Kolonaki

Kolonaki Κολωνάκι
Neighborhood
Kolonaki
Coordinates:
Country	Greece
Region	Attica
City	Athens
Website	www.cityofathens.gr

Kolonaki (Greek: Κολωνάκι, pronounced [koloˈnaci]), literally "Little Column" is a neighborhood in central Athens, Greece. It is located on the southern slopes of Lycabettus hill. Its name derives from the 2 metre column (located in Kolonaki Square) that defined the area even before a single house had been built there. (See map, with Colonne indicating the column.)

Kolonaki is a wealthy and upmarket district. As one of the capital's leading shopping areas, it includes a number of high-end boutiques from young adult to casual fashion to prestigious haute couture from Greek and international designers. One of its main shopping streets, Voukourestiou Street, is now known for its jewellery.

Museums and galleries also abound in Kolonaki. The Benaki Museum, inside a preserved neoclassical manor house, and the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art and are two of the finest private collections in the country. Two smaller museums to be found in Kolonaki are the Museum of the History of Greek Costume and the Theater Museum, both highly specialized in their respective areas. A walk across the street from Vasilissis Sofias Avenue are the Byzantine Museum, and the War Museum of Athens.

There is a plethora of available options for nightlife, including bars, ouzeries, and tavernas. Outdoor seating on pedestrian walks is typical, creating a lively atmosphere at night. The main Kolonaki Square (with the small column) is surrounded by cafes and restaurants.

The Lycabettus Funicular, a funicular railway, links Kolonaki to the summit of Lycabettus hill. Kolonaki also hosts 2 metro stations, Evengelismos and Megaro Mousikis.

Gallery

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  Detail from "Plan d'Athènes" 1853. Origins of the name of Kolonaki shown, with the location of the Column (Colonne) now in Kolonaki Square.

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  The little column in Kolonaki Square

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  St. Nicholas church

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  View of Kolonaki Square

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  Early modern buildings