What Ermou looks like today, once the most fashionable street in Greece

When you think about the most expensive and fashionable streets in the world, Greece hardly comes to mind, especially considering the current deplorable situation in this country. But before the global crisis of 2008 and the crisis in the Eurozone of 2010-2012. Athens had one of the most luxurious shopping streets on the planet. In 2007, Ermou entered the top 10 most expensive streets in the world. But already in 2010, there was no trace of the former glory and luxury. Rental prices for local shops have almost halved, and the street itself is now in a deplorable state. See for yourself.

(Total 22 photos)

Source: businessinsider.com

1. Let's start at the western end of the street. Agree, you will not think that once Ermu could compete with Fifth Avenue in New York.

2. Graffiti everywhere.

3. The shops at this end of the street are definitely not haute couture.

4. Although the bars and restaurants on this side of the street look like they are doing relatively well.

5. Some shops are closed, and, it seems, for a long time.

6. This is how Ermu Street looks like now.

7. Monastiraki - a square on the territory of the monastery of the tenth century. From here you have a stunning view of the Acropolis.

8. But further down the street, if you move in the direction of the main shops, you will come across buildings that, judging by their appearance, have long been in disrepair.

9. It seems that someone wanted to renovate this building ... Apparently, they did not want to.

10. In the meantime, the Greeks are trying to withdraw at least some money from the accounts.

11. In the center of the street is the Church of Our Lady of Kapnikarei, a unique Byzantine church built in 1050, one of the oldest in Athens.

12. Further down the street you will see many more shops open, but some are still closed.

13. Shoe store Foot Locker is lucky - today it is quite crowded.

14. Greek fashion chain Sprider closed in 2013. And in its place, as before, nothing new has opened.

15. The Adidas store is still somehow miraculously afloat, but it seems that this is not for long ...

16. At the very end of the street you will see Syntagma Square - the main venue for all protests (and sometimes riots) over the past six years.

17. In the eastern part of the street there are still shops of brands recognizable by buyers all over the world.

18. According to statistics, 59 businesses close every day in Greece.

19. In 2007, renting a place on Ermou Street cost about $450 per square meter.

20. According to the latest reports, the rent has now dropped to $253 - almost 50%.

21. Even in the eastern part of the street you will see this.

22. And at the eastern end of Ermou, you can even see small protests - for example, cleaners oppose low wages.