House with Caryatids Athens
An urban legend
Antonis from Athens
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.
Athens Spotter Antonis
About this spot
Pl. Agion Asomaton 45-47
- 247
€
no-price
Our Athens City Guide
Find your way with 265 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Athens
Votsalakia beach
A beach at downtown Piraeus!
Votsalakia beach is one of my favourite spots to relax near Athens. Enjoy the view, its sports courts, a café, an open pool, and even a summer cinema.
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Koumpaki
A cute shop for indie girls & boys!
Koumpaki in Athens is the vintage accessory shop for you if your sense of aesthetics is that of Sundance, if you like cats or are a lover of David Bowie.
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Bookshop Lemoni
My dearest bookstore!
Bookshop Lemoni in Athens is a bookstore that offers not only great books but also hospitality and tenderness. My regards to Spyros and Avgoustinos!
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Zaharias Records
A music lovers' paradise
My favorite morning walk in the Monastiraki Flea Market always ends with a visit to Zaharias Records. Here I can browse a huge and ever-changing collection of second-hand vinyl records and CDs and always discover something to buy.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Agios Ioannis of the Column
A hidden gem
Agios Ioannis of the Column is one of the most interesting hidden attractions in the center of Athens. The church was built in the 6th century AD, and its sanctuary was formed around an ancient Corinthian column.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Louka Nika Street
A street art gallery
Street art has developed mainly in large urban centres, and Athens is no exception. The Psirri neighbourhood in the city centre is inextricably linked to the history of street art in Athens.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Mets
Athens most charming neighbourhood
Many artists, musicians, actors, and painters have relocated to Mets, giving it a more bohemian feel. There are only a handful of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants in the area, a fact that creates a more intimate and cosy atmosphere.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Giorgio Hatter
For the hat lovers
Quality and unique materials, special and simple colors, fashion, and personal style are combined in a large collection of men's and women's hats.
by
Andreas
Papadopoulos
Buho Bruncherie
The ideal place for brunch
The unique pancakes at Buho (sweet and savory) are in my opinion, the best I have tried in the city and the menu has enough options to satisfy all tastes.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Lefteris o Politis
Simply delicious souvlaki
A well-cooked pita, a juicy burger, tomato, and onion are a unique and tasty combination. It is the epitome of delicious simplicity.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Zefyros
An open air cinephile experience
Here is where viewers, myself included, got to know the worlds of Bunuel, Welles, Tarkovsky, Ozu, Bergman, and many more emblematic filmmakers.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Talking Breads
Talking about street food
My favourite burger is the Bacon Mushroom Melt, and my favourite sandwich is the Tika, which is slightly spicy and causes a chain of flavour explosions!
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Heading to Athens?
265 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 265 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Athens
Get to know our other Spotters from Athens
As featured on:
