Athens’ backyard
Greece /1807
Imagine a time when Eleonas was the beating heart of Athens’ agricultural life a sprawling expanse of olive groves that nourished a growing city and fueled a flourishing civilization. For over 2,500 years, this land played a quiet but essential role in shaping the story of Athens.
In this area once stood Plato’s olive tree, a symbol of its sacred character and historical significance. From the democratic ideals of ancient Greece to the grandeur of Roman rule, the Byzantine era’s cultural zenith, the Ottoman occupation, and the hardships of two World Wars, Eleonas has always been intertwined with the city’s evolving identity.
Today, the traces of this rich history lie buried beneath layers of industrial warehouses, piles of discarded materials, and the vibrant activity of transport hubs and logistics centers that serve the modern city. It is a space of stark contrasts: where remnants of ancient olive oil presses meet the modern clutter of urban sprawl, and where the stories ot the past are whispered through the cracks of neglect. Just a stone’s throw from the city center, Eleonas remains an enigma—a place where history, agriculture, industry, and untapped potential collide. Beneath its rough exterior lies a fascinating tale waiting to be retold, a testament to its resilience through centuries of change.
Eleonas is not just a forgotten neighborhood; it is a hidden chapter of the city, the backyard of Athens.
