Point of interest
Monastiraki & the Flea Market
in Athens, Greece
A buzzing square below the Acropolis where antiques, vintage and street food spill across the famous flea market and rooftop bars frame the view.
Where it is
Around Monastiraki Square in the historic centre, at the foot of the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora.
Address: Monastiraki, Athens
What it is
From the lively square with the Tzistarakis Mosque and the Pantanassa church, lanes spill over with shops selling antiques, vintage, souvenirs and leather goods. On Sunday mornings the junk market sprawls around Avissinia Square. The area is a good base for walking on to the Acropolis, the Agora and Plaka.
History
The district takes its name from a small monastery ("Monastiraki") on its square. The flea market took shape in the early 20th century; its heart is Avissinia Square with the antiques bazaar "Yusurum", named after the dealers Noah and Elias Yusurum. The Sunday bazaar has run since 1912.