Technopolis-Gas Factory

The industrial complex of the Athens Gas Factory, or simply Gazi as most people call it today, is located on the right side of Piraeus Street, just after the beginning of Iera Odos (Sacred Way). The first installations of the gas factory were made around 1857 and that is how the whole area got its name. The first owner was Francis Feraldis, followed by the Aeriofotos Company, and in 1938 it became the property of the Municipality of Athens. The original small factory was expanded several times, creating a huge industrial complex with the characteristic airframes, the still existing furnaces, various workshops, machine shops, carpentry, offices, warehouses and other buildings. Architecturally, it followed the general European direction of similar industrial spaces, but it did not lack the aesthetics that can be felt today in the decorative elements of the huge iron frames of the constructions. After 1984, the factory ceased to operate. Since 1999, the first cultural and artistic events have been held in the premises of the old gas factory. The Technopolis of Athens Municipality is establishing itself as one of the most recognized cultural sites in the city. In 2013, the Industrial Gas Museum was established with the aim of enhancing the historical, social, architectural and technological value of the complex. Then, in 2014, INNOVATHENS powered by Samsung was established, an integrated hub to support innovation and entrepreneurship in Athens. In 2016, Gas Station 2 of the old factory will be transformed into a modern collaborative multi-space. The two historic geometers of the old factory are lit up and a Watchtower is set up in the New Watergas building, Athens Bikes, the first bike rental station in the city, and Skywalk, a state-of-the-art interactive play area for the whole family, are inaugurated. Today, the renovated and regenerated area, called "Technopolis-Gazi", fascinates visitors with its industrial design and hosts various cultural activities of the municipality.