ΧΑΪΔΑΡΙ ΧΑΪΔΑΡΙ - ΣΥΝΑΝΤΗΣΗ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ | Page 157

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The area of Daphni today
D
aphni Monastery has promoted Chaidari
immensely. For example, Chaidari used to
be known as the Daphni municipality. Since
1954 the building of the Tourist Kiosk by government
agencies has boosted tourist visits. A major venue until
1991 was the annual Wine Festival. In 1996 the area was
passed under municipal adnministration, which organizes
important cultural events, and attends the architectural
and aesthetic enhancement of the area.
Due to the earthquake of 7 September 1999 the
monastery closed for restoration. It is scheduled to re-
open in April 2007. It is noted that Daphni belongs to the
top seven UNESCO monuments. The restored Tourist
Kiosk functions as a coffee shop and restaurant today.
The parks in between Athenon Avenue and the Sacred
Way, created in 1983-1984 (with K. Nteniakos in office),
have contributed to the preservation of the area. If the
national road became underground, the monument would
be further protected.
The modern settlement of Daphni lies opposite the
monastery, like the Daphni park, an area of natural
walking paths and sitting areas. Just before the
monastery, the Municipality has built the «Gate», a
reception, recreation and information area for visitors. A
statue of resistance fighter N. Ploumpides by Klouvatos
stands nearby. Daphni is between two mountains, Aigaleo
and Poikilo, which are natural reserves. The Chaidari
Municipality has guarded their character and reacted
dynamically even against official plans, e.g. a decision to
install radio and TV antennas, or the use of explosives
during railway construction works.
Traditional celebrating of Clean Monday
at the Tourist Kiosk
Views of the enhanced area between the Sacred Way and Athenon Avenue, which upgraded significantly
the west gate to the city of Athens