Here we present 10 graffiti from the Greek capital. Our favorites. These are the ones we think are most interesting and/or representative of street art in Athens. This is obviously a totally subjective selection. The choice of this best-of was a difficult one, given the rapid development of street art in Athens, with a wide variety of themes, internationally renowned artists and high-quality works.
We fell in love with each of these graffiti pieces in Athens, for a variety of reasons: graphic quality, the strength of the message conveyed, the originality of the work, the artist’s reputation, the emotion aroused.
If you really want to discover the street art in Athens, the best way is to take a guided tour. We recommend you several guides specialized in street-art at the end of this article, right here.
But for now, here’s our best-of of Athens graffiti.
NB: street art is constantly evolving… by the time you read this article, some works may have disappeared, lost their color or been covered over.
1- “Knowledge speaks – wisdom listens” by WD
This painting was created by artist WD. This is THE most emblematic graffiti in Athens. Firstly, because the owl is the symbol of the goddess Athena, after whom the Greek capital is named. This animal represents wisdom. But the owl is also known for its exceptionally good long-distance vision, especially in low-light conditions. A symbol of the dark times in which Greece finds itself.
Where? At the corner of Samou and Konstantinou Palaiologou streets
*****
2- “I love life” by STMTS
A graffiti piece blending innocence and insolence, created by Greek artist Stamatis, a fine arts graduate who signs his work STMTS (his name, minus the vowels). The fame of this work of street-art in Athens has spread far beyond Greek borders. Indeed, she has been photographed in the pages of the Guardian and the New York Times.
Where? Pireos Street, Technopolis in Gazi
*****
3- “Hands in prayer”
This graffiti, located near Omonia Square, was inspired by Albrecht Dürer’s famous drawing “Hands in Prayer”. Here, however, the “praying hands” are not turned skywards to implore God, but are pointing downwards. As if God himself were praying to save the city of Athens and its inhabitants.
Where? This graffiti is painted on the facade of the “Vienna” hotel, at number 20 Pireos street.
*****
4- “All dogs go to heaven”
Here, Greek graffiti artists pay tribute to Loukanikos, the dog that became a mascot during the protests in Athens when austerity measures were imposed. And so Loukanikos finds himself immortalized on one of the walls of the Psyri district. The inscription (in Greek) at bottom right reads: “We ate tear gas together”. And, finally, at the bottom left, “all dogs go to heaven” (in English).
Where? In the Psiri district, on the corner of Sarri and Riga Palamidou streets
*****
5- Tribute to the poor and homeless by WD
Here’s one of Athens’ best-known pieces of street art. There’s a great deal of humanity in the depiction of this man lying asleep in the street. This ten-meter-long graffiti was created by Greek artist Wild Drawing (who signs his work WD), to highlight the precarious situation in which some men live. And, bottom left, the artist dedicates this mural to “all the poor and homeless, here and abroad”.
Where? In Exarchia, on the corner of Emmanouil Benaki and Arachovis streets
*****
6- Sonke’s sleeping princess
A little poetry in a terribly urban world! Sleeping beauties by Greek artist Sonke, aka Alekos Skoutariotes, abound on the walls of the Exarchia district. Princess, usually in black and white, with closed eyes and touches of red on some graffiti. Romantic drawings designed to beautify the city… but also to remind his beautiful wife of his presence. In short, I love this tender-hearted street artist!
Where? On numerous walls in the Exarchia district
*****
7- “Wake Up” by artist INO
A huge mural by a famous Athens-born street artist, Ino, praised by the New York Times. This mural is a representation of the resurrection in which the hand of God grabs the hand of a man fascinated by money to bring him back to life. Wake up! Wake up!
Where? In the Exarchia district, at the corner of Benaki and Koletti streets
*****
8- The smiling faces of Alexandros Vasmoulakis
Near the Monastiraki metro station stands a mural by Alexandros Vasmoulakis, alias Vasmou. This graffiti is interesting for its expressive female faces with black hair, intense features and exuberant mouths. And just looking at it puts a smile on your face! Here again, a must-see piece of street art in Athens.
Where? Iroon Square in Psiri
*****
9- A fully colored building
Here’s an entire building decorated with graffiti. Certainly the most colorful and cheerful house in Athens! The graffiti is the work of David Shillinglaw and Malarko Hernadez.
Where? On the corner of Epikourou and Evmorfopoulou streets in the Psiri district
*****
10- The BLU wall in Exarchia Park
In the heart of the Exarchia district, you’ll find a park unlike any other. Firstly, because this space is the result of the will of local residents who opposed the construction of a parking lot or building on this piece of land. It is therefore entirely self-managed by the people of Exarchia. But also because one of the park’s walls is covered with a gigantic mural by Italian artist BLU, one of the most famous street artists in the world.
With this major project, BLU expresses its support for the people of Exarchia. It also shows a city in which nature is reclaiming its rights. A colorful, springtime atmosphere that actually expresses a social and committed message.
Where? In the Navarino Park in Exarchia
*****
Guided street-art tours in Athens
To really appreciate street art in Athens and see the most recent works, a guided tour is a must. Guided tours that even teenagers will love!
To do this:
- Opt for a small-group Athens street-art tour with Alternative Athens. Tours are available in English, and the guide is a street artist himself.
- Alternatively, on the Get Your Guide website you’ll find several suggestions for street-art tours of Athens. We haven’t tested them… but the descriptions sound interesting.
Laure M.
Updated on April 3, 2024
