Keeping Airbnb at bay: a bit of the Greek islands in heart of Athens, former stonemasons’ village has survived 150 years
Masons summoned from the Cyclades to rebuild the Greek capital in the 19th century built a village just like back home to house themselves; technically illegal, it has survived to become a heavily regulated heritage site
“The Acropolis? It’s that way.” Residents of historic Anafiotika are used to giving directions to tourists lost in the narrow, winding alleyways of the little-known hillside neighbourhood in the heart of Athens.
Looking as if it’s been lifted straight out of the Greek islands, Anafiotika’s tiny, whitewashed houses with their brightly painted shutters and doors were designed to resemble their builders’ own Aegean Sea homes.
The tranquil neighbourhood was built on the northeastern side of the hill leading up to the ancient Acropolis, and its 100-odd, tile-roofed houses – which gave their name to the settlement – are as old as the modern Greek capital itself.
“The Anafiotika have real historical value,” says architect Panagiotis Paraskevopoulos, a resident of the nearby historic Plaka district.
It’s not easy living here. Not only must we abide by strict regulations, but we must also stay vigilant against efforts to turn the area into Airbnb rentals
“Working-class architecture with Cycladic elements – it’s like a journey back in time,” he said.