Monastiraki/Plaka

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Bang smack in the middle of busy Ermou is the 11th century Byzantine church of Panaghia Kapnikarea.  When the street was constructed in 1834 the church was threatened with demolition.  King Ludwig of Bavaria and Neofytos Metaxas Vicar of Athens fortuitously intervened and it remains in it's original location. 

 

My thanks to Wayne Brown for identifying the church and providing historical information.
Another area of narrow streets, bars, restaurants and shops, everything from high class to flea market stalls.  Where Monastiraki meets Plaka is the home of the Ancient Agora and the Tower Of The Winds, all dominated by the presence of the towering Acropolis.
Built of Pentelic marble in the 1st century BC by the Syrian astronomer Andronicos.  The octagonal tower originally housed an intricate water clock.

Remarkably each side faces the points and half points of the compass even though it would be a thousand years before that instrument was introduced to Europe.

It has also served as a church and in the 18th century as the tekke of the Whirling .Dervishes.  

Running anticlockwise around the tower are eight winged male figures representing the wind associated with that direction.

 I believe these gentlemen to be from the South East, Euros bringing stormy weather  and from the East the young Apeoliotes,  with his fruit and flowers representing mild weather.  If I am mistaken please let me know.

 

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