Syntagma Square Revamp Works to Be Completed Soon, Says Athens Mayor

An impression of the lower part of Syntagma square after revamp works are completed.

The revamp works at Syntagma, the Greek capital’s central square, are expected to be completed in the coming weeks, according to Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis.

The project, which began in August 2021, includes the renovation of the lower part of the square, the expansion of pedestrian walkways, landscaping, the installation of smart road crossings, accessibility ramps, shaded areas, and lighting.

The square’s renovation was originally to be completed this past March, according to the schedule announced last year.

Kostas Bakoyannis

Speaking to reporters during a press event on Monday for the launch of the 8th Travel Trade Athens event, Bakoyannis gave the timeline of regeneration works in the Greek capital.

According to the municipality’s plan:

– works at central Syntagma square will conclude in the coming weeks

-the reconstruction of Panepistimiou street – one of the capital’s main roads connecting Syntagma and Omonia squares – will be completed by the end of the year

The revamp of Panepistimiou, a central street in downtown Athens

– works are underway for the overhaul of the Lycabettus hill and include the reconstruction of the theater and the maintenance of the hill’s trails and footpaths

– works continue at the National Gardens with the first part completed a few days ago

– revamp works will begin on the hill of Strefi as well as in the area of Plato’s Academy in the summer.

An impression of the Strefi hill after its revamp

“Athens is a city under construction… Following years of ‘hibernation’ it has woken with a number of works running in various sites,” Bakoyannis added.

Expanding Athens’ points of interest

The mayor added that through its ongoing regeneration plan, the municipality aims to promote more areas within the city’s limits.

“We wish to expand Athens’ points of interest beyond its historic center… and provide our travelers with more places to visit,” he said.

As an example, Mayor Bakoyannis referred to the regeneration of Plato’s Academy:

“Despite being known to people throughout the world, Plato’s Academy receives only a small number visitors every year. With our revamp works and in collaboration with the culture ministry, the area will ultimately be included in the world map of tourism destinations,” he said.

Plato’s Academy in Athens

Plato’s Academy revamp project includes the area’s upgrade and promotion, as well as the construction of the Archaeological Museum of Athens on the site.