The Bazaar at Monastiraki

Monastiraki is located just north of the Greek Agora in the historic heart of Athens. At its heart is the Pantanassa, thought to be part of a large monastery complex that was built before the Ottoman invasion. It is Athens’s funky bohemian district and is a destination for tourists as well as locals. Situated in the shadow of the Acropolis, shops line the streets with sellers of arts and crafts, antiques, cookware, funky clothing and anything to do with punk culture. Monastiraki is the Greek version of the Lower East Side in Manhattan or Atlanta’s Little Five Points.

The main thoroughfare is Odos Ermou, one of the main shopping districts of the city. Many European shops are located there as is the Byzantine church of Kapnikarea. Built in the 11th century, it is the official church of Athens University. Also in the area is the Mosque of Tsistarlikis, built in 1759. It now houses the ceramics branch of the Museum of Greek Folk Art.

Another of the main avenues of Monastiraki is Hephaestus Street. Lined with shops, it runs through Avissynias Square, the most picturesque square in Athens where vagabond antiques sellers shout out their offerings. On Sundays, for decades, there has been, and continues to be, the Monastiraki bazaar, an incredible flea market with everything from old industrial equipment to ancient gramophone records and the gramophones to play them on. There are also stalls selling army surplus gear, jewelry, copper ware, leather goods and backgammon sets.

Also on the streets of Monastiraki are folklore bands, clowns and people on stilts. There are restaurants and coffee shops abound; all offer the views and sounds of ancient Athens.