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

Melbourne University Greek Association hosts third sold-out ball

For the third consecutive year, Melbourne University Greek Association (MUnGA) hosted its sold out university ball, held on Friday, 17 April.

Cyprus Community of NSW secures leading historian for major cultural launch in Sydney

Emilios A. Solomou will join the Cyprus Community of NSW via live link to launch the EOKA Struggle for Liberty Exhibition in Sydney.

Pontic music in focus as Matthaios Tsahouridis to lead Sydney workshop

The Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia is set to host a special workshop in Sydney featuring musician Matthaios Tsahouridis.

Why Australians of Cypriot descent are reclaiming their place in the ANZAC tradition

From Greece and Crete to North Africa and Rome, Cypriots fought alongside Australians and their descendants will march again this ANZAC Day.

Thebarton Hellenic Festival 2026 to unite culture, community and ANZAC tribute

The Thebarton Hellenic Festival 2026 will bring Adelaide together for a celebration of Greek culture, opening with an ANZAC Day tribute.

You May Also Like

Mitsotakis meets with Trudeau in Canada to sign firefighting aircraft agreement

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to finalise an agreement for seven firefighting aircrafts.

Peter Andre opens up on his strict Jehovah’s Witness upbringing and new outlook

Peter Andre was born to Greek-Cypriot parents in the United Kingdom, before moving to Australia with his family when he was six years old.

OXI Day military and school parades cancelled across Greece this year

Greece's traditional military and school parades on October 28th will not take place this year due to coronavirus concerns.