The Freattyda District of Piraeus

Freattyda is an important neighborhood of the city of Piraeus, located at the southeastern edge of the Piraeus Peninsula, just southwest of the port of Zea (Pasalimani). The area includes the ancient bay of the same name as well as the hill that rises above it. In earlier times, Freattyda was also known as Tsirloneri, due to the presence of wells with warm therapeutic waters. Initially, transportation in the area was served by tram line number 19, and later by buses. The tram began its route in the morning from the H.E.M. depot in Neo Faliro, following a path through the Electric Railway Station, Korai Square, Pasalimani, and terminating in Freattyda at the "Terpsichore" location. Today, the bay of Freattyda has been redeveloped through major infrastructure projects that began in 1960, including the creation of the Zea Marina, which gradually began operations in 1966. At what was once the innermost part of the bay and is now converted into a square, stands the Hellenic Maritime Museum. Outside the museum is the preserved bridge of the legendary submarine Papanikolis. Along parts of the coastline, remnants of the ancient Piraeus walls are still visible. On the eastern side, at the level of the coastal road, there is also a marble bust of Lambros Porfyras, a lyrical poet of the interwar period and a long-time resident of the neighborhood. Pictured: Piraeus. Electric tram in the Freattyda district, early 20th century. ©Municipal Photography Museum of Kalamaria ‘Christos Kalemkeris’.