Agios Panteleimonas, Athens Explained

Agios Panteleimonas
Native Name:Άγιος Παντελεήμονας
Native Name Lang:el
Settlement Type:Neighborhood
Coordinates:37.9956°N 23.7256°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:Greece
Subdivision Type1:Region
Subdivision Name1:Attica
Subdivision Type2:City
Subdivision Name2:Athens
Postal Code Type:Postal code
Postal Code:104 40, 104 46, 112 51
Area Code:210
Website:www.cityofathens.gr

Agios Panteleimonas or Aghios Panteleimonas (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Άγιος Παντελεήμονας in Greek, Modern (1453-); pronounced as /ˈa.ʝos pan.de.leˈi.mo.nas/) is a neighbourhood of the center of Athens, located northwest of the centre of Athens between Viktorias Square and Attikis Square. The main street of the district is Acharnon Avenue. The neighbourhood's name is owed in the big church of Agios Panteleimonas (Saint Pantaleon), built in this area during the interwar period.

The church

Agios Panteleimonas, often referred to as Agios Panteleimonas Acharnon because is located along Acharnon Avenue, is one of the biggest churches in Balkans.[1] Its erection started in 1920s and was one of the first buildings built by concrete. At first, only the foundations and the big cupola were built. For a while the works stopped and continued after the second World War. The temple finally completed during 1970s.[2]

Tensions

During the late 2000s, many immigrants from countries of Middle East and Africa settled in Agios Panteleimonas. The rapid increase in immigrants without permanent housing and work in the district brought about an increase of delinquency.[3] [4] The gradual ghettoisation of the area has resulted in a negative reaction by residents and the increase in support of far-right organisations.[5]

Sports

Agios Panteleimonas hosts the basketball club Aetos B.C. with current presence in A2 Ethniki basketball (second division).[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Αγιοι και άθλιοι στον... Παντελεήμονα. enet.gr. 29 March 2015. Greek.
  2. Web site: Ιερός Ναός Αγίου Παντελεήμονα Αχαρνών. 67gym-athin.att.sch.gr. 29 March 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20140801201522/http://67gym-athin.att.sch.gr/autosch/iware/files/tiap01072013.pdf. 1 August 2014. dead.
  3. Web site: Ερμαιο συμμοριών ο Αγιος Παντελεήμονας. kathimerini.gr. 29 March 2015.
  4. Web site: Τρόμου και ρατσισμού γωνία. enet.gr. 29 March 2015.
  5. Web site: Greeks concerned as far-right party gains ground. ft.com. 29 March 2015.
  6. Web site: Ο Αετός… Αγίου Παντελεήμονα. basketblog.gr. 16 April 2015.