Exploring hidden Athens Vol.2

Another edition of me exploring unknown buildings in Athens is here. It all started when I came across Atenistas’ Hidden Athens open walk two years ago. Since then I’ve explored the neighborhood of Pagrati and hidden courtyards in Plaka. Last November it was time for the second edition of hidden Athens. This time I explored buildings around Syntagma and Monastiraki areas. Let’s see what was on the menu this time around!

We started the walk from the Lyceum club of Greek women. Kalliroi Parren founded the club in 1911 as a volunteer organization. It plays an active role in the preservation of Greek traditions and folk customs.

The next building was my favorite one and the main reason why I was so keen on that walk. It is the building of Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 8, Amerikis street. It was built in 1928 in a neoclassical style. The building’s pièce de résistance is a large stained-glass window with Hermes on the center. For those who might not know, Hermes was the messenger of the Olympian gods as well as the god of commerce and wealth.

Moving on we stopped by the building of the Pension Fund of Civil Engineers and Contractors (aka TSMEDE). Its style is industrial and you can see part of ancient ruins underneath it. Another building that excited me was the Archdiocese of Athens library. This building has a secret: it has the ruins of a Byzantine church right inside it!

The walk included views of Athens from an 8-story building on Leocharous street. We also got inside a building designed by Ernst Ziller on Agias Eirinis square. It provided beautiful views of the square and particularly towards Emporiko hotel, which is one of my favorite buildings.

Before calling it a day, we stopped by Prigkipo atelier and the former home of Andreas Syggros.

Prigikpo is a fresh jewelry line by Kelly and Kalomoira. I discovered them almost 7 years ago thanks to their crown rings. It’s one of the few rings that has remained in my collection ever since.

Andreas Syggros was a banker and philanthropist from Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). He was born in 1830 and 40 years later moved to Athens. Apart from banking he also engaged in politics and public philantropy.A major hospital in Athens that specializes in skin issues bears Syggros name. The avenue that connects Athens with Faliro Bay is named after him as well.

I hope you enjoyed my tour of “hidden Athens”! While you’re here you can also check out more posts about Athens.

See you in my next post!