See Also
- Top-Rated Lodgings in Athens
- Places to Stay in Athens
- Top Dining Spots in Athens
- Highly Rated Museums in Athens
- Prime Activities to Enjoy in Athens
- Complete Athens Travel Guide
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” – This line promotes a guided tour exploring street art in Athens over 3 hours, accessible through the embedded link
The Poet Sandalmaker Hours and Information
- Operating Hours: Monday 12pm-5pm. Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm. Closed Sunday.
- Website: melissinos-art.com
- Location: Tzireon 16
- Telephone: +30 210 321 9247 or 210 924 0857
- Email: [email protected]
- Online platforms: Instagram,Facebook
- Nearest Subway: Acropoli (Line 2)
The Poet Sandalmaker of Athens
This cozy and attractively decorated shop just east of the Acropolis Museum is owned by the intriguing Renaissance man, Pantelis Melissinos; gifted third-generation leather sandal-maker, visual artist, musician, and, similar to his father beforehand, poet and playwright.
The historic household business was initially started in 1920 by Georgios Melissinos, and positioned on 89 Pandrossou Street, at the foot of the Acropolis next to the Ancient Agora of Athens. In 1955, Giorgios passed the shop down to his son Stavros, who developed a fashion sensation with his ancient Greek-style sandal – catering to such renowned customers such as Sophia Loren, Jacqueline Onassis, The Beatles, Maria Callas, Anthony Quinn, Jeremy Irons, and Barbara Streisand. Stavros is Athens’ original poet- shoemaker; many of his poems and plays sit in respected libraries in Greece and overseas.
Since 2004, the shop has changed locations, and Stavros’ son, Pantelis Melissinos, carries on the family tradition of sandal making, having inherited not only his father’s exceptional craftsmanship, but also his creativity. He is an accomplished painter, poet, and playwright. Pantelis’ shop has serviced a celebrity clientele including Sarah Jessica Parker, Lily Tomlin, Bob Saget, Jill Biden, and Mick Jagger.
Sandals and various purses and bags are entirely handmade here by Pantelis and his apprentices using authentic leather from the Greek island of Crete. They offer women`s, men`s and children`s sandal designs; special orders for feet with specific requirements can be accommodated. Custom made sandals may take a few days to complete depending on the style, but stock sandals can be fitted on-site. Pantelis provides no shipping and no online shopping, though an online catalog allows viewing styles before visiting.
Due to the shop’s fame and the custom nature of its offerings, it can become a little busy, but it’s fun to while away the time in the shop’s eclectic waiting area, perusing Pantelis’ artworks, being entertained by his dog Poy-Poy, and meeting fellow travelers who have also come to see the famous poet-sandal maker of Athens.
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