Thissio is a picture-perfect small settlement located right next to Monastiraki and within walking distance to Plaka. While Monastiraki was established as the commercial center of the old Greek Capital, Thissio was built with a definite elegance, characterized by hilly streets lined with neoclassical buildings.
Thissio is surrounded by stunning, peripheral views of the Acropolis, ancient monuments and conveys an incredible vibe. The area is loved by locals, though it is also quite touristic due to its close proximity to the Acropolis and other important historical places.
There is a quirky story around the naming of this neighborhood... it is actually a misnomer! The name Thissio derives from the Temple of Hephaestus in Ancient Agora, which was mistakenly believed to be the burial site of Theseus (the mythological founder of Athens). Once it was discovered that the temple was actually dedicated to Hephaestus, it was too late to change the name as the locals were already using it.
The wide, stone-paved pedestrian streets of Apostolou Pavlou & Dionysiou Areopagitou, located just below the Acropolis, are the main roads of Thissio where locals love to take a walk or have coffee with friends on one of the lovely terraces. On Apostolou Pavlou, you will also see street musicians and merchants selling hand-made goods and jewelry. It’s also a great spot for people watching and spontaneous street happenings.
The beating heart of Thissio is Iraklidon Street, another popular pedestrian road lined with restaurants, bars, specialty boutiques and greenery.
The rest of the neighborhood is a quiet, odd mix of mom-and-pop stores and dilapidated houses that are gradually being renovated. Ambling through the side streets of Thissio, you will feel the authentic middle class atmosphere of Athens, with many cultural and edible treasures.
Go stargazing at the National Observatory at the Hill of the Nymphs
The National Observatory of Athens was founded in 1846, and is one of the oldest public research institutions in Europe and the first in modern Greece.
Thanks to its location on the hill of the nymphs, the observatory’s location offers a fantastic all-round view of the rooftops of Athens, stretching far into the distance.
Even though it is among the lesser known museums in Athens, it is definitely worth seeing!
https://www.noa.gr/museum/english/drastiriotites_en.html
An evening visit is rewarded with a peek at the Athenian sky through nightly tours of the observatory, where you can, among other things, admire the starry sky of Athens through the 40-centimetre lens of a 1902 telescope. Usually, there are 3-night English tours per week. As timing changes by season, it is better to ask information by email visitorcenter@noa.gr or telephone +30 2103490160. Please note: A maximum of 40 people are permitted per visit and priority order is respected, no reservations. Estimated duration is 1h.
The Pnyx Hill or Pnyka. The birth place of Democracy.
The archeological site of Pnyx is located on top of a small rocky hill 500m west of the Acropolis.
Pnyx means ‘place where people are closely packed together’ as this open-air chamber could hold around 10,000 people. It is a semi-circular auditorium with a speaker’s platform and a terrace for seating where Athenians as early as 507BC used to gather to debate on political & social issues, as well as make critical decisions regarding wars and the future of the city. This was the first democratic Assembly of the Athenians, credited as the birthplace of democracy.
Great politicians & generals such as Aristides, Pericles, Demosthenes, and Themistocles delivered some of their most brilliant orations here. In more modern times, Theodoros Kolokotronis (general and the pre-eminent leader of the Greek War of Independence (1821–1829) against the Ottoman Empire) delivered his speech here in 1938 to the students of the Royal Highschool of Athens.
Philopappou Hill and Monument. A historical monument with a view. One of the best vantage points in the city, with a prime perspective on the Acropolis
This gem, built 114-116 AD in honor of a Roman consul in Athens, is not only of great historical significance, but it is also one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in Athens. Aside from the Philopappos monument that crowns the summit, the hill is dotted with archaeological sites that are scattered among pines and quaint alleys composing the unique scenery.
It is very easy to walk up this hill, as it’s only 147m high and it takes just 20min either from Thissio metro station or the Acropolis metro station. The surrounding area is full of green, pine and olive trees, with a marble paved path that leads to the top, to the monument and to the stunning views.
Cinema Under the Stars. Cine Thisio Open Air Cinema operating since 1935.
Whether watching a Hollywood blockbuster or an old classic, visiting an open air cinema is a cherished activity of Athenians during the summer months (usually from May till September). Please note that Tickets are available only at the cinema’s box office.
PS: In Greece, movies tend to be shown in their original language with subtitles in Greek. Thus, you can easily watch a movie if you understand the movie’s original language.
Address: Apostolou Pavlou 7 https://cine-thisio.gr/en/
