As Seen on the Streets of Athens: A Street Art Guide

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Athens, seen from above, is a white ocean of roofs meeting the Mediterranean sea somewhere at the horizon.

Athens, street view, is a very colourful town: posters, installations, graffiti and a lot of street art (a lot, really a lot!), including several large outdoor murals. Some of them were made possible through various creative projects set up by the Athens Municipality (especially before the Olympic Games of 2004), which involved some well-known local street artists, many of whom are from the Athens School of Fine Arts (which runs a programme of street art studies, by the way).

If this effort to beautify the city is the sparkle that transformed Athens’ street art from a niche subculture into something the whole town can relate to, the economic crisis is the fuel that made Athens’ street art grow and evolve. Nowadays the scenario is that of a town full of colour-washed energy: street art hunting around Athens can reveal both large, colourful and majestically painted murals and also rebellious, more spontaneous and protest-driven street art, sort of “social comments” on walls; and the most amazing thing is that often the same talented street artist is making both.

Street Art in Athens: A Decade of Discoveries and a New Book

The first version of this Athens street art guide was written 10 years ago. Over the years, I’ve returned to Athens many times, a city that remains a key hub for graffiti and street art in Europe. With each visit, I’ve updated this article, which is why its layout might feel a bit chaotic—much like the layered artwork found on the streets—and why the photos vary in style.

My most recent trip, however, had a special twist. Not only did I explore the city’s ever-evolving street art scene with some readers of this blog, but it also laid the foundation for a book I’ve started working on, dedicated to Athens’ street art and its artists. Stay tuned and subscribe to my monthly newsletter so you don’t miss the release of my Athens street art travel book!

Athens Street Art Map

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Athens Street Art Guide: Metaxourgheio

Right from my first afternoon in town, Metaxourgeio became my favourite district of Athens: it started out as an industrial district at the beginning of the 19th century and, after a long period of abandonment, Metaxourgeio is now becoming the artsy neighbourhood of Athens. But although Metaxourgeio is currently reinventing itself, a somewhat grungy heart still beats beneath its art galleries and brand-new hip restaurants.

Many people tried to discourage me from entering Metaxourgeio and yes, there are some drug users around who may not like you taking pictures while they are doing their business… but, apart from that, Metaxourgeio is an area full of creative energy and is definitely worth a visit, especially if you are into street art. An area to visit right now, before it gets gentrified.

While the redevelopment of other districts in Athens -such as Psyrri and Gazi- was due to new laws encouraging the establishment of night clubs and restaurants, Metaxourgeio’s transformation owes a great deal to the efforts of many individual artists, bar owners and cultural organizations, such as The Breeder Project and the Rabbithole Theatre.

Another great feature of the hood is the village-like atmosphere: have a coffee on Avdi Square or a walk along the cobbled pedestrian alleys and you will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere you are unlikely to find anywhere else in Athens.

In Metaxourgeio I found a mural by my beloved Borondo and I had my first glimpse of INO’s art, and he immediately became my favorite street artist from Athens.

Here is an unpretentious map of my favorite street art in this district, but be sure to also wander aimlessly around Metaxourgeio and explore it far and wide: I bet this area will surprise you! (and for an updated, interactive map of street art in Athens, you can download my free street art google map of Athens!)

Top-5 Murals in Metaxourgeio, Athens

Fast forward several years, and while Metaxourgeio isn’t fully gentrified, it’s certainly cleaner and less “trainspotting-esque” than it was on my first visit. Each time I come back, there are new cafés and restaurants, yet they still coexist with brothels and drug users. This shift is also reflected on the neighborhood’s walls, where spontaneous street art has given way to commissioned murals, including five that I’ll be highlighting in this article.

“Knowledge Speaks, Wisdom Listen” by Wild Drawing (WD)

Probably the best-known mural in Metaxourgeio (and arguably all of Athens) is “Knowledge Speaks, Wisdom Listens” by Wild Drawing (WD). This mural captures attention with its anamorphic owl, symbolizing both wisdom and the city’s namesake goddess, Athena. Created for the Petit Paris d’Athènes festival in 2016, WD’s piece draws on the owl’s association with vision and clarity—qualities that resonate deeply in a city like Athens, especially during difficult times.

WD’s choice of the owl reflects not only wisdom but also a call to remember these values amid contemporary difficulties. With its hauntingly realistic appearance, the mural has become an icon in Athens’ street art scene, standing out for both its artistry and its symbolic depth​. The title of the artwork comes from a Jimi Hendrix song.

“Life Passengers” by Simple G

There are two murals by Simple G in Athens’ Metaxourgeio neighborhood: “Too Many Books, Too Little Time,” and “Life Passengers.” Simple G’s mural “Life Passengers,” created for The Little Paris of Athens festival in 2022, reflects the festival theme “In 1922, a pillar of today”, honoring the centenary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe and exploring the lasting impacts of forced migration. The mural centers on a figure embodying the anxiety of embarking on a new journey. Around him, other passengers show the sorrow and trauma of leaving one’s homeland, with their faces revealing the devastation of displacement and the resilience that emerges in times of upheaval. Each element of “Life Passengers” represents the collective human experience of migration, capturing both personal loss and cultural memory.

“Eternal Traveler” by Leonidas Giannakopoulos

There are two murals by Leonidas Giannakopoulos in Athens’ Metaxourgeio neighborhood: “Ode to the Big Sea” and “Eternal Traveler.” The mural “Eternal Traveler” beautifully depicts the journey of life. At its center is a figure riding a penny-farthing (an old-fashioned bicycle with a large front wheel and a small rear wheel), symbolizing forward movement and balance. Surrounding the figure are hot-air balloons, which convey dreams, freedom, and a lightness that contrasts with the grounded bicycle. Through Giannakopoulos’ detailed style, the mural captures the essence of travelers who carry memories and pieces of the past with them while moving forward, blending realism with a nostalgic, dreamlike quality and reflecting the artist’s goal of creating a retro-futuristic universe.

“The Colorful Tsunami” by Woozy

This colorful mural on an elementary school in Athens’ Metaxourgeio neighborhood, painted in 2012 by Vaggelis Choursoglou, also known as Woozy, highlights his distinctive style—characterized by bright colors and abstract forms. Woozy is a true pioneer of Greece’s street art scene, recognized for merging graffiti techniques with fine art to reimagine urban spaces. His works balance spontaneity with careful composition and often explore themes of transformation and public engagement. In this piece, cheerful colors cleverly contrast with darker elements, like an overturned car in flames.

“It’s Yours” by Gera1

This vibrant mural, created by Gera1 in 2022, embodies a powerful message of empowerment and environmental responsibility. The artwork encourages viewers to take matters into their own hands to improve the world around them, symbolized by the young girl holding the globe. Through its dynamic composition, layered colors, and abstract forms, the mural conveys a sense of unity, transformation, and the collective role we each play in creating positive change.

Of course, in an area as rich in street art as Metaxourgeio, you’ll find several (five) murals by INO. For a deeper dive into these works and the unique stories they tell, you can check out my article on all of INO’s murals across Athens.

• Read also: My love letter to Metaxourgeio, written in 2016.

Street Art Athens: Psyrri

The Psyrri area had a make-over before Olympics games in 2004, transitioning from a neighbourhood with a dangerous reputation and a criminal past to a gentrified district full of tastefully designed bar and restaurants, becoming maybe the most fashionable and trendy area in the centre of Athens.

But, even if the Municipality of Athens made it an area designated for nightlife, wandering around Psyrri during the day you will discover authentic craftsmen’s stores (a testimony to its past as a working-class neighbourhood full of leather workers’ shops and small factories) and you will come across beautiful large murals.

Psyrri is a very colourful neighbourhood where you can find great street art and some interesting art galleries as well.

Look for Alexandros Vasmoulakis’ and Vangelis Hoursoglou’s art: they are both from the pioneering generation that brought public art into the streets of Athens for the very first time.

Here is a street art map of Psyrri :) (for an updated, interactive map of street art in Athens, you can download my free google map!)

Murals in Athens: Psirri & Monastiraki

Among the most prominent artists in Athens’ historic center is Gera1, an Athens-based visual artist who began in graffiti and later refined his skills at the School of Fine Arts.

Gera1 has created large-scale commissioned murals for several downtown hotels, working not only on facades but also on select interior spaces, rooms, and sometimes even rooftops—private spaces we couldn’t visit, despite going there with Gera1 himself :-(

Gera1’s distinctive style combines figurative and abstract elements, with glitch aesthetics that convey themes of distortion and imperfection. Using spray paint, he creates fragmented, layered structures that add movement and contrast to each piece.

For one particular hotel, Gera1 took a different approach, producing two large-scale prints instead of murals. It was his first time working with digital print on canvas, allowing him to experiment with this technique on a new scale.

Interesting fact: this street holds a key place in Athens’ graffiti history, as it once housed a popular graffiti shop and gallery. It goes without saying that the nearby bar—still open today—became a favorite hangout for local graffiti writers and street artists, with its shutters and walls painted by many. Among the various artworks there, two stand out to me: one by Athens-based street artist Taxis and another by Vienna-based artist Ruin.

As you explore Psirri, many street art pieces will catch your eye, including the two murals by Vasmou that I highlighted above in the original part of this article from 10 years ago. The streets around these murals are filled with spontaneous works that can truly make you marvel. 

I’m sharing here just one story behind a particular piece to show how, without someone like me to help you look beyond the surface, you might think it’s just a photorealistic portrait of a dog—when, in fact, there’s so much more.

This mural, painted by Billy Gee, Alex Marinex, and N_Grams, portrays Loukanikos, a beloved stray dog in Athens who became an icon of resistance during the Greek anti-austerity protests from 2010 to 2012. Loukanikos was known for standing at the front lines with demonstrators, even facing riot police, and his presence gained him international recognition through viral photos and videos. Though he passed away in 2014, Loukanikos lives on in the collective memory of Athens, honored as a symbol of solidarity and protest.

In this area of Athens’ city center, you’ll also find three murals by Greek street artist STMTS: one located on the terrace of a Vietnamese restaurant and two others created in collaboration with the United Nations Sustainable Development program. The United Nations Sustainable Development program has engaged street artists worldwide to raise awareness of its goals through public murals. These artworks aim to visually communicate key themes like environmental sustainability, equality, and global collaboration in accessible, urban spaces.

• Read also: “An evening with STMTS“

Naturally, in a street art-filled neighborhood like Psirri, you’ll also find several (four) murals by INO. For details on these works and the stories they convey, I recommend checking out my article dedicated to all of INO’s murals across Athens.

Street Art in Athens: Anafiotika

Nestled under the Acropolis, Anafiotika is a village-like neighborhood of few small typical Greek houses which make you feel as if you were on an Greek island. But the real surprise is that within Anafiotika’s maze of narrow streets and stone houses you find a lot of street art!

Despite the fact that almost all street artists you find in Anafiotika are from France (go figure), the first piece I found at the beginning of my hunt is one of local street artist Taxis’ poetical and melancholic characters.

A few steps forward, I stopped to look at the panoramic view over Athens’ roofs and I was surprised to see a Gregos’ mask stuck on the corner of a building, which reminded me that the French artist spent a couple of years in Athens when he was younger and that he still has a strong bond with the town.

I entered Anafiotika’s maze from a narrow alley hidden between Prytaniou and Stratonos street all covered by LOAF’s artworks, whose bright colours look even brighter on those Greek-white walls.

As I had the farsightedness to venture close to the Acropolis on 1st of January morning (when everybody else was still recovering from NYE and all souvenir shops were firmly closed), I had the village-like atmosphere of Anafiotika all to myself; I was amazed by the authentic charm this small area of Athens still retains, hidden somewhere within its characteristic tiny houses, and I meditated on the fact that this very touristic and very central hood has a lot of street art!

For some reason, this still seems surprising to me: I’ve always found street art in outer areas (the further from the historic centre, the better) but Athens definitely breaks this rule.

Here is my street art itinerary around Anafiotika (…and that’s the closest I got to the Acropolis!) (for an updated, interactive map of street art in Athens, you can download my free street art google map of Athens!)

Updates on Street Art in Athens: Anafiotika

With its small houses and narrow, winding streets, Anafiotika doesn’t have space for large murals, but street art continues to thrive here since my last visit.

A prominent artist whose work you’ll find around these picturesque alleys is The Krah, one of Athens’ graffiti pioneers. Starting in the 1990s with the respected 101 crew, The Krah developed his graffiti style between Athens and London, where he lived for 20 years.

Known for his mix of lettering and figurative art, his work explores mythology, magical symbolism, surrealism, and dreams.

A familiar sight in the village-like streets of Anafiotika is the work of Greek street artist LOAF, whose name stands for “LOveAgainstFear.” One of his most iconic images is a black-and-white cluster of large, expressive eyes, a recurring motif in his artwork that adds a striking, watchful presence to the area.

Another striking piece I came across on my recent visit is a door painted by Chilean artist Otto Schade (aka OSCH), showcasing his signature ribbon style. 

Additionally, the area is dotted with various street art pieces by Spanish artist Feo Flip, adding unique touches throughout the neighborhood.

Athens Street Art Map

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Street Art Athens: Gazi – Kerameikos

Gazi is the neighbourhood developed around the former gas factory, which was transformed by the Municipality of Athens into a trendy cultural centre (Technopolis).

In this spirit of renewal and placemaking, the Municipality also designated Gazi as a night-life district and the area is now full of clubs and restaurants.

Street art played a great role in this transformation: you can find many large murals along Pireos street by INO, STMTS and many others, while, if you venture as far as Konstantinoupoleos street, you will see a few windows of Borondo’s “Shame” left intact, a work-on-glass originally showing eight tormented, faceless and naked bodies engraved majestically.

For some more street art head to the southern and western exterior walls of ILPAP, the bus depot, beside the Kerameikos archaeological area.

Here is the street art itinerary around Gazi. For an updated, interactive map of street art in Athens, you can get my free street art google map of Athens!

Updates on Street Art in Gazi & Kerameikos, Athens

On my latest trip to Athens, I reconnected with Greek street artist STMTS—10 years after our first interview, which was also my blog’s very first.

We explored the Gazi neighborhood, where Stamatis recently pasted three large-scale posters, including works like “Trapped” (2024) and “Breaking” (2024).

It was great to catch up and stroll through Gazi together, appreciating his newest additions to the streets.

During this trip, I returned to Gazi – Kerameikos several times to explore its rich street art scene. I was thrilled to find an old poster by Taxis still intact after all these years and to discover new murals by INO, including a ballerina piece he was actively working on.

For a deeper dive into the stories behind INO’s seven murals around the Gazi area, you can check out my article covering all murals by INO in Athens.

Athens Street Art Guide: Exarchia

I chose to stay in Exarchia during my week in Athens, despite many locals trying to scare me away from this hood, a “stronghold of dangerous anarchists” according to many. But I figured that beginning every day from Exarchia’s colourful streets would allow me to explore local street art far and wide, as far as the last hidden pedestrian alley. :-)

Exarchia’s walls attract both internationally renowned street artists -such as Borondo and INO– and rebellious kids coming from Athenian suburbs with a spray can in the jacket.

Some very colourful spots you really shouldn’t miss are the Polytechnic, the Alexandros Grigoropoulos memorial (a shrine to the 15-year-old guy shot dead by a policeman in 2008), the autonomous park at the intersection of Navarinou street and Zoodochou Pigis street (a tiny park which was meant to be turned into a parking lot but was taken over by activists and turned into a garden instead, on the cry of “their parking, our park”) and one more “autonomous area” at the end of the stairs on Koundouriotou street.

Besides the street art, what I liked about Exarchia is the communal spirit, a sort of neighborhood pride and mutual self-help, or -as my Greek friend Nikolas put it- “we are all anarchists, when there is the need to”, meaning that even in other parts of the city Athenians are sympathetic with the social and political fights taking place in Exarchia.

The hood is inhabited by students and politicised youth, left-wing movements and intellectuals, a pretty interesting fauna mirrored by a bunch of pretty interesting shops and alternative businesses such as independent bookshops, bo-ho cafés, vinyl shops, co-ops and social enterprises.

You are now entering free Exarchia ;) For an updated, interactive map of street art in Athens, you can download my free street art google map of Athens!

Updates on Street Art in Exarchia, Athens

Ten years later, Exarchia is still a hub for political street art, filled with messages of resistance, solidarity, and activism. The neighborhood’s walls are canvases for graffiti and murals that challenge authority, support refugee rights, promote anti-fascism, and critique social injustices.

These pieces serve as raw, powerful expressions of the community’s enduring commitment to free speech and political engagement. Despite changing city dynamics, Exarchia remains a vital space for countercultural voices and public dialogue on pressing social issues, keeping its revolutionary spirit alive.

Among the political street art in Exarchia criticizing police brutality is a powerful memorial by Political Stencil for Alexandros Grigoropoulos, a 15-year-old killed by police in 2008. On December 6, Alexis and his friends were in Exarchia when they had a confrontation with two police officers. The officers initially walked away but then returned, and one, Epaminondas Korkoneas, shot Alexis.

Another piece by Political Stencil is a tribute to members of the Turkish band Grup Yorum—Helin Bölek, Ibrahim Gökcek, and Mustafa Koçak—who advocated for social justice through politically charged music despite facing repression in Turkey. Formed in 1985, Grup Yorum became a prominent voice in Turkey’s leftist movement, combining traditional folk music with revolutionary themes while facing censorship, arrests, and concert bans.

Exarchia also honors the memory of anarchist and militant Christos Politis, who lived in the neighborhood. A mural dedicated to him reads in Greek: “You will always be a star and a warrior,” symbolizing his spirit and activism.

Another prominent theme in Exarchia’s street art is anti-fascism, with murals denouncing neo-fascist movements and promoting solidarity. Political expression extends to art celebrating AEK Athens FC, a football club founded by Greek refugees from Constantinople in 1924. AEK, or “Athletic Union of Constantinople,” is deeply connected to social causes and Exarchia’s countercultural identity. Its yellow-and-black colors, representing resilience and pride, are widely visible throughout the area.

Alongside political murals by artists like BLU and INO (seen above), Exarchia also features a work by Australian artist Guido van Helten, celebrating the neighborhood’s cultural heritage. His mural pays homage to local bookshops, symbols of free speech and intellectual thought. It depicts Georgios and Vasilis, seasoned bookbinders whose mentor-apprentice relationship reflects Exarchia’s dedication to knowledge, tradition, and community spirit.

Finally, another powerful piece with a political message in the streets of Exarchia is “No Land for the Poor” by WD (Wild Drawing), painted in 2015. This mural is dedicated to the plight of the poor and homeless, both in Greece and worldwide, highlighting the socio-economic challenges faced by marginalized communities.

Street Art in Athens: Neos Kosmos

Still on 1st of January, from Anafiotika I walked all the way to Neos Kosmos, going through all those underrated residential neighbourhoods behind the Acropolis where tourists never go, such as Koukaki and Makrygianni. My destination was the Onassis Cultural Centre, where INO painted a large outdoor mural with the image of a woman’s face on crushed paper.

Wandering around the inner part of Neos Kosmos, which –by the way- I found to be a very “Balkan” area of Athens, I arrived as far as Kasomouli street, where I spotted a beautiful and very colourful large mural by A. Kouvari (painted by M. Anastasakos and Kretsis Crew).

This mural was painted in 2011 as part of the project “Art & public space – paintings on the buildings of Athens” by the Athens School of Fine Arts and the Greek Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change. Two other large murals were also realized thanks to this project and they are located in two completely different areas of Athens but, as this is already a “bonus track”, I will include them here. ;-)

Delirium Athens Urban Art Gallery

So why return to Neos Kosmos if the two murals I loved are no longer there?

Because this neighborhood is now home to Athens’ first and only urban art gallery, Delirium Athens, managed by The Krah.

Wandering through Neos Kosmos, you’ll come across a variety of graffiti and street art, including pieces by Feo Flip and a mural by Yessiow. Among the highlights is an incredible abandoned tram, fully covered from top to bottom in graffiti, adding a unique touch to the area’s urban landscape.

Athens Street Art Map

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Athens Street Art Guide: Kypseli

As mentioned in my latest update to the Athens food guide, Kypseli has become my new favorite neighborhood in Athens. Artists are moving here, along with charming cafés, wine bars, and boutique shops. Life flows at a calmer pace than in other busier parts of Athens.

Besides the ubiquitous graffiti, Kypseli also hosts two large-scale murals, one by Gospel and another by Wild Drawing.

Mural by Gospel in Athens

Gospel, a graffiti artist from Athens, draws inspiration from Greek culture, mixing classic graffiti elements with symbols of his heritage. Known for a bold palette of black, white, blue, and red, his work integrates references from mythology, urban life, and the Aegean landscape. Gospel’s tag originates from Tupac’s song “Ghetto Gospel,” symbolizing his artistic journey. His masked figures and unique blend of Greek and graffiti culture create an accessible yet mysterious aesthetic. As part of the municipality’s public mural program, Gospel created this piece on a Kypseli school wall, focusing on themes of inclusion and sustainable development.

Mural by WD (Wild Drawing) in Athens

Originally from Bali, WD has been based in Athens for many years and has become one of the city’s most recognized street artists. His mural in the Kypseli Market, featuring a singing rooster and its egg, showcases WD’s recent stylistic shift. Unlike his earlier work, which used black cross-hatching lines for texture (a style I personally preferred for its rawness), this piece leans into a cleaner, more refined look. The mural has become symbolic of the market’s revitalization, attracting both locals and visitors and enriching Kypseli Market’s role as a cultural and creative hub.

Pso Man’s Street Art in Athens

However, my favorite street art spot in Kypseli is this abandoned place near the park.

During my recent visit, Belgian artist Pso Man was also in Athens, and he took the opportunity to paint two striking pieces among the ruins of this forgotten space. The artworks add a unique touch to the area’s urban landscape, transforming this hidden spot into a vibrant showcase of contemporary street art.

Street Art in Athens: Piraeus

Piraeus, Europe’s largest port and part of Athens’ metropolitan area, is home to several murals, with the most impressive being those by Greek street artist INO, a local resident. His works are spread across the area, adding vibrant layers of contemporary art to the urban landscape.

For a deeper dive into these murals and their stories, check out my article on INO’s murals throughout Athens.

Street Art in Athens: Vyronas

Another area closely integrated into Athens due to uninterrupted urbanization is Vyronas. This suburban town hosts numerous street art pieces created for the Vyronas Street Art Festival. However, in this Athens Street Art Guide, I’ll focus on highlighting the major murals you can find around Vyronas.

Mural by Mr. Copy in Vyronas, Athens

This mural, titled “Athena,” represents the goddess for whom the city of Athens is named. In 2023, French street artist Mr. Copy was commissioned to honor Isadora Duncan and drew a parallel with Athena, symbolizing female strength and resilience. In mythology, Athena won the hearts of Athens’ people by planting a seed that grew into an olive tree, a symbol of peace and prosperity. The people chose her over Poseidon, making the city hers. Similarly, Isadora Duncan, a revolutionary figure in the arts, sparked a movement that shaped modern dance globally, her passion transforming the art world just as Athena’s seed shaped the city.

Mural by Millo in Vyronas, Athens

Painted in 2023, this mural by Italian artist Millo pays homage to the legendary Italian writer Italo Calvino, marking the 100th anniversary of his birth. With this artwork, Millo celebrates Calvino’s boundless imagination and storytelling, especially drawing from one of Calvino’s beloved children’s tales, “Cola Pesce.” The story follows a young boy’s transformation into a fish, embodying themes of fantasy, freedom, and the mystery of those who resist full understanding.

Through his detailed and whimsical style, Millo brings out the dreamy quality of Calvino’s tales, inviting viewers to recognize the liberating journey of “those who will never be completely understood.” The mural captures both the innocence and depth of Calvino’s narratives, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the fantastical world that Calvino crafted and that Millo beautifully translates onto the wall.

Mural by Yessiow in Vyronas, Athens

Yessiow’s mural “Warm Embrace” (2022) radiates a message of compassion and kindness, reflecting her core artistic themes. As a visual artist, Yessiow focuses on mental health, human emotions, and resilience, blending surreal and figurative elements to craft complex psychological landscapes. Her vibrant color palettes and layered textures lend her work a dreamlike quality that draws viewers into emotional and introspective spaces. Through her art, Yessiow promotes openness, challenging societal norms around vulnerability while encouraging self-reflection. Her pieces offer a sense of healing and empowerment, telling visual stories of personal growth and emotional strength.

Mural by WD (Wild Drawing) in Vyronas, Athens

Painted in 2022, Wild Drawing‘s mural “New day, new fight, new strength” reflects the harsh reality that, while women rarely start wars, they and children often bear the deepest scars. This artwork speaks to the resilience women summon daily to navigate and survive conflicts that they did not choose, emphasizing their strength in the face of loss and suffering. The mural not only honors their perseverance but also serves as a reminder of the disproportionate impact of war on women and children, shedding light on the silent battles they endure. Through vibrant imagery, the piece underscores themes of resilience, courage, and the enduring strength needed to rebuild amid destruction.

More Murals in Athens

Scattered around the city, there are many more murals worth admiring!

This very famous mural is an artwork by P. Tsakonas, and it is based on Albrecht Durer’s drawing “Praying Hands” (1508).

Still from 2011, is this other mural near Syntagma square: “No Signal”, from an artwork by P. Sklavenitis, painted by M. Anastasakos and Kretsis Crew.

A must-see is this 2017 masterpiece by Wild Drawing, located just outside the National Glyptotheque (my favorite museum in Athens, which I recommended previously). Titled “Four Elements,” the artwork illustrates water, fire, earth, and air in a captivating composition that wraps around an abandoned neoclassical gazebo. This unique layout enhances the mural’s impact, seamlessly integrating the interdependence of the four natural elements with the architectural structure.

Another remarkable piece is Taxis‘ mural, “At the River”—or in full, “Places and memories soon to be forgotten, if we don’t protect our natural heritage from greedy disgusting people.” This striking work transports viewers to the tranquil waters of the Acheron River, offering a fleeting escape from the urban landscape. Taxis, a celebrated Greek artist, uses this mural as a call to protect and preserve natural resources. It serves as both a peaceful refuge and a sharp reminder of the invaluable beauty we risk losing if we don’t act against environmental exploitation.

“Today’s Amphora” by Sam3 is inspired by Greek culture and strong local traditions. The artwork depicts a black-figure amphora in the panathenaic style, blending metaphorical and literal images of travel and movement that resonate within a modern school environment. Serving as a meeting point between ancient and contemporary Greek culture, the mural covers the walls of a school and portrays students in two scenes. The upper row shows children seated at desks—some attentive, others nearly dozing off—while the lower section depicts students hunched over cell phones or snapping selfies, highlighting generational contrasts and evolving ways of learning and interaction.

Last but not least, I want to present to you this mural by Woozy, Athens’ pioneering street artist, showcasing a vibrant depiction of an owl, symbolizing wisdom and knowledge. Titled “H-OWL Athene Noctua,” the piece serves as a contemporary totem in the heart of the city, portraying the sacred owl associated with the goddess Athena. With its intense gaze, this owl meets the eyes of Athens’ residents, embodying the mystery and perceptiveness of a creature that thrives in darkness, seeing beyond what humans can perceive. Woozy’s use of bright colors contrasts with the underlying melancholy and solitude the owl conveys, delivering a powerful message of sensitivity and awareness.

Hunting for street art was one of my favourite activities in Athens, not only because I love street art but also because, as INO put it in an interview for the New York Times, “if you want to learn about a city, look at its walls”.

Athens Street Art Map

Find these murals and many more cool things to see in Athens on my Athens Travel and Street Art Map!