The Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments occupies an eighteen-forties neoclassical mansion in the Plaka district. This building served as the residence of Georgios Lassanis, a participant in the Greek War of Independence. Inside the…
Rebetiko and Tavern History
We will trace the gritty, soulful evolution of Greece’s underground urban blues from early working-class tavernas to handmade bouzouki workshops in historic Psyrri and Monastiraki. It’s an intimate look at the music of rebels, refugees, and outsiders that shaped Athens' mid-century working-class culture.
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1. Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments "Fivos Anoyanakis" - Centre for Ethnomusicology
2. The Bouzouki Shop - Polydorou Music Store Athens
The Bouzouki Shop, also known as Polydorou, is identified by the rows of traditional stringed instruments lining its walls in the Monastiraki district. Established in nineteen seventy-six by the luthier Dimitrios Polydorou, this family-run…
3. Abyssinia Square
Abyssinia Square is a small, paved plaza in the heart of Athens that functions as the city’s primary hub for antiques, vintage furniture, and second-hand goods. You can recognize the square by the rows of tightly packed shops and stalls…
4. Samouelian Musical Instruments - Μουσικά 'Οργανα Σαμουελιάν
Samouelian Musical Instruments occupies a storefront at thirty-six Ifaistou Street in the Monastiraki district. It is recognized as the oldest music shop in central Athens, having operated continuously from this same address since nineteen…
5. Το Ρεμπετάδικο του Ψυρρή
To Rebetadiko tou Psyrri occupies a two-story neoclassical building situated at the corner of Aischylou and Agiou Dimitriou streets. The structure is recognizable by its historic architecture and the presence of a traditional courtyard, a…
6. Tavern Klimataria
Tavern Klimataria sits near Theater Square, identifiable by the large pulleys and heavy metal hulls at its entrance used for slow-roasting meats. The site has operated as a tavern since nineteen twenty-seven, when a man named Gerodimos…
7. Diporto
Diporto is a basement-level tavern located at the corner of Sokratous and Theatrou Streets, distinguished from the surrounding shops by the total absence of a sign. The name itself, which translates to two doors, refers to the two…