Laterna of Mr. Spyros Athens
Sounds like old 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.
About this spot
Ερμού 11
- 10:00 - 16:00 daily
€
free
Find your way with 263 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Athens
Koukouvaya
The destination for dessert
A nice dessert is a perfect conclusion to a satisfying meal or an accompaniment to a delicious coffee. But in Koukouvaya, a cafe in the center of Athens, enjoying an excellent dessert becomes an end goal in itself.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Kimolia
Art cafe in Plaka
"Kimolia" in Athens is a family-owned, all-day cafe hidden in the central narrow streets of Plaka. I love their orange-flavored chocolate...
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Blame the Sun
The new taproom on the block
Blame the Sun in Athens is the newest taproom in Koukaki! This bar emerged in the quarantine - maybe that's why it's called that way?
by
Dimitris
Hall
Amandine's Bagels
My daily habit
Amandine's Bagels on Nikis streets in Athens is where I get my breakfast from. My favorite bagel from there has avocado, salmon and a special sauce!
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Maraboo
What an ice cream shop!
Maraboo in Athens is an ice cream shop where everything is handmade w/ pure ingredients. ALWAYS say yes to having a biscuit with your scoops!
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Inky
For serious T-shirt lovers!
"Inky" is a favourite spot of the coolest crowd in Athens. This local, cheap and tasteful T-shirt shop is perfect for gifts to bring back home!
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Hammam Bathing House Athens
Absolute relaxation
Visiting the "Hammam Baths" in Athens is a very pertinent experience, as the city is a mixture of Eastern and Western cultures. Relax with a massage...
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Nolan
A gastronomic gem
"Nolan" is one of the finest restaurants in Athens. It provides a Greek-Japanese gastro experience you shouldn't miss.
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Pâte et Crème
Life is sweet in Kypseli
The meticulous look and distinct flavour of Pâte et Crème's sweets are captivating. And the perfectly balanced sweet and sour lemon tart is unforgettable.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Hyper Hypo Bookstore
Bookworms' heaven!
They run a busy schedule of publication-related talks, readings, performances, and exhibitions in their project space every year.
by
Asimina
Mitrothanasi
Heading to Athens?
263 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Athens?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 263 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:
