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

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Latest News

The power of scrap paper: A soldier’s Battle of Crete journey resurrected

Anthony’s journey into the stories of Crete’s wartime past began with a discovery linking his family to the Greek-ANZAC alliance of WWII.

Sydney’s best Greek restaurants for an authentic Mediterranean feast

Sydney’s Greek dining scene is thriving, offering everything from classic souvlaki to elevated Mediterranean feasts.

Andrew Cochineas sets Mosman record with $50 million mansion purchase

Andrew Cochineas and his wife Lisette have emerged as the buyers behind Mosman’s record-breaking $50 million mansion sale.

Greece unveils its first humanoid robot for factory work

Greece has taken a step into advanced robotics with the creation of the country’s first domestically developed industrial humanoid robot.

Pontic Greek genocide to become part of Cyprus school curriculum

Public schools across Cyprus will officially teach and commemorate the genocide of the Pontic Greeks.

You May Also Like

Farmers block Greek border crossings over subsidy delays

Farmers in northern Greece blocked major border crossings, defying a government warning as protests escalated over delays in subsidy payments.

Disabled man found crying over mother two days after she died from COVID-19

A 61-year-old disabled man was found crying, hugging his 90-year-old mother in a Kavala neighbourhood two days after she had passed of COVID-19.

Nick Kyrgios backs decision to allow Novak Djokovic to play at 2023 Australian Open

Tennis star, Nick Kyrgios, has backed the decision to allow Novak Djokovic to compete at the 2023 Australian Open in Melbourne next month.