Thursday 26 July 2012

Monastiraki

Following a visit to the Benaki Museum on Sunday, we decided to walk to Syntagma through Monastiraki.

We were surprised to see that there was no flea market by Keramikos.



On reaching Thision we saw this banner informing us that the flea market has been moved to Agia Odos. We furthermore found out that three Sundays ago the police had cordoned the area off to prevent the market from taking place, no explanation given.




There were far more stalls than usual on Adrianou Street so I guess that some of the stall holders have moved here.




This time it wasn't just the usual stalls selling jewellery, coins and stamps, but also books, bric a brac and even bits of clothing




I like browing around here. There are still finds to be had if you look carefully and you know what you are looking for. I found a wonderful Art Nouveau Legras bowl for seven euros last year - such a find




As you walk up towards Syntagma on your left are cafeterias and restaurants. This is Kuzina which I wrote about last year here





and the Acropolis is on your right.




Moving on to Ifaistou Street,  the old flea market area which is full of shops




and on to Avisinias Square which has been the centre of the antiques market in Athens from time immemorial




all the shops in the square bring their wares out during the day and particularly on Sundays




always fun looking around even though I am not into antiques anymore.




The legendary Cafe Avisinia is here too





Having left the square and back on Ifaistou Street, we came upon this guy





The next square we reached was Monastiraki Square, with this byzantine church on one side




and the old Mosque (now a museum) on the other




as well as the old electric railway station.




Next to the Mosque is the Ancient Agora with the Acropolis in the distance.






Finally, up Pandrosou Street which is where all the tourist shops are





full of the kind of tacky stuff that people buy when on holiday and then regret the minute they get home.



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