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{{Short description|Square in Athens, Greece}} |
{{Short description|Square in Athens, Greece}} |
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{{More citations needed|date=February 2023}} |
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{{Infobox building |
{{Infobox building |
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| name = Omonoia Square |
| name = Omonoia Square |
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| architect = [[Stamatios Kleanthis]], [[Eduard Schaubert]], [[Leo von Klenze]] |
| architect = [[Stamatios Kleanthis]], [[Eduard Schaubert]], [[Leo von Klenze]] |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Omonoia Square''' ({{ |
'''Omonoia Square''' ({{Langx|el|Πλατεία Ομονοίας}}, ''Plateía Omonoías'', {{IPA-el|plaˈtia omoˈnias|pron}}, "Concord Square", often simply referred to as ''Omónoia'' {{IPA-el|oˈmonia|}}) is a central square in [[Athens]]. Forming the centre of [[Omonoia, Athens|Omonoia]]. It marks the northern corner of the downtown area defined by the city plans of the 19th century, and is one of the city's principal traffic hubs. It is served by [[Omonoia Station|Omonoia metro station]]. |
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Omonoia Square is one of the oldest squares in the city of Athens and an important shopping centre. It is located at the center of the city at the intersection of six main streets: [[Panepistimiou Street|Panepistimiou]], [[Stadiou Street|Stadiou]], [[Athinas Street|Athinas]], [[Peiraios Street|Peiraios]], Agiou Konstantinou Street and 3rd Septemvriou Street. |
Omonoia Square is one of the oldest squares in the city of Athens and an important shopping centre. It is located at the center of the city at the intersection of six main streets: [[Panepistimiou Street|Panepistimiou]], [[Stadiou Street|Stadiou]], [[Athinas Street|Athinas]], [[Peiraios Street|Peiraios]], Agiou Konstantinou Street and 3rd Septemvriou Street. |
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== Name == |
== Name == |
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Omonia Square was constructed in 1846, with its original name being "Plateia Anaktoron" (Palace Square). The area in which the square was going to be built was intended to be used for the construction of the palace (anaktora) by architects [[Stamatios Kleanthis]] and [[Eduard Schaubert]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Claus |first=Patricia |date=2021-05-04 |title=The Past -- and Future -- of Athens' Omonia Square |language=en-US |work=GreekReporter.com |url=https://greekreporter.com/2021/05/04/the-past-and-future-of-athens-omonia-square/ |access-date=2023-02-11}}</ref> Later, the square was renamed to "Othonos Square" in honor of [[Otto of Greece|King Otto]], the first king of Greece. After Otto was dethroned, the square was renamed to "Omonoia Square" in 1862, as it was here that the leaders of the opposing political factions gave the oath of peace (omonia) to stop hostilities. |
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== History of design changes== |
== History of design changes== |
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[[File:The Omonia square in Athens, 1932.jpg|thumb|right|The square as seen from above during the 1930s.]] |
[[File:The Omonia square in Athens, 1932.jpg|thumb|right|The square as seen from above during the 1930s.]] |
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[[File:Πλατεία Ομόνοιας.jpg|thumb|right|The square in June 2016 with the design initially introduced in 2004.]] |
[[File:Πλατεία Ομόνοιας.jpg|thumb|right|The square in June 2016 with the design initially introduced in 2004.]] |
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[[File:Πλατεία Ομονοίας (Omonia Square).jpg|thumb| |
[[File:Πλατεία Ομονοίας (Omonia Square).jpg|thumb|The square redesigned in May 2020.]] |
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[[File:Omonoia fountain.jpg|thumb|View of the square with emphasis on the fountain.]] |
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At the end of the 19th century the |
The fountain of Omonoia square as seen in the photo taken after the 2020 restoration. At the end of the 19th century the square underwent several formative changes. Trees were placed throughout the square, a polygonal platform was placed at the center of the square and lighting systems were installed. Omonoia Square was a center where people met and social life thrived, as it was also the railway's starting point, surrounded by numerous hotels. |
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From 1925 to 1930, the underground railway between Piraeus and Athens was built requiring further redesign of the |
From 1925 to 1930, the underground railway between Piraeus and Athens was built requiring further redesign of the square. Omonoia Square became circular and marble bars were put at the entrances of the underground railway station. The square started to resemble European prototypes and acquired an important commercial role. Due to the existence of the underground railway it was also necessary to create an underground ventilation system, and in 1931 the then Mayor of Athens, Spiros Merkouris, suggested placing eight sculptures representing the mythological Muses to cover the openings of the ventilation vents. Although the problem was resolved, the result did not satisfy Athenians’ aesthetic expectations, and the statues were removed. |
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The 50s were a period of modernization for Athens and consequently for many public spaces. In 1954, in the underground area of Omonoia Square banks, shops and a post office were built. |
The 50s were a period of modernization for Athens and consequently for many public spaces. In 1954, in the underground area of Omonoia Square banks, shops and a post office were built. |
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In 1958 the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works held a competition for the development of Omonoia Square. Sculptor George Zongolopoulos and architect Kostas Bitsios were awarded the project. Their proposal included a circular water system in the middle of which would be placed Zongolopoulos’ sculpture "Poseidon". The square was redesigned, although ultimately without the placement of the sculpture. Eventually, the sculpture was installed permanently in 2014 outside the Milken School of Public Health at The George Washington University, Washington D.C. in the United States. The fountain of Omonia became a famous city landmark and the |
In 1958 the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works held a competition for the development of Omonoia Square. Sculptor George Zongolopoulos and architect Kostas Bitsios were awarded the project. Their proposal included a circular water system in the middle of which would be placed Zongolopoulos’ sculpture "Poseidon". The square was redesigned, although ultimately without the placement of the sculpture. Eventually, the sculpture was installed permanently in 2014 outside the Milken School of Public Health at The George Washington University, Washington D.C. in the United States. The fountain of Omonia became a famous city landmark and the square itself was depicted many times in Greek movies of the period. |
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In November 1992, the fountain and |
In November 1992, the fountain and the sculpture "Runner" were destroyed in order to excavate the area for the construction of the new red line of the Athens Metro and the new station. In May 1994 a new "Runner" was constructed and transferred into its current location, across from the Hilton Hotel of Athens.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nair-Iliades |first1=Sudha |title=Omonoia gets a much-deserved facelift! |url=https://www.athensinsider.com/omonoia-gets-a-much-deserved-facelift/ |website=Athens Insider |language=en |date=14 May 2020}}</ref> |
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From mid-2019 to February 2020, the square underwent yet another major reconstruction, which became necessary after previous aesthetic and urban changes had eventually led to the degradation of this central and historical area of Athens. With public and private funding, the municipality of Athens restored the historical fountain from 1958 and replaced all pave way materials with thermoneutral materials that reduce the thermal footprint of the entire square. |
From mid-2019 to February 2020, the square underwent yet another major reconstruction, which became necessary after previous aesthetic and urban changes had eventually led to the degradation of this central and historical area of Athens. With public and private funding, the municipality of Athens restored the historical fountain from 1958 and replaced all pave way materials with thermoneutral materials that reduce the thermal footprint of the entire square. The redesigned square was opened to the public on May 14, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Omonia Open, Athens Now Will Fix Sidewalks, Better Access |url=https://www.thenationalherald.com/new-omonia-open-athens-now-will-fix-sidewalks-better-access/ |website=thenationalherald.com |access-date=14 October 2024}}</ref> |
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Beneath the square lies the [[Omonia metro station]], a major [[transport hub]] with passenger traffic equal to that of the [[Syntagma metro station]]. |
Beneath the square lies the [[Omonia metro station]], a major [[transport hub]] with passenger traffic equal to that of the [[Syntagma metro station]]. |
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==Celebrations== |
==Celebrations== |
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Sporting celebrations have |
Sporting celebrations have been held at the square, including following Greece's victory in the [[EuroBasket 2005]] finals and in winning the championship. Other sporting successes, such as the [[Euro 2004]] tournament, when people climbed the 'Five-ring' sculpture to celebrate with national flags, have also been celebrated. |
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==Architecture== |
==Architecture== |
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After its transformation in 2003 the square lost some of its former value and prestige, but nevertheless continues to represent a multicultural place and point of communication |
After its transformation in 2003, the square lost some of its former value and prestige, but nevertheless continues to represent a multicultural place and point of communication as a transportation hub for thousands throughout the day. |
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Two of its most recognizable buildings are the old neoclassical hotels of the area; the "Bagkeion" and |
Two of its most recognizable buildings are the old neoclassical hotels of the area; the "Bagkeion" and "Megas Alexandros", located side by side on either side of Athinas street. |
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The ''Pentakiklon'' ('Five-ring' sculpture) |
The ''Pentakiklon'' ('Five-ring' sculpture) has its own story; placed in the square in 2001, it never functioned fully as initially conceived by the architect, as it was meant to be a motion sculpture when water ran in it. During the Christmas of 2008, when water ran in the sculpture for the first time, it transformed the circles into motion. After that, further time passed with the piece falling back into neglect, until it was refurbished once more and permanently restored to its initial concept of a motion sculpture, during the 2020 restoration of the whole square. At the same time the famous round fountain, which acted as a landmark for decades, was redesigned and re-installed. |
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==Gallery== |
==Gallery== |
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File:Two of the most recognizable buildings in Omonoia Square. The Bagkeion Mansion (Μπάγκειον) building on the left and the Megas Alexandros (Μέγας Αλέξανδρος) building on the right..JPG|Two of the most recognizable buildings of the square: ''Bagkeion mansion'' (left) and ''Megas Alexandros'' Hotel (arch. [[Ernst Ziller]]) |
File:Two of the most recognizable buildings in Omonoia Square. The Bagkeion Mansion (Μπάγκειον) building on the left and the Megas Alexandros (Μέγας Αλέξανδρος) building on the right..JPG|Two of the most recognizable buildings of the square: ''Bagkeion mansion'' (left) and ''Megas Alexandros'' Hotel (arch. [[Ernst Ziller]]) |
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File:Omonia square -1890.jpg|Omonoia Square, 1890 |
File:Omonia square -1890.jpg|Omonoia Square, 1890 |
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File:Electric lights on Omonoia Square.png|Electric lights in the square, 1934 |
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File:Omonia Square, Athens, Greece 1950s.jpg|Omonoia during the 1950s |
File:Omonia Square, Athens, Greece 1950s.jpg|Omonoia during the 1950s |
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File:Athens, Omonia Square at 60s.jpg|Omonoia during the 1960s |
File:Athens, Omonia Square at 60s.jpg|Omonoia during the 1960s |
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File:Athens Omonoia square W view.jpg|View of the square |
File:Athens Omonoia square W view.jpg|View of the square |
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File:Omonoia-Athens4.jpg|Night view |
File:Omonoia-Athens4.jpg|Night view, 2006 |
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File:Πλατεια Ομονοιας, 2013.jpg|Omonoia Square, 2013 |
File:Πλατεια Ομονοιας, 2013.jpg|Omonoia Square, 2013 |
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File:Omonoia2021.jpg|Omonoia, 2021 |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1846]] |
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1846]] |
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[[Category:Squares in Athens]] |
[[Category:Squares in Athens]] |
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[[Category:Otto of Greece]] |
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Latest revision as of 09:58, 23 October 2024
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (February 2023) |
| Omonoia Square | |
|---|---|
Πλατεία Ομονοίας | |
.jpg) Omonoia Square in 2020 | |
  Omonoia in Athens | |
| Former names | Palace Square Othonos Square |
| General information | |
| Type | Open square |
| Architectural style | Neoclassicism |
| Town or city | Athens |
| Country | Greece |
| Coordinates | 37°59′03″N 23°43′40″E / 37.98417°N 23.72778°E |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Stamatios Kleanthis, Eduard Schaubert, Leo von Klenze |
Omonoia Square (Greek: Πλατεία Ομονοίας, Plateía Omonoías, pronounced [plaˈtia omoˈnias], "Concord Square", often simply referred to as Omónoia [oˈmonia]) is a central square in Athens. Forming the centre of Omonoia. It marks the northern corner of the downtown area defined by the city plans of the 19th century, and is one of the city's principal traffic hubs. It is served by Omonoia metro station.
Omonoia Square is one of the oldest squares in the city of Athens and an important shopping centre. It is located at the center of the city at the intersection of six main streets: Panepistimiou, Stadiou, Athinas, Peiraios, Agiou Konstantinou Street and 3rd Septemvriou Street.
Name
[edit]Omonia Square was constructed in 1846, with its original name being "Plateia Anaktoron" (Palace Square). The area in which the square was going to be built was intended to be used for the construction of the palace (anaktora) by architects Stamatios Kleanthis and Eduard Schaubert.[1] Later, the square was renamed to "Othonos Square" in honor of King Otto, the first king of Greece. After Otto was dethroned, the square was renamed to "Omonoia Square" in 1862, as it was here that the leaders of the opposing political factions gave the oath of peace (omonia) to stop hostilities.
History of design changes
[edit]
The fountain of Omonoia square as seen in the photo taken after the 2020 restoration. At the end of the 19th century the square underwent several formative changes. Trees were placed throughout the square, a polygonal platform was placed at the center of the square and lighting systems were installed. Omonoia Square was a center where people met and social life thrived, as it was also the railway's starting point, surrounded by numerous hotels.
From 1925 to 1930, the underground railway between Piraeus and Athens was built requiring further redesign of the square. Omonoia Square became circular and marble bars were put at the entrances of the underground railway station. The square started to resemble European prototypes and acquired an important commercial role. Due to the existence of the underground railway it was also necessary to create an underground ventilation system, and in 1931 the then Mayor of Athens, Spiros Merkouris, suggested placing eight sculptures representing the mythological Muses to cover the openings of the ventilation vents. Although the problem was resolved, the result did not satisfy Athenians’ aesthetic expectations, and the statues were removed.
The 50s were a period of modernization for Athens and consequently for many public spaces. In 1954, in the underground area of Omonoia Square banks, shops and a post office were built.
In 1958 the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works held a competition for the development of Omonoia Square. Sculptor George Zongolopoulos and architect Kostas Bitsios were awarded the project. Their proposal included a circular water system in the middle of which would be placed Zongolopoulos’ sculpture "Poseidon". The square was redesigned, although ultimately without the placement of the sculpture. Eventually, the sculpture was installed permanently in 2014 outside the Milken School of Public Health at The George Washington University, Washington D.C. in the United States. The fountain of Omonia became a famous city landmark and the square itself was depicted many times in Greek movies of the period.
In November 1992, the fountain and the sculpture "Runner" were destroyed in order to excavate the area for the construction of the new red line of the Athens Metro and the new station. In May 1994 a new "Runner" was constructed and transferred into its current location, across from the Hilton Hotel of Athens.[2]
From mid-2019 to February 2020, the square underwent yet another major reconstruction, which became necessary after previous aesthetic and urban changes had eventually led to the degradation of this central and historical area of Athens. With public and private funding, the municipality of Athens restored the historical fountain from 1958 and replaced all pave way materials with thermoneutral materials that reduce the thermal footprint of the entire square. The redesigned square was opened to the public on May 14, 2020.[3]
Beneath the square lies the Omonia metro station, a major transport hub with passenger traffic equal to that of the Syntagma metro station.
Celebrations
[edit]Sporting celebrations have been held at the square, including following Greece's victory in the EuroBasket 2005 finals and in winning the championship. Other sporting successes, such as the Euro 2004 tournament, when people climbed the 'Five-ring' sculpture to celebrate with national flags, have also been celebrated.
Architecture
[edit]After its transformation in 2003, the square lost some of its former value and prestige, but nevertheless continues to represent a multicultural place and point of communication as a transportation hub for thousands throughout the day.
Two of its most recognizable buildings are the old neoclassical hotels of the area; the "Bagkeion" and "Megas Alexandros", located side by side on either side of Athinas street.
The Pentakiklon ('Five-ring' sculpture) has its own story; placed in the square in 2001, it never functioned fully as initially conceived by the architect, as it was meant to be a motion sculpture when water ran in it. During the Christmas of 2008, when water ran in the sculpture for the first time, it transformed the circles into motion. After that, further time passed with the piece falling back into neglect, until it was refurbished once more and permanently restored to its initial concept of a motion sculpture, during the 2020 restoration of the whole square. At the same time the famous round fountain, which acted as a landmark for decades, was redesigned and re-installed.
Gallery
[edit]-
Two of the most recognizable buildings of the square: Bagkeion mansion (left) and Megas Alexandros Hotel (arch. Ernst Ziller) -
Omonoia Square, 1890 -
Electric lights in the square, 1934 -
Omonoia during the 1950s -
Omonoia during the 1960s -
View of the square -
Night view, 2006 -
Omonoia Square, 2013 -
Omonoia, 2021
_building_on_the_left_and_the_Megas_Alexandros_(%CE%9C%CE%AD%CE%B3%CE%B1%CF%82_%CE%91%CE%BB%CE%AD%CE%BE%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B4%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%82)_building_on_the_right..JPG)
References
[edit]- ^ Claus, Patricia (2021-05-04). "The Past -- and Future -- of Athens' Omonia Square". GreekReporter.com. Retrieved 2023-02-11.
- ^ Nair-Iliades, Sudha (14 May 2020). "Omonoia gets a much-deserved facelift!". Athens Insider.
- ^ "New Omonia Open, Athens Now Will Fix Sidewalks, Better Access". thenationalherald.com. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
External links
[edit]
| International | |
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| National | |
