A Tour of the Town

The shortest route from Athens to Piraeus is Pireos Avenue which was built right on top of the famous “Long Walls”. Following the works for the Olympic Games of 2004, a major part of these ancient walls were uncovered.

Tourkolimano

The first stop to make is in Tourkolimano. The taverns in Tourkolimano had glorious days and nights in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Tourkolimano is famous for the images of sailing ships, the fishing boats and the seafood tavernas. It is also an area where the youth from every neighborhood of Athens gathers (especially in the summer) to enjoy the island atmosphere in the city. At the end of the cove, above a forest of ship masts and antennae you can find the yacht club which was build over the ancient temple of Artemis, goddess and protector of seamen.

Kastela

The view from the top of Kastela is a reminder of the origin of the first settlers of Piraeus: the two storey houses of the captains, the classic tiled roofs, built on a steep slope.

On the top of this distinctive hill of Prophet Elias, you can understand why this is the most strategic point of Piraeus, particularly in “ancient” times. Whenever the enemies of ancient Athens were able to take over the hill, they were able to subdue the Athenians. Whether as the haven of Hippias or as the headquarters of the Spartans, the Thirty Tyrants or the Macedonian Guard, the hill has always been the barometer of the oppressor: any flag standing on it was also waved everywhere else.

Zea

The road that comes down from Kastela passes in front of the famous Votsalakia, turns onto the bustling square of Alexandra, with its magnificent neoclassical house build by Shiller, right on the corner, and the tavern it currently host. The wide sidewalk beyond the square is filled with umbrellas and tables of the popular cafes.

The safe war harbor is used today as a port for pleasure crafts. In its peaceful role, Zea, also known by its famous name Pasalimani, now hosts anything from fish boats and small speed boats to mega luxury yachts.

Zea still preserves the ancient maritime tradition of Piraeus. The commercial side was added to it as it borders the commercial center of Piraeus. The high rise buildings have replaced the wonderful neoclassical houses with the gardens and lush balconies where the affluent bourgeoisie used to live until the 1960’s.

From here start the quays, with the popular fast food chains, cinemas, cafes where all the people gather.

The center

As we go up to the official center of Piraeus along Sotiros Dios street (dedicated to the brilliant ancient temple of Piraeus) we are in the most expensive and important commercial street of the town. It is a wide pedestrian street always bustling with people. On Korai square, you are and feel at the center of the world of Piraeus. You are surrounded by tall office buildings with huge posters and inscriptions, traditional pastry shops and lots of people. You will find the church of the Holy Trinity, erected in 1963 on the ruins of the homonymous church bombed by the Germans in 1944.

You will also find the Municipal Theater, a jewel of Piraeus, the most representative building of Piraeus’ second age of prosperity, as well as the Town Hall of Piraeus.