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both the historic weight of the area and here, in the 1980s, that the city’s café cul-
its penchant for contemporary glamour. ture truly blossomed, and it has remained
What sets Kolonaki apart is the way it a space where social status, politics, and
blends old and new, modernity and tra- leisure collide. Each spot offers a differ-
ent flavour of Athenian life: the fashion
set gravitates towards the elegant cafés
on Milioni and Kapsali Streets, while pol-
iticians, perhaps with a bit more gravitas,
prefer the quieter corners near Tsakalof
or Kanari. It’s a place where discourse
flows as freely as the espresso, and where
each café holds the imprint of a specific so-
cial sphere.
Lycabettus Hill: Myth and
Majesty
Rising nearly 300 metres above the city,
Lycabettus Hill offers panoramic views
of Athens that make it one of the city’s
most cherished spots. According to Greek
mythology, the hill was formed when Ath-
ena dropped a rock while carrying it to
the Acropolis, a poetic tale that deepens
the hill’s historical significance. Today,
it hosts the Agios Georgios church at its
summit, offering sweeping views of the
city’s labyrinthine streets below. A little
further down is the Agioi Isidoroi church,
built into a cave, its quiet historical charm
an antidote to the hustle of the streets.
A Glimpse into Athens’ Art Scene
Kolonaki’s art galleries reflect the intellec-
dition, often in seamless ways. Once tual pulse of Athens. Many of them are pri-
dominated by international high street vate, and whether it’s the contemporary
brands in the 1990s, the neighbourhood exhibits or the classical works displayed
now boasts a curated selection of Greek at the Museums, the art here invites
designers and concept stores that give it contemplation. The museum’s careful-
a distinctly local flair. This evolution not ly curated collections, which range from
only keeps Kolonaki stylish but roots it in ancient Greek sculpture to the works of
the city’s identity—an identity that is no renowned modern artists, connect the
longer defined solely by antiquities but by neighbourhood’s elite patrons with both
a dynamic, creative culture. ancient heritage and cutting-edge creativi-
ty. The changing exhibitions keep Kolona-
The Café Culture of Kolonaki: A Social ki in tune with global cultural trends while
Ritual remaining deeply embedded in Greek tra-
Kolonaki is also Athens’ café capital. It was dition.
i GR E E C E TR A V E L
