.

Skouze Street, on the other hand, is known for its bustling street market, where vendors sell everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and clothing. The street is a hub of activity and is a great place to experience the bustling energy of Athens. Here, you can sample delicious local food, browse the wares of local vendors, and soak up the unique atmosphere of this historic city.

Voreou Street is thought to have been named after the ancient Greek word "vorreia," which means "up north." This name was likely chosen because the street was once located on the northern edge of Athens and was a main route out of the city.

As for Skouze Street, its origin is somewhat of a mystery. Some believe that it may have been named after a famous Athenian merchant or politician who lived in the area, while others believe that it may have been named after the Turkish word "skutze," meaning "market." This latter theory is supported by the fact that the street was once a busy market area where vendors sold their wares to residents.

The name "Panagia Chrysospiliotissa" has several different interpretations. According to one famous story, the name comes from the contribution of the Monastery of Mega Spileo in its construction, which was located near the present-day city of Thebes. The monastery was known for its rich collection of religious artefacts, including a replica of the icon of the Virgin Mary. It is believed that the icon was transferred to Athens and placed in the church, giving it the name "Chrysospiliotissa" or "Golden Cave."

Another interpretation of the name is that it refers to the church's location, which was built inside a cave-like structure that was once part of an ancient temple. The cave was said to have been the site of several miracles, including the appearance of the Virgin Mary to a group of shepherds. The church was built on the site to commemorate these events, and its name reflects the importance of the cave in the history of the church.

The construction of the church was a major undertaking, and it took several years and significant efforts by the residents of the area to complete. The first church, a basilica built in 1705, was destroyed during the siege of the Acropolis by Kütahı in 1826. In 1832, the erection of a new church began, but it proved too small for the needs of the area. In 1846, the residents bought nearby building plots and started raising funds to construct a larger church.

The church was designed by the famous architect Dimitrios Zezos, who is considered the person who introduced the "Greek-Byzantine" architectural style. However, Zezos died before the construction of the church began, and the supervision of the works was initially taken over by Panagis Kalkos and later by Ernst Ziller, who is believed to have designed the screen. The dome was the work of the architect Dimitrios Soutsos, Athens's mayor at the time.

The church is a magnificent example of the eclecticism style that was popular in the 19th century, combining neoclassical with Byzantine elements. Some of the notable features of the church include its intricate cloisonne masonry, double-light windows, and marble decorations. The church's interior decoration was completed in 1892 and was made by famous artists, including prominent painters, sculptors and iconographers.

Overall, the church of Panagia Chrysospiliotissa is a rich tapestry of history and art, reflecting the cultural and religious heritage of Athens. It remains an important place of worship and a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage.

The Kotzia Square fountain is a popular landmark located in the heart of Athens, Greece. It is a beautiful and historic monument surrounded by greenery and benches, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike to relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings. The fountain was built in the 19th century and is one of the many charming features of the square, which was named after the Greek politician Ioannis Kotzias. The square is a popular gathering place for locals, and is frequently used for outdoor concerts, festivals, and other public events. With its beautiful design, historic significance, and central location, the Kotzia Square fountain is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Athens.