A series of civic revival projects in Athens are expecting to be completed this Greek autumn, as the pace picks up on works around the city on the tail end of two challenging years under the spectre of COVID-19.
The refurbishment of the Ermou Street end of Syntagma Square will see its two newly constructed fountains begin flowing within days.
Social media commentary by the city’s citizens have been critical of the reconstruction, taking issue with the choice of marble as the renewed thoroughfare’s construction material. One online comment saying it would only serve as a furnace in summer and a slippery mess in winter.
Regardless the reinstatement of such an iconic public square, named after the Constitution that Otto; the Hellenic Republic’s first king granted the people after uprisings in September 1843, will surely be a site of attraction for the city’s inhabitants and visitors alike.
The City of Athens’ municipal government and the Attica Regional Authority alongside the Onassis Foundation are also nearing their efforts to complete the revitalisation of one of the capital’s largest public parks, Pedion tou Areos.
Portions of the renovation in the National Garden’s northeast corner are already complete, with the remainder expected for a spring 2023 debut.
More than 11,100 new trees and bushes are expected, an improved irrigation system, new lighting and restoration of the site’s well-established traditional seating are welcome enhancements.
Perhaps most excitingly for lovers of a promenade, the park’s lakes and smaller bodies of water, long neglected, will be revitalised.
The unfinished section of Athens Conservatory, a landmark in the city’s modern cultural history, which had been relegated to abandonment is also set for a grand reintroduction.
New venues and infrastructure bring with them the promise of transforming the conservatory into the city’s latest cultural hub. A new stately entrance, large amphitheatre and an open space foyer for hosting exhibitions and the like will join the improvements.
The building’s deepest basement level will soon be graced with a “K3 Technology Centre” designed to host high-tech sound recording equipment and studios of various sizes aimed at encouraging the work of Athens’ young creatives.
Toward the end of October, the National Gallery’s new director Syrago Tsiara will likely announce the opening of those remaining spaces added in the 2021 expansion which were not opened as part of the main hall’s launch last year.
And finally, but certainly not least, the historic Ideal movie theatre will reopen its doors on October 1 for the Premiere Nights film festival. Good news, as downtown Athens has lost six of its 10 independent cinemas since 2012.
It’s shaping up to be a warm Autumn for Athens socially, let’s hope the weather takes a hint.