About Kolonaki

Location

Kolonaki is just north of the very heart of Athens – Syntagma Square. It is wedged between the beautiful National Gardens and Lycabettus Hill, one of the loveliest natural areas of the city, and Athens’ highest point. Kolonaki, too, is a mainly hillside neighborhood, and – although so central – the climate benefits from fresh breezes in the summer. Kolonaki is within walking distance of many interesting areas of the city, and several museums are located in or very close by Kolonaki.

Historical Background

Kolonaki – like much of Athens – has a fascinatingly layered history. The upper part of the neighborhood has a well-known cinema and cafe called “Dexameni.” This means “reservoir,” because that’s what it used to be. In the 2nd century AD, the Roman Emperor Hadrian had a reservoir built to meet the city’s growing water needs. The ruins of it are still here.

During the Ottoman occupation, Athens was a relatively quiet place, and what is today Kolonaki was largely hilly fields, with sheep and goats and a few residents who tended them. The neighborhood changed when the palace was built – today’s Syntagma (Parliament Building). The proximity to the new palace attracted many aristocrats, and mansions went up in these former grazing lands. As the neighborhood developed, Embassies and other important buildings were erected.

Kolonaki Today

Kolonaki has followed the path it started out on in the 19th century as an aristocratic neighborhood. Once the neighborhood of courtiers, its proximity to the Parliament building makes this prime real estate for politicians and business people. Prime restaurants and chic cafes and bars line the streets. Athénée, Alfiere, Ratka, Da Capo and Lykovrisi are some of the best places to visit in the area. Of course, fine shopping followed soon after. The fine boutiques of Kolonaki are where the well-heeled outfit themselves. The neighborhood now is urban, refined, peaceful. It is also very much a place to see and be seen.

Shopping in the Area

Kolonaki has hands-down the absolute best shopping in Athens. You’ll find all the major international big brands here, as well as boutiques of the world’s most exclusive luxury fashion houses.

Attica, Greece’s most exclusive mall is located in the area. Voukourestiou Street, which is for Athens the equivalent of London’s New Bond Street is also located in the area. International fashion powerhouses like Dior, Hermès, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton join elite Greek names in fine jewelry like LaLaounis, Vildiridis, and Imanoglou along this narrow yet glamorous street.

The Museums

Kolonaki’s magnificent mansions make the ideal setting for some spectacular museum experiences. The Benaki Museum, The Museum of Cycladic Art, The Numismatic Museum, The B and M Theocharakis Foundation for Fine Arts and Music as well as The Byzantine and Christian Museum are all located in the area. Moreover, Megaro Mousikis (Athens Concert Hall),  the Archaeological Site of the Lyceum of Aristotle as well as Lucabettus Hill – Athens’ highest hill with its stunning views are all located in close proximity.

Ref

Chrissy (2020). Kolonaki: A Local’s Guide to Athens Elegant Neighborhood – Athenas and Beyond. [online] Greece Travel Ideas. Available at: https://greecetravelideas.com/kolonaki-athens-chic-and-elegant-urban-neighborhood/ [Accessed 10 Oct. 2023].