The neighbourhood of Exarcheia submerged at some point during the late 19th century with the first buildings surfacing around the area where the main square stands today.

Similarly to the district of Plaka, Exarchia (or Exarcheia) were initially gradually inhabited by migrants from the Cycladic islands.

Still, the area only started developing its distinct identity a few years later when the University of Athens decided to relocate a few of its departments to the new district.

Consequently, Exarcheia started attracting a very specific crowd – students, academics and intellectuals that frequented its small cafes and quaint taverns to engage in lively discussions and delve into long social debates.

In the mid 1970’s, the students of Exarcheia were in the frontline of the city’s uprising against the regime which resulted in overthrowing the junta and further cemented the area’s character as being restless and rowdy.

Exarcheia neighbourhood in Athens, has retained this unconventional identity for decades now.

It’s still a place of social, political and artistic fermentation that bustles with people from all ages and all walks of life that flock its streets to visit that small corner of the city that never sleeps.

Indeed, today Exarcheia is an art haven in the center of Athens where you’ll find a myriad of concerts, theatrical plays, festivals, events and various performances taking place throughout the year.

Lately, the neighbourhood has been rapidly gaining in popularity with international travelers whose visits to Exarcheia can arguably serve as an indicator that misconceptions and perceptions of the past are being constantly challenged to uncover the district for what it truly is – one of the most fascinating places to visit in Athens.