Unknown Athenian Neighborhoods: Discovering Attica’s Hidden Gems

Athens is the largest and most populous city in Greece, with nearly half of the country’s population residing in the Attica region. However, many residents remain concentrated in central areas, often unaware of the exact locations of several neighborhoods they may have heard of but don’t know where they are situated. For instance, Gouva is a densely populated neighborhood located on the southeastern side of the Municipality of Athens. It borders Neos Kosmos and Daphni to the south, Pagrati and Byron to the north, Hymettus to the east, and Mets to the west. Notable landmarks include Ambrosios Plyta Square, the church of Agios Artemios, and Agios Dimitrios. Major local roads consist of Filolaou, Iliados, and Empedokleous streets. Historically, Kato Gouva referred to the area around Agios Artemios, while Ano Gouva denoted the region near Empedokleous Street. Another intriguing locale is Lofos ton Axiomatikon (Hill of Officers) in Peristeri, named after two families of officers who settled there before World War II. Originally intended for military housing, it became infamous due to legal fraud involving property plots. In 1944, this hill witnessed a German blockade and now features a monument commemorating the event. Ellinorosson is another lesser-known district located in the 7th Municipal District of Athens, north of the intersection of Katechaki and Mesogeion avenues. It extends from the northern side of Katechaki Avenue up to the boundaries of Neos Psychiko. Surrounded by Erythros Stavros, Gerokomeio, Ambelokipoi, and Neos Psychiko, its primary arteries include Karatheodori and Adrianou streets, named after the Adrianou aqueduct once located there. The area earned its name because it initially housed Greek emigrants from Russia, known as Ellinorossi. Rizopoli, nestled between Perissos, Nea Ionias, and Ano Patissia, was developed in the early 20th century by Ioannis Rizopoulos, transforming what was once semi-agricultural land into urban infrastructure. Following the Asia Minor Catastrophe, refugee settlements emerged here, later evolving into an industrial zone still marked by remnants of old factories. Recently, some of these spaces have been repurposed into commercial establishments or offices. Anakassa, situated west of Nea Filadelfeia and north of Agioi Anargyroi, includes other nearby neighborhoods such as Tsoumba, Mykoniatika, Agioi Akindynoi, Agia Paraskevi, Analipsi-Myrophores, Pyrgos, and the Railway Quarter. Nea Elvetia, part of the Municipality of Vyronas, got its name due to its healthy climate adjacent to Mount Hymettus. Initially established as a refugee settlement, it has since grown into a vibrant community. Lastly, Polygono lies amidst Pedio tou Areos and Tourkovounia, characterized by steep inclines. Dividing the areas of Gkize, Kypseli, Nea Filothei, and Ambelokipoi, its name originates from the polygonal viewing platform used during parades outside the former Evelpidon School (now Courts). This area is also referenced as ‘Gypareika,’ owing to properties owned by Paulos Gypparis, bodyguard of Eleftherios Venizelos, whose legacy lives on through the neighborhood’s alternative namesake.