Athens is fast becoming one of the trendiest hot spots in Europe, with visitors flocking to the Greek capital from all over the globe. Whether you are a foodie, a history buff, love museums or simply enjoying the nightlife, the vibrant city with its welcoming locals caters to all your tastes. But did you know one of the most ancient cities in the world also boasts the oldest street in Europe?
If you take a stroll in the old neighborhood of Plaka and stray into Tripodon Street, just be aware that you are walking on the oldest street on the continent, according to the Guinness Book of Records.
The Guinness Book of Records dates the small narrow, largely unassuming street in Athens at over 2,500 years old.
Tripodon Street was also one of the broadest in ancient times, about 18 feet wide. The name ‘Tripodon’ is a compound of “Tri” meaning three and “podon” meaning foot and refers to the copper tripods once placed along its length, dedicated to the mythological god Apollo.
Stretching from the Theater of Dionysus to the Agora, the Greek equivalent of the Walk of Fame for Athenians to attend a play. It is widely known as the “street of theater and fine arts” among locals.
Today the modern-looking street is home to Al Hammam Traditional Baths, many niche boutique shops, and, at Lysicrates Square, the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, a structure erected by the choregos (sponsor) Lysicrates to commemorate the award of the first prize in 335/334 BC to one of the performances that he had sponsored.
