AROUND ATHENS - Top 10 Athens - page 119

The Jewish Community
The area of Psiri and Kerameikos has been heavily settled by Greek Jews since
the third century BC. In 1944, the Nazis occupying Athens sent more than half
the population to concentration camps; however, the community has slowly
built up to once again become a centre of Greek Jewish life.

Sunday Markets

Morning
Start the day with the Sunday brunch served in the garden courtyard of the
Athenaeum Maria Callas , accompanied by famous opera recordings.
Satiated with food and music, head for Psirri to the shop of Melissinos Art .
Stavros Melissinos will custom-fit you a classic pair of Greek sandals, and
possibly try to sell you an English translation of one of his topics.
Proceed to Plateia Monastiraki, overlooked by the Folk Ceramic Museum .
Step inside for a while or take a walk around the ancient halls and courtyard of
Hadrian's Library .

Early Afternoon
Then head over to the Roman Agora , the sprawling marketplace that was
Athens' heart for centuries. Take a good two hours here, making sure not to
miss the fantastically well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus and the restored
Stoa of Attalos, home to the excellent Agora Museum.
Now that you're warmed up, it's time to go back down Adrianou simply for the
fun of haggling at the lively Flea Market at Plateia Avissynias. It's hard to res-
ist buying at least something, though by this stage of the day it is more likely to
be fabulous kitschy junk than bargain antiques.
Once you're done, retire with your booty to To Kouti to enjoy a long lunch, as
the marketplace closes down and the music and drinking start up.

Back to intro Chapter contents