Top of the World
Amidst the bustling Athens city center, where modern shopping meets ancient history, lies an unexpected intersection of attractions. While Athens boasts archaeological ruins scattered throughout the city, there's one place where you can shop for trendy clothing and explore the remnants of an ancient Roman tomb simultaneously.
Beneath the Zara store on Stadiou Street, you'll discover the remarkably preserved ruins of this Roman tomb. The tomb is separated from the retail area by a transparent glass wall, allowing casual shoppers and astute visitors to come within feet of this ancient structure for an intimate viewing experience. As an added surprise, just inside the store's entrance, the floor is made of reinforced glass, offering a unique perspective to gaze directly down into the lower level and marvel at the ancient ruins.
The Zara store itself is housed within a 19th-century building with a rich and unexpected history. Originally, it served as the residence of the affluent Greek philanthropist Ioannis Hadjikyriakos. Completed in 1880, this neoclassical mansion was considered one of the most impressive buildings in the city at the time. In his will, Hadjikyriakos stipulated that upon his passing, the building should be transformed into a hotel, ensuring that people both in the city and beyond could appreciate his architectural masterpiece.
Following renovation, the building opened as the Hôtel d’Egypte. However, it struggled to thrive, prompting a rebranding to the Hôtel d’Athènes, which fared only slightly better. The building endured through the years, even serving the Greek Army and later the occupying Germans during World War II. Following the German retreat in 1944, it returned to civilian use and assumed various roles until it was left vacant in the 1980s.
The revelation of an ancient Roman-era tomb under the building's foundation occurred during the preparation of Athens for the 2004 Olympic Games, which involved extensive infrastructure projects, including the modernization and expansion of the Athens Metro System. As the Red Line underwent renovation, numerous ancient artifacts, including the tomb, were unearthed. Greek laws designed to safeguard archaeological sites and artifacts dictated a modification of the renovation plans to ensure the protection of the tombs and allow the public to appreciate them. Consequently, the revised plans involved placing the tombs on open display in the lower level of the building. This unexpected fusion of ancient and contemporary history makes this Zara store one of the most unique shopping experiences in the world.
When visiting, please note that the tomb is on display during the Zara store's public opening hours, currently daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The security presence is notably robust, prioritizing the safeguarding of the tomb and the privacy of store visitors.
