Jul 14, 2025

Stenopos Kollytos Athens

2nd cen. AD Roman mosaic

""Stenopos Kollytos" used to be a central district in Ancient Athens. Today, this conspicuous Roman mosaic is one of the few surviving traces of it."

I always notice the Stenopos Kollytos mosaic when I go on every Athenian's favorite walk along Areopageitou and Apostolou Pavlou, a.k.a. the Acropolis pedestrian zone. It's dated from the 2nd century AD, i.e. between 100 and 199. At the time, Athens was part of the Roman empire and had already been so for more than 300 years.

The sign next to the mosaic, on the pedestrian zone itself, notes that it used to be part of a Roman house, where the men would reside or hang out. Today this house's ruins are creatively designated "House of the Roman Mosaic", though I cannot see the parrots drinking water out of the vase mentioned in the sign. Perhaps it's referring to a different mosaic?

The area of Stenopos Kollytos was a very central part of ancient Athens. There was a lot of commercial traffic here, and it's where the hetairai used to live (ancient equivalents of modern-day escorts, with the difference that you could also engage in intellectual discourse/intercourse and have long-term relationships with them -- parallel with a lot of other men of course). Due to this increased traffic, Tertullian, who more or less lived during the same time period, noted that children who grew up there learned how to speak one month earlier than other children. Thanks, Wikipedia.

I like this mosaic because it's an always-visible, constant reminder of this city's branching, millennia-long history. What will people remember of us in the 40th century AD? Would they even recognize the words "Roman", "AD", or even "Athens"?

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Apostolou Pavlou

free

Find your way with 263 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Athens guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Athens

CatDog Urban Bar

Berlin meets Pokemon

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!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Dimitris

Hall

Jul 14, 2025

To 24oro

Budget restaurant around the clock

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!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Dimitris

Hall

Jul 14, 2025

Kitschen

Port-side Asian fusion Nirvana

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.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Dimitris

Hall

Jul 14, 2025

Kalos Aeras

Fine dining at home

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.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Jul 14, 2025

Plateia Proskopon

Past glories

Plateia Proskopon is surely not as hip as Plateia Varnava or other spots in Pagrati but has a unique atmosphere.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Jul 14, 2025

Starata

Honest pies

The owners of Starata take great pride in their fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and the phyllo that is prepared daily in front of their customers.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Jul 14, 2025

1001 Geyseis

Nuts about it

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!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Jul 14, 2025

Santo Belto

An urban comfort zone

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.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Jul 14, 2025

Plateia Vathis Falafel

Falafel square

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.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Jul 14, 2025

Prasini Tenta

The finest and greenest view

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.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Jul 14, 2025

Moscow supermarket

Russian delicacies

After filling your basket with pickled mushrooms and the lavash puff bread, try the candy bars with the illustrated packaging reminding you of the Soviet Union days.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Zoe

Tziakou

Jul 14, 2025

O Lefteris

Dad-approved souvlaki

"O Lefteris" in Athens makes souvlaki the way our fathers & grandfathers like them best: no gyros, no tzatziki, no fries; just meat, pita, tomato & onion.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Dimitris

Hall

Jul 14, 2025

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

App Download Download our app

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:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
41
Made with the 💚 of 489 Spotters.
Filters