Kolonaki

Kolonaki (Greek: Κολωνάκι, pronounced [koloˈnaci]), literally "Little Column", is an upscale neighborhood in central Athens, Greece. It is located on the southern slopes of Mount Lycabettus. Its name derives from the two metre column (located in Kolonaki Square) that defined the area even before the area's urbanization.

Kolonaki
Κολωνάκι
Neighborhood
The main Avenue of Kolonaki
Location in Athens
Location in Athens
Coordinates: 37°58′40″N 23°44′30″E
CountryGreece
RegionAttica
CityAthens
Postal code
106 71, 106 72, 106 73, 106 74, 106 75, 106 76, 106 80, 115 21
Websitewww.cityofathens.gr

Description

Kolonaki is a wealthy and upmarket district. As one of the capital's leading shopping areas, it includes a number of high-end boutiques such as Claviano International Store, Massimo Dutti and Balenciaga from young adult to casual fashion to prestigious haute couture from Greek and international designers. One of its main shopping streets, Voukourestiou Street, is now known for its jewelry.

Museums and galleries also abound in Kolonaki. The Benaki Museum, inside a preserved neoclassical manor house, and the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art and are two of the finest private collections in the country. Two smaller museums to be found in Kolonaki are the Museum of the History of Greek Costume and the Theater Museum, both highly specialized in their respective areas. A walk across the street from Vasilissis Sofias Avenue are the Byzantine Museum, and the War Museum of Athens.

There is a plethora of available options for nightlife, including bars, ouzeries, and tavernas.[1] Outdoor seating on pedestrian walks is typical, creating a lively atmosphere at night. The main Kolonaki Square (with the small column) is surrounded by cafes and restaurants.

The Lycabettus Funicular, a funicular railway, links Kolonaki to the summit of Mount Lycabettus. Kolonaki also hosts two metro stations, Evengelismos and Megaro Mousikis.

Parks & Squares

Besides nearby Lycabettus, the residents benefit from other small parks and open spaces:

  • Kolonaki Square
  • Dexamini, named after Hadrian's Reservoir.[2] Dexamini has a small square where young children often play football, a playground and a popular cafe.
  • Plateia Katsiki
  • Parko Eleftherias
  • Garden of Megaro Mousikis
  • Detail from "Plan d'Athènes" 1853. Origins of the name of Kolonaki shown, with the location of the Column (Colonne) now in Kolonaki Square
    Detail from "Plan d'Athènes" 1853. Origins of the name of Kolonaki shown, with the location of the Column (Colonne) now in Kolonaki Square
  • The little column in Kolonaki Square
    The little column in Kolonaki Square
  • St. Nicholas church
    St. Nicholas church
  • View of Kolonaki Square
    View of Kolonaki Square
  • Early modern buildings
    Early modern buildings

Notable people

References
  1. "ATHENS NIGHTLIFE – Our pick of the city's best bars". Why Athens. 14 April 2017.
  2. "Hadrian's Reservoir". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2022-10-10.
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