Metaxourgio Square

What I can see

This small square was the centre of Metaxourgio district during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it does not remind anything of its past. It is a small square with some greenery and a fountain, which most people ignore. Few people know the importance it had in the past, just as few people know that this is the Metaxourgio Square and not the square where the metro station is located (Karaiskaki Square) or the square where the former silk factory and now Municipal Art Gallery is located (Avdi- Dourouti Square).

What I can't see

Before the square was created, there was a stream, since Athens has hundreds of them. There was a small wooden bridge over the stream, where the horse-drawn tram also passed. The square was a stronghold of the Diligiannis party (late 19th century), the biggest opponent of the Trikoupis party. The mocking funeral of Harilaos Trikoupis, who was still alive, but defeated in the 1895 elections, has been a characteristic event of the local history. The famous cafes around the square and the wider neighbourhood were identified with political conflicts, especially during election period. Some of them were Chinos, the Bridge, Miliotis, the Old Man of Morias and others. In addition, the square was a starting point for demonstrations and a place frequented by many people after midnight, mainly from the surrounding theatres. Every Sunday, the locals also organized a festival with fireworks here.

Info

• Address: Lenorman and Achilleos St.

Bibliography