Galery

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Close to the Keramikos metro station is the Athens cultural centre Technopolis. This is an old gas factory that stopped working at least 30 years ago and has become an exhibition and festival centre. The huge chimneys are red-lighted in the evening and the factory itself was rebuilt and is of very modern "space" design. There is a huge playground where the children can ride their bicycles and have fun while the parents can drink a cup of coffee in the open air, and enjoy the sun watching the kids play before their eyes. And there will certainly be held an interesting exhibition in the large halls around.
 
Another favourite place of ours is the Philopappou Hill and its surroundings. This is a beautiful park where you can go for a walk but you can also make a picnic, play with your child, watch the caterpillars that fall from the trees or climb any of the hills and enjoy the sunset while hiding behind the mountain. It is incredible the tranquility that reigns in Philopappou and although it is located in the centre of the noisy and busy city, you feel like you are far away from the chaos. But the sea of ​​concrete buildings spreading in front of you and the subtle rumbling of the cars bring you back to "reality".
 
A great place for both a cup of coffee during the day and to have a drink in the evening is Six D.O.G.S. It is difficult to find but it is worth the efforts. It is situated in a small street almost a crossing of the Athens Avenue, close to Monastiraki Square. This is one of those places made in the courtyards between the buildings, like many similar places in Sofia, for example. Good music, good service, organic products for the sandwiches, hammocks stretched between the trees, several levels with small tables and comfortable sofas – this is the atmosphere in a carefree urban design. And for those more demanding customers there are gas stoves resembling a "mushroom" but also soft blankets on the chairs to put them on your shoulders in colder nights or days. The place is spacious and safe if you decide to go with your children who might not be bored.

Where you can meet the future Greek Mark Zukarbarg or Steve Jobs

Maria S. Topalova
 
I am interested in cinema, documentaries and films, visual arts, media, photography and I will show you around these places in Athens, which are preserved for people of similar inclinations. They are not as shiny as the Cycladic Art Museum, Benaki or the Athens Concert Hall, but they attract an interesting crowd and you could probably meet the future Greek Mark Zukarbarg or Steve Jobs (not in terms of the amounts in their bank accounts, of course, but in terms of the power of thought).

The journey around the Athens of films can start from the Greek Film Archive - a small nondescript building located on Yera Odos Street known for the noisy nightclubs. For cinema fans, however, it is like the Holy Land. There are festivals held all year round which show unique films of all genres, super new or forgotten old, masterpieces of great masters or experimental work of enthusiasts and novices. Along with the screenings, there is a rich palette of film workshops, free because this is the philosophy of the cinematheque – those who are willing to learn must be able to do so for free. Just look at the titles and choose something that fits you best for your next visit to Athens.

Another place that is full of funny mix of designers, architects, photographers, filmmakers and curious types is The Art Foundation. If you hang out around Plaka and Monastiraki, you should cross the wooden door of TAF to find yourself in one of the artistic hearts of Athens. There you can drink a cup of good cappuccino, a bottle of iced beer or an intimate glass of red wine. The bar in the middle of the courtyard is full of people throughout the year because it is covered with a removable roof during the winter and rainy days. Different exhibitions - paintings, sculpture, and photography – are arranged in the small halls and the corridors around it, and you can see rare films for connoisseurs or other theatrical performances in the big hall on the second floor.

Athens is a paradise for admirers of photography and it is really difficult to me to recommend a particular gallery. Although October is officially proclaimed the month of photography, exhibitions, competitions and workshops are held all year round and at extremely good level. However, my heart draws me to Athens House of Photography. It is located in the bustling Keramikos, not far from Karaiskaki Square and its tranquil atmosphere is in pleasant contrast to the street noise. On the first floor there is an exhibition hall which hosts known contemporary photographers. There is a small bookstore on the second floor, offering albums and books by world masters in the craft and near it is the studio where photo workshops with renowned photographers are held from time to time. Prices are decent and for a three-day or a weekend seminar a double-digit euro amount is paid.