Greek street names and their connection to national identity

·

Found all over cities, towns and villages, many streets in Greece have been named after revolutionary heroes, poets, gods, architects, and queens.

For many the Greek street name is a map of the country’s spiritual identity, allowing people to engage in stories and shaping the overall Greek experience.

With this, we look at three of Greece’s most prominent street names and the connection they have with our national identity.

Iera Odos

Known as the ‘sacred way’, this road begins from the archaeological site of Kerameikos in Athens and eventually connects to the National Road.

During Ancient Greek times many sacred roads were used for religious processions to sanctuaries and to other sacred destinations.

Iera Odos. Photo: Water and Waste

Dionysos Areopagitou

Running along the base of the Acropolis is the broad pedestrian street, named after Dionysius the Aeropagite who was a judge of the Areos Pagos. He was fortunate to have converted to Christianity by Paul the Apostle.

Situated in the perfect location with the landmarks of Athens surrounding it. The street feels as though it has been there for a long period of time and was designed by the architect Dimitris Pikionis in the 1950’s.

Dionysos Areopagitou. Photo: Athens24

Palaion Patron Germanou

A central street in Athens, near Syntagma, this street is named after Germanos the Metropolitan of Patra. He is recognised as being a member of the Filikis Etaireias who blessed the revolutionary flag that was raised at the monastery of Agia Lavra in Kalavryta.

Source: Ekathimerini

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Michael Pavlou recalls ‘panic’ during machete brawl at Melbourne shopping centre

Melbourne father Michael Pavlou described scenes of “panic” and “confusion” during a violent incident at Northland Shopping Centre on Sunday.

Olympiacos clinches Euroleague bronze over Panathinaikos in all-Greek showdown

Olympiacos defeated reigning champions Panathinaikos BC 97-93 in the Euroleague 2025 third-place game on Sunday in Abu Dhabi.

Yiayia’s passion for science inspires granddaughter Voula Gaganis

It has been a few decades in the making, but Voula Gaganis has been guided by her yiayia’s own dream of a career in science.

From South Melbourne to European glory: Ange Postecoglou’s Greek Australian masterpiece

Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham have done it—breaking a 17-year trophy drought with a 1-0 Europa League final win over Manchester United.

Koulouria Thessalonikis: Niki Louca shares her much-loved recipe

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for Koulouria Thessalonikis with The Greek Herald. 

You May Also Like

Peter Dutton MP praises Australia’s Greek community in Christmas message

Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton MP, has praised the contribution of the Greek community to Australia in his Christmas message.

Doxa Komodromou: ‘The work done by Cypriot diaspora in Australia is admirable’

These days Mrs. Komodromou is making an official visit to Australia, which she is visiting for the first time and for about ten days.

Tensions rise as conflicting reports emerge around Greek-flagged tanker in the Red Sea

European Union’s Aspides mission in the Red Sea reported that there was no oil spill from MV Sounion, which was recently targeted by Houthis.