Overview

Omonoia is considered to be the "heart" of Athens. A few steps down is the Currency Museum housed in the former Athens residence of Erich Schliemmann, the Bavarian archeologist who discovered the ruins of Mycenae and Troy.

A few steps down, between Omirou and Sina streets, are three more landmarks. On the left, the headquarters of the Bank of Greece, the country's currency regulator. On the right, the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Denis and, next to it, the Athens Opthalmology Clinic.

Next, you will come upon the main interest on Panepistimiou Street, i.e. the series of, what Greeks call, neoclassical-architecture buildings of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, the University of Athens, and the National Library. These landmark structures were designed by Bavarian architects during the reign of King Othon (Otto, 1834-1863), in a quest to create a uniquely local architectural tradition, taking into consideration the country's glorious past but also revivalist influences, like many public buildings in Washington DC, Berlin, and London.

The University of Athens building is today used only for administrative and ceremonial functions and it features a wonderful series of ancient-themed paintings along the upper outside wall. The National Library, after years of neglect, is undergoing perhaps the most extensive renovation and upgrading of any public building ever in this country.

This is one of the most commercial streets in the city, and it tends to attract more low income people and many immigrants. It is not Kolonaki, the high brow district behind the Parliament, but it is much more lively, colorful, and interesting.

About 150 meters into Athinas you will meet Kotzia (or, City Hall) Square. On your right side the City Hall and on your left the old headquarters of the National Bank of Greece, the country's biggest and oldest financial institution. The new headquarters of the Bank, right next to it, is a modernist building that was completed 2 years ago and it set the tone for the current construction of a number of new corporate buildings in the Athens area.

This, traditionally, is the city's financial district. Across the street from the National Bank is the headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Greece, until a few years ago the second largest financial institution in the country, and, behind it, the Athens Stock Exchange, on Sophocleous Street, or, as Greeks call the Athens Bourse, just "Sophocleous".

Next up is the Central Market, which covers a whole city block. A turn-of-the century galleria, the Central Market is home to the city's main meat and fish markets. The streets around it are lined with food emporiums, including everything from nuts-and-coffee stores, to dairy products shops, and stalls that sell live chickens, vegetables, and olives. This area is not to be missed!

The visit to the Central Market concludes this tour. You must be exhausted and hungry by now. Walk about 300 meters further down Athinas Street to Monastiraki Square. Behind the mosque, at the corner of the square with Ermou Street is Bairaktaris, the best kebob restaurant in the city. Try the mixed grill platter with a beer and take in the usually busy scene around you, at the center of Athens.