Kotzia Square ( el, Πλατεία Κοτζιά) is a square in central Athens, Greece. The square retains several characteristics of 19th-century local neoclassical architecture, such as the City Hall of the Municipality of Athens and the National Bank of Greece Cultural Center. It is named after Konstantinos Kotzias, former List of mayors of Athens, Mayor of Athens.

Location

The square is surrounded by the following streets: Efpolidos Street to the north, Athinas Street to the west, Kratinou to the south, and Aiolou Street from the east. The square itself is south of Omonoia Square, Omonia Square and north of Monastiraki station, Monastiraki square. Kotzia square lies in front of the City Hall of the Municipality of Athens,Kotzia Square/City Hall Plaza/National Resistance Square Page.
Greeceathensageaninfo.com. (designed by Panagis Kalkos) and is decorated with busts of famous Athenians such as Pericles and Solon.

History

Built in 1874, the square was formerly known as ''Loudovikou square''. During the 2004 Summer Olympics, it served as the start and finish venue of the Athens historic centre circuit for the men's and women's Cycling at the 2004 Summer Olympics, road race events, as well as for various artistic events.

Excavations

In the middle of Kotzia square classical antiquities have been uncovered that include a large part of an ancient road, tombs and a small building. The square is situated just outside the ancient Acharnian Gate of Classical Athens. It was called Acharnian because through it passed the road to the Acharnai. There are remains of the city wall as well as extended parts of the front Rampart (fortification), rampart and the moat.

References

External links

Old photos of Kotzia square.
Venues of the 2004 Summer Olympics Olympic cycling venues Squares in Athens {{Summer-Olympic-venue-stub