Anafiotika in Plaka: a dreamlike neighborhood, an island in the heart of Athens
Boasting the Cycladic ambiance and nestled on the northern side of the Acropolis rock, next to Plaka, the neighborhood of Anafiotika lures the visitors of Attica, the Greater Athens Region, into a bygone era. Tiny cobblestone alleys, whitewashed houses, colorful flowers and lazy cats enjoying the warm light of Attica set up an island-like scenery, yet you find yourself in the middle of the city. The story behind this luminous settlement explains its so distinctive architecture, making it even more charming.
In the mid-19th century, craftsmen from Anafi and other Cycladic islands moved to Attica in order to engage in the capital’s reconstruction. Along with their work, builders, marble workers, carpenters and artisans started constructing their own small houses at a location named “Anafiotika”, a tribute to their homeland Anafi.
Tiny houses with cubic rooftops, clustered next to one another, are an indicative example of folk architecture, reminiscent of the Cyclades. Next to the noble district of Plaka, Anafiotika and its insular allure make passers-by feel like they got lost in an idyllic Cycladic village. Deployed between Stratonos str. and the Acropolis rock, the neighborhood’s streets remain unnamed, whereas its 45 dwellings have been listed as preservable.
While wandering around, you’ll come across two little chapels that used to divide Anafiotika into two parishes; Saint George of the Rock close to the northeast side of the Acropolis Rock is a single-nave basilica, with an arched ceiling on the inside and a tiled roof on the outside. Its main entrance comes with an engraved architrave embellished with crosses and roses. The temple, renovated by workers from the Cyclades when they arrived in Attica in the mid-19th century, stands outs for its bell tower, inside which they used to hang silver oblations with island houses embossed.
Saint Symeon, sitting on the north side of the Acropolis, westwards of Anafiotika, is also a single-nave basilica reconstructed by the Anapheans as soon as they stepped foot on Attica. They chose a neoclassical decoration of crimson and yellow stripes on the outside, whereas, on the inside, they placed a copy of the wonderworking icon of the Virgin Mary Kalamiotissa of Anafi.
The distinct character of this unique Attican neighborhood and its unmatched vibe have fueled numerous urban legends. One of them has Jim Morrison, the Door’s iconic frontman and one of the most influential artists of all times, spending some time in Anafiotika, shortly before his passing in 1971. However, what is true is that during the greek dictatorship, rock music was linked with the area, since a lot of Greek artists got to rent houses and spent some time there. In 1967, shortly after releasing their “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album, the legendary Beatles stopped by Anafiotika during their visit across Greece.
Don’t leave this hidden “downtown” island without looking down on its panoramic view. Gaze at Mount Lycabettus and the entire basin of Attica, capture the beautiful moments and spend some time of tranquility above the Attican landscape.
Your trip to Attica, the Greater Athens Region, won’t be complete unless you visit the quaint neighborhood of Anafiotika. Live the experience of a cycladic walk just a heartbeat away from the city center, feel the carefree mood and imagine feeling the sea breeze of Anafi. Keep these pure moments deep in your heart, next to the radiant white of houses and the calm spirit of the Anapheans who keep this tiny neighborhood still alive and colored!
