Akadimia Platonos


Akadimia Platonos is a neighbourhood located west-northwest of the downtown part of the Greek capital of Athens.

History

The area is named after Plato's Academy, which he founded in the area in 387 BC and which continued to operate until its closure by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 529 AD on charges of un-Christian activity. Excavations of Ancient artefacts began in 1929 and continue to the present day, under the auspices of the third General Directorate of Antiquities.
The area saw housing developments in the early part of the 20th century when Athens began to grow. An industrial zone was also laid out during this time. The area was mostly urbanised during the period after World War II and the civil war.

Present day

The area is densely populated, with people mainly living in five to seven-storey buildings. Major streets bordering this subdivision include Lenorman Avenue to the east, Palamidou Street to the south and Athinon Avenue
The two main squares are Akademia Platonos and Metaxa. The population is approximately 15,000.

Residential streets

Several residential streets are named after places in the Peloponnese, famous people, and myths.

Amenities

Akadimia Platonos has schools, lyceums, gymnasia, churches, banks, shops and squares. The nearest Athens Metro subway station is to the east.
Akadimia Platonos has also given its name to the title of a movie screened in Locarno Film Festival 2009 directed by Filippos Tsitos.