One of the things I love most in Athens are music barrel organs (laternes). I always stopped to listen to their music ever since I was a child. There is something fascinating about them. The sweet sound they produce, their captivating appearance with lots of decorations and ornaments, the dominating picture in the middle surrounded by flowers.. and definitely its player standing next to it and giving it life.
The story of these organs goes back in the 1st century B.C. with Alexandrian engineer Herona manufacturing the first automatic musical instrument. The first Greek barrel organ was created around 1880 and travelled in the neighborhoods and squares throughout Greece. It is an instrument that has created many feelings inside Greeks and helped greatly in spreading sounds that are loved even today.
One of the remaining barrel organs of Athens can be found at the beginning of Ermou street with tireless Mr. Spyros standing next to it, turning the crank and filling the streets with its tunes. Kind and smiling as usual, every time I talk to him I tell him how happy I am that he brings it to the pedestrian street so that all of us can hear its music and he responds that he is only doing his duty and that she (referring to the barrel organ) chose him.
On your next stroll in the city center, stop and listen to Mr. Spyro’s music and travel back to the old Athens.
Ερμού 11
€
free
Find your way with 264 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
We call these boxes KAFAO (ΚΑΦΑΟ in Greek) and they are basically the Greekized pronunciation of the German acronym KV (Ka-Fau)...
by
The story of Rizopoulos family's involvement with coffee begins in the early 20th century, specifically in 1901, when Andreas Rizopoulos arrived in Athens,
by
I've been here with friends and they've all been amazed at the low prices, cool vibe and '90s memorabilia. Even the cocktails are named after Pokemon!
by
It's really close to both Akropoli and Syggrou-Fix metro station, it has a nice vibe, a great selection of Greek international dishes and large portions!
by
Once you enter, you will be amazed by the Japanese-cool decoration, especially by the huge blue mural with the 3D elements and the pink circle.
by
Although Kalos Aeras is located on a busy road, there is no noise penetrating the leafy veranda, and stepping into the house is like time-traveling back to the 60s.
by
Plateia Proskopon is surely not as hip as Plateia Varnava or other spots in Pagrati but has a unique atmosphere.
by
I just love the chocolate-covered nuts in 1001 Geyseis! I recently tried the cocoa-covered pecan nuts and hopefully one day I will try all the variety the store has to offer!
by
Entering Agias Zonis is like getting into a literal comfort zone. Although it starts from the bustling pedestrian zone of Fokionos Negri, Agias Zonis is a well-kept secret.
by
There are actually three falafel places located next to each other in Plateia Vathis (Vathis square). All three places are equally good, offering huge portions for a great price.
by
Located on the top of Lycabettus hill, the highest spot of the city right in the center of Athens, it is a steep walk to reach Prasini Tenta, but just the view itself is worth the hike.
by
264 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 264 Insider Tips