Doukissis Plakentias Metro Station

What I can see

At the administrative borders of the municipality of Chalandri lies the Doukissis Plakentias metro station of line 3 of the Athenian network. It is an important transport hub, as it connects to the Suburban Railway and also serves the airport, east Athens, and part of the northern suburbs. It consists of three levels and its architecture is not significantly different from other stations. Granite with formations that refer to ancient Greek motifs and aluminum are the dominant materials, with both symbolizing durability. However, one’s attention is drawn to the impressive work of Kostas Varotsos in the central hall. A set of floating stones gives the feeling of a galaxy beneath the earth, in a contrast that surprises the passengers. Other scattered stones are found on the side walls and other areas, preparing us for the sculpture of the central hall.

What I can't see

The name comes from the eponymous street on which the station is located. Initially the decision was to call it “Stavros”, from a neighbouring settlement, and the current Chalandri station would have been named D. Plakentias. However, since the second station is closer to the centre of Chalandri, the names as we know them today were finally given. A unique invention is also applied at this station. Metro trains have a third-track plug system between the lines. When the trains pass to the Suburban Railway lines for the airport, they change power system and are powered by the Suburban Rail overhead cable.

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