Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Peristeri, Greece

A northwestern suburb of Athens, Peristeri is Greece’s fourth-largest municipality. Historically, this area was once composed of open fields along the Sacred Way, an ancient procession route connecting Athens to Eleusis. During the Greco-Turkish War from 1919 to 1922, Peristeri was selected for refugee camps, which later evolved into a suburb after World War II. The suburb was integrated into the Athens Metro via Line 2 in the early 2000s.

This article will explore the notable sites and attractions in and around Peristeri, transitioning towards the center of Athens, which boasts a wealth of ancient treasures. Along the way, we will make stops at significant locations, including the park where Plato established his academy in the 4th century BC, and Gazi, a fashionable neighborhood that has emerged around Athens’ old gasworks.

Here are the most notable activities and sites to visit in Peristeri:

1. Daphni Monastery

Located just ten minutes to the west of Peristeri, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a monastery founded in the 11th century along the Sacred Way, a vital procession route leading from Athens to Eleusis, some 20 kilometers away.

Daphni was constructed atop a Sanctuary of Apollo, which was ravaged by the Goths in the late 4th century. One Ionic column from this earlier site was incorporated into the monastery, while others were later transported to Britain by the Earl of Elgin.

Renowned for its exquisite early-12th-century mosaics, the monastery features scenes from the Life of Christ and a magnificent depiction of Christ Pantocrator, where Jesus is clothed in a purple robe and displays a notably serious expression.

2. Diomidous Botanical Garden

Located a few minutes away in Chaidari, this botanical garden is the largest in Europe, spanning over 186 hectares and encompassing approximately 2,500 species of plants.

Established in 1952, the garden was funded through donations from Prime Minister Alexandros Diomidis and his wife, Julia.

The gardens are organized thematically and geographically, featuring intriguing sections such as a garden showcasing species referenced in Greek history, mythology, and the Old Testament.

In this setting, you will find the acanthus plant, which is characteristic of Corinthian capitals, alongside hemlock, which was utilized for Socrates’ execution.

Another garden displays medicinal plants including balsam, rosemary, lavender, ginger, and aloe, while the arboretum near the main entrance features a variety of trees such as cedars, coconut trees, acacias, and Japanese beautyberries.

3. Alsos Peristeriou

Opened in 2012, this park quickly became a central attraction in Peristeri.

Its introduction has significantly improved the local climate, as research conducted by the University of Athens indicates that the park’s vegetation has helped reduce summer temperatures by as much as 5°C.

The park offers free Wi-Fi and is adorned with acacia, fig, eucalyptus, olive, and plane trees.

A well-equipped outdoor gym is available for those looking to incorporate strength training into their routine, while children can enjoy a historically themed playground featuring puppet shows during the summer.

The park also includes an amphitheater for summer concerts, and Prasino Spiti (Green House)—a new facility dedicated to green energy, recycling, and energy efficiency.

4. Atromitos F.C.

Atromitos F.C., a team in the Greek Superleague, plays its home games at Peristeri Stadium. Founded in 1923 by students, Atromitos F.C. (translating to “Fearless”) is experiencing a notable period of success, having participated in the Europa League for four consecutive seasons up until 2016 and achieving their highest league finish (3rd) in 2013. At the time of writing in January 2018, they were positioned fourth in the league, once more solidly placed for Europa League qualification.

A key contributor to their recent accomplishments has been Argentinean midfielder Javier Umbides.

Atromitos has been associated with Peristeri Stadium since 1953. While the stadium may show signs of age, it boasts a vibrant match-day atmosphere fueled by the “Fentagin” supporters group, known for their progressive political views.

5. Acropolis

While in Athens, visiting the Acropolis—an iconic symbol of the ancient world—is a must.

This rocky outcrop overlooking the city was shaped into its current form during the 5th century under the guidance of Pericles, who oversaw the construction of its most significant structures, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaia, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

For a deeper understanding and to view the original decorations of these monuments, a visit to the Acropolis Museum is essential.

This museum features a glass floor on its lower level, allowing visitors to see the archaeological remains beneath. The upper floor contains a replica of the Parthenon, showcasing its original friezes and metopes alongside the museum’s prominent caryatids from the Erechtheion.

6. National Archaeological Museum

Another essential destination in Athens is the National Archaeological Museum, home to the most extensive collection of Ancient Greek artifacts worldwide.

The exhibits span from the Neolithic era to Roman times, ensuring that each visit reveals something new.

Remarkable pieces include the Bronze Age frescoes from Santorini, the Mycenaean golden Mask of Agamemnon, and artifacts from the Antikythera shipwreck.

An extraordinary highlight is the Antikythera mechanism, recognized as the earliest known analog computer, dating back to the late second century BC. Moreover, the museum boasts an extensive array of marble and bronze sculptures, countless ceramics, and an entire wing dedicated to epigraphy, housing over 14,000 ancient inscriptions.

7. Ancient Agora

Situated beneath the northwestern slope of the Acropolis lies the political, commercial, judicial, and administrative core of ancient Athens.

This site has been occupied for over 5,000 years, enduring numerous cycles of destruction and reconstruction.

Today, the Agora presents a complex of ruins, which are often challenging to identify without a detailed map or the guidance of an experienced tour guide.

The Museum of the Ancient Agora houses inscribed stones, coins, and ballot disks used in trials, serving as a testament to the origins of Athenian democracy.

Prominently located on the Agoraios Kolonos Hill to the northwest is the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus, a nearly intact Doric temple dating back to the mid-5th century BC.

8. Plato Academy Park

Located just a kilometer from the site where Plato established his philosophical academy in the early 4th century BC, this location remained active until its closure by the Roman dictator Sulla in 86 BC. Positioned to the northwest of ancient Athens, far from political turmoil, extensive archaeological surveys have been conducted in the park since 1929. On the southern side of the park, visitors can observe a section of the ancient roadway leading to the academy.

Additionally, the park contains modest ruins believed to belong to the academy itself.

While there might not be an abundance of notable sights, many visitors journey to these grounds, symbolically standing upon the foundations of Western thought.

9. Plato Academy Digital Museum

The Foundation of the Hellenic World has developed a multimedia museum on this site, dedicated to Plato, his academy, and his philosophical contributions.

The museum engages visitors through cartoons and interactive games, making complex philosophical concepts more approachable.

Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with Platonic ideas and reflect on their relevance today.

Interactive 3D models of the Platonic Academy allow further exploration of how the site appeared 2,400 years ago, providing life to the otherwise modest ruins located in the nearby park.

10. Allou! Fun Park

A short drive down the E75 will lead you to Greece’s largest amusement park.

Allou! Fun Park consists of two intertwined parks: Allou!, featuring thrilling funfair rides for teenagers, and Kidom, which caters to families and younger children with gentler attractions such as merry-go-rounds, flying elephants, and boat rides.

To maximize your experience, it is advisable to allocate several hours to take full advantage of the €21 entry fee.

A recent addition that has garnered much attention at Allou! Fun Park is the House of Fear—a haunted house experience that is unique in Greece, staffed by an impressive team of actors in terrifying costumes.

11. Gazi Area

From Plato Academy Park, southeast towards Peristeri, you will find Gazi, a dynamic neighborhood surrounding the old gasworks of Athens.

The gasworks ceased operations in 1984, and over subsequent decades, Gazi has transformed into a vibrant area for arts, nightlife, and entertainment, characterized by an active LGBT scene.

Many restaurants and nightlife venues occupy the Neoclassical buildings constructed for the factory, and in recent years, a variety of impressive street art has begun to grace the walls of the area.

One excellent way to start your evening in Gazi is to visit a rooftop bar, offering splendid views of the Acropolis illuminated against the night sky in the distance.

12. Technopolis

The former gasworks facility at the heart of Gazi has been restored into a substantial living museum and cultural venue, covering more than three hectares.

Technopolis hosts a variety of events, including concerts, seminars, exhibitions, and a range of cultural activities. Each of the restored 19th-century structures within this historical complex bears the names of iconic Greek poets.

This venue once served as a self-sufficient community, providing essential services such as a clinic, barber shop, and mechanical repair services.

The Industrial Gas Museum opened its doors in 2013, inviting visitors to explore 13 stops throughout the site, detailing how this facility provided heat and light to Athens for over a century, showcasing vintage machinery, and offering insights into the labor conditions within the factory.

13. Kerameikos Archaeological Site

Located northwest of the Ancient Agora, the Kerameikos archaeological site is accessible via a short ride on the C16 bus from Peristeri.

This site is often the most remote point for tourists venturing beyond the ancient city and holds numerous intriguing monuments, provided you understand their significance.

Along with the remnants of ancient city walls, visitors will find the Sacred Gate, which marked the beginning of the Sacred Way leading towards Eleusis.

The primary entrance to ancient Athens was once the Dyplon Gate, where the notable General Pericles delivered his famous speech in honor of those who perished at the onset of the Peloponnesian War during the 5th century BC.

The Street of Tombs features models of gravestones commemorating some of Athens’ most distinguished citizens, while the Pompeion served as the preparation site for the Panathenaic Procession to the Parthenon, which occurred every four years, coinciding with the Panathenaic Games.

14. Centre for the Study of Traditional Pottery

Established in the Kerameikos district in 1987, the Centre for the Study of Traditional Pottery serves as both a museum and a research and educational facility, fittingly located in the historic potters’ quarter of Athens.

This museum focuses on the period from the early 19th century to the early 20th century, studying the diverse styles and techniques that emerged throughout Greece.

With a collection exceeding 5,000 earthenware pieces, visitors can gain insight into the technologies involved in their production, the many production intricacies, and the role of pottery in everyday life and rituals.

15. Benaki Museum of Islamic Art

Launched in conjunction with the Athens Olympics in 2004, the Islamic Art wing of the Benaki Museum resides in a series of Neoclassical structures located in Kerameikos.

This museum displays artifacts from the broader Islamic world, including North Africa, the Middle East, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, Spain, India, Persia, Egypt, and Sicily.

Featured collections include inscribed funerary steles, ceramics, textiles, bone carvings, weaponry, glasswork, wooden crafts, and metal artifacts.

Must-see items include an Iranian enamel dagger hilt from the 1810s, a Turkish wooden compass for determining prayer times and the direction of Mecca, 16th-century wall tiles from Suleiman the Magnificent’s mausoleum, and 7th-century Arab coins.