Akadimia Platonos

Akadimia Platonos (Greek: Ακαδημία Πλάτωνος pronounced [akaðiˈmia ˈpla.to.nos]) is a neighbourhood located 3 km (2 mi) west-northwest of the downtown part of the Greek capital of Athens.

Akadimia Platonos

Ακαδημία Πλάτωνος
Neighborhood
A church in Akadimia Platonos
Location within Athens
Coordinates: 37°59′36″N 23°42′42″E
CountryGreece
RegionAttica
CityAthens
Postal code
104 41
Area code(s)210
Websitewww.cityofathens.gr

History

The area is named after Plato's Academy, which he founded in the area in 387 BC and which continued to operate until it was destroyed by the Roman dictator Sulla in 86 BC.[1] Excavations of Ancient artefacts began in 1929 and continue to the present day, under the auspices of the third General Directorate of Antiquities.

The area saw housing developments in the early part of the 20th century when Athens began to grow. An industrial zone was also laid out during this time. The area was mostly urbanised during the period after World War II and the civil war.

Present day

The area is densely populated, with people mainly living in five to seven-storey buildings. Major streets bordering this subdivision include Lenorman Avenue to the east, Palamidou Street to the south and Athinon Avenue (GR-8 and GR-8A and E90 westbound.)

The two main squares are Akademia Platonos and Metaxa. The population is approximately 15,000.

Residential streets

Several residential streets are named after places in the Peloponnese, famous people, and myths.

Alamanas Street
Alexandrias Street
Amplianis Street
Angelopoulou Street
Argous Street
Astrous Street
Dimosthenous Street
Epidavrou Street
Evrosynis Street
Evkleidis Street

Flioudos Street
Gordiou Street
Levidiou Street
Marathonomachon Street
Milou Street
Monastiraki Street
Nafpliou Street
Nevrokopiou Street
Platonos Street
Pylou Street

Serron Street
Tilefanous Street
Themiskyras Street
Tileou Street
Tripoleos Street
Vassilikon Street
Vourbiani Street

Amenities

Akadimia Platonos has schools, lyceums (middle schools), gymnasia (secondary schools), churches, banks, shops and squares (plateies). The nearest Athens Metro subway station is to the east (Metaxourghio metro station).

Akadimia Platonos has also given its name to the title of a movie screened in Locarno Film Festival 2009 directed by Filippos Tsitos.

References
  1. Lindberg, David C. (2007). The Beginnings of Western Science. University of Chicago Press. p. 70. ISBN 9780226482057.
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