In the heart of Athens stands the oldest apartment block of the Greek capital.
Constructed between 1922 and 1923, the residence at Leoforos Patision 348 and Laskaratou St. 2 is recognized by architectural historians as the first true polykatoikia in the capital.
Designed by the pioneering architect Vasilios Tsagris, the building represents a transition from the neoclassical mansions of the 19th century to the modern urban living that defines Athens today. Unlike the uniform concrete blocks that would dominate the city decades later, this building is a masterpiece of eclecticism, blending Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and even Gothic elements.
Key features of Athens’ oldest apartment block
When it was built, it wasn’t intended for the masses but for the Athenian elite. The apartments featured high ceilings, oak floors, and intricate plasterwork. It was one of the first buildings to utilize a central staircase and a “light well” (fotagogos) to provide natural light and ventilation to every floor—a revolutionary concept at the time.
While many surrounding historical buildings were demolished during the antiparochi construction boom of the 1950s and 60s, Heiden Street 5 survived, eventually being declared a listed monument by the Greek Ministry of Culture. The building doesn’t just represent architectural history; it represents a social shift. It marked the moment Athenians began moving from single-family homes into shared, multi-story vertical communities.
A “living” part of the city
Today, it remains a “living” part of the city, housing both residences and professional spaces and standing as a silent witness to a century of Athenian history.
While most people associate the Athenian polykatoikia with the gray, concrete sprawl of the post-war era, Heiden Street 5 reminds us that the concept began with architectural ambition and European elegance.
It remains a rare example of how the city intended to modernize before the pressures of overpopulation took hold.
Related: The Greek-American Guardian of Neoclassical Athens
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