Psychiko

Psychiko (Ψυχικό ) is a town and a suburb in the Athens agglomeration, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Filothei-Psychiko, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit. The municipality has an area of 2.776 km2.

Overview
Psychiko is located 5 km northeast of Athens city centre. It is a strictly residential suburb of Athens, with commercial businesses allowed only within two small designated zones, the "Nea Agora" (New Market) and the "Palaia Agora" (Old Market), with current regulations also restricting buildings to full detachment, and a maximum of 3 floors. Psychiko was historically the home of aristocrats, members of the Greek royal family, and generally old money people. The area remains one of the wealthiest suburbs of Athens, with very high land value, and a number of embassies, particularly of rich Middle Eastern countries, to be found located in Psychiko, and neighbouring Filothei.

This was once home to Queen Frederica of the Hellenes, until the military coup d'état of 1967. Andreas Papandreou and his wife Margaret also lived in Psychiko before the dictatorship. Later, when he became Prime Minister he left Psychiko and moved to Ekali. In recent decades however, many prominent families choose to build their houses in the southern, seaside suburbs, like Glyfada or Vouliagmeni. A number of private schools are located in Psychiko: Athens College and Psychiko College, Moraitis School, the Arsakeio, and the Varvakeio.

Name
The name literally means "an act of charity". A popular legend about the battle of Marathon and the Marathon run was recorded by Andreas Karkavitsas in the 19th century, and also by Linos Politis. On the plain of Marathon a major battle was once fought; Persians with large fleets came to enslave the land and from there pass to Athens...the blood turned to a river, and reached from the roots of Vranas to Marathon on the other side; it met the sea and painted the waves red. Much lamentation and evil took place. Finally the Greeks won... and two men ran to bring the news to Athens; one travelled on horseback and the other on foot in full gear. The rider headed towards Chalandri and the messenger of foot towards Stamata; swift-footed he ascended Aforesmos and down towards the village. As women saw him, they ran towards him:

"Stop", they shouted, wanting to know the outcome of the battle. He stopped a moment to catch his breath and then took the road again. Finally, he reached Psychiko; there he was almost near death, his feet were shaking, he felt like falling down. But he composed himself, took a deep breath, continued, and finally reached Athens.

"We won," he said, and immediately fell down dead. The rider had yet to come. But there where the foot runner stopped and took a breath his act was recorded. The first village remained a 'stop' (Stamata) and the second Psychiko.

Notable people

 * Constantine II of Greece, former King of the Hellenes; also competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, winning a gold medal.
 * Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark, later Queen Sofía of Spain, sister of Constantine II.
 * Nikos Dimou, writer.
 * Bobolas family, editor and co-owners of Ellaktor
 * Babis Vovos, former billionaire and owner of the construction group Babis Vovos S.A..
 * George Zongolopoulos

Embassies and consulates
Psychiko is home to many embassies.
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