Every time I visit the popular neighborhood of Psirri, I make a small detour to admire the house with the Caryatides and recall the urban legend connected to it. The house has become part of the city’s history but remains relatively unknown to its visitors. The house is known for the two wonderful Caryatid sculptures located on the balcony of its facade. The house was built in the late 19th century and is a typical example of Athenian neoclassicism. The Caryatids are the work of the sculptor Ioannis Karakatsanis, who was the owner of the house. The models for the statues were his wife Xanthi and her sister Eudoxia.
The urban legend that accompanied them was created by the barber, Panagiotis Kritikakos, who kept his shop on the ground floor. He was telling his clients - possibly for reasons of fame - that the owner ordered the Caryatids in memory of his two daughters who mysteriously died. The barber's story was that the two daughters had been poisoned by their evil stepmother, the owner's supposed second wife, who was jealous of them.
But apart from the legend, the sculptures and their fine art had a strong influence on various artists, such as the French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, the Greek painter Yannis Tsarouchis, and the Greek novelist Costas Taktsis (who used elements of their legend in his famous novel "The Third Wedding Wreath"). In 1989, the house was put under the protection of the Ministry of Culture, and in 2001, the sculptures were restored.
Pl. Agion Asomaton 45-47
€
no-price
Find your way with 262 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Victoria Square Project is a living example of locals reclaiming their place in the city with talks and guided tours discussing the neighborhood's history.
by
You can either get boiled or grilled sausage, chicken nuggets, or meat patties. The filling is limited to carrots/cabbage, cheese, fries, and sauces.
by
At Tarantino Burgers, the secret of its success are great raw materials. The burgers are 100% black angus ground beef, and the fluffy buns are made with their own recipe.
by
"Zouridakis" in Athens, in the central market, has all the Cretan specialties you can imagine - but my favorite is the Xigalo cheese. Don't miss it, along with some raki!
by
"Αstor" Athens is my favourite indie cinema hall in town. I would say that if Athens were a cinema, it would be here. Indulge in Greek culture here...
by
"Diomidous Botanical Garden" in Athens, only 30 minutes from the centre of the city, is the largest botanical garden of the eastern Mediterranean...
by
MOMO is a cafe/bar/restaurant in Athens with an exquisite backyard that will give you back the time that's been stolen from you...
by
A well-cooked pita, a juicy burger, tomato, and onion are a unique and tasty combination. It is the epitome of delicious simplicity.
by
Matchpoint's interior is tastefully decorated, and the music is lovely but my favorite is sitting outside enjoying my drink and watching the world go by.
by
Ode to socks has made good use of the local greek heroes such as the priest (pappa), the priest's wife, the sailor, and the fisherman, who are characteristic figures in every Greek's childhood.
by
262 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 262 Insider Tips