Islanders in the capital
The workers came from Anafi, in the Cyclades, to help build King Otto's palace, today the Hellenic Parliament. Missing home, they built small, whitewashed, flat-roofed houses on the rock in the style of their island.
Urban Tales › Athens › Anafiotika
Anafiotika: the history, and the islanders who built it
In the reign of King Otto, builders from the Cycladic island of Anafi came to work on the royal palace and built themselves homes on the slope of the Acropolis, just like the ones back home. Here's what you're looking at, and what to listen for in its lanes.
Foundedmid-1800s
Built byWorkers from Anafi
Houses today≈ 45
AreaUpper Plaka
Hear the Anafiotika story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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Smaller every decade
More islanders followed, and later refugees from Asia Minor after 1922. Parts of the neighbourhood were cleared for archaeological work in the 1950s, and the state bought many houses in the 1970s. About 45 houses remain.
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People live here
Anafiotika isn't a museum. The lanes run past front doors and gardens, so walk quietly and respect the residents' privacy.
TipGo in from Stratonos Street above Plaka and follow the narrow paths uphill; getting a little lost is half the point. With Urban Tales running, the neighbourhood's story plays as you reach it.
Nearby landmarks
Anafiotika: common questions
Where is Anafiotika?
On the northeast slope of the Acropolis, at the top of the Plaka district.
Who built Anafiotika?
Builders from the Cycladic island of Anafi, who came to Athens in the reign of King Otto to work on the royal palace.
Is Anafiotika worth visiting?
Yes, for a quiet half hour: whitewashed island houses, flowers and views over Athens, a few minutes from Plaka's busy streets.