Difference between revisions of "Psyrri"
(New page: '''Psyrri''' (alternative spellings: Psyri, Psirri and Psiri) is a section of downtown Athens, Greece. Psyrri is bordered by Evripidou, Geraniou, Sofokleous, Athinas, Ermou, Pirai...) |
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[[Lord Byron]] lived in Psyrri just prior to Greek independence in [[1829]]. After independence, several aristocratic families settled there. Poet [[Alexandros Papadiamantis]] lived in Psyrri for twenty years. | [[Lord Byron]] lived in Psyrri just prior to Greek independence in [[1829]]. After independence, several aristocratic families settled there. Poet [[Alexandros Papadiamantis]] lived in Psyrri for twenty years. | ||
| − | By [[1870]], however, the area was taken over by [[koutsavakides]] - ruffians who lived by stealing and | + | By [[1870]], however, the area was taken over by [[koutsavakides]] - ruffians who lived by stealing, extortion and other petty crimes. It soon became one of the most dangerous - and avoided - sections of Athens. In [[1847]], the house of British citizen [[don Pacifico]] was set afire by locals as they thought he was responsible for the banning of the custom of burning Barabbas. The incident caused the intervention of Britain and a blockade of all Greek ports until compensation was paid to its national. |
In [[1893]], [[Dimitrios Bayraktaris]] became chief of police in Athens. Among his priorities was to cleanse Psyrri of all undesirables. He succeeded within a year thanks to drastic measures. Today Psyrri is considered a tourist attraction. | In [[1893]], [[Dimitrios Bayraktaris]] became chief of police in Athens. Among his priorities was to cleanse Psyrri of all undesirables. He succeeded within a year thanks to drastic measures. Today Psyrri is considered a tourist attraction. | ||
[[Category:Athens]] | [[Category:Athens]] | ||
Revision as of 13:58, January 5, 2009
Psyrri (alternative spellings: Psyri, Psirri and Psiri) is a section of downtown Athens, Greece.
Psyrri is bordered by Evripidou, Geraniou, Sofokleous, Athinas, Ermou, Piraios and Agion Asomaton streets. It was first mentioned in 1678 by a Frenchman who wrote of his travels to Greece and elsewhere.
Lord Byron lived in Psyrri just prior to Greek independence in 1829. After independence, several aristocratic families settled there. Poet Alexandros Papadiamantis lived in Psyrri for twenty years.
By 1870, however, the area was taken over by koutsavakides - ruffians who lived by stealing, extortion and other petty crimes. It soon became one of the most dangerous - and avoided - sections of Athens. In 1847, the house of British citizen don Pacifico was set afire by locals as they thought he was responsible for the banning of the custom of burning Barabbas. The incident caused the intervention of Britain and a blockade of all Greek ports until compensation was paid to its national.
In 1893, Dimitrios Bayraktaris became chief of police in Athens. Among his priorities was to cleanse Psyrri of all undesirables. He succeeded within a year thanks to drastic measures. Today Psyrri is considered a tourist attraction.