Athens is a city said to host one of the biggest street art movements in the world! Almost every available surface throughout the city is a candidate for a street art canvas! The graffiti (most of them of fascinating quality) covers multiple public spaces and some might at the beginning find it unappealing but the truth is that it unveils the city’s true character/persona conveying a multitude of mostly anti-crisis messages. For many, it is the economic and political situation itself that made street art explode, as one artistic movement of great expression, which-by the way- is officially taught in the local School of Fine Arts!
Athens graffiti (the word graffiti actually comes from the Greek word graphi, meaning ‘to write’)/street art scene is fascinating! The more impressive designs are mainly found in the city centre within the Monastiraki, Psirri, Metaxourgio, Exarchia, Anafiotika, Gazi and Neos Kosmos neighbourhoods. Most of them are detailed, imaginative and fascinating, with many artists now having even international careers and reputable names.
Athens, is a town bustling with colourful energy: graffiti hunting around, revealing both colourful and majestically painted large murals and also rebellious, more spontaneous and protest-driven street art, some times created even by the same talented street artist.
The essence is : Go explore! Go Athens graffiti hunting! It is absolutely worth it!