Plaka was developed mostly around the ruins of Ancient Agora of Athens in an area that has been continuously inhabited since antiquity. During the years of Ottoman rule, Plaka was the known as the "Turkish quarter of Athens", and the seat of the Turkish Voevode (Governor). During the Greek War of Independence, Plaka like the rest of Athens, was temporarily abandoned by its inhabitants because of the severe battles that took place mostly in 1826. The area was repopulated during the first years of King Otto's rule. Plaka had a sizable Arvanite community till the late 19th century, which lead some to refer to it as the Albanian (Arvanite) quarter of Athens. At the same period the neighborhood of Anafiotika, featuring traditional Cycladic architecture, was built by settlers from the Aegean island of Anafi.
Plaka is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists around the year, and is under strict zoning and conservation regulations, being the only neighbourhood in Athens where all utilities (water, power, cable television, telephone, internet, and sewage) lie underground in fully accessible, custom-made tunnelling. Motor vehicles are not allowed in Plaka, and most streets are too narrow, thus not being able to accommodate them anyway.
This post is part of the Mellow Yellow meme.
One of the Plaka streets with many of the 19th century buildings well-restored |
It is hard to miss seeing the Acropolis from almost every street of Plaka. In the corner, a beautifully restored neoclassical building housing a branch of the Bank of Piraeus |
Excavation works continue throughout Athens and new discoveries of ancient buildings and artefacts are constantly made by archaeologists |
Many of the lovely old 19th century buildings have fallen into disrepair because of the prohibitive costs of restoration |
Another typical Plaka street with a beautifully restored neoclassical building |
19th century Athens was a beautiful small city with wonderful architecture, as can be seen in the old Athens neighbourhood of Plaka |
A Byzantine chapel built on top of ancient ruins. The layers of history are superimposed on every site in Athens |
At the end of the day it's nice to sit in one of the restaurants and enjoy wonderful Greek cuisine with retsina wine (flavoured with pine resin!) |
Beautiful photos Nick. I can just see myself relaxing at one of those outdoor tables in the evening - I can't wait to visit.
ReplyDeletePięknie na zdjęciach pokazujesz tą część wspaniałego miasta w Grecji. Pozdrawiam.*** Beauty of the pictures you show that part of the magnificent city in Greece. Yours
ReplyDeleteGreat shots, -lovely colours!
ReplyDeleteIt is perfect for MYM.
I wish you a Happy Easter!
Beautiful, beautiful architecture! And such dazzling light surrounds them! A fascinating post!
ReplyDeletethank you for the wonderful tour!
ReplyDeletebeautiful
Great shots! Have a fabulous week.
ReplyDeleteLiz @ MLC
Liz @ YACB
You seem to be doing a lot of travelling, it would be interesting to know when you were at these various places. Another lovely virtual tour.
ReplyDeleteI wish to see this beautiful place someday.
ReplyDeletePlease come and see my LEGO Project for mellow yellow.
PS.... I just followed your blog. Would you be kind and folly my blog as well? Pretty please??? Thanks in advance!
Wow these is the kind of place I like to visit. Awesome shots!
ReplyDeleteJelly Beans
Looks like a photographer's dream visit!
ReplyDeletewhen did you go there? Before all the economic trouble?
ReplyDeleteAnn, last time I was in Athens was in 2008.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! I feel like I was there.
ReplyDeleteFabulous captures all, Nick. Very atmospheric. Happy Easter.
ReplyDelete