plaka

Plaka is the historic neighborhood of Athens, Greece. It lies on the eastern slope of the Acropolis, at the base of the hill, and is bordered by Monastiraki to the north and Syntagma to the west. The area has ancient roots and developed through medieval and modern periods as Athens expanded.

The district is characterized by narrow, winding streets, stairways, and a mix of architectural styles, including neoclassical, traditional Greek, and Ottoman-era facades. A sub-district within Plaka, Anafiotika, features whitewashed houses built in the 19th century by workers from the island of Anafi, giving that part of the neighborhood a Cycladic charm.

Plaka is a major tourist area due to its proximity to the Acropolis and other archaeological sites. Visitors come for shaded courtyards, traditional tavernas, cafés, and shops selling souvenirs, as well as street musicians and markets. Despite its popularity, parts of Plaka retain a residential character and host small museums, galleries, and churches spanning Byzantine to modern times. The neighborhood embodies a continuity of Athens’ urban development from antiquity through the modern era.