The City of Athens has started to demolish dangerous and derelict old buildings in 21 neighborhoods of the Greek capital, aiming to improve public safety and reclaim urban space for the well-being of the citizens.
The initiative, underway for the past three weeks, targets at least 70 non-preserved buildings the Municipality considered as “structurally hazardous”, while the Culture Ministry gave the green light to demolition as it has not classified them as “protected.”
Demolition activity has already begun—or is scheduled to begin—in the following neighborhoods of Athens:
Kolonos, Kerameikos, Plaka, Patisia, Votanikos, Gazi, Rizoupoli, Koukaki, Kypseli, Metaxourgeio, Neos Kosmos, Thiseio, Skouze Hill, Ampelokipoi, Sepolia, Rouf, Gyzi, Pagrati, Exarchia, Polygono, and around the Larissis Train Station.
The list of properties keeps on growing, though, as municipality crews conduct on-site inspections across the city.
into green spaces and parks, contributing to a more livable urban environment.
“We are breaking a cycle of decades of indifference. We are not indifferent to danger. We are demolishing dangerous buildings to build a safer everyday life, a better tomorrow for all,” said Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, adding: “We are handing over public space to those to whom it belongs, to the citizens. In the coming period, we will see a different picture in many areas of Athens.”
Δίνουμε τέλος σε μια εκκρεμότητα 45 ετών.
🏗️🏚️ Κατεδαφίζουμε περισσότερα από 70 επικίνδυνα κτίρια σε 21 περιοχές της Αθήνας.
🌳 Στη θέση τους δημιουργούνται χώροι πρασίνου και πάρκα.
Ο κύκλος της αδιαφορίας σπάει.
Η ασφάλεια των πολιτών και η απόδοση δημόσιου χώρου… pic.twitter.com/OREUnFq5yG
— Haris Doukas (@h_doukas) June 30, 2025
On his part, Deputy Mayor for Infrastructure Andreas Grammatikogiannis stressed: “The request for the demolition of dangerous buildings has been pending for 45 years. Finally, it is taking shape. The procedure was followed, in accordance with what is provided for by law. The municipality intervenes when the danger remains and the owners do not respond.”
The city has allocated 4 million euros from its own budget to fund the project.
