The Alysida District of Athens

The name Alysida (“Chain”) once referred to an area of Athens that originally hosted countryside recreational venues, serving as a popular May Day excursion spot for Athenians. Over time, the area evolved into a residential district located near the end of what is now Patission Avenue, at the heart of modern-day Ano Patissia. It borders the municipality of Galatsi and the neighborhoods of Lambrini, Rizoupoli, and Ano Patissia. The official name of this neighborhood is Kypriadou, named after the wealthy entrepreneur Minoas Kypriades, who around 1920 acquired a large estate in the area. Together with his friend Kyriazis, he founded the company "Kypriades – Kyriazis & Co." His ambition was to develop a true garden city, similar to other upscale Athenian suburbs like Filothei. According to the prevailing theory, the name “Alysida” derived from the chain that was used to block the road at the level crossing of the Lavrion Square – Strofyli railway line of the Attica Railways whenever a train passed. For a time, the name “Alysida” was informally used to refer to the Ano Patissia railway station. As a legacy of that name, even today, the OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications Organization) hub in the area is still referred to as "Alysida." Pictured: Postcard showing an electric tram in the Alysida area of Athens, early 20th century. ©Municipal Photography Museum of Kalamaria ‘Christos Kalemkeris’.