Laterna of Mr. Spyros Athens
Sounds like old Athens
Andreas from Athens
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.
Athens Spotter Andreas
About this spot
Ερμού 11
- 10:00 - 16:00 daily
€
free
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
House with Caryatids
An urban legend
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.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
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
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:
