Hadrian's Reservoir-Dexameni Square

Dexameni Square is located in Kolonaki, just below Lycabettus Hill. It is known for its open-air cinema and the cafe-restaurant next door on the pedestrian street. It is not particularly large and is characterized by a tranquility that matches the reputation it once had as a “litterateurs’ meeting place”. Great writers and poets like Papadiamantis, Varnalis, Sikelianos and Vlachogiannis used to hang out here. They met there to talk and exchange ideas, but also to be inspired and to write.

The square was named after Hadrian’s Reservoir (Dexameni in Greek), built in the 2nd century AD. It was part of a larger project, the Hadrian Aqueduct, a vision of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, built to solve the water supply problem of Athens. The vision became a reality, and the Hadrian Aqueduct supplied the city with water for many centuries. It is no coincidence that it is considered the most important water supply system that Athens had in antiquity and, in fact, to this day it is the only Roman aqueduct of its type and length built in Europe that is still carrying water. It starts at the outskirts of Parnitha and Penteli. It ends in the center of Athens at the two reservoirs of Kolonaki, with its length reaching 20 km. It is a monument of historical and cultural heritage and in recent years measures have been taken for its restoration and valorization.

The Hadrian’s Reservoir and the Aqueduct initially operated until the years of Ottoman rule. They gradually fell into disrepair, and local residents began drawing water from the city’s wells. The long-forgotten aqueduct was “rediscovered” in 1847 and almost immediately work began on its restoration so that it could be put back into operation. In 1870, during the mayorship of Panagis Kyriakou, the urban planner Ioannis Genisarlis, who had undertaken the restoration work, discovered the buried Hadrian’s Reservoir under the spring that existed in the square. A new reservoir was built over the ancient ruins and was in operation until 1940. Today it opens its doors on the day of the Epiphany to perform the great blessing of the waters and the casting of the cross.