What I can see

Pedion tou Aeros (Champ de Mars) is one of the largest parks in Athens and occupies, together with the courts of the former Evelpidon Military Academy, an area of about 447 acres. The park was built in honour of the heroes of the revolution, whose busts can be seen along the park’s main paths. Among its highlights are Iroon Street, the Ierou Lochou Square, the roses and botanical garden, the statue of Athena, its aria trees and the central pedestrian square. The recent redevelopment study, which has only partly being applied, incorporated bioclimatic principles in order to maintain the style of the park, to plant thousands of new plants, to create different types of walkways, to emphasize the entrances, give access to people with disabilities, upgrade its buildings, equipment and facilities and to maintain the sculptures. The north-western side of the park hosts the “Panellinios” sports club. Today, the park is decaying day by day.

What I can't see

It is named Pedion Areos (Champ of Mars, who was the ancient god of war) because the area hosted military exercises. Before 1860, Pedion tou Aeros had a polygonal rotunda, a place of rest for Athenians. At its centre, the royals would also sit so that citizens could see them. The shape of the rotunda has given its name to Polygono, the area located northeast of the park. In the 19^th century, Athenians of all social classes would take their walk on Pedion tou Areos. The decision to build a park here was made within the context of a broader movement for the enhancement of the public aesthetics of Athens.

Info

• Address: Alexandras Av. and Mavromateon St.

Bibliography