Kotzia Square

What I can see

Kotzia Square is one of the few “real” squares without the tall trees that you find in so many squares of Athens. The original plans of the square, but also the different shapes that it took later, have no resemblance to its current form.  It is lined with important neoclassical buildings from the 19^th century. On the north-eastern end, there are ancient structures dating from the 9^th century BC to the 3^rd century BC, which used to lie outside the walls of ancient Athens. Among them are antique workshops, tombs, settlements and the ancient Acharnean route, which led to what is currently Menidi (Acharnes). It is an example of Attica’s ancient topography worth visiting. Moreover, on the side of Athenas Street, there is a postmodern sculpture of Theseus. The square’s biggest disadvantage is that it does not have benches, with the result that it is used more as a “passage” and less as a space for socialization.

What I can't see

This is another square that has changed names frequently over time. Currently, the square’s official name is “National Resistance Square.” Athenians call it Kotzia Square, after the mayor (a close friend of the dictator Metaxas and an admirer of the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini), who built it after taking down the Municipal Theatre. The theatre flourished during the early years of its operation, but later fell into disuse after it served as a shelter for the refugees of the Asia Minor Catastrophe, for five years. The extensive damage and looting eventually led to its demolition.  

Info

• Address: Athinas, Kratinou and Efpolidos St.

Bibliography