What I can see

Ermou Street is the most commercial street in the city centre and one of the most commercial areas in Athens. It has a length of approximately 1.5 km and is divided into three, almost equal sections (western, central, eastern). The western and the eastern sections are pedestrian zones, unlike the central one. The pedestrianization of the western section is part of the single-walk project and the integration of the archaeological sites of the wider centre of Athens. Walking down Ermou Street, we witness the multifaceted physiognomy of Athens. Starting from Syntagma Square –the largest in the city– we find shops (mainly cloth and shoe stores), two Byzantine and one Post-Byzantine church (Kapnikarea, Asomaton, Panagia Pantanassa), two more squares (Monastirakiou, Asomaton-Thisiou), small craft shops, the archaeological site of Keramikos and its museum (Museum of Keramikos), monuments (e.g. Jewish monument) and a small park (former Korean Market park) before we eventually reach Pireos Street and Gkazi (former industrial zone). On Sunday mornings there is a makeshift open-air bazaar here (Giousouroum> Jewish merchant name) in the central part, selling antiques and various vintage items. The eastern part is ideal for strolling and shopping but not for cycling and running, because it tends to be crowded. The western part however, is much quieter, ideal for walking, jogging and cycling and has views of Lycabettus Hill, Keramikos, Gkazi, Thissio, the Acropolis and the Parliament.

What I can't see

It was named Ermou after Hermes (Mercury), the Greek god of commerce. The architects/planners (Kleanthis- Schaubert) had from the outset designated it as a shopping street. In the mid-19^th century, the opening and widening of the road led to the loss of several medieval churches, whose materials were used to build the cathedral of Athens. The eastern part of Ermou was the heart of the city. Its bakeries, cafes, hotels and haute couture shops were frequented by the upper class of Athens. During King Otto’s reign, the western part had a Bavarian club, a cafe called “Green Tree”. 

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