Athens to Turn Central Avenue into Pedestrian Walkway

Photorealistic of the Vasilissis Olgas pedestrian walkway. Photo source: Athens Municipality.

Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis announced this week that works would soon begin to convert central Vasilissis Olgas Avenue into a pedestrian walkway.

The ambitious project, budgeted at approximately 4.6 million euros, is scheduled to be completed in 12 months’ time and foresees the redevelopment of the central thoroughfare into a pedestrianized lane that will connect several key Athens sites, including the Temple of Olympian Zeus with Zappeion Park, the Athens National Garden, Ardittos Hill and the Panathenaic (Kallimarmaro) Stadium.

“Today we are taking another step towards materializing the vision of [former culture minister] Melina Mercouri and [former Athens mayor] Antonis Tritsis with the unification of the Temple of Olympian Zeus with Zappeion Park and the National Garden,” said Bakoyannis, describing the new avenue as “one of the most beautiful routes in Europe”.

Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis (photo center). Photo source: Athens Municipality.

Architects have made efforts to extend Vasilissis Olgas Ave off Zappeion Park. Additionally, besides the pedestrianized lanes – all accessible to people with disabilities – the avenue will still include tram lines. Some 158 trees and 8,538  shrubs will be planted to add shade and create a natural setting and hundreds of new lights will be installed.

According to the municipal authority, the project – to be funded by the Τransport Μinistry – will be completed in 12 months as long as there are no archaeological finds during the project excavations.

Photorealistic of the Vasilissis Olgas pedestrian walkway. Photo source: Athens Municipality.

The project is one of a series across the Greek capital aimed at improving the standard of living for its residents and enhancing the visitor experience. The urban overhaul of Athens has so far included the redevelopment of central Panepistimiou St and Syntagma Square, city park projects, pedestrian walkways, and city square and park cleanups, as well as the creation of a metro station at Exarchia Square and the revamp of Strefi Hill.

The project will be undertaken by the municipality’s Athens Anaplasis SA together with the company awarded the commission.