Road Closures Begin Today in Athens for Polytechnic Anniversary

Athens drivers and pedestrians should expect disruptions beginning today, Saturday, Nov. 15, as authorities roll out the first phase of extensive road closures and parking bans for events marking the 52nd anniversary of the Polytechnic uprising. The commemorations culminate on Monday, Nov. 17, with marches and ceremonies in central Athens.

According to the Hellenic Police, safety measures and traffic regulations will be implemented gradually from 6 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, and will remain in effect until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Restrictions include street closures, parking prohibitions, and access limits around the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Exarchia, the U.S. Embassy, and major arteries such as Patision.

Closures and Parking Bans: Nov. 15–18

From Saturday through Tuesday morning, several streets in the Exarchia area and the wider city center will be closed to vehicles and subject to no-parking rules. Affected roads include Stournari, sections of 28is Oktovriou (Patision), Tositsa pedestrian street, the Polytechnic pedestrian street, Mpotasi, Solonos, and many others surrounding Exarchia Square, Alexandras Avenue, and G’ Septemvriou.

Additional Restrictions on Nov. 17

On Monday, Nov. 17, further closures and parking bans will begin at 6 a.m., followed by rolling traffic shutdowns from midday. Key avenues and squares—including Panepistimiou, Omonia, Syntagma, Stadiou, Vasilissis Sofias, Amalias, Syngrou (from Ath. Diakou to Amalias), and Piraeus Street (from Iera Odos to Omonia)—will be inaccessible to vehicles.

Several adjoining streets, extending toward Ambelokipi, Ilisia, and Pangrati, will also face segment-specific restrictions. These include sections of Michalakopoulou, Mesogeion (toward Athens), Kifisias Avenue (southbound), Fidippidou, Vasilissis Konstantinou, and various connecting streets between Vasilissis Sofias and Michalakopoulou.

Authorities note that all measures will be rolled out progressively, depending on real-time traffic conditions.

Public Transport Adjustments

The state-owned OASA transport operator will introduce route changes and stop adjustments for buses and trolleys throughout the affected period. Among the services facing disruptions is the X95 Syntagma–Athens Airport express bus, which on Monday, Nov. 17, will operate only up to the Katehaki metro station. Commuters are advised to check for updated schedules.

Traffic Police Guidance

The Attica Traffic Police has planned additional measures to support circulation around central Athens. Drivers are urged to avoid the downtown area—especially around the NTUA campus, march routes, and the U.S. Embassy—from Nov. 15 to 17, both for their own convenience and to prevent further congestion.

As Athens prepares for one of its most symbolic annual commemorations, authorities emphasize patience and caution for all travelers navigating the city center.