Technopolis
Author: Anothertravelguide.com0 COMMENTS
The district of Gazi offers a feel of a completely different Athens, which makes a visit to the area a must. The neighbourhood owes its name to the former gas factory that operated here between 1857 and 1984 and today is known as Technopolis. By the way, it was the last European factory that was functioning in the traditional style up to the final day of its existence. Today Technopolis is an industrial museum, the home of countless cultural projects, a laboratory of new ideas. The building retains certain elements of its industrial past, such as chimneys, gas containers, tunnels, etc; it is definitely one off the most fascinating industrial-style cultural territories in the whole of Europe. Its image with the red lit-up, almost transparent, chimneys against the nocturnal skies of the city has become an essential and easily recognisable feature in the face of the modern Athens.
Technopolis regularly hosts festivals of video art and jazz music; Destroy Athens, the first ever international Athens Art Biennial, is taking place there between 10 September and 18 November 2008.
The project was launched in 1999 supported by the municipal government of Athens and dedicated to the memory of the Greek composer Manos Chatzidakis. All eight of the Technopolis buildings are named after famous Greek poets.
You will also find a stylish little souvenir shop and a bar on the premises of Technopolis; said watering hole has found home in one of the old gas containers. Its terrace is the perfect spot for a glass of wine on a warm and sunny day.
Athens Technopolis
100 Piraeus Str., 11854 Athens