Hi, I'm going to Athens next month for a week, I was wondering if there is anything to see from WW2? Any musea? I guess there was more tourist action than battle action in Athens, but you never know. Are the famous local flea markets and antique shops in the centre any good to buy militaria? Thanks!
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I have been to Athens a few times in the past few years but never saw/found anything of interest regarding WW2. There is a kind of flea market in the Plaka area but never saw anything there.
Of course, if you like men in stockings and mini skirts, that's the place for you
(no offence meant by the way. I know we have at least one Greek member and Athens is a great place for tourists and businessmen alike
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Athens is a neat city, its a tad dirty, but there is so much history you will love it. The Plaka has some small sellers from time to time there, and you can get some neat items from the allies, but as per German III Reich stuff, almost all I saw was repros; and old lead based repros at that. Dig deep in some of the junk stands, you might find some neat stuff. I found a WWII type British Para helmet under a bunch of stuff once. Just have fun, and make sure you get some REAL Pastichio while you are there!
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<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">There are at least two Greek members on this forum. And Terry, you would think differently about men in skirts (or fustanella) if you saw me in mine!
Ya Sou to all and ZITO ELLAS
Best Regards
Waffen -(the Greek)- Mike
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Originally posted by TerryGI have been to Athens a few times in the past few years but never saw/found anything of interest regarding WW2. There is a kind of flea market in the Plaka area but never saw anything there.
Of course, if you like men in stockings and mini skirts, that's the place for you (no offence meant by the way. I know we have at least one Greek member and Athens is a great place for tourists and businessmen alike )Comment
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For one, you can visit the "Polemiko" or War Museum in Athens, they have some neat German Items from WW2(3rd floor) also other wars like the Greek Revolution of 1821 and also the Civil War that followed after WW2. And if I am correct there is the Byzantine Museum right next door that has some neat things back when Constantinoupoli was Greek.
As for outlets for German stuff, hard to come by in Greece mostly between collectors but you can try the "Monastiraki" located at the base of the Acropolis. I always pass by a few stores because you never know what will pop up.
Other than that advice, dont drink too much ouzo and you'll be fine,
PAOComment
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Thank you all for your good advice
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Hi Tim, I have not been to Athens for about 20 years but I am sure you will love the history of the city.
The flea market is enjoyable and worth a look. When I was there I purchased a mint unissued US M42 jump jacket from a little surplus shop; cost me £45 and had 17 cutters tags still on it. I think that shop will be long gone now.
There was a lot of nasty street fighting in Athens in 1945. Not between German forces but between rival Greek factions and the British Paratroopers. The Pathfinder Para Vets I know said the fighting was very dirty and unpleasant and was much worse than their experiences fighting the Germans in Southern France and Italy.
Cheers, Ade.Comment
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I think you'd have better luck locating War Souvenirs away from Athens ..in the Villages (Hordia) but , you'll have to ask around because many items are kept by families or ..still being used by the villagers. A friend of mine bought a German Para Helmet from a Cretan who used it as a water bowl for his dog.
--Mike Peters..the 3d Greek member (Na Zeesee Epirus)Comment
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Well, my only story from Athens: Back in the late 1980s, I went there for the summer (to Greece). At the foot of the Acropolis, there is a market called "Monostiraki" and there, for $25.00, I bought an original WWII Sten Gun, and mailed it back to myself. Now, as a 16 year old kid, I thought this was quite fun. That is, until my father found out what I'd done. The gun now sits at the bottom of Biscayne Bay somewhere! Yes, it was deactivated, but it was still a Class III Receiver that was within a barrel-replacement of being able to fire!Comment
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I am sure you'll never forgive your dad for that one. When they do find it in the future, they'll probably think it was lost there by a combatant...Comment
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Hi Tim-
You may find the following site useful:
http://www.greece-museums.com/
Best regards and have a good time in Athens, best
JimComment
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Actually, the real story is that before he could take me out in a boat to do it, he passed away. However, I threw it in the bay on my own initiative, to respect his wishes. When it's found, however, it'll probably be attributed to the thriving drug trade in 1980s Miami
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You know I didnt even think of the Byzantine museums in the city. If you really want a treat, take a look at this aspect of history at the museum in Athens. Most American never have heard of the Byzantine Empire, yet it is one of the only 1000 year empires. Check out that, you wont be dissapointed
On an afternoon, have some Ouzo (straight up--sip dont shoot) and a big slice of Mousaka, that will make the trip for you right there! Have fun!
Chris (yet another Greek memeber)Comment
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Thank you all for your advice
I will have a look in the war museum, in the flea markets, ... and there will be plenty of time left to observe Athens' great history from ancient and byzantine times (don't worry Chris, Byzantine Empire is still being teached here in Belgium). I will also remember to try out the Greek lasagne, the Ouzo and of course the traditional dress
Cheers
TimComment
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