Victoria Square, just a five minute walk away from the National Archaeological Museum, was named after the British Queen Victoria. Created in 1872, it’s central location near the museum, theaters, courts and downtown Athens once guaranteed it a steady influx of visitors. These days, however, things have changed and the few remaining locals who have yet to sell their houses and flee recall the days when the square was a place where children played, friends could enjoy a bite to eat and stars and intellectuals would often be seen frequenting the area.

Daily life changed following a great influx of illegal immigration turning the picturesque square into a shelter of sorts where people camp out, cook outdoors and fold out wares to sell in unlicensed stores on the pavement while neighborhood registered stores are under threat of lockage. Crime is prevalent in the once friendly district that Greeks now refer to as “Afghanistan Square”.

Some things of course haven’t changed. “Theseus Saves Hippodameia”, a work by German sculptor Johannes Pfuhl, has become a trademark symbol of the square, but the locals think it will take more than a heroic fighter to save the once-hip square from its derelict downward trend.

Once full of crowds enjoying coffee, the square is now empty throughout the day…

Greece, a cafe culture, but not on Victoria Square.

Setting up shop in the afternoon…

The Greek square fills up by night, but where are the Greeks?

A night-time walk where all manner of languages, except Greek, can be heard…

Time to sleep…