The Street of the Tripods

Lysikrates monument

The Hellenic Society's building at #28

The retaining wall

Original paved surface & drainage

The olive press

I didn’t have to go very far to find this one! I happen to be working on one of the oldest roads in Europe, Tripodon street in Plaka area, under the Acropolis.
The street of the tripods, was named after the 3-legged bronze cauldrons were awarded to the victorious choregoi (sponsors) of the dramatic contests that took place during festivals like the Dionysia.
One can see the Choragic Monument of Lysikrates (334 – 333 BC) at the beginning of the street, and a bit further down at number 28 is the neoclassical building in which my office is housed. It was built during King Othon’s reign (1833-1862) and it’s restoration works won a Europa Nostra award, along with revealing several antiquities: a 4m-high stone retaining wall of the Classical period (5th century BC), a part of the original paved surface of the street with its ceramic drainge channel, and part of an olive press of a later date.