Athens Municipality Approves 6.8km City Walk

An impression of Syntagma Square in the Greek capital. Source: City of Athens

The Municipality of Athens announced this week that it had approved a city walk which will focus on unifying the city’s archaeological sites and landmarks.

Dubbed “Megalos Peripatos” (Grand Walk), the 6.8km walk is scheduled to be completed by 2022 with pedestrianization works and re-routing of roads to begin in June, the city council decided.

Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis said the ambitious project will “give value to life in the city” and offer both residents and visitors the chance to seek recreation in open public spaces, which is of particular importance now following the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and its impact.

An impression of Panepistimiou street, Athens. Source: City of Athens

At the same time, Bakoyannis said, it will also showcase many of the city’s monuments and sites creating a unified historic and trade center which will make Athens an even more attractive tourism destination.

According to the plans, the neighborhoods around and several roads leading up to the Acropolis will be converted into pedestrian walkways free of cars.