Re-enchanting the walkable city: controversies and turmoil in Athens's public space

Dimitra Kanellopoulou

Chapter 18 in Handbook on Tourism Gentrification, 2025, pp 321-341 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: After the 1970s military dictatorship, Athens became the epicentre of major tourist investments and public works aimed at valorising its archaeological cultural sites. The major pedestrianisation of the historic Plaka neighbourhood not only entered Greek urban history as the first example of gentrification but also ushered in a prolific era of public space design, spearheaded by the local authorities´ technical services. Based on the vision of an ambitious “reunification” of all archaeological sites, the Athens city centre underwent years of development, constantly striving to improve its image at an accelerated pace in preparation for hosting the 2004 Olympic Games. Over 30 decades of intensive work resulted in the consolidation of a historic centre that appeared to have been surrendered to the expansion of touristic activities but was simultaneously plagued by recurring crises, vacant ground-floor commerce and a significant exodus of the middle class. This chapter aims to highlight, retracing 50 years of urban history, the policies, operations and visions of pedestrian-oriented public space's design in order to elucidate their role in touristic gentrification processes. It examines how public space redesign projects contributed to tourism gentrification after the 2000s, during which Athens transitioned from a period of scattered pedestrianisation in its popular neighbourhoods to the widespread dominance of flagship walking spaces. The chapter illustrates the fundamental connection between the expansion of walkscapes and the occurrence of touristic gentrification, while also highlighting the significance of the walkable city narrative as a crucial element for attracting tourists, promoting consumerism and fostering economic growth.

Keywords: Athens; Pedestrianisation; Walking; Touristic gentrification; Historical centre; Public space (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035327348
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