A point of reference of old Athens! One of the most impressive and central squares in the city, Kotzia Square is set in Athinas Str., right across the old City Hall. The area was initially named Loudovikou Square, as tribute to Othonas’ father. However, plenty of other denominations were also used such as Laou, City Hall, Post Office square. After the war, it was called Kotzia square by the Mayor of Athens, Constantinos Kotzias while in 1977 it was renamed to Square of National Resistance. It is surrounded by great historical buildings like the headquarters of National Bank of the 19th century, the breathtaking Mela Mansion, built in 1874 by the famous German architect Ernst Ziller as well as other public buildings. Right on the square there is also a significant archeological site which includes part of the well-known Acharnic Street, Athenian tombs and ceramics workshops. In short distance, the historic streets of Eolou and Sofokleous are found, with the old Stock market along with the Varvakios Market. The book lovers should know that the annual Book Bazaar is held here with thousands of books for the reading audience.