The colorful and picturesque neighborhood of Psirri is located in the center of Athens. During the day, the area is quiet and suitable for a nice walk in the numerous shops with old objects. This neighborhood has managed to maintain its character over the years and has been one of the most popular destinations in the center of the capital for decades.
Easy access has played a decisive role in this, since the area is a stone’s throw from the metro in Monastiraki, but also next to Ermou Street, one of the most central streets in Athens. Of course, access is not the main reason why Psirri is a pole of attraction for tourists and Athenians. The reason is the hundreds of shops that exist in the area, able to cover every taste and at all hours of the day and night. You will surely be impressed by the special bars, beautiful cafes, taverns, antique shops and unique old buildings.
Heroes Square and the surrounding streets have a unique atmosphere that will surely captivate you. Late at night you can visit the local bars and clubs to dance until the morning. One of the special features of Psirri is the narrow cobbled streets, which have become an outdoor canvas for some famous and non-famous street artists and are changing the face of this densely populated area. The area has an atmosphere from another era, with modern elements of urban aesthetics. This patchwork is now evident in the neoclassical facades of the buildings. Beautiful haunts, picturesque streets, and a long history are some of the characteristics of the famous district, located between Ermou, Sophokleous, Geraniou and Euripidou.
The story of Psyrri
Psirri is a small and perhaps the oldest district in the historical center of Athens. We first encounter the name Psirri in 1679, in one of the books of the French doctor Jacob Spon. The origin of the word is not even today certain where it comes from. The most likely version is that it comes from the surname of a landowner originally from Psara, which was called Psyri in the Middle Ages.
Until 1835, Psirri also included the area of Monastiraki and extended to Thisio and Plaka. But after Ermou Street was created, this whole section became a separate district.
In the past the area was full of pubs and taverns with many famous patrons such as politicians, artists and businessmen. In the decades of the 1860s, 70s and 80s, the area was quite infamous because of the Kutsavakides, who committed many robberies and murders. This district has gone through many ups and downs, but despite all its development it has managed to maintain its retro character, returning visitors to bygone eras.
Entering the twentieth century, the area was upgraded and began to become a pole of attraction for the residents of the capital. The good times of Psyrri stopped around 2005 when it stopped being popular for young people, after other areas in the center of Athens were developed. Psirri lost its identity, but not for long. In the last ten years the area has developed more than ever and has again become the focus of attention for Greeks and foreigners. Plenty of accommodation and shops have sprung up, making it an ideal choice for your night out. Put on your goodies, arm yourself with a good mood and come and get to know the neighborhood that never sleeps!