Design Walk

The heart Design Walk is in Psiri, "a neighbourhood of absolute contradictions" with a unique geographical location and turbulent history.

Screws, tools, spices, electronics, vegetables, churches, bars, clubs, loft apartments, brothels, shushi bars, bridal dresses, traditional souvlaki, art galleries, theaters, antiques, restaurants, shoes, vintage clothing and furniture, coffee shops, ropes , plastic homewares, souvenirs, sex shops, Chinese markets, Indian markets, design studios, ancient tombs and the main entrance (gate) to the ancient city of Athens. This is Psiri, a dark, beautiful, constantly evolving neighbourhood with an exciting mix of East and West, the Ancient and the Modern.

The area of Psiri lies between the following streets: Evripidou, Geraniou, Sophocleous, Athinas, Ermou, Piraeos and Ag. Asomaton. Along with the neighbourhood of Plaka and the Old Shopping Centre (the ancient city of Athens) they create the Historical Centre of Athens. "Psyri" was first mentioned in a 1678 book by French physician and archaeologist Jacques Spon titled "Journey to Italy, Dalmatia, Greece and the East", and is presented as one of the eight plateaus (neighborhoods) of Athens.

Since the Ottoman hitherto, along the narrow streets of Psiri have walked Lord Byron and Alexander Papadiamantis, the Greek "manges" (outlaws) of the early 20th century, craftsmen and artisans of the 1960's, the trendy clubbers of the early 2000 and all of us who have chosen to live or work in Psiri, and gradually got to love this neighbourhood for its history and unconventional character.

Photos: Nikos Krikelis, Miriam Fotou