Thissio / Makriyanni

We are standing in the vibrant embrace of two of Athens' most storied neighborhoods: Thissio to the west and Makriyanni to the south. Together, these districts form a crescent around the Acropolis, acting as the interface between…

We begin our journey in Thissio, on the wide, marble-paved promenade of Apostolou Pavlou. This street is the spine of the neighborhood and one of the most beautiful walks in Europe. …

From the upper reaches of Thissio, particularly near the Metro station, you get a stunning, eye-level view of the Temple of Hephaestus. This is the best-preserved ancient Greek temple in the world, and its presence dominates the…

As we move around the southern base of the Acropolis, we enter the district of Makriyanni and its crowning glory: Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. This is arguably the most prestigious street in Athens, a broad, car-free avenue that…

The focal point of modern Makriyanni is undoubtedly the New Acropolis Museum, a glass-and-concrete masterpiece designed by Bernard Tschumi. Opened in 2009, it has completely transformed the neighborhood's identity. …

One cannot speak of Thissio and Makriyanni without mentioning their culinary landscape. In Thissio, the focus is on the traditional 'mezedopoleio' and the classic souvlaki. …

Bordering both Thissio and Makriyanni is the vast, rugged expanse of Filopappou Hill, also known as the Hill of the Muses. This park is the 'backyard' for both neighborhoods and offers a wilder, more natural experience. …

Our journey through Thissio and Makriyanni concludes where it began, in the shadow of the Acropolis. These two neighborhoods represent the two faces of Athens: one rooted in the social vibrancy of the street and the other in the…