Athens Historic Center Ready for Revamp

Greece’s Central Council for Modern Monuments has given Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis the green light to proceed with the necessary works for a makeover of the historic center of the Greek capital.

Kotzia Square, Athinas Street.

The scheme, presented on Thursday and budgeted at 2.6 million euros, focuses on Athens’ financial and trade district, and includes the creation of a pedestrianized road network, repairs to pavements and roads, the upgrade of central squares, the addition of green spaces and lighting, repairs to damaged facilities, limiting cafeteria and restaurant spaces, tearing down unauthorized constructions and tackling illegal parking.

Aiming to highlight Athens’ historic character, the plan will cover the highly popular central areas marked by the following streets: Evripidou, Praxitelous, Leka, Athinaidos, Agias Eirinis and Athinas.

“We want to improve the image of the city towards that of a modern European capital… The issue is to maintain the balance between history and growth”, Mayor Kaminis said.

The plan, which was initially presented last November, will also include aesthetic interventions, the installation of bicycle parking stations, landscaping as well as strict regulations concerning the supply of shops in the center.

The project is in line now for approval by the environment ministry.